3IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the CTA
15 May 2026
UK support is huge step forward for international fishing safety
The UK Government is proud to be backing the first global agreement on fishing safety.
Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (2012) aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international scale.
The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well as the combatting of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels world-wide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection of crew, emergency procedures and construction.
The UK is already compliant with the standards of the Cape Town Agreement, implemented through the Fishing Vessel (Codes of Practice) Regulations 2017, but publicly supports the Agreement and application of these standards across the globe.
As part of this Government support, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has been working on the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement since 2019, committed to assist bringing the Agreement into force internationally.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “The safety of our hardworking fishers doesn’t stop at our shores. That’s why we’re backing the Cape Town Agreement to ensure fishers are protected wherever they sail.
“We’re committed to improving safety standards and are working in partnership with industry. This agreement is a significant step forward – raising the bar and creating shared requirements to drive improvements worldwide.”
Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “We’re committed to creating a more secure, sustainable, and economically successful future for our great British fishing industry, whose grit and determination bring the best seafood to dining tables across the globe.
“By supporting the Cape Town Agreement, we’re helping to ensure the safety of fishers and their vessels in the UK and around the world, along with combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, something which we are proud to do.”
MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Team Leader David Fenner said: “Fishing is an essential but dangerous sector, and we want fishers and their vessels to be safe and protected both in the UK and worldwide.
“Supporting the Cape Town Agreement is a huge step forward in ensuring all fishermen are protected by minimum safety standards, highlighting the UK’s ongoing commitment to safe, legal and sustainable shipping.”
