Our Work in Action
Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Sea Fisheries Featured ProjectPast Projects
Pillars of the Sea 4
Improve social sustainability in the industry
The project is organized around three strategic pillars aimed at tackling key challenges in the fishing sector and strengthening social sustainability across the industry:
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Developing guidelines to support the implementation of ILO Convention 188
Attractiveness
Researching aimed at identifying barriers that prevent young workers to enter in the fisheries sector
Enforcement of Directive 2017/159
Drafting a legislative proposal to ensure compliance with social standards of ILO C188
Year of the award: 2022
Pillars of the Sea 3
Towards Socially Sustainable Fishing
Our approach to fostering socially sustainable fishing is anchored in four key pillars. These pillars address the most critical challenges faced by fishers and aim to create meaningful change in the industry:
Fair Recruitment
Clear and practical guidelines tailored for vessel owners and fishers to ensure equitable hiring practices that uphold dignity and transparency
Health Care
A bespoke training programme designed for medical practitioners, focusing on the unique health needs and challenges faced by those working at sea
Combating Forced Labour
In-depth legal analysis and actionable recommendations to eradicate forced labour and protect the rights of fishers worldwide
Safety App
The enhanced Fishery Speak app—now featuring improved functionality, additional languages, and new tools to ensure fishers have critical resources at their fingertips
Through these pillars, we’re not just addressing problems; we’re laying the groundwork for a fairer, safer, and more inclusive future in fishing. Each initiative represents a step towards elevating industry standards and ensuring the voices of fishers are heard and valued.
Year of the award: 2018
Pillars of the Sea II
Advancing Fisher Well-being
Building on the success of the original Pillars of the Sea project, Pillars of the Sea II marked a significant step forward in tackling the key challenges facing the fishing industry. The project aimed to improve the health, working conditions, and safety of fishers across the EU, contributing to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable sector.
In collaboration with the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Sea Fishing, the project delivered practical tools, studies, and updated resources to empower both fishers and vessel owners. This work was structured around three core pillars:
Pillar 1: Fair Recruitment
Addressing persistent issues of unethical recruitment practices affecting migrant fishers, this pillar delivered practical guidelines for vessel owners. These guidelines ensure that private employment agencies act in full compliance with human rights, EU labour laws, and international standards, helping to prevent exploitation and promote fair treatment.
Continued in Pillars of the Sea 3.
Pillar 2: Medical Examination Standards
This pillar developed comprehensive EU guidelines for medical practitioners conducting health assessments for fishers. Tailored to the specific demands of fishing work, these guidelines build on the ILO/IMO framework to improve health standards and fitness criteria. They are a vital resource to ensure fishers are fit, healthy, and well-prepared for the demands of their work.
Outcome: EU Guidelines on the medical examinations of fishers (EN, FR, SP).
February 2024: The guidelines developed have been adopted by the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Joint ILO–IMO meeting to adopt guidelines for Medical Examination of Fishers/Fishing Vessel Personnel
Pillar 3: ‘Fishery Speak’ App
An updated version of the Fishery Speak app was created to strengthen safety on board and improve communication during navigation. This interactive glossary, designed to support fishers in critical safety procedures, was expanded to include additional languages—Italian, Russian, and Arabic—alongside English, French, Spanish, Polish, and Dutch. Enhanced usability features were also introduced to make the app even more accessible and effective.
Outcome: Mobile App available on the Google Play Store and Apple Store.
Year of the award: 2016
Pillars of the Sea
Enhancing Safety and Working Conditions
The Pillars of the Sea project sought to address critical challenges in the European fishing sector by improving health, working conditions, and safety at sea. Carried out in close collaboration with the Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee for Sea Fishing, the project aimed to advance key priorities for social partners while contributing to healthier, safer, and more equitable workplaces for fishers.
The initiative delivered significant progress through three focused pillars, underpinned by detailed studies and actionable recommendations to influence EU legislation.
Pillar 1: Implementing the STCW-F Convention
The absence of a unified standard for the training and certification of fishers across the EU poses a significant safety risk. This pillar aimed to address this gap by supporting the implementation of the STCW-F Convention through a Social Partners’ Agreement. Ensuring common training and certification standards not only improves safety but also enhances the mobility and professional development of fishers.
Outcome: Training and certification of fishermen. The role of the European social partners in sea-fishing (EN, FR, SP)
Pillar 2: Analysing Gross Tonnage and Propulsion Power Ceilings
This pillar examined the impact of EU rules limiting increases in fishing vessel capacity, specifically ceilings on gross tonnage and propulsion power. A comprehensive study explored how these restrictions affect working and living conditions, vessel safety, and the productivity of fishing enterprises. Based on the findings, practical recommendations and potential solutions were proposed to balance regulatory compliance with operational efficiency and fisher welfare.
Outcome: Analysis on Gross Tonnage and Propulsion Power ceilings (EN, FR, SP)
Pillar 3: Surveying Deck Machinery Safety
The final pillar conducted an in-depth survey of EU legislation governing fixed deck machinery on fishing vessels. The resulting analysis highlighted disparities in the commercialisation, installation, and safe use of such equipment. Recommendations were provided to promote standardisation, improving safety and reducing risks for fishers working with these essential tools.
Outcome: Survey on the legislation in force regarding deck machinery, engine rooms and fishing gears (EN, FR, SP)