Development of a Code of Practice for Offshore Aquaculture Vessels: Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Seafood Production
摘要
The Code of Practice (CoP) for Aquaculture Vessels provides guidance on the planning, construction, surveying, and operation of aquaculture vessels in diverse maritime environments, including Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). It was developed through: (i) Regulatory Review: Analysis of national and international standards, classification society rules, and aquaculture research from leading nations like Norway. (ii) Stakeholder Engagement: Input from workshops and interviews with regulators, designers, operators, and researchers, focusing on safety, vessel qualifications, and sustainable practices. (iii) Incident Analysis: Examination of fishing and aquaculture vessel incidents to identify key risks and accidents. The CoP addresses challenges in design, regulations, safety, food management, and fish welfare, including vessel stability, regulatory gaps, and humane live fish transport. Solutions include multi-purpose vessel designs, risk-based frameworks, advanced training, and stricter welfare protocols. Organized into five themes—vessel design and operation, regulatory compliance, human safety, training, and live species welfare—the CoP offers a global framework to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in offshore aquaculture operations.