Report Of The Fao Expert Workshop On Developing Guidelines For Inspection And Valuation Of Small Scale Fishing Vessels Rome 24 26 September 2024

Report of the FAO Expert workshop on developing guidelines for inspection and valuation of small-scale fishing vessels. Rome, 24–26 September 2024

The Expert workshop on developing guidelines for inspection and valuation of small-scale fishing vessels, was held at FAO headquarters in Rome on 24–26 September 2024. Thirty-two fisheries insurance experts, maritime safety inspectors, naval architects, fisheries associations and fisheries experts, as well as representatives of the Africa Rural and Agricultural Credit Association, the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association, the International Maritime Organization and the CAFI-SSF Network participated in the workshop. The workshop was organized by FAO to address some of the key barriers in the supply of insurance services to small-scale fishers worldwide, such as the limited knowledge of fishing vessels and fishing operations among insurers, gaps in safety inspections of small fishing vessels, and the perceived low profitability, high transaction costs, and cumbersome administrative processes associated with small fishing vessel insurance services.The workshop aimed to develop tools to facilitate the supply of insurance services for the millions of small fishing vessels of less than 12 metres in length that operate in developing countries.The workshop discussed and contributed to the finalization of guidelines and checklists for the survey and inspection of small fishing vessels and insurance value and risk assessment of small fishing vessels. Subjects discussed included the conduct of small fishing vessel surveys, practical vessel stability tests, safety inspections methods, value and risk assessment methods, vessel depreciation assessment tools, and methods to fast-track insurance supply for small fishing vessels.

Guidelines for insurance value and risk assessment of small fishing vessels

These Guidelines for insurance value and risk assessment of small fishing vessels have been developed to facilitate the provision of insurance services to the small‑scale fisheries sector worldwide. These guidelines complement the 2015 Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small‑Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines).The purpose of these guidelines is to enable the insurance industry to develop tailored products for small-scale fishers and to support collaboration and sharing of information among insurance providers. The guidelines focus on motorized small fishing vessels, defined as those up to 12 metres in length and typically using outboard motors or inboard engines.The document describes the existing methods for value and risk assessment of small fishing vessels. It provides recommended value and risk assessment methods for small fishing vessels, engines and onboard equipment. The guidelines recommend a standardized, rule-based fast-track assessment process, suited for low-risk vessels which represent most small fishing vessels. The document discusses how digital technologies and local knowledge can accelerate insurance application and review processes. It provides checklists, self-declaration forms, guidance on depreciation and methods for value assessment of small fishing vessels. Practical guidance is given to insurers, government institutions and other stakeholders to facilitate implementation of the guidelines and improve insurance access for small-scale fishers.

Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries