The Role of Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-Keeping for Fishing Vessels (STCW-F 1995) to Enhance the Personal Safety and Fishing Activities, Egypt

A few studies have addressed the personal safety culture for individuals working in the marine fishing sector. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the factors that affect the safety culture of individuals working on fishing vessels through a case study of 145 individuals in Al-Attaka fishing port in Suez who were interviewed to collect data related to the research. This study presented the relationship between training and obtaining certificates, and knowledge of safety equipment and its use, the accidents and  injuries, obstacles facing individuals working in this fishing vessel, marine pollution and the extent of its impact on individuals’ personal safety culture by using the SPSS program. The factors were tested using ANOVA, correlations and multi regression analysis. The finding of this study showed that the Cronbach´s Alpha values for all variables were more than 0.70, and the personal safety culture of individuals working on fishing vessels was significantly influenced by their knowledge of safety equipment and the obstacles they faced regarding personal safety (P=0.00). Therefore, pollution in the marine environment has a negative significant impact on personal safety culture (P=0.012). Meanwhile, incidents related to personal safety, training and certificates did not show a significant effect on personal safety culture, and the coefficient was determined as R²=0.607. The study suggests implementing training plans for individuals in the fishing industry and establishing safety laws for those working on fishing vessels. In addition, it recommends providing clear methodologies through specialized departments and authorities to encourage individuals to recognize the importance of personal safety in their lives and the impact it has on preserving their lives and property.