Maritime Academy

Cape Town Agreement of 2012 - A Landmark Fishing Vessel Safety Treaty

After nearly 15 years since its adoption, the global maritime community has reached a historic milestone: the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (CTA) of 2012 will officially enter into force in February 2027.


**If you like to know More Details; read below;


🔎 What is the Cape Town Agreement?
The CTA establishes mandatory international safety standards for fishing vessels ≥24 m length, covering design, construction, stability, machinery, fire protection, lifesaving appliances & communications systems. Once in force, Flag States must certify compliance and Port States can inspect foreign fishing vessels; similar in spirit to SOLAS overseing merchant ships.

🌍 Why is 2027 significant?
Entry-into-force conditions (≥22 States representing ≥3,600 eligible vessels) were finally met after Argentina’s accession in Feb 2026, bringing participation to 28 States and 3,754 vessels. Under treaty rules, this triggers effectiveness 12 months later; 24 Feb 2027.

⚓ Why it matters for maritime safety
• First globally binding regime dedicated to large fishing vessel safety
• Expected to improve crew welfare and reduce fatalities at sea
• Enhances environmental protection (incl. lost fishing gear risks)
• Strengthens governance against IUU fishing through port-State control synergy
• How this Convention would make a change in Merchant Shipping remains to be seen.

The CTA also completes the “fourth pillar” of international fishing vessel regulation alongside the STCW-F Convention, ILO Work in Fishing Convention (2007), and FAO Port State Measures Agreement. (imo.org)

📊 Industry impact
More than 45,000 ocean-going fishing vessels fall within CTA scope—bringing a sector historically outside mandatory global safety rules closer to parity with merchant shipping standards.

👉 Bottom line:
The 2027 entry into force of the Cape Town Agreement marks one of the most consequential advances in fishing vessel safety governance in decades—transforming a long-standing IMO instrument into enforceable international law.

6 days ago | [YT] | 0

Maritime Academy

A total of 52 alternative-fuelled vessels were added to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform in August, the highest monthly figure since October 2024. The strong month followed 47 additions in July, signaling a rebound after a relatively slow start to 2026.

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

Maritime Academy

The principal message to Members is that the term ‘Outside Port Limits’ does not mean ‘Outside Territorial and/or Archipelagic Waters’ and outside the exercise of full sovereignty and control by the designated littoral state.

In short, ‘OPL’ does not mean ‘International Waters’, despite being evidently misinterpreted as such for several decades.

Another important message is that UNCLOS and the territorial and archipelagic waters and other boundaries it defines is subject to the interpretation of the ratifying states, their national law

8 months ago | [YT] | 2

Maritime Academy

And the Answer ; MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 30.Para 4.2 says; "special small diameter line".

This is the MARPOL LINE.

8 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Maritime Academy

Does the MARPOL Convention specifically refer to the term “MARPOL line”? If yes, where is it stated? If not, what is the origin of this term? Pls reply in comments

*For answer check the pinned comment.

10 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 7

Maritime Academy

10 months ago | [YT] | 7

Maritime Academy

Reminder ; From January 1 2025 , seafarers can carry electronic versions of their credentials if the document matches the IMO format in MSC.1/Circ.1665.

10 months ago | [YT] | 5

Maritime Academy

Reminder ; The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 enters force for all new ships over 400 gross tons whose build contracts are signed after January 1 2025

10 months ago | [YT] | 7

Maritime Academy

Started in October 2025, the IMO plans to adopt a new chapter in MARPOL Annex VI that introduces a global fuel standard and a pricing system for greenhouse gases. Vessels over 5,000 gross tons will track fuel intensity; those exceeding set limits must buy remedial units or transfer unused credits from cleaner ships. Fees funnel into the IMO Net-Zero Fund, which rewards low-emission fleets and aids developing states.

10 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

Maritime Academy

From 26th June 2025 all ships required IHM Part 1,2, and 3. Under the EU Recycling convention and Hong Kong convention. Covering ships above 500 gross tons.

10 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 7