PRACTICAL SAFETY TRAINING FOR SMALL-SCALE FISHERS

At Friends of the Nation (FoN), the safety and survival of Ghana’s small-scale fishers is at the heart of our work. Across the four coastal regions of Ghana, we deliver hands-on training and practical skills that help fishers protect themselves, their crews, and their families both at sea and on land.

What We Do

Fire Safety at Sea and at Home
In collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service, we train fishers on how to prevent, identify, and respond to fire hazards;  whether on board their vessels or within their households. This includes practical drills on the safe handling of fuel, cooking equipment, and other fire risks common in fishing communities.

Survival Techniques at Sea
We equip fishers with essential survival skills to help them respond effectively to emergencies on the water, including what to do in cases of capsizing, engine failure, or being stranded at sea. These techniques are designed to increase the chances of survival and safe return home.

Emergency Preparedness
Our training strengthens fishers’ ability to anticipate, plan for, and respond to emergencies before they escalate. We work with fishing communities to build practical preparedness plans and response systems suited to the realities of their work.

Safety Gadgets and Equipment Use
Working alongside the Ghana Ambulance Service, we train fishers on the proper use of safety gadgets and emergency equipment such as life jackets and communication devices, to first aid tools;  ensuring that safety equipment is not just available, but correctly and confidently used when it matters most.

Why It Matters

Fishing is one of the most hazardous livelihoods in Ghana’s coastal communities. Through these hands-on trainings and strong partnerships with national safety institutions, FoN is committed to reducing preventable accidents and deaths at sea, and building a culture of safety that fishers carry with them both on the water and at home.