Assessment of Occupational Hazards and Role of Life-Saving Gadgets Among Small-Scale Motorised Fishers on India’s Southernmost Coasts

Marine fishing ranks among the most hazardous occupations globally, with risks intensifying for small-sized vessels venturing deeper into the sea due to the scarcity of near-shore fish and high market demand. This study identifies various occupational hazards and the use of safety equipment among small-scale motorized fishers using traditional fishing methods in the southernmost coastal regions of India. The primary data were collected from 253 artisanal small-scale motorized fishers through a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. For this purpose, a structured interview schedule, comprising both closed and open-ended questions was employed. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was utilized to compare fishers’ perceived impact across various occupational hazard categories, while the frequency distribution of the adoption of life-saving gadgets across various adoption categories was analyzed based on the adoption rate to assess the usage patterns of available life-saving devices. The findings indicate environmental, psychological, and vessel-related hazards have the greatest impact on fishers, with specific hazards including “cyclones”, “collisions”, “capsizing”, “high currents”, “lack of visibility”, “fatigue”, “stress”, “anxiety”, and “insomnia”. Despite awareness of safety measures, the usage of life jackets and life buoys remains low among fishers. Fishers in motorized crafts benefit from modern communication and navigation tools to mitigate sea-related uncertainties (Mobile phone − 84.19%, GPS − 87.75%, VHF radio − 67.98%, AIS − 20.16%). The study highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety measures during the registration and renewal processes for fishing vessels. Enhancing safety in this sector necessitates increased safety awareness, comprehensive training, and regular annual inspections.