Commercial fishing represents one of the most important sources of food in the world. However, working on board fishing boats is often associated with dangerous working conditions, and it has many characteristics that set it apart from other types of work and livelihoods. In many countries, fishermen seem to fall, at least in part, through loopholes in the system of laws, regulations and other measures put in place to protect other workers. Often monitoring and enforcing laws and regulations on fishing vessels is a challenge because the vessels, by the nature of their work, are usually at sea and not easily accessible for inspection. Furthermore, different aspects of working and living conditions may also fall under the jurisdiction of several different government ministries and agencies, requiring careful coordination and cooperation.