Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques
2019, Special Issue on Environment, Management and Economy, Pages: 1141-1145
J. Environ. Treat. Tech.
ISSN: 2309-1185
Journal web link: http://www.jett.dormaj.com
Safety Practices among Fisher Folks in Antique:
Basis for Extension Activity
Peter Ralph B. Galicia
University of Antique, Sibalom, Antique, Philippines
Received: 05/08/2019
Accepted: 20/11/2019
Published: 20/12/2019
Abstract
This descriptive-correlational study aimed at ascertaining the safety practices among fisher folks as basis for extension activity.
Utilized for data gathering was researcher-constructed questionnaire on safety practices. The computer-processed statistics were
means, frequency, and rank for descriptive analysis and the t-test for Independent Samples, One-way ANOVA and Stepwise
Multiple Regression Analysis for inferential analysis. Alpha level was set at .05. The study found out that generally, fisher folks’
common safety practices were less. The fisher folks in Antique had shared five common safety practices: they check weather
condition at all times, they put in heart and mind that “Safety First” is the utmost priority onboard, they check the condition of all
equipment and machinery before use, they maintain healthy body while fishing, and they get information about changes in the sea
condition. On the other hand, they also shared five least common safety practices: they maintain working condition of fire
extinguisher and fire detection alarm, they trained to operate safety equipment and appliances, they join fire drills weekly, they join
awareness program about safe navigation, and they use lifejacket when jumping into the water. No significant difference existed
in the common safety practices among fisher folks when classified according to certain categories of variables. None of the personal
factors could significantly predict the common safety practices among fisher folks.
Keywords: Fishing Industry, Safety, Practices, Fisher folks, Antique
1
BFAR has filed 863 cases against fishing operators as of July
1
Introduction
2016 to June 2017. Through the concerted efforts of the
Shipping has a major role in transporting cargoes all over
bureau, 238 cases have been rectified (14).
Thus, the researcher found it relevant to determine the
safety practices among fisher-folks in Antique as basis for
extension activity.
the world and perhaps one of the most dangerous modes of
transporting passengers and cargoes. The best way of
improving safety at sea is by developing international
regulations to be followed by all shipping nations (1-13, 16)
Safety of life at sea (SOLAS) is one of the main concerns
of International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized
agency created by United Nations (UN). Many regulations
and conventions have been adopted to improve operational
safety conditions. The Philippine, as member country of
IMO that belongs to the “white list”, is expected to adhere to
the regulations imposed by the agency (16).
2 Theoretical Framework of the Study
This research is anchored on Risk Homoeostasis Theory
by Wilde which proposes that in every activity, people
accept a level of individual evaluation of risk in terms of
their overall safety to enable them to avoid accidents that
usually occur at sea due to lack of safety practices. People
tend to ignore risk when the level of risk is below the
acceptable limit and eventually increase their exposure to
risk. But, when people observe a higher risk, they exercise
precautionary measures to avoid exposure on risk. Thus,
people usually do not respond for their own good but they
manage to respond on more rules, policies, regulations, and
new procedures imposed to them by authorities.
Philippine –registered vessels below 35 Gross Tonnage
(
GT) are expected to strictly follow the policies and
regulations imposed by the government. Small-scale
fisherfolks engaged on fishing activity are prone to accidents
and emergency at sea. Thus, they must be equipped with
sufficient trainings on safety to further enhance their safety
awareness and practices onboard vessels (18).
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
Regional Office 6 has filed the most number of cases on
illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing in the country (8).
Thus, there is a need of an approach to save them from
injuries in times of work. The safety practices may determine
an effective implementation of safety environment at sea.
Corresponding author: Peter Ralph B. Galicia, University
of Antique, Sibalom, Antique, Philippines. Email:
antique_1985@yahoo.com.ph.
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