The Health and Safety Authority and Bord Iascaigh Mhara say the fatal accident rate in the general working population in Ireland over the last five years was 1.8 per 100,000 employed.
But the comparable fatality rate for Ireland's fishing sector stands at 88.
Five people have died in fishing accidents this year so far. Twelve people died over the previous three years.
Current RNLI statistics suggest that fewer than 35% of fishermen regularly wear a lifejacket.
BIM, Irish Water Safety, and the RNLI are highlighting the importance of wearing a lifejacket, saying it is the single most effective measure a fisherman can take to increase survival if involved in a man-overboard accident at sea.
In Howth today, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney said despite legislation being in place since 2001 the fact remains that many fishermen choose not to wear a lifejacket and this situation cannot continue.
Many fishermen feel that wearing a jacket inhibits their mobility and makes working on deck much more difficult.
Part of the awareness campaign will be highlighting that there is a lifejacket to suit all purposes and skippers and crew just need to consider the available options.
Research trials by the RNLI in the UK showed that fishermens' reluctance to wear a lifejacket decreased significantly when they were given a lifejacket suitable for their particular type of commercial fishing.
