Starting from the analysis of casualties at sea involving small fishing vessels (Lbp<24 m), the paper presents the results of an experimental study on the capsizing resistance in beam or following steep or high waves of scale models in the towing tank of University of Trieste. The physical mechanisms leading to capsizing are highlighted and the experimental result are compared with existing theoretical approaches. The results stress the importance of deck wetness and of the presence of fishing nets as wave trappers on the probability of capsizing. The importance of complying with the existing regulations for dimensioning the freeing ports, although only voluntary, appears also an element of paramount importance.
