Fishing vessels are vessels used to catch and collect aquatic animals and plants. It also includes some auxiliary vessels for modern fishing production, such as those engaged in aquatic product processing, transportation, aquaculture, resource survey, fishery guidance and training, and those carrying out fishery administration tasks.

Most fishing boats are small in size. However, in order to adapt to continuous navigation and operation in the wind and waves, it is required to have good stability, seakeeping and seaworthiness, and the structure needs to be particularly firm. The load capacity changes greatly during operation.