Marine fisheries play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of coastal communities and contribute significantly to food security and livelihood generation. It is also reported to be one of the most hazardous occupations globally, exposing fishers to numerous occupational risks, vessel hazards, and personal injuries. This study was undertaken in West Bengal to analyse the occupational hazards experienced by marine fishers and to evaluate the knowledge and usage of sea safety devices (SSDs) among marine fishers. The study was conducted in two marine fishing districts of West Bengal-Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas-chosen for their extensive marine fishing activity. A total of 180 marine fishers were purposively selected, comprising mechanised (66.67%), motorised (22.22%), and traditional (11.11%) craft operators. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests to identify differences across fishing types and between districts. Information on occupational hazards both vessel hazards (capsizing, sinking, grounding, burning, collision) and personal hazards (mishaps, man overboard) was collected. The frequency, occurrence period, medical care received were analysed. Statistical tests like Kruskal Wallis test were used to identify variations across craft types. Knowledge and usage of ten SSDs life buoys, life jackets, first aid kits, GPS, magnetic compasses, distress alert transmitters (DAT), echo sounders, oil lamps, signalling torches, and fire appliances were assessed. Fishers’ ability to operate these devices and their participation in safety training programmes were also recorded. Mann-Whitney U tests assessed differences in safety device adoption between districts. It was found that traditional fishers faced relatively higher hazards. Regarding SSD usage, mechanised fishers showed the highest awareness and usage, particularly for life jackets, first aid kits, and GPS devices, with usage rates exceeding 90% in many cases. While formal training programmes are conducted by the Government nearly 35% of traditional fishers reported never attending safety training. The study recommends implementing structured, craft-specific safety interventions for enhancing the safety and livelihood security of marine fishers in West Bengal.