<p>Research on gender in fisheries has focused on women, frequently neglecting the varied experiences and dangers men encounter in predominantly masculine environments like industrial tuna fisheries. This paper explores how masculinity is expressed, negotiated, and controlled on tuna longline vessels in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, focusing on how these dynamics affect men’s vulnerability and resilience, and how they challenge gender equality policies. Utilising empirical data from Fiji, we challenge the prevailing beliefs about men being uniformly powerful and resilient, obscuring significant hierarchies and exclusions. We present a risk-based framework to analyse how masculinities intersect with race, nationality, contract type, and crew hierarchy, ultimately shaping vulnerability to harm and access to support. The results highlight the necessity for a more relational and inclusive approach to gender equality policy, one that considers the subjectivities and lived experiences of men alongside those of women. This analysis aids in designing gender-transformative policies in industrial fisheries by emphasising the importance of addressing multiple masculinities and risk-taking behaviours on vessels. These insights are useful at organisational and national levels for developing safety standards, crew welfare, and gender equity. Although some fisheries policies recognise gender issues, there is a significant opportunity to integrate these insights into new and existing policies. Consequently, these findings can shape future initiatives to foster more equitable and inclusive working environments in the sector.</p>