120 Graeme Parkes
Inspection procedures: an introduction
FAO/NORWAY GOVERNMENT COOPERATIVE PROGRAMME – GCP/INT/648/NOR78 REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON FISHERIES MONITORING, CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, 29 June – 3 July 1998
INSPECTION PROCEDURES: AN INTRODUCTION
Graeme B. Parkes79
These notes cover: ñObjectives and Activities ñSurveillance Facilities ñLegal basis and Rules of Procedure ñInformation ñCollection of Evidence - Pre-boarding (at sea) - Boarding (at sea) ñIndicators of fishing (past, present or future) ñPresentation of Evidence ñInspection procedures on land ñKey areas to be inspected ñInspection Manual and Training
OBJECTIVE To implement the provisions of the fisheries law and deter activities which are in contravention of that law. ACTIVITIES 1.The inspection of licensed vessels to verify compliance with the terms and conditions of licensing. 2.The collection of evidence from vessels suspected of operating in contravention of the fisheries law. 3.The apprehension and escort of such vessels. CIVILIAN OR MILITARY?
78. Programme of Assistance to developing countries for the implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries – Sub-programme C: Assistance to developing countries for upgrading their capabilities in monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) 79. MRAG Americas Inc., 5445 Mariner St., Suite 303, Tampa FA 33609, USA GCP/INT/648/NOR – Field Report C–1/Supp.2 121
Technical papers presented at the Regional Workshop on Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance. Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, 29 June - 3 July 1998
SURVEILLANCE FACILITIES
At Sea: ñPatrol vessel and boarding craft ñAircraft ñOn-board Observers ñCoastal radar and VMS
On Land: ñHarbour control office ñCoastal patrol ñFacilities for discharge of cargo ñCold store
LEGAL BASIS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE
Prerequisite: Legislation must be clear and transparent. The legal authority of Government officers must be clearly established
Rules of Procedure: ñEstablished chain of command ñCommunications protocol ñIdentification of authorized Fishery Officers ñInvestigative boarding ñBoarding to apprehend ñInspection procedures ñEscort procedures ñSafety procedures ñRights of innocent passage ñHot pursuit
Activity flow chart (e.g.,FAO Manual) 122 Graeme Parkes
Inspection procedures: an introduction
Flow chart: Surveillance/enforcement operation
COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE – PRE-BOARDING (AT SEA)
ñ Fishing vessel's position ñ Patrol vessel's position ñ Fishing vessel's course and speed, including any changes; make radar plots, if possible ñ Establish radio contact with fishing vessel GCP/INT/648/NOR – Field Report C–1/Supp.2 123
Technical papers presented at the Regional Workshop on Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance. Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, 29 June - 3 July 1998
Licensed vessel? ñMake arrangements for investigative boarding
Unlicensed vessel? ñLook for indicators of fishing ñMake arrangements for boarding to apprehend
INFORMATION
Timely availability of information on: ñVessel locations ñLicensed vessel identification ñLicense status, terms and conditions ñVessel cargo
COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE – BOARDING (AT SEA)
ñPresent credentials ñEstablish on-going radio contact with Patrol Vessel ñUse translation cards if necessary
Licensed vessel ñCheck licence details ñCheck logbook ñCheck fishing activity is in accordance with terms and conditions of licence ñDiscuss fishing conditions with vessel Master
Unlicensed vessel ñLook for indicators of fishing ñTake notes, photographs and video ñCollect evidence in key areas ñCaution officers ñTake statements if appropriate ñApprehend and escort to port as necessary 124 Graeme Parkes
Inspection procedures: an introduction
INDICATORS OF FISHING (PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE)
ñVessel position, course and speed ñActivity on deck associated with fishing ñNets, lines, traps, buoys, etc., in the water ñTrawl nets and doors rigged ñBaited hooks, traps, or bait ready for use ñBridge log ñFisheries logbook ñGPS or paper log of recent fishing positions ñFactory records ñFishing gear deployed in water or matches other gear on the vessel ñSignals from radio beacons on deployed gear ñFresh fish or fish waste on board ñFish being frozen ñProcessing plant effluent ñSmall boat activity ñFish and/or offal in the factory or the water ñSharks feeding nearby ñFish and/or their products which occur in the EEZ are stowed on board
PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE
ñTimely preparation of inspection report ñBriefing on court procedures ñEstablishment of the facts (vessel positions, etc.) ñCollation and presentation of statements ñPresentation of photographic or video evidence
INSPECTION PROCEDURES ON LAND
ñVerify bridge, navigation and processing logs ñVerify fisheries logbook ñVerify hold contents; unload if necessary ñExamine fishing gear (mesh measurements, etc.) ñCaution officers ñTake statements GCP/INT/648/NOR – Field Report C–1/Supp.2 125
Technical papers presented at the Regional Workshop on Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance. Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, 29 June - 3 July 1998
KEY AREAS TO BE INSPECTED
ñBridge/wheelhouse ñFishing decks ñWorking and factory areas ñFreezing rooms and freezers ñRefrigerated and other holds
INSPECTION MANUAL AND TRAINING
Contents ñDirectory of vessels (descriptions and photographs) ñFisheries legislation and guidance documentation ñLicensing procedures ñTactics for fisheries patrol ñBoarding procedures ñSafety procedures ñPre-prepared and translated questions, statements and warnings ñInspection procedures (at sea and in port) ñSpecies identification ñCollection of evidence ñProcedure for caution and interview of suspects ñPreparation and presentation of evidence
Input from: ñFisheries authority ñLicensing authority ñCoastguard ñAttorney General's office ñPolice ñMaritime industry safety authority