Shipping
REPORTING SYSTEM ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OBLIGATIONS
Notice to Ship Owners, Operators, Masters, Crew, Ports, Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, Customs and Excise Division, Trinidad and Tobago Pilots’ Association, Shipping Association, Seamen and Waterfront Workers Trade Union, Yachting Association.
SUMMARY
The Ministry of Works and Transport, Maritime Services Division (Harbour Master) wishes to advise the shipping community that with effect from 01 August 2017 agents acting on behalf of the ship owners/ masters are required to report details concerning authorization to fish and transship fish and fish products, as well as the distribution of fish catch to and from their vessels before arrival at and departure from all Trinidad and Tobago Ports.
INTRODUCTION
The Maritime Services Division (MSD), is a specialised executive arm of the Ministry of Works and Transport Trinidad and Tobago, established to administer the National Shipping and Maritime framework. The MSD is also responsible for implementing regulatory functions embodied in the legislation with the intent of ensuring safety and security of life at sea, navigation and protection of the marine environment
In keeping with Trinidad and Tobago’s obligations Maritime Services Division (Harbour Master) wishes to advise the shipping community that with effect from 01 August 2017 agents acting on behalf of the ship owners/ masters are required to report details concerning authorization to fish and trans-ship fish and fish products as well as the distribution of fish catch or fish products to and from their vessels before arrival and departure from all Trinidad and Tobago Ports.
REPORTING SYSTEM
The information collected by Appendix A to the Arrival Declaration Form and Appendix A to the Departure Declaration Form is in conformity with international obligations of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as a Port and Flag State to record and report on fish and fish products entering and leaving the jurisdictional waters of Trinidad and Tobago.
Effective Date: The reporting as mentioned in this notice is mandatory from 01 August 2017
Application: This applies to all fishing vessels entering and leaving Trinidad and Tobago. “Fishing vessel” means any vessel of any size used for, equipped for use for, or intended for use for the purposes of fishing or fishing-related activities, including support vessels, fish processing vessels, vessels engaged in trans-shipment and carrier vessels equipped for transportation of fish products, except container vessels.
Reporting Arrangements: The reporting forms, Appendix A to the Arrival Declaration Form and Appendix B to the Departure Declaration Form, are in word format and are available for download on the TTBizLink website at (www.ttbizlink.gov.tt). The transmission of the reporting forms will be through the e-Maritime Services Module on TTBizLink. All supporting documentation for the respective forms should also be uploaded via the TTBizLink.
Responsibility for Reporting: The ship's master, or a person authorised by him/her (i.e. a ship's agent), is responsible for completing the report and for ensuring that reported information is correct. The shipping agent shall upload the report on behalf of the master through TTBizLink.
Timing of Reporting: Ship-owners, Operators and Masters of vessels required to report under this system must submit the required information at least 72 hours before arrival at, and 24 hours before departure from, the ports within Trinidad and Tobago. A ship may be required to provide additional reports or information to update or modify an earlier report. If a technical failure prevents a ship from reporting using electronic means, the Master should provide such information on arrival through services of appointed agents.
Formats of Reporting: Users must only use the word forms available via the SEW to input data. Further instructions on how to complete the forms are available on the SEW website. No other format of the reporting form will be accepted. Please do not use forms from any source other than the SEW website.
Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with this reporting requirement can lead to delays in the granting of departure clearance from MSD.
Further information can be obtained from:-
Ministry of Works and Transport
Maritime Services Division
Clarence House
127 – 129 Duke Street
Port of Spain
Telephone: 625-3858/3218/3804/223-4351
Facsimile : 624-5884
E-mail : maritime.services@gov.tt or fishdivrequests@gmail.com
Director Maritime Services
Ministry of Works and Transport
12th July 2017
Reporting System Established for The Purpose of Trinidad and Tobago’s Compliance With International Fisheries Management Obligations
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