Why should your fishing vessel be inspected?

For the safety of fishermen all local fishing vessels are required by law to have a valid inspecton certificate before going to sea.

How often must a fishing vessel be inspected?

Once every 12 months since a certificate of inspection is valid for 1 year. 

How to apply for an inspection?

Apply to the Fisheries Division by phone or in person supplying the following information:

• name and registration number of  vessel,
• names, address and phone number of owners/agent
• normal mooring site and landing site,
• present location of vessel.

When will the fishing vessel be inspected after application?

You will be given a date, time and site when you apply. 
Inspections are done between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday

How will the inspection be done?
The inspector will check the condition of the vessel from the following checklist:

• hull and superstructure,
• engine, steering system,
• safety  and navigational equipment,
• emergency supplies and radios
• lights and electrical system
• vessel sanitation.

The boat owner/agent or captain, must be present during an inspection.

All required equipment must be on board for inspection.

 

What safety equipment is required by local fishing vessels?

The safety equipment depends on the class (length) of vessel as given in the following table;

• * VHF - Very High Frequency; 
• *HF-SSB - High Frequency Single Side Band ;
• *RDF - Radio Direction Finder;
• *SNS - Satellite Navigation System (like GPS) 

What happens if the fishing vessel passes the inspection?

An inspection certificate will be available at the Fisheries Division 2 days after the date of the inspection.
The inspection certificate must be kept on board at all times and displayed conspicuously in the wheelhouse of the vessel

What happens if the fishing vessel fails inspection?

A fail-notice will be issued to the owner/agent or captain on completion of the inspection.
The fail-notice will state why the vessel failed and give a new date for inspection.

What can happen if the fishing vessel is operated without a valid certificate of inspection?

It makes the vessel less safe for the fisherman.
It is an offence under the Fisheries Act with a fine of up to $5,000.

Can a fishing vessel be inspected without the owner/agent making a request?

Any inspector or Coast Guard officer may stop, board and inspect a fishing vessel at any time to ensure it has a valid certificate of inspection and that the vessel and its equipment are properly maintained.