Pelagic fishing - remote electronic monitoring: guidance

3. Dealing with Faults

There are clear processes that must be followed in the event of a fault occurring with a REM system.

An offence may be committed if the relevant processes are not followed.

3.1 REM fault on a Scottish boat detected in port

If a fault with the REM system is detected while the boat is in port this must be rectified before fishing activity is commenced. Once the repairs are complete you should contact the FDF Unit who will check that the REM system is functioning to their satisfaction. It is only when the system is functioning to the satisfaction of the FDF Unit that you may leave port for the purpose of undertaking a fishing trip.

Scottish boats may transit with a non-functioning REM system, for example for the purposes of returning to your home port to get the system fixed, providing that no fishing activity takes place.

3.2 REM fault onboard a non-Scottish boat detected in a Scottish port or before entering Scottish waters

For non-Scottish boats, any fault detected while the boat is in a Scottish port or before entering Scottish waters must be rectified before a fishing trip in Scottish waters can be commenced. Once the repairs are complete you should contact the FDF Unit who will check that the REM system is functioning to their satisfaction. The fault may be rectified in port or at sea (the nature of the fault will likely determine where the fault is dealt with). You must not commence any fishing activity in Scottish waters without a fully functioning REM system. It is only when the system is functioning to the satisfaction of the FDF Unit that you may fish in Scottish waters.

For non-Scottish boats you may transit through Scottish waters with a non-functioning REM system, for example for the purposes of returning to your home port to get the system fixed, providing that no fishing activity takes place in Scottish waters.

3.3 Technical faults at sea

It is important that the correct steps are followed in the event of a fault occurring to prevent an offence from being committed. Any faults detected while the boat is at sea should be notified immediately to the FDF Unit.

In general terms if you detect a fault in your REM system at sea you may continue fishing activity, providing that you notify the FDF Unit at the point of detection.

If you were unable to resolve the fault during the fishing trip, you must rectify the fault when you return to port. Further, the FDF unit must undertake a remote inspection and have confirmed that the REM system is working to their satisfaction before any further fishing voyages are undertaken in Scottish waters (or for relevant Scottish pelagic boats, any further fishing voyages in any waters).

If you experience a technical failure on your subsequent voyage this is the procedure that must be followed:

Scottish Boats

You must stop all fishing operations, haul the net and process the fish. You must ensure that no slipping or illegal discarding of catch takes place and ensure appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety of your boat.

If you cannot rectify the fault at sea and complete a remote inspection to the written satisfaction of the FDF Unit you must return to port. If you return to port, you must rectify the fault and the FDF unit must undertake a remote inspection and have confirmed that the REM system is working to their satisfaction before any further fishing voyages are undertaken. You may transit with a non -functioning REM system, for example for the purposes of returning to your home port to get the system fixed, providing that no fishing activity takes place.

Non-Scottish Boats

You must stop all fishing operations, haul the net and process the fish. You must ensure that no slipping or illegal discarding of catch takes place and ensure appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety of your boat.

If you cannot rectify the fault at sea and complete a remote inspection to the written satisfaction of the FDF Unit you must return to a Scottish port or leave Scottish waters in order to fish. You may not leave that Scottish port or re-enter Scottish waters for the purposes of a fishing voyage without having undergone a remote inspection and having received confirmation from the FDF Unit that the REM system is working to their satisfaction.