Scallop 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 scallop dredge 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 scallop dredge 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 scallop dredge 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 scallop dredge 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 scallop dredge 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 for scallops 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 scallop dredge activity takes place in Scottish waters.

3.3 Technical faults at sea (this is not applicable for a system test trip)

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 must 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 for that trip, 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 scallop dredge voyages are undertaken in Scottish waters (or for relevant Scottish scallop boats, any further scallop dredge 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 and haul the dredges. You must ensure that no slipping or discarding of catch takes place and ensure appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety of your boat and notify the FDF Unit of the fault.

It may be possible to fix the fault at sea, in which case you should do so and contact the FDF Unit once complete to facilitate a remote inspection and to obtain confirmation that they are satisfied. If you cannot rectify the fault at sea and complete a remote inspection to the 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 scallop dredge 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 scallop dredge activity takes place.

Non-Scottish Boats

You must stop all fishing operations and haul the dredges. You must ensure that no illegal discarding of catch takes place and ensure appropriate steps are taken to ensure the safety of your boat and notify the FDF Unit of the fault.

It may be possible to fix the fault at sea, in which case you should do so and contact the FDF Unit once complete to facilitate a remote inspection and to obtain confirmation that they are satisfied. If you cannot rectify the fault at sea and complete a remote inspection to the 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 scallop dredge voyage without having undergone a remote inspection and having received confirmation from the FDF Unit that the REM system is working to their satisfaction.

3.4 Technical failure or non-functioning of a winch sensor forming part of an REM system (this is not applicable during a system test trip)

In the event that the technical fault in the REM system concerns a technical failure or non-functioning of a winch sensor, the master or their representative must notify the FDF Unit immediately.

If the digital cameras and vessel positioning systems are fully operational, scallop dredge activity can still take place for up to 28 days, despite the winch sensor not being fully operational. Following this 28 day period, a Scottish boat cannot leave port for the purpose of undertaking a scallop dredge trip and a non-Scottish boat cannot leave port in Scotland or enter the Scottish zone for the purpose of undertaking a scallop dredge trip, unless the winch sensor is fully functioning to the satisfaction of Scottish Ministers.

For the purposes of this guidance “28 day period” means the period of 28 days, beginning with whichever comes first, either the time a technical failure is notified to the Scottish Ministers or the time where Scottish Ministers notify the owner.