Annex V

3:45 PM01/28/16
Annex V
Report of Regional Seminar
Annex V to the Final Report
TCP/RLA/0069
Development of Standards
for the
Construction and Inspection
of
Small Fishing Vessels
Food and Agriculture Organizations
of the
United Nations

3:45 PM01/28/16
Contents
Annex V.................................................................................................................................................. 1
Report of Regional Seminar................................................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Agenda Item 1 Opening of the Seminar............................................................................................... 2
Agenda Item 2 Election of Chair......................................................................................................... 3
Agenda Item 3 Objectives of the Project ............................................................................................. 3
Agenda item 4. Recent Developments in Fisheries in the Region ....................................................... 3
Agenda Item 5 Major conclusions of national workshops................................................................... 3
Fishing Vessel Construction Standards: ............................................................................................................. 3
Country reports................................................................................................................................................... 5
Agenda Item 6 Standard specifications for the construction of small fishing vessels. .................... 6
Agenda Item 7 Inspection of small fishing vessels .............................................................................. 6
Agenda Item 8 Boat Building .............................................................................................................. 7
Agenda Item 9 Regional approach to training.................................................................................... 8
Agenda Item 10 Measurement of small fishing vessels ....................................................................... 9
Agenda Item 11 Outline specification of a vessel capable of offshore fishing and fishing on deep
slopes. 10
Sample Contract for the Procurement of a Fishing Vessel ............................................................................... 10
Outline specification of a fishing vessel capable of fishing offshore for pelagic species ................................. 10
Agenda Item 12 Legal requirements for the introduction and adoption of standard specifications for
the construction and survey of small fishing vessels.............................................................................11
Agenda item 13 Any other matters .....................................................................................................13
Closure of Seminar ...............................................................................................................................13
Appendix 1 ............................................................................................................................................14
List of participants............................................................................................................................................ 14
Appendix 2 ............................................................................................................................................18
Agenda ............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Appendix 3 ............................................................................................................................................20
List of Documents ............................................................................................................................................ 20

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Introduction
The Regional Seminar, held in St. Lucia 27-30 November 2001 followed a series of national
workshops on the Development of Standards for the Construction and Survey of Small Fishing
Vessels for the fleets of Barbados and the island States of the OECS. It addressed, inter alia, the
development of a format for the introduction of standards of construction, gave consideration to
the legal requirements for the introduction and adoption of such standards as well as the need for
the training of boat builders and inspectors. It also addressed the need for a common method for
the measurement of a small fishing vessel in relation to design and construction standards and
administrative needs concerning registration of a fishing vessel. In particular, the Seminar
considered possible procedures to determine the extent of any requirement for dedicated
inspectors of small fishing vessels within a fisheries administration and the legal aspects in
relation to delegation of responsibilities
Nineteen of the participants in the seminar came from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British
Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the
Grenadines. Participants also included Senior Fisheries Officers of the Organization of Eastern
Caribbean States (OECS) secretariat, representatives of the Office of the Attorney General, and
the Division of Maritime Affairs of St. Lucia and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic of
Barbados. A full list of participants is given in Annex I.
Agenda Item 1 Opening of the Seminar
At the opening session, held in the Conference Centre of the Rainbow Hotel, Rodney Bay, Mr.
Vaughan Charles, in welcoming the participants to the seminar, recalled the results and benefits
of the FAO project that introduced fibreglass boats to St Lucia in 1978.
On behalf of the acting Director General of the OECS, Mr. Peter Murray, in his address,
confirmed that this initiative to address safety of fishing vessels is consistent with the Regional
approach to Harmonized Fisheries Legislation and that the opportunities and constraints should
be addressed by the seminar.
Mr. Jeremy Turner welcomed the delegates to the Seminar on behalf of the Director General of
FAO. In providing a historical context to fisheries development, he noted that in many countries,
the issue of safety for fishermen and fishing vessels is not being addressed adequately by either
the fisheries or maritime administrations. After describing a number of strategies that could
result in improved safety, he noted that in the absence of any intervention by the competent
national agencies, the fishing industry would not have the opportunity to achieve any status in
acknowledgement of their skills and expertise.
Dr. James Fletcher, Permanent Secretary, of the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry Fisheries and
the Environment gave the opening address on behalf of his Minister. He referred to the dramatic
increase of 42% in the fisheries landings of St. Lucia in the last five years and noted the tendency
for banana workers to get involved in fishing and the fact that these new entrants into the fisheries
might not be adopting the best practices with regard to fisheries management and conservation.
He welcomed the presence of staff from the Attorney General’s office and the Port Authority as
well as the Fisheries Department of St. Lucia in the meeting. Dr. Fletcher welcomed the initiative
to develop standards for the construction of fishing vessels but indicated that it may be necessary
to advise the bureau of standards in the individual countries of progress in this direction.

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Agenda Item 2 Election of Chair
St. Lucia was elected to chair the regional seminar. In accepting the honour on behalf of St.
Lucia, Mr. Vaughan Charles informed the participants that due to circumstances beyond his
control, he was unable to participate in the Seminar and indicated that Mr. Dermot Saltibus,
Director of Maritime Affairs, as head of the delegation of St Lucia had agreed to chair the
proceedings.
The Agenda was adopted and is attached as Annex II
Agenda Item 3 Objectives of the Project
After summarizing the background and planned objectives of the project, the secretariat described
the progress achieved to date and its current status. It was pointed out that the regional workshop
was directed towards senior officers concerned with the fisheries administration. It also pointed
out that the documents prepared by the project for the seminar covered substantive issues such as
a format for the introduction of standards of construction, registration procedures for fishing
vessels, a regional approach to staff training, and legal requirements for the adoption of boat
building standards.
The secretariat emphasized that the intent of the workshop was to seek the opinions from the
participants on whether or not the proposals met the needs of the countries of the region, their
endorsement of the strategies proposed and their guidance on the direction to be followed by the
project
Agenda item 4. Recent Developments in Fisheries in the Region
For background information purposes, the OECS Representative and the Secretary of the Western
Central Atlantic Fisheries Commission (WECAFC) provided a brief overview of the recent
developments in fisheries in the OECS and WECAFC regions respectively. The OECS
representative in presenting the OECS fisheries management and development strategy
highlighted aspects of it that were in line with the objectives of the current FAO/TCP project.
Mention was made of a number of specific activities being undertaken by the OECS that included
the training of captains of fishing boats in navigation that may also be pertinent to the project.
The Secretary of WECAFC mentioned the new mode of operation adopted by the Commission
that is based on ad hoc working groups that have specific terms of reference and from which
countries were receiving direct benefits. Currently there were five such groups based on
geography, taxonomy and specific technical subjects. Based on the equidistant principle and for
illustrative purposes only the juxtaposed position of the EEZs of the countries of the region meant
that the majority of fish stocks in the region were either straddling or shared stocks. This mosaic
of EEZs highlighted the need for regional cooperation in fisheries management and conservation.
Agenda Item 5 Major conclusions of national workshops
Fishing Vessel Construction Standards:
The secretariat consultant presented the paper TCP/RLA/69RS-02 on the major conclusions of
the National Workshops.

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It was reported that there had been unanimous support from boat builders, fishermen, fishermen’s
associations, funding institutes and insurance company representatives who attended the National
Workshops for a set of harmonized fishing vessel safety construction standards appropriate to the
Eastern Caribbean.
It was acknowledged that boat-building skills varied considerably throughout the islands and to a
large extent appears to be dependent on the fleet composition and whether vessels were of
dugout, planked, plywood or fibreglass construction. Specific skills have been developed to suit
the fleet.
There was agreement that very few boat builders had had any formal training in boat building
techniques. Some of the older boat builders had received apprenticeship training, but no formal
apprenticeship schemes are in place today. Those who have been trained by skilled boat builders
were recognized as producing a superior product. It was agreed that training and apprenticeship
schemes would be useful in raising the standard of boat building in the region.
Some concern was expressed that raised standards for the construction of vessels could result in
increased costs. It was accepted that with safety construction being of prime concern increased
costs would be justifiable.
With regard to existing vessels, it was generally agreed that grandfather clauses would be
essential components of any new regulations.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass is becoming the dominant boat building material in the region. It was agreed there is
an urgent need for minimum scantling standards to be instituted for this material; many imported
boats suffer from being “built to a price not a standard”. It was also acknowledged that this has to
be rectified before fatal accidents occur. Inspectors were aware of boats that have developed
cracks in hulls and delamination of component parts.
Regarding structural failures it was also recognized that a contributing factor to such failures is
the gross overpowering of many boats. Some imported fibreglass pirogues were criticized for
lack of stability and structural integrity. It was generally accepted that instituting a set of
minimum scantling standards could also help in leveling out the cost differential of all vessels.
While the appropriate boat building skills do exist in the region, they tend to be retained by the
yacht and pleasure boat industry and are beyond the budget of the fishermen. It was agreed that
fishing vessels imported to the region must comply with any applicable standards of construction.
Engines
There was extensive discussion on the subject of possible limitation of outboard engine
horsepower. Some form of additional limitations on the horsepower of outboard powered
undecked and partially decked commercial fishing boats may be necessary in the future.
It was generally agreed that more emphasis should be placed on matching the power of outboard
engines to the size and type of vessel especially in relation to safety, economy of operation as
well as taking into account fisheries management considerations

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During National Workshops some fishermen raised the possibility of using diesel inboard
engines, specifically to reduce the cost of operations. Participants at the Regional Seminar agreed
that diesel engines in some types of fishing vessels would certainly be beneficial.
Financing/Insurance
The National Workshops were addressed by representatives of banks and or lending institutions.
Many fishermen who participated complained of the difficulty they had in obtaining loans for
new vessels as well as for substantial modifications to a vessel. In most cases, the explanation
given by some of the financial institutions was that this could be attributable to the lack of
collateral and that many fisherman/boat owners simply do not treat the fishing operation as a
business venture. Furthermore, it was explained that surveys by some lending institutions
indicated that in general although fishermen earned more than farmers, the farmers were
invariably more prosperous.
Seminar participants were agreed that there is scope for more training of fishermen in business
management. All agreed that education on the interlinked nature of financial and insurance
institutions is a key factor if this situation is to improve in the future.
It was acknowledged that very few fishing vessels are actually insured and only the more costly
boats tend to carry insurance. For those few small vessels actually purchased under loan schemes
insurance was carried, but only on the loan, not the vessel.
The institution of minimum scantling standards for fishing vessels may go some way to provide
banks or lending institutes with confidence that fishing boats are actually an acceptable risk when
built to a standard. National Workshop coordinators were in agreement that more financial and
insurance information workshops should be given to fishermen’s groups or associations in co-
operation with those institutes.
Search and Rescue Operations (SAR)
Findings at the National Workshops indicated that most fishermen had very little understanding
of the costs involved in even a short, less than twelve (12) hours, SAR operation. Discussions
revolved around how some countries had been attempting to improve SAR knowledge among
fishermen with the assistance of the respective Coastguard authorities, generally with poor
results. Again it was generally agreed that continuing education was still the best option, even if
results are not immediate.
Country reports
Individual reports were presented by seminar participants from each country and in general they
concurred with the findings as discussed in paper TCP/RLA/69RS-02. An outline was given of
workshop content along with the number of attendees and their specialties, such as boat builders,
boat repair, fishermen etc. All workshops had representation from the boat building and fisheries
sectors with others from Coastguard and Fishery divisions.
An observation was made by one participant that fishing vessel inspection was given a relatively
low priority during the National Workshops. This was due principally to the different emphasis
placed on the National Workshops, being aimed more at boat builders rather than at inspectors as
was the case in the Barbados Regional Workshop as outlined in document TCP/RLA/0069RS-04
(Proposals for the assessment of needs for the inspection of small fishing vessels).

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Agenda Item 6 Standard specifications for the construction of
small fishing vessels.
The secretariat introduced the agenda item proposing a draft outline of a format for the
introduction of standards for the safety construction, safety equipment and equipment of a fishing
vessel of less than 24m in length. It was explained that certain references to the standards should
be included either in the Shipping and or Fisheries Acts or Regulations and that the more
technical standards could possibly be set out in schedules to the Regulation, it being understood,
that the schedules may also contain rules.
In relation to the “Application and Interpretation” it was proposed that the standards should apply
to all new fishing vessels of less than 24 metres in length but it was suggested that they would not
apply to sport fishing vessels. They should, however, apply wholly or in part, to existing fishing
vessels as and when such vessels were substantially modified.
It was also explained that definitions should be included in the Regulations in order to capture
certain principles within the more substantive part of fisheries legislation. Similarly, there should
be a provision for equivalence and exemptions to allow for locally manufactured components and
to recognize that it may not be possible to apply the standards to certain types of vessels,
It was suggested that under the General Provisions key principles should be recorded such as the
concept of the scantling numeral, equipment numeral as well as gross and net tonnage. The need
was stressed to underline the legal commitment to safety equipment, inspection services, approval
to build, import or modify a vessel and to link this with the process of vessel registry. In addition,
it was mentioned that a phased approach might be required in relation to existing vessels
During the discussion on this item, it became clear that there might be a need to arrive at a more
acceptable definition of a fishing vessel since the most common definition, in use in the sub-
region, did not clearly demarcate between sport fishing vessels and the type of fishing vessels to
which the proposed standards should apply.
The FAO Legal Officer expressed the opinion that the format, as proposed, could be followed in
that there was merit in ensuring that the key principles should be set in primary legislation. This
could simplify the amendment procedures by moving through the Regulations with appropriate
references that would allow more flexibility in the development of the details of the standards in
form of schedules. The participants, while recognizing the difficulties of the task, were of the
opinion that the format as set out in the document TCP/RLA/69RS-04, with some refinement,
could be followed.
Agenda Item 7 Inspection of small fishing vessels
The secretariat introduced this agenda item pointing out that one of the basic principles in relation
to the building of a fishing vessel, was that it should be constructed in a manner that would
facilitate regular maintenance so ensuring that the vessel is at all times and in all respects,
satisfactory for the intended service of the vessel. In order to ensure that the principle is followed,
the “Competent Authority”1
should set requirements for the inspection of a fishing vessel while it
is under construction, refit and or modification as well as when it is in service. In this regard new
vessels would require approval of plans and stability calculations to be carried out. Existing
vessels would require periodic inspection.
1
“Competent Authority” is the government of the State whose flag the vessel is entitled to fly.

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The qualifications and experience of the inspectors of the fishing vessels were discussed. The
participants were informed that the IMO office in Trinidad could assist in supplying a list of
marine surveyors. The classification societies also held lists of non-exclusive surveyors. There
was extensive discussion on who should take the lead in fishing vessel inspection and it was
generally agreed that it would be the fisheries administration although it did not necessarily mean
that the fisheries administration would carry out the inspections since in some cases they might
not have the capacity. Indeed, for the larger vessels it would be unlikely that fisheries
administration would have the capacity. Fisheries administrations, however, should take the
initiative at the national level to ensure that adequate arrangements are in place for the provision
of vessel inspection services. It was recommended that there be follow-up at the national level in
identifying the competent agency or agencies for vessel inspection.
In response to a question on what procedures had been adopted by developing countries in other
regions of the world in respect of standards and regulations on fishing vessel safety, the
secretariat noted that the situation with regard to development of offshore fisheries in boats
designed and constructed for coastal fishing mirrored what was happening in the OECS and
Barbados. It was explained that although there had been some successes, few countries had
tackled the problem effectively. Samoa and Sri Lanka were given as examples, where loss of life
had been high, and where initiatives had been taken relating to training, development of standards
and enforcement with varying measures of success. The secretariat added that the methodologies
being employed by this project were breaking new ground, and it was foreseen that they could be
replicated in other regions of the world.
There was a requirement for the assessment of needs for inspections and for inspectors at the
national level that could then be used to develop a strategy for training and recruitment. Once the
needs had been assessed, proposals for professional training in maritime subjects could be
included in the academic scholarships that are awarded by governments in order to meet the
requirement for senior personnel.
The Chair cautioned that in developing draft legislation, a simple statement in the draft might
affect the final decision. The arguments have to be developed by fisheries administrations and
then the competencies and necessary personnel would follow. It was pointed out that OECS had
already run courses on safety and IMO has run a course on the survey of small craft.
It was accepted that in some cases it could take up to 5 years to get someone trained to become an
inspector. Nevertheless, it was realized that this was a sensitization process and earlier success
could be achieved by upgrading the skills of those already in post as inspectors. This would have
to be done with the help of accredited surveyors and institutions. Furthermore, it was noted that
the boat building sectors could be a possible source of recruitment for inspectors.
There was some discussion on the different sizes of lettering on the vessels. It was pointed out
that FAO had already developed Standard Specifications for the Marking of Fishing Vessels
The question was posed as to whether the project was going in the right direction and the
consensus was positive.
Agenda Item 8 Boat Building
The secretariat introduced this agenda item pointing out that arrangements for the approval or
accreditation and training of boat builders were not clearly defined in each and every one of the

8
countries. Furthermore, fishing vessel building facilities vary greatly from backyard sites to well-
appointed workshops and consequently the standards of construction vary.
It was emphasized that boat builders must meet acceptable standards of construction and that
would mean a structured approach to training, better business practices, more informed
government officers and compliance by the industry as a whole. In this regard, it was pointed out
that there is a need for an assessment of training needs within the sub-region. It was noted that
were no requirement in national legislation for a boat builder or boat building company to be
accredited by a government body or a government approved non-governmental institution.
Furthermore, there was no common approach in the sub-region to the approval of a boat builder
by fisheries administrations and the instructions to Chief Fisheries Officers and maritime
authorities, as the case may be, were often too vague.
It was mentioned that boat building is a significant economic sector, and that its upgrading
through the introduction of standards has wider implications. In the present circumstances, boat
builders suffer from the lack of professional recognition. They receive little (if any) training, lack
opportunity for apprenticeships or accreditation, and are not represented on any trade or industry
organization or even a Chamber of Commerce. In this situation, no professional body exists to
protect or promote their interests. Consequently, there are no formal mechanisms through which
the quality of their work can be assessed or guaranteed in a manner that would give confidence to
lending institutions and insurance companies. Thus they have neither the opportunity of lifting
themselves out of the situation in which they are now in nor of receiving the training that would
help them to improve the quality of the vessels they construct.
The participants were informed that the older boat builders, particularly those who are retired,
decried the standards that were in existence. In this regard, it was mentioned that there was no
clear definition of “boat builder” and that the term was loosely used to refer to builders of all
types and sizes of small craft and of different materials. The participants recognized that the
attitude that anyone can a build boat, learning only by trial and error, had to be changed if proper
standards are to be introduced. For this reason, there was a need for more education and training
rather than the present empirical method of learning and that apprenticeship schemes should be
considered.
The participants noted that there was a need for simple contractual arrangements to clear up
misunderstandings between boat builders and the fishermen to help reduce the threat and expense
of litigation in the event of a dispute.
Agenda Item 9 Regional approach to training
The secretariat introduced this agenda item. Considerable discussions took place regarding the
subject of boat building training and how best to access meaningful training programs, whether
they be in a formal technical institute setting or a combination of apprenticeship and technical
institute. All were agreed that some form of training for new entrants into the boat building trade
was very necessary, and especially in the modern wooden boat building trade. Most participants
were cognizant of the fact that that wood boat builders in their islands were of retirement age or
very close with very few new recruits to the trade.
During all national workshops the subject of training in modern boat building techniques was
raised on more than one occasion.

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All boat builders interested in both wood and fibreglass construction and repair had expressed an
interest in leaning more about modern building and repair procedures using the latest materials
and techniques. Wood boat builders in particular saw the possibilities of using laminated wood to
produce better and stronger fishing vessels in this material.
Within the project region only one technical school is presently known to provide formal boat
building courses with industrial attachment, this is the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic in
Barbados (SJPP). The participants were advised that the British Virgin Islands had a course on
boat building at one of the Community Colleges and that the course could be used for training in
fibreglass. The participants were informed by SJPP that it will conduct a needs analysis
throughout the Region to determine the kinds, levels and scope of the training necessary. In
addition the Polytechnic will liaise with other regional institutions to determine to what extent
they could participate in such a programme of training.
SJPP explained that accreditation may either be National or Regional working through The
Association of Caribbean Tertiary Institutions (ACTI) or internationally through one of the
recognized accreditation bodies such as the City and Guild of London Institute.
Agenda Item 10 Measurement of small fishing vessels
The secretariat introduced this agenda item setting out the different systems for the measurement
of a vessel. In particular, proposals were made for the acceptance, for the purpose of the standards
of construction under discussion, of specific ways to measure the length overall, breadth and
depth of a vessels in relation to the:
 scantling numeral;
 the equipment number
 the cubic number; and the
 measurement of gross and net tonnage
It was also proposed that the principle of using the scantling numeral to derive the scantlings of
the component parts of a vessel, the equipment numeral for the determination of ground tackle
(anchors, chains etc.) number and formulae for the estimation of gross tonnage and net tonnage
should be accepted and so incorporated in revised legislation for the adoption of standards of
construction.
Whereas this approach was accepted, some discussion centered on the use and determination of
the value of the coefficient “C” to be used in the estimation of gross tonnage. It was explained
that the use of a coefficient together with the cubic number was in common use and that St. Lucia
was in the process of drafting regulations to include such a format for small craft.
With regard to the proposal to use the values of “C”, as set out in the document TCP/RLA/69RS-
07, the secretariat confirmed that the values had been derived from earlier work undertaken by
FAO as well as through measurements (with the help of a planimeter) obtained from the “lifting
lines” exercise carried out in each of the national workshops. It was also pointed out that although
these values may be considered to be preliminary at this stage, the final results, after fine-tuning,
are unlikely to differ to any great extent.

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With regard to net registered tonnage, the discussions effectively centered on the need or
otherwise for this to be calculated. There was some agreement that it might not be necessary in
the case of the very small fishing vessels and undecked vessels, it being explained by the
secretariat that maritime and fisheries administrations elsewhere in the world, would
automatically record that the net tonnage as being equal to the gross tonnage. It was mentioned
that St.Lucia had consulted IMO at one stage and had been advised to retain the provision since,
if the owner so desired, the net tonnage should then be estimated.
The participants, after a full and lengthy discussion, accepted the principle that had been proposed
and agreed that these should be incorporated in draft legislation and that the project could proceed
to finalize the construction standards on the basis of the use of the scantling numeral and the
equipment number. It being understood that the definitions of length, breadth and depth should be
so defined.
Agenda Item 11 Outline specification of a vessel capable of offshore
fishing and fishing on deep slopes.
Sample Contract for the Procurement of a Fishing Vessel
Under the first part of Agenda item 11, the secretariat gave an overview of the salient features of
a sample contract for the procurement of a vessel that were considered as appropriate and
necessary to fully safeguard the interests of both the builder and purchaser during the construction
of fishing vessel.
In response to interventions, it was clarified that there was no suggestion on the part of the Project
that the use of a contract should become a requirement, but that it was simply the Project’s view
that a sample contract should be made available to prospective builders and purchasers, for their
interest and information. It was further clarified that entering into a contractual arrangement need
not result in any increase in the purchase price of the vessel, and moreover, that a contract could
result in the saving of considerable legal fees to the extent that any dispute could be
circumvented.
The subject provoked the keen interest of the participants, and the ensuing discussion centered on
the need for insurance during the period of construction, the exposure of risk on the part of
builder and purchaser and the need to tailor the contract to the statutory requirements of the
countries in the region.
It was acknowledged that for small vessels of less than 10 metres in length, a simplified version
of the sample contract would be more acceptable to the parties involved.
Outline specification of a fishing vessel capable of fishing offshore for
pelagic species
The secretariat introduced the second part of Agenda item 11 describing the processes for
formulating the outline specification of a fishing vessel capable of fishing offshore for pelagic
species. As fisheries have become more diversified and specialized, builders are less likely to be
fully aware of either the requirements of these new generations of fishing vessels which are
typically becoming larger, more complex, more expensive and exposed to greater risks, or of the
procedures to be followed to ensure compliance with the requirements of Competent Authorities
with respect to plans approval and construction standards. The services of specialists such as

11
naval architects are now commonly required to draw up a set of drawings and specifications in
order to fully satisfy the requirements of the purchaser and the authorities.
In the paper the secretariat described the logical sequence of investigating and defining the vessel
characteristics that are almost wholly dependent on the anticipated locations of the fishing
operations, the fishing method and the value of the target species. The secretariat noted the value
of carrying out an economic evaluation of the vessel operation to ensure (and demonstrate) its
economic viability, and of investigating the sensitivity of the analysis to realistic fluctuations in
some of the main variables such as the market value of the target species, catch rates, and fuel and
bait costs.
Discussions focused on safety equipment, and particularly on radio communications. The
chairman recalled ongoing initiatives by some countries of the region to comply with the
requirements of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) related to sea areas
A12
, and how these would affect the fishing industry.
Agenda Item 12 Legal requirements for the introduction and
adoption of standard specifications for the construction and survey
of small fishing vessels.
The secretariat made a presentation on legal requirements for the adoption of standard
specifications for the construction as well as survey of small fishing vessels, discussed the need
for national legislation and described what the current legal environment was in the OECS
countries and Barbados.
The current arrangements between OECS and Barbados, that facilitate cooperation on the issue of
marine resources management and the need to harmonize relevant legislation were mentioned.
The secretariat then described the legislative framework on shipping and fisheries and showed
that most shipping legislation do not exempt small fishing vessels from the application of that
legislation while some fisheries legislation do not govern the full range of safety issues.
The need was stressed to avoid conflict between domestic laws by enacting appropriate
amendments so that matters such as inspection and registration could be carried out by an
appropriate competent agency. The secretariat outlined the scheme for dealing with the legal
requirements for standard specifications for safety.
There was extended discussion on the issue of registration. There was a need for the clear
understanding of what would be undertaken by a fisheries administration in keeping such a
register, which was more complex than merely keeping a record of vessels and issuing a licence
to fish. The participants were informed of the normal procedures under maritime administrations
that require the Registrar to maintain a register in which details of the ownership as well as
certain technical details of the vessel are entered. The Registrar then issues a Certificate of
Registry that is effectively statutory evidence that the vessel exists. These procedures also
provide for the allocation of the flag of the State in which the vessel is registered. In addition,
there is also a provision to register liens, mortgages and other encumbrances with regard to the
vessel. It was recognized by the participants that by drawing on the information maintained in the
2
Sea area A1 means an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which
continuous DSC alerting is available, as may be defined by a Contracting Government. DSC means Digital
Selective Calling.

12
register, it opened up the possibility for the vessel to be acceptable to credit institutions as
security for a loan, provided there existed demonstrated proof of insurance of the vessel. It was
considered that this has significance in that the capital, which is effectively locked into the fleets
of the OECS member states, could be released to enhance the national economy and development
of those same states
During the discussions, it was noted that given their historical relationship with the fishing
industry and its development, the responsibilities of fisheries administrations were often deemed
to extend beyond their apparent legal mandates. Therefore in relation to registration and
inspection it was considered that fisheries administrations did have competence since similar
activities were undertaken by many of the fisheries administrations represented at the seminar.
Nevertheless it was agreed that it would be prudent for fisheries administrations to follow the
procedures of a traditional maritime register in a manner consistent with maritime practice in all
respects. In this regard, it was noted that such fishing vessels, operating or intending to operate to
operate on the high seas or in the waters of another jurisdiction, will be entitled to fly the flag of
the country in which it was registered and must be issued with a Certificate of Registry.
The participants noted that some fisheries administrations as well as maritime administrations
were presently considering changes to their Acts, including consideration of the Caribbean Model
Shipping Act and emphasized that full advantage should be taken of the fact that this was an
appropriate time to decide and take action on legislation.
It was accepted, however, that a fisheries administration would have to be able to undertake the
inspection and other duties arising from the implementation and maintenance of a register of
fishing vessels. In this regard it was noted that although the responsibility would at all times
remain with a fisheries administration, in some cases, a full range of expertise might not be
readily available within the fisheries structure. For this reason there must be a provision, attached
to the delegation of responsibility that would permit a flexible approach to the discharge of duties,
particularly in arrangements for the inspection of a vessel.
The meeting recommended, that any harmonized legislation to be developed, should be in a
generic format that could then be tailored to the situation and needs of individual countries. In
preparing this generic legislation the meeting suggested the following matters should be given
special attention
 the need to clearly distinguish between the act of registering and the licencing of a vessel
as well as the issuing of a licence to fish.
 recognition that many vessels below 24 m have the capability to fish on the high seas
adjacent to the region.
 that vessels are entitled to fly the flag of the State in which they are registered: and,
 the need to allow for a phased approach in the implementation of the provisions of
legislation and for appropriate exemptions where appropriate.
It was also noted, throughout the region, there was a need to obtain additional resources to allow
for the inspection and registration of fishing vessels.
The meeting recommended that there should be more communication and interaction between the
maritime and fisheries administrations at a national level which would facilitate the decision

13
making process and cooperation on issues regarding the administration and operation of fishing
vessels below 24 m.
Agenda item 13 Any other matters
In response to a request for information on the status of the project, the secretariat informed the
participants that although all of the National Workshops had been successfully concluded, not all
of the expected outputs as set out in Part III of the Project Document have been achieved as yet.
In this regard, however, it was pointed out that some of the outputs were timed for completion
following the last of the National Workshops and others were dependent on the outcome of this
Regional Seminar.
Furthermore, it had been agreed during the course of the discussions that certain studies could
now be carried out, such as the assessment of training needs and opportunities and the standards
for safety construction and related model legislation could be finalized.
Participants recommended that workshops should be convened at the national level between the
principal agencies in the country concerned with fisheries and maritime matters to ensure that
there is a clear understanding of the consequences of adopting standards for the construction and
inspection of small fishing vessels.
It was further recommended that the national workshops, which would facilitate a common
understanding of the issues, should identify the appropriate “competent agency “ in relation to:
 The register of fishing vessels.
 Inspection and the issue of a certificate of inspection
 Plans approval for new construction, modification or conversion of a vessel.
 Periodic inspections of safety equipment and hull and machinery.
It was recognized that due to the scope and complexity of the issues, there might be a need for
external technical assistance in the development and execution of the national workshops.
The seminar expressed thanks to the Government of Barbados for hosting the project and for
providing excellent facilities and services that have greatly facilitated the successful
implementation of the project
Closure of Seminar
The Chairman thanked all of the participants for their contributions to the success of the meeting
and declared the Regional Seminar closed at 16.15 on 30 November 2001

14
Appendix 1
List of participants
Antigua & Barbuda
George Looby
Fisheries Assistant
Mark Archibald
Fisheries Assistant
Fisheries Division
Ministry of Agriculture
Perry Bay, St. John’s
Tel: (268)-462-1372
Fax: (268)-462-1372
E-mail: fisheries@candw.ag
Barbados
Stephen Willoughby
Chief Fisheries Officer (Ag)
Philip Jackman
Principal Fisheries Assistant
Fisheries Division.
Princess Alice Hwy.
Bridgetown
Tel: (246)-427-8480 / 439-8329
Fax: (246)-436- 9068
E-mail: fishbarbados@caribsurf.com
British Virgin Islands
Newton Eristhee
Assistant Fisheries Officer
Conservation & Fisheries Department
P.O. Box 3323
Road Town, Tortola
Tel: (284)-494-5681
Fax: (284)-494-2670
E-mail: eristhee@surfbvi.com
Dominica
Algernon Philbert
Senior Fisheries Officer
Harold Guiste.
Chief Fisheries Officer
Fisheries Division
Ministry of Agriculture & Environment
Roseau, Dominica.
Tel: (767)-448-2401
Fax: (767)-448-0140
E-mail: cfra@cwdom.dm
Grenada
James Finlay
Chief Fisheries Officer
Roland Baldeo
Fisheries Officer
Fisheries Division
St. Georges
Tel: (473)-440-3831
Fax: (473)-440-6613
E-mail: grenfish@caribsurf.com
St. Kitts & Nevis
Ralph Wilkins
Fisheries Officer
Fisheries Management Unit
P.O. Box 39, Basseterre
St. Kitts.
Tel: (869)-465-8045
Fax: (869)-466-7254
E-mail: fmusk@caribsurf.com /

15
Audra Barett
Fisheries Officer
Department Of Fisheries
Prospect Estate, St. Johns Parish
Nevis
Tel: (869)-469-5521
Fax: (869)-469-1698
E-mail: psalhc@hotmail.com
St. Lucia
Vaughn Charles
Chief Fisheries Officer (Ag)
Sarah George
Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer
Rufus George
Fisheries Officer
Christopher James
Fisheries Assistant
Department of Fisheries
Pointe Seraphine
Castries
Tel: (758)-452-6172
Fax: (758)-452-3853
E-mail: deptfish@slumaffe.org
David A. Cox
Crown Counsel
Attorney General’s Chambers
New NIS Building, 2nd
Floor
Castries
Tel: (758)-468-3206
Fax: (758)-458-1131
E-mail: atgen@candw.lc
Dermot Saltibus
Director Maritime Affairs
St. Lucia Air & Sea Port Authority
P.O. Box 651, Castries
Tel: (758)-452-2893
Fax: (758)-452-2062
E-mail: saltibusd@slaspa.com

16
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Leslie Straker
Fisheries Officer
Hyrone Johnson
Fisheries Assistant
Fisheries Division
Kingstown, St. Vincent
Tel: (784)-456-2738
Fax: (784)-457-2112
E-mail: fishdiv@caribsurf.com
Organization of Caribbean States
(OECS)
Peter A. Murray
Program Officer
Natural Resource Management Unit
P.O. Box 1383
Castries, St. Lucia
Tel: (758)-452-1847 / 453-6208
Fax: (758)-452-2194
E-mail: pamurray@oecsnrmu.org
Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic
(SJPP)
George M. Callender
Principal
Henderson Thompson
Curriculum Development Liaison
Officer
Wildey. Barbados
Tel: (246)-426-1920 / 426-5306
Fax: (246)-426-0843
E-mail: gcallender@sjpp.edu.bb
E-mail: hthompson@sjpp.edu.bb
FAO
Bisessar Chakalall
Senior Fishery Officer / Secretary of
WECAFC
FAO Sub-Regional Office
P.O. Box 631-C
Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel: (246)-426-7110
Fax: (246)-427-6075
E-mail: bisessar.chakalall@fao.org
John Fitzpatrick
Consultant
Balmuir Lodge, Balmuir
Strathmartine, Tayside UK.
Tel: ++44-1382 810876
Fax: ++44 1362 810876
E-mail: john.fitzpatrick@talk21.com
E-mail: j.fitzpatrick@flashnet.it
Blaise Kuemlangan
Legal Officer
FAO Legal Office
Rome, Italy
Tel: ++ 3906-570-54080
Fax: ++ 3906-570-54408
E-mail: blaise.kuemlangan@fao.org

17
Michael Shawyer
Consultant
Box. 85, Topsail, C. B.
Nfld. Canada. A0A 3Y0
Tel: (709)-834-6073
Fax: (709)-834-6647
E-mail: mshawyer@nfld.com
E-mail: mikeshawyer@yahoo.com
Andrew Smith
Fishing Technology Officer
Fishery Industries Division
Rome, Italy
Tel: ++ 3906-570-56483
Fax: ++ 3906-570-55188
E-mail: andrew.smith@fao.org
Jeremy Turner
Senior Fishery Industries Officer
Fishery Industries Division
Rome, Italy
Tel: ++ 3906-570-56446
Fax: ++ 3906-570-55188
E-mail: jeremy.turner@fao.org

18
Appendix 2
Agenda
TCP/RLA/0069
Regional Seminar
St. Lucia 27 –30 November 2001
Tuesday 27 November
1 Opening of Session
2 Election of Chair
3 Objectives of the workshop FAO
4 Recent developments in fisheries development and
fisheries management in the region
Sub-regional OECS
Region WECAF/FAO
5 Major conclusions of national workshops
Introduction FAO
Country reports Senior Fisheries Officers
6 Standard specifications for construction of small
fishing vessels
Format FAO (Project)
Scantling development
Materials
Wednesday 28 November
7 Inspection of small fishing vessels
Inspectors FAO/SJPP
Inspection units
Academic/Technical Qualifications
Experience
Training
8 Boat building

19
Contractual arrangements FAO/SJPP
Accreditation
Training
9 Regional approach to training FAO/SJPP
10 Measurement of small fishing vessels
Recommendations FAO
Definitions
Formulae
Thursday 29 November
11 Outline specification of a vessel capable for
offshore fishing and fishing on deep slopes.
Vessel FAO
Gear types
12 Legal requirements for the introduction and
adoption of standard specifications for the
construction and survey of small fishing vessels.
Amendments to the regional FAO/OECS
Harmonization process
Relationship of Barbados/OECS
Amendments to fisheries acts
Amendment to regulations
Entry into force
Grandfather clause
Form of gazette
13 Any other matters
Friday 30 November
14 Adoption of report
15 Closure of seminar

20
Appendix 3
List of Documents
TCP/RLA/69RS - 01 Provisional Agenda
TCP/RLA/69RS - 02 Major conclusions drawn from the National Workshops
TCP/RLA/69RS - 03 Proposed format for standards of construction of small fishing
vessels
TCP/RLA/69RS - 04 Assessment of needs for small fishing vessels survey and
inspection services.
TCP/RLA/69RS - 05 Private sector needs for training
TCP/RLA/69RS - 06 Regional approach to training
TCP/RLA/69RS - 07 . Recommendations for the measurement of small fishing vessels
TCP/RLA/69RS - 08 . Legal requirements for the adoption of standards for the
construction and survey of small fishing vessels
TCP/RLA/69RS - Inf. 01 Project Document*
TCP/RLA/69RS - Inf. 02 Summary Report of Regional Workshop Barbados 4-13 July
2001**
TCP/RLA/69RS - Inf.03 Outline of a fishing suitable for offshore fishing and deep slope
fishing, basic specifications and types of fishing gear.
TCP/RLA/69RS - Inf.04 Sample contract for the procurement and refit of small fishing
vessels
Documents attached
* Attached as Annex I to Final Report
** Attached as Annex III to the Final Report

Annex V

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Annex V