Attachment_24-Late_Observer_Policy.pdf

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SECTION J

Northeast Fisheries Science Center

Northeast Fisheries Observer Program

Late Observer Policy for Fishermen

This policy has been developed to provide guidance on what to do if a vessel is expecting an observer and the observer is not present at the time and location provided by the vessel in its pre-trip notification.

The Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) does not accept observers being late for a trip. Observers recognize this, and it should be a rare occurrence that an observer is late for a trip. Observers should not delay scheduled fishing operations. Observers with unacceptable reasons for being late will be put on probation, which may result in decertification.

This late observer policy relies on the following communication protocol:

Clear trip information is relayed directly from the captain to the observer, including:

• Sail date

• Sail time (specify AM or PM)

• Expected trip length

• Location the vessel is tied or moored

• A current contact phone number for the captain

When a multiday trip is delayed, observers should be provided with advance notice once a new sail date and time is established, so that they may prepare for the trip and travel to the vessel.

As trip details may change due to weather and other unpredictable variables, it is critical that all parties clearly communicate trip details. Information provided via the Pre-Trip Notification System (PTNS), such as time of departure, is meant to be the best estimation at the time of the notification. If trip details change from what was submitted in the PTNS, the final trip information must be conveyed to the observer assigned to the trip by establishing contact with the provider/observer before the vessel sails. Vessels providing false information in the PTNS or to the observer will be referred to the Office for Law Enforcement.

Science, Service, Stewardship

Attachment 24

EA133F-17-RQ-1824

05/01/16 2

Observer Service Provider Program Manager Contacts

A.I.S., Inc. – Lucas Curci, 609-802-4072 East West Technical Services – Karl Cygler, 860-223-5165 Fathom – Jenna Rockwell, 508-951-2038 MRAG Americas – Danielle Kane, 206-661-7438

It is strongly recommended to observers that they arrive one hour prior to the scheduled sail time to allow sufficient time for locating the vessel, unloading sampling gear, and parking. When the captain (or his/her designee) is present, the observer may board the vessel, find a secure area for their gear, and start the pre-trip safety check.

Should the observer fail to arrive at the vessel at the scheduled sail time, it is recommended that the vessel captain call the observer service provider program manager at the phone number listed above to ensure that the proper trip information was communicated. These contact numbers are also provided in the PTNS email a vessel receives when an observer has been assigned to their trip.

If a captain is unsure if their trip has an observer assigned or was issued a waiver, they may check their selection status on the PTNS website, using their permit number and PIN at http://fish.nefsc.noaa.gov/PTNS/. They may also check their notification emails.

They may also call the PTNS line at the number below.

PTNS Line – available 24/7

1-855-FISHES1

1-855-347-4371

Once assigned an observer, a trip may not sail without an observer unless it has been issued a written or verbal waiver from NEFOP. If an assigned observer is late, the vessel must call the PTNS line to obtain a waiver prior to sailing.

When calling the PTNS line, identify the vessel name, permit number, the PTNS confirmation number, your name and number, and describe the reason for calling. The phone call will be logged, and if the call does not come in during business hours, NEFOP staff will be contacted right away.

Attachment 24

EA133F-17-RQ-1824

http://fish.nefsc.noaa.gov/PTNS/