The 2010/2011 registration period for the FFA Vessel Registration of Fishing Vessels commenced on 1 July 2010. All foreign fishing vessels wishing to obtain a national fishing license from any FFA member country must first register on the FFA Vessel Register and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) record of fishing vessels. The FFA Vessel Register procedures are additional to any National Registration and Licensing procedures required by FFA member countries.

For all Vessels, which are applying to be registered for the first time or re-applying, a full application must be submitted using the FFA Vessel Register Application for Registration Form (attached below). Vessel operators should take particular care to ensure that vessels are marked in accordance with the FAO Standard Specification for Marking and Identification of Fishing Vessels. The recent (12 months or less) date-stamped colour hard-copies or digital photographs of the vessel in accordance with the following requirements: (a) side view photograph, (b) plan view (overhead) photograph, (c) dimensions of colour hard copies to be 15cm x 20cm (6 x 8 inch, 150 dpi), (d) vessel’s name in English to be shown clearly, (e) show the International Radio Call Sign (IRCS) issued by the International Telecommunications Union painted in contrasting colours, and (f) the size of the letters as stipulated in the FAO Standard Specifications for the Marking and Identification of Fishing Vessels. In cases where a vessel does not have an IRCS, the flag State registration number must be clearly displayed. Applications made with inadequate photographs, or where it is clear that the vessel has not been adequately marked, will not be accepted.

Please note that in addition to a photograph of the vessel, copies of the following documents must be attached to the Application For Registration form: (a) the vessel’s flag State Registration Certificate, (b) Company Ownership details and proof of Corporate Registration, (c) the vessel’s schematic stowage plan or (diagram showing internal spaces) and (d) a valid copy of the MTU inspection certificate. Any application received in which it is found that the information provided for a vessel is incorrect, inaccurate, misleading or not provided will not be accepted, and the applicant will be informed of the reasons for rejection.

For any further information on FFA Vessel Register procedures contact FFA at vessel.register@ffa.int. Vessel owners and operators are encouraged to read the Application Guidelines below. The guidelines with name preceded with ‘REG10’ detail how you apply for registration in the 2010/2011 registration period.