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Circular on Mandatory Requirements for Registration of Fishing Vessels
Circular #024
Mandatory Requirements for Registration of Fishing Vessels
To: All Fishing Vessel Owners, Operators, and Agents
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Office of the Maritime Administrator issues this Circular to ensure strict compliance with national and international requirements concerning the registration and licensing of fishing vessels
under the Vanuatu flag.
Effective immediately, the following requirements apply to all fishing vessels seeking permanent registration:
1. International Authorization to Fish Certificate
o No permanent Certificate of Registry will be issued for any fishing vessel unless the Maritime Administrator has received a valid copy of the Vanuatu International Authorization to Fish Certificate (IAF) issued by the Department of Fisheries.
2. Approval Letters
o Approval letters from the Department of Fisheries alone shall only support the issuance of Provisional Certificates of Registry. These remain valid only until the IAF Certificate is received.
3. Validity of Authorizations
o The IAF Certificate must:
Be addressed directly to the Office of the Maritime Administrator;
Be signed by a duly authorized officer of the Department of Fisheries;
Be transmitted directly from the official email account of the Department of Fisheries.
4. Compliance and Enforcement
o Any vessel failing to provide the required authorizations within the validity period of its provisional registration may be subject to deregistration without further notice.
o Owners, operators, and agents are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure all authorizations are obtained and communicated promptly.
This policy ensures that all Vanuatu-flagged fishing vessels operate lawfully, meet international obligations, and maintain the integrity and reputation of the Vanuatu flag.
Your cooperation in implementing this directive is required and appreciated.
With highest consideration,
Saade Makhlouf
Maritime Administrator
Republic of Vanuatu