Section 31, CAP 391 of the Fisheries Act requires that all vessels to be used for commercial fishing activity are to be inspected annually.
Vessels operating without a valid Certificate of Inspection, risk the safety of their crew.
It is an offence under the Fisheries Act to operate a local fishing vessel that is not registered under the provisions of CAP 391. This offence carries a fine of up to $5,000.00.
Monday - Friday
9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Inspection Appointments
Appointments for inspection must be made not less than 2 working days prior to the requested date. This will be subject to the Inspection Schedule.
Inspection Schedule
Monday - Areas North of Bridgetown - Shallow Draught to Stroud Bay
Tuesday - Bridgetown Fishing Complex
Wednesday - Areas South of Bridgetown - Careenage to Silver Sands
Thursday - East Coast of the Island - Foul Bay to Tent Bay
Friday - Reserved
Pre Inspection
This inspection set out to establish that the vessel being presented is suitable for commercial fishing and to allow the CFO to advise the owner(s) on what would be required to satisfy the Prescribed Standard of a Full Inspection.
Annual Inspection / Full Inspection
Section 31, CAP 391 of the Fisheries Act requires that all vessels to be used for commercial fishing activity are to be inspected annually. Inspection Decal are only valid for 12 months, hence each commercial fishing vessel is required to be inspected annually.
Spot Inspections
By law any Fisheries Inspector, Authorised Officer , Coast Guard Officer and Police may stop, board and inspect a fishing vessel at any time to ensure it complies with Prescribed Standards, has  a valid Inspection Decal and that the vessel and its equipment are properly maintained.
Vessels to be Constructed / Altered
Persons seeking to construct, alter or convert a vessel to be used for commercial fishing, or boat owners seeking to make structural changes to a registered fishing vessel, must obtain permission from the CFO.
Failure to get permission could result in the vessel not being registered under the Fisheries Act CAP 391, and it is an offence under the Fisheries Act carrying a fine of up to $5,000.00.
The owner, agent or master (captain) must be present.
All equipment as prescribed by CFO must be present onboard the vessel at the time of the inspection.
No ice/fish is to be on board the vessel at the time of the inspection.
The Inspector will check: -
Electrical System, Propulsion System, Engine & Steering Systems, Safety Equipment, Navigation & Electronic Equipment, Emergency Supplies, Lights, Vessel’s Sanitation, Cabin Arrangements, Condition of the Hull, Vessel Markings etc.
A Inspection Decal will be issued by the Fisheries Division and must be collected by the Owner or Agent.
Requirements NOT satisfied: -
A Notice of Non-Compliance will be issued by the Inspector to the Owner, Agent or Master.
The notice will state the areas of non-compliance and it will specify the number of days allotted for the deficiencies to be rectified.