What changed between the plenary report and the adopted text

Added:(h) inform the crew regarding the timing and objectives of the observer programme, and the schedule for observer boarding, as well as the crew’s responsibilities when an observer ▌ is aboard the vessel;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new): (ea) the following tools are recommended for best handling and release practices: / (i) bycatch sorting/releasing devices for working/main deck, for instance hopper with a door or ramp; / (ii) stretcher/cradle.

Added:(i) assist the observer to safely embark and disembark the vessel at an agreed place and time;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(j) allow and assist the observer to carry out his or her duties safely, and ensure the observer is not obstructed in the execution of his or her duties, unless there is a safety issue that requires intervention by the operator or master;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – itnroductory part: 2. Longline vessels shall apply the following procedure to safeguard the safety of the persons involved in such operations:

Added:(k) allow and assist the observer to remove and store samples from the catch, and allow the observer access to stored specimens;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(l) provide the observer, while on board the vessel, at no expense to the observer, the observer programme or service provider, with food, accommodation, adequate sanitary amenities and medical facilities of a standard equivalent to those normally available to an officer on board the vessel according to generally accepted international standards;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point a: (a) the sharks shall be released into the ocean as soon as possible after first seen caught on a hook;

Added:(m) allow and assist full access to and use of all facilities and equipment of the vessel that are necessary for the observer to carry out his or her duties, including full access to the bridge, the catch before being sorted, processed catch and any bycatch on board, as well as areas which are used to hold, process, weigh and store fish;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(n) follow any established mechanism established by the SPRFMO Commission for solving conflicts that would complement the established dispute settlement processes provided by the observer programme or service provider;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point b: (b) sharks brailed on deck shall be returned to the water as soon as possible, either utilizing a ramp from the deck connecting to an opening on the side of the vessel, or through escape hatches. If ramps or escape hatches are not available, the sharks shall be lowered with a sling or cargo net, using a crane or similar equipment;

Added:(o) cooperate with the observer when the observer is sampling the catch;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(p) provide notice to the observer at least fifteen minutes before fishing gear hauling or setting procedures, unless the observer specifically requests not to be notified;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c: (c) the use of gaffs, hooks, or similar instruments for the handling of sharks is prohibited;

Added:(q) provide adequate space for clerical work to the observer on the bridge or in another designated area, as well as adequate space on deck or in the factory to perform the observer’s duties;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(r) provide personal protective equipment, and, where appropriate, an immersion suit;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d: (d) the lifting of sharks by the head, tail, gill slits, or spiracles, or by using bind wire against or inserted through the body shall be prohibited. The punching of holes through the bodies of sharks (e.g., to pass a cable through for lifting the shark) is prohibited;

Added:(s) provide to the observer timely medical attention in the event of physical or psychological illness or injury;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(t) develop and maintain an emergency action plan (EAP) regarding the safety of observers.

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point e: (e) the lifting of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) onboard the vessel is prohibited as well as the towing of whale sharks, e.g. using towing ropes;

Added:Article 28t Safety orientation briefing

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:The master of a Union fishing vessel, or a crew member designated by the master, shall provide the observer with a safety orientation briefing at the time of boarding the vessel and before it leaves the dock. The orientation briefing shall include information on:

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point g a (new): “(ga) the following tools are recommended for best handling and release practices: / (i) dipnet; / (ii) short de-hooker, for sharks brought on board; / (iii) line cutter; / (iv) short handled de-hooker, on vessels with freeboard of less than 2 metres; / (v) long-handled line cutter with length equal to or greater than the vessel’s freeboard length; / (vi) long-handled de-hooker with length equal to or greater than the vessel’s freeboard length.”

Added:(a) the provision of and location of safety documentation of the vessel;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(b) the location of life rafts, raft capacities, observer’s assignment, expiration and installation , and any other relevant safety-related information;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 7, Article 12 – paragraph 3: deleted

Added:(c) the location of, and instructions for use of, emergency radio beacons indicating position in case of an emergency;

Removed:This paragraph is not necessary, considering the provisions set in Annex 3 of Res C-24-05, are included in the article.

Added:(d) the location of immersion suits and personal flotation devices, their accessibility, and the quantities for everyone aboard;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(e) the location of flares, their types, numbers, and expiration dates;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 8, Article 14 – paragraph 1: 1. Masters of Union fishing vessels shall collect and submit catch data for silky and hammerhead sharks to the flag Member State, who shall submit those data to the Commission by 15 March of each year. The Commission shall forward the data to the IATTC Secretariat by 31 March of each year.

Added:(f) the location and number of fire extinguishers, their expiration dates and accessibility;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(g) the location of life-rings;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 8, Article 14 – paragraph 2: 2. Each Member State shall annually report data on catches, effort by gear type, landing and trade of sharks, by species where possible, in accordance with IATTC reporting procedures, including available historical data to the Commission by 15 of March each year. The Commission shall forward the data to the IATTC Secretariat by 31 March of each year.

Added:(h) procedures in case of emergencies, and essential actions of the observer during each type of emergency, such as a fire on board or recovering a person overboard;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(i) the location of first aid materials, and familiarity with crew members in charge of first aid;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 10, Article 25 – paragraph 6: 6. The data collected on FADs in accordance with Article 6 of this Regulation shall be submitted by Member States to the Commission no later than 75 days prior to each regular meeting of the SAC. The Commission shall forward that information to the IATTC Secretariat no later than 60 days before the meeting of the SAC.

Added:(j) the location of radios, procedures for making an emergency call, and how to operate a radio during a call;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(k) safety drills;

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 11, Article 26 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall fill in the standard questionnaire on compliance with IATTC Resolutions referred to in Annex I to Resolution C-22-0218 no later than 75 days prior to the annual meeting of the Committee for the Review of Implementation of Measures adopted by the IATTC Commission (‘Compliance Committee’). The Commission shall forward that information to the IATTC Secretariat no later than 60 days before the meeting of the Compliance Committee.

Added:(l) safe places to work on deck or in the factory, and the safety equipment required;

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:(m) procedures in case of illness or accident of the observer or any other crew member.

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 11, Article 26 – paragraph 2: 2. If the Commission receives from the IATTC Secretariat any information indicating a suspected non-compliance with the Convention or Resolutions by a Member State or by Union fishing vessels, the Commission shall transmit that information to the Member State concerned without delay.

Added:Article 28u Procedure in the event of an emergency

Removed:Regulation (EU) 2021/56

Added:1. Member States shall ensure that, if an observer dies, is missing or presumed fallen overboard, fishing vessels flying their flag shall:

Removed:Article 4 – paragraph 1 – point 11, Article 26 – paragraph 4: 4. The Commission shall forward that information to the IATTC Secretariat at least 60 days in advance of the Compliance Committee meeting.