NATIONAL PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF FISHERS AND FISHING ... · NATIONAL PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF FISHERS AND FISHING VESSELS AT SEA SRI LANKA Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,

NATIONAL PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF FISHERS

AND FISHING VESSELS AT SEA

SRI LANKA

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Sri Lanka

March 2013

1

NATIONAL PLAN FOR THE SAFETY OF

FISHERS AND FISHING VESSELS AT SEA

SRI LANKA

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Sri Lanka

March 2013

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................................................................ 3

Preface: Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Hon. Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development ... 5

Introduction: Mr. Nimal Hettiarachchi, Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

I. Background .................................................................................................................................................................... 9

II. Objectives of the National Plan and its Main Focus .................................................................................. 11

III. Addressing Issues Concerned with Safety at Sea ...................................................................................... 12

IV. Causes of Accidents/Distress Situations and Measures for their Prevention and/or Reduction

............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Fishing vessel deficiencies ............................................................................................................................... 15

Engine/equipment deficiencies ..................................................................................................................... 15

Operational weaknesses of crew/skippers ................................................................................................ 15

Factors beyond the control of fishers ......................................................................................................... 16

V. Key Stakeholders Related to Safety of Fishers and Fishing Vessels at Sea in Sri Lanka ............... 17

Stakeholder entities ................................................................................................................................................ 17

VI. Accident/Incident Reporting-Information Needs and Reporting Mechanisms ............................. 19

VII. Search and Rescue Mechanism (SARM)....................................................................................................... 20

VIII. Strategies and Activities for Realization of Plan Objectives and Implementation ...................... 23

IX. Implementation and Coordination Arrangements .................................................................................... 28

Attachment I: List of Committee members which Formulated the National Plan .......................... 29

Attachment II: Accidents at Sea and their Causes ..................................................................................... 30

Attachment III: Scheme for Training and Issuance of Competency Certificates to the Fishers . 32

Attachment IV: Guidelines for Use by Boatyards, Equipment Suppliers etc. .................................... 36

Attachment V: Checklist of items of safety equipment, other requisites/materials

recommended to be carried on board fishing vessels .............................................................................. 42

Attachment VI: Roles and Responsibilities of the Key Stakeholder Institutions and

Organizations Involved with Safety of Fishers/Fishing Boats ................................................................. 44

Attachment VII: Items/Information Required for the Database in Respect of Safety Aspects of

Fishing Boats and Fishers ..................................................................................................................................... 47

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ARM Accident Reporting Mechanism

BOCC

Boat Operators Competency Certificate

Community Based Organization

CC&CRMD Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management

Department

CFHC Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation

CAASL Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka

SLCGS

Sri Lanka Coast Guard Service

CICA Convention of International Civil Aviation

DFAR

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

DFO District Fisheries Organization

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FARS Fisheries Accident Reporting System

FI

Fisheries Inspector

FCDC Fisher’s Continuous Discharge Certificate

FISTAF Fisheries Safety at Sea Task Force

FSRS Fisheries Search and Rescue System

FCDC Fishers Continuous Discharge Certificate

IMUL Inboard Multiday

LGB Local Government Bodies

MCS Monitoring, Controlling and Surveillance

Met. Dept

Meteorology Department

MFARD

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development

MTF Monitoring Task Force

NARA National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency

NFF National Fisheries Federation

NIFNE National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering

OBE/IBE Outboard Engines/Inboard Engines

OS/HS

Offshore/High seas vessels

RFLP

Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast

Asia RFO Rural Fisheries Organization

SLAF Sri Lanka Air Force

SAR Search and Rescue

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SCC Skippers’ Competency Certificate

SLP Sri Lanka Police

TRC Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

VMS Vessel Monitoring System

VTA Vocational Training Authority

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PREFACE: DR. RAJITHA SENARATNE, HON. MINISTER OF

FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

Ensuring and promoting the safety of fishers and fishing vessels that take them to the seas have

been critical issues with which the Ministry and the Department has been seriously concerned

over the years. This problem has received wide public attention in recent times on account of a

number of serious incidents costing the lives of fishers and resulting in damage or loss of fishing

vessels. It was in this context that I suggested to the Department that we should formulate a

National Plan to ensure and promote the safety of fishers and fishing vessels. I am happy that

the Department has completed this undertaking with the active collaboration of all the major

stakeholders such as the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency,

Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation, Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Air Force,

Sri Lanka Police, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and most importantly the fishing

community organizations. This Plan along with the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) which will

be in place in the near future will help in resolving most of the safety at sea related issues.

I am sure that all those agencies who have agreed to undertake responsibility for various

activities spelled out in this Plan will extend their fullest cooperation to the Department. My

Ministry and the Department will take all possible measures to ensure that this Plan percolates

down to the fisher communities and that they are made aware of the actions proposed. Similarly

we expect the fisher community organizations to take a more active interest to ensure that their

members realize and appreciate the need to be fully aware of the safety at sea related issues

and take all measures necessary to prevent any accidents which may affect the limbs and lives

and result in damage or loss to their fishing vessels.

I also note that the Department has had a series of discussions with the boatyards and suppliers

of engines and other equipment and has in consultation with them prepared a series of

guidelines which will improve the quality and the operational performance of vessels and

equipment. I hope that all those concerned parties will take their obligations seriously and make

every effort to comply with the requirements set out in the guidelines.

I am particularly glad to note that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(FAO) has through its Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme (RFLP) extended its technical

assistance for the formulation of the Plan. I wish to express the gratitude of the fisheries sector

to the FAO and the project for their valuable contribution.

Dr. Rajitha Senaratne

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development

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INTRODUCTION: MR. NIMAL HETTIARACHCHI, DIRECTOR

GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES

Fishers belong to a social group in our country who are subject to a diversity of social and

economic vulnerabilities. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources stands firmly

committed to ensure their safety at sea and that of the vessels which carry them to the oceans in

order to bring bountiful harvests of fish and provide valuable protein to our population. In

addition they also make a valuable contribution to the nation by providing valuable foreign

exchange earnings through the export of fish and aquatic products. It is in pursuance of this

goal of ensuring fishers' safety that we requested the technical assistance of the FAO executed

Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme (RFLP) for South and South East Asia in preparing a

National Plan for safety at sea of fishers and fishing vessels as a part of the overall strategy of

the Ministry and the Department to reduce/mitigate the vulnerabilities of fishers.

This Plan was formulated by an inter-agency committee comprised of the key institutions

concerned with safety at sea that we invited to assist us. I am extremely grateful for its valuable

contribution. The assistance extended by other stakeholder agencies including fishing

community organizations, fishing industry groups, and stakeholders including suppliers of

safety related equipment and appliances also contributed greatly in improving the draft of the

plan.

The government no doubt has the major responsibility for ensuring safety at sea of the nation’s

fishers; however the fishers themselves through their organizations need to take an active

interest in this and cooperate actively to achieve the goal of reducing or preventing accidents

occurring at sea. I am sure the National Fisheries Federation and other organizations will actively

participate in effective implementation of this Plan mainly by sensitizing their members to the

issues concerned. I would also like to see the private sector enterprises associated with fisheries

extending their assistance for the implementation of the Plan in the true spirit of their Corporate

Social Responsibility.

I wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the FAO/RFLP in providing technical

assistance in the task of formulating this Plan. In addition I also wish to place on record the

appreciation of the valuable services rendered by the Technical Committee in preparing

Guidelines relating to boatyards, and the criteria and the standards required for marine engines

and other equipment which has strengthened the focus of the Plan.

Nimal Hettiarachchi

Director General, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Safety at sea of fishers has in recent times been a cause of much concern in Sri Lanka and in

other countries and under the Mahinda Chinthanaya - the government’s overall policy

framework and the Fisheries Sector Development Plan is has been assigned high priority and

both have incorporated policies, strategies and actions needed to further enhance safety. This

document elevates safety at sea to the status of a National Plan of Action.

The overall objective of the National Plan is to:

“To ensure the safety and security of fishers and Sri Lankan fishing boats deployed within the

Exclusive Economic Zone of Sri Lanka and in international waters through the design and

establishment of an holistic, integrated and harmonized system and procedures for general

compliance with the provisions of international agreements, treaties and protocols that Sri Lanka

has subscribed to”.

Its specific objectives are:

1. To ensure the safety and the wellbeing of fishers and fishing vessels at sea;

2. To improve infrastructure and facilities required to promote the safety and security of

fishing vessels at sea;

3. To obtain the active participation of community-based organizations to improve safety

at sea;

4. To enhance the capacity of fishers to cope with distress situations and the capacity of,

boat builders and equipment suppliers to improve and maintain quality standards of

their supplies;

5. To establish effective policy, legal and institutional mechanisms in support of the safety

of fishers and fishing vessels at sea; and,

6. To set out an implementation plan identifying the needed actions, the party or parties

responsible for their implementation, and the coordination arrangements with

appropriate timelines for such actions.

The Plan identifies several steps vital to the process of ensuring safety at sea and these include

the 1. Vulnerability Analysis; 2. Prediction and Warning; 3. Prevention and Mitigation; 4.

Preparedness; 5. Timely Response; and, 6. Recovery/Rehabilitation. These steps are elaborated in

section III of the Plan.

Ensuring fisher safety at sea necessitates the cooperation and active involvement of several key

stakeholders besides the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFAR) and

the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). Among them are the Ceylon Fishery

Harbours Corporation, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Service, the Sri Lanka Air

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Force, the Sri Lanka Police Department, the Department of Meteorology, the Department of

Merchant Shipping, the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Department, the

Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, boatyards, engine and equipment suppliers, and

fisher organizations/ associations.

A Fisheries Accident Reporting System and a database are elements for Search and Rescue and

responses and need to be set up without delay. The MCS Division of the DFAR should have the

primary responsibility for its coordination. Information obtained through the reporting system

should be analyzed and made available on the basis of a user friendly format to policy makers,

agencies involved in search and rescue activities and the fishing communities.

Search and Rescue is one of the most important elements in ensuring fisher safety at sea and it

is primarily the State’s responsibility under the Convention of International Civil Aviation (CIAC).

At present the search and rescue activities in the Sri Lankans fisheries sector are done mainly on

an ad hoc and informal basis. Sri Lanka has a Search and Rescue Coordination Committee and it

covers the total SAR needs of the country, including merchant vessels and their crews. Hence

the Plan recommends instituting a formal mechanism dedicated to ensure the timely and

coordinated Search and Rescue of fishers. The Plan recommends that this function be assigned

to a Fisheries Safety at Sea Task Force (FISTAF). Search and Rescue is an expensive operation

and the Plan recommends the establishment of a fund to meet the expenses involved in search

and rescue operations.

The Plan includes an action plan which identifies the strategies and actions required to realize

the objectives of the plan, the party or parties responsible for them and the timelines

appropriate for implementation of the actions. The table in section VIII of this report details

these actions. The recommended actions will also be supplemented by a series of Guidelines

which seek to support safety at sea for fishers and fishing vessels. These Guidelines set out

requirements relating to facilities and boat production processes relevant to boatyards, quality

standards and criteria for selection of engines, fishing gear and safety, communication and

navigation equipment to be taken on different types of vessels, training modules and the

issuance of competency certificates for skippers.

In view of the multiplicity of tasks and the active participants involved in safety at sea, effective

coordination arrangements are required to ensure harmonious and timely action at times of

need. Hence the Plan recommends the establishment of two bodies for this purpose namely, 1.

Fisheries Safety at Sea Task Force (FISTAF) for policy making and overseeing implementation;

and 2. A Monitoring Task Force (MTF) for inspection and surveillance at sea.

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I. BACKGROUND

Fishers belong to a highly risk prone occupation in our society and are a group subject to a

diversity of social and economic vulnerabilities. “As many fish populations have declined (FAO

2004), fuel prices have increased, and coastal development has mushroomed, fishing

communities have increasingly suffered economic and social disruptions”.1 Social equity and

justice demand that every effort should be made to ensure the safety and the wellbeing of the

fishers who make a very significant contribution to the country in terms of providing food

security and foreign exchange earnings.

Though various measures have been taken to ensure the safety of fishers and fishing vessels in

the past it was felt necessary to incorporate them along with new measures in a single

document and to elevate it to the status of a National Plan of Action since:

Safety at sea of fishers has in recent times been a cause for much concern in Sri Lanka

and in other countries;

Safety at sea of fishers has been assigned high priority in Mahinda Chinthanaya2 and the

Fisheries Sector Development Plan;

The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Code of Conduct for

Responsible Fisheries highlights the need for states to give due attention to this

important aspect;

Safety at sea is an integral component of a holistic management and development plan

for fisheries, and

Reducing the vulnerability of fishers is an important objective of the RFLP (output 2)

which has provided technical assistance for the formulation of this Plan.

The Ministry and the Department of Fisheries have, in pursuance of the goal of ensuring fishers’

safety requested the assistance of the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme of South and

South East Asia (RFLP) which is funded by the Kingdom of Spain in preparing a National

Plan/Strategy on the safety of fishers and fishing vessels at sea as a part of an overall strategy of

the Ministry to reduce/mitigate the vulnerabilities of the fishers. RFLP agreed and held a

National Workshop in mid 2011 on “Fishers’ Safety at Sea” as a prelude to the formulation of the

plan.

The formulation of the Plan was undertaken by an inter-agency committee appointed by the

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD) and chaired by the Director-

General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR). The committee

1 Clay, P.M. and Olsen, J. (2008). Defining “Fishing Communities”: Vulnerability and the Magnuson-Stevens

Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Human Ecology Review Vol: 15, No 2, 2008. pp. 143 – 160. 2 “Mahinda Chinthanaya” – Vision for the Future, The Government’s Overall Policy Framework, 2010.

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comprised representatives of the MFARD, DFAR, the National Aquatic Resources Research and

Development Agency (NARA), the Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC); Coast

Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department (CC&CRMD), Sri Lanka Coast

Guard Service (SLCG), Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Police (SLP), Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), and

Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) and technical assistance was provided by the

FAO/RFLP. The names of the members of the committee are listed in Attachment I.

In the formulation of this National Plan due consideration has been given to the following

important guidelines set out in the FAO’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries3 relating to

Fishing Operations:

6.17 States should ensure that fishing facilities and equipment as well as all fisheries

activities allow for safe, healthy and fair working and living conditions and meet

internationally agreed standards adopted by relevant international organizations.

8.1.5 States should ensure that health and safety standards are adopted for everyone

employed in fishing operations. Such standards should be not less than the minimum

requirements of relevant international agreements on conditions of work and service.

8.1.6 States should make arrangements individually, together with other States or with

the appropriate international organization to integrate fishing operations into maritime

search and rescue systems.

8.1.7 States should enhance through education and training programmes the education

and skills of fishers and, where appropriate, their professional qualifications. Such

programmes should take into account agreed international standards and guidelines.

8.1.8 States should, as appropriate, maintain records of fishers which should, whenever

possible, contain information on their service and qualifications, including certificates of

competency, in accordance with their national laws.

8.2.5 Flag States should ensure compliance with appropriate safety requirements for

fishing vessels and fishers in accordance with international conventions, internationally

agreed codes of practice and voluntary guidelines. States should adopt appropriate

safety requirements for all small vessels not covered by such international conventions,

codes of practice or voluntary guidelines.

8.4.1 States should ensure that fishing is conducted with due regard to the safety of

human life and the International Maritime Organization International Regulations for

Preventing Collisions at Sea, as well as International Maritime Organization requirements

relating to the organization of marine traffic, protection of the marine environment and

the prevention of damage to or loss of fishing gear.

3 FAO. (1995). Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

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II. OBJECTIVES OF THE NATIONAL PLAN AND ITS MAIN FOCUS

The overall objective of this Plan is:

“To ensure the safety and security of fishers and Sri Lankan fishing vessels deployed

within the Exclusive Economic Zone of Sri Lanka and in international waters through the

design and establishment of an holistic, integrated and harmonized system and

procedures in general compliance with the provisions of international agreements,

treaties and protocols that Sri Lanka has subscribed to”.

The specific objectives of the plan are:

1. To ensure the safety and the wellbeing of fishers and fishing vessels at sea;

2. To improve infrastructure and facilities required to promote safety and security of

fishing vessels at sea;

3. To obtain active participation of community based organizations in improving

safety at sea;

4. To enhance the capacity of fishers to cope with distress situations and to upgrade

the capabilities of boat builders and equipment suppliers to improve and

maintain quality standards of their supplies;

5. To establish effective policy, legal and institutional mechanisms to support safety

of fishers and fishing vessels at sea; and,

6. To set out an implementation plan identifying the needed actions, the party or

parties responsible for implementation, the coordination arrangements required

and indicative timelines for such actions.

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III . ADDRESSING ISSUES CONCERNED WITH SAFETY AT SEA

The plan takes into consideration that ensuring safety of fishers and fishing vessels at sea

involves an integrated process relevant to a typical disaster situation. Accidents/distress

situations at sea are indeed disaster situations. In addressing such disaster situations the

practical steps indicated below become relevant. Steps 1 - 4 are of a pro-active nature, while

steps 5 – 6 are reactive steps.

STEP 01: VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS – This would constitute primarily the identification of the

risks, threats and hazards that can be expected and which have adverse impacts on fishers and

fishing vessels at sea. Historical records of past occurrences of such incidents as well as the

experiences and the perspectives of fishing communities are a useful source of information for a

vulnerability analysis. Technical evaluations based on knowledge of functioning/malfunctioning

of engines/vessels/equipment, the expected weather conditions and human behaviour provide a

sound basis for such an analysis. The lessons learnt in the course of this analysis should be used

to good effect in designing and devising measures towards the reduction of their recurrence in

the future and to mitigate the likely impacts if they do occur. The institution of a system of

reporting and systematically documenting accidents and distress situations at sea is therefore a

pre-requisite for an effective vulnerability analysis. Identification of the common causes of

accidents/distress situations at sea based primarily on Sri Lanka’s experience is given at

Attachment II.

STEP 02: PREDICTION AND WARNING – One of the most important factors leading to accidents

at sea relate to adverse weather regimes which lead to extreme weather conditions such as

storms, gales, hurricanes or even tsunamis. A bulletin containing a weather forecast on the

weather patterns prevailing in Sri Lanka and adjacent areas which is a vital item of information is

currently provided by the Meteorological Department on a regular basis. However for the

benefit of the multi day vessels which fish far out of Sri Lankan waters in the Indian Ocean,

bulletins on weather conditions prevailing in such areas also needs to be provided on a regular

basis through the Department of Meteorology. Special weather forecasts covering these fishing

grounds needs to be provided for multi day vessel operators at fishery harbours, anchorages

and landing sites through mass media such as television, radio, and newspapers. Distributing

weather forecasts by text messages to mobile phones have been tried in some countries with

good results. A simple FM radio is a useful item of equipment to be carried on board.4

STEP 03: PREVENTION AND MITIGATION – This refers to initiating actions to prevent or mitigate

identified risks/threats. This would include a series of steps such as awareness creation on safety

4 Per Danielson et al. (2010). Safety at Sea for Small-Scale Fisheries in Developing Countries. Safety for Fishermen: The

Way Forwards.

13

related issues and provision of training on practical aspects which include navigation,

communicating distress situations, troubleshooting/emergency repair of marine engines,

survival at sea, first aid, fire fighting etc., which can directly help overcome some of the specific

safety issues. Training needs to be provided to fishers on all these aspects; particularly in a

country like Sri Lanka where the fishing fleet comprises different types of fishing vessels.

Training should be targeted specifically for operators of such different vessel types. An

important aspect of such training should be that they should be made obligatory wherever

necessary and should aim at the issuance of certificates of competence relevant to each type

and level of fishers. Details of training proposed to be given for each of the main stakeholder

groups and arrangements proposed for issuance of certificates of competence relevant to each

type and level of fishers are given in Attachment III.

Another important aspect for accident/distress situation prevention is the assurance of the

quality standards of vessels, engines, and equipment including deck, communication and safety.

Measures are needed to set minimum standards for fishing vessels and engines and other

equipment, training of boat builders, issuance of guidelines for ensuring quality of marine

engines, etc. Guidelines prepared to facilitate these measures are given as Attachment IV.

Concomitantly, legal measures to enact these requirements and enforcement mechanisms and

procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements/regulations also need to be put in

place.

STEP 04: PREPAREDNESS: Preparedness and the related term “readiness” describe the ability to

quickly and appropriately respond to accidents/distress situations. This involves establishing

capacities, emergency policies and measures, systems and procedures to efficiently manage all

types of emergencies based on a sound analysis of disaster risks and good linkages with early

warning systems. It includes such activities as contingency planning, stockpiling of equipment

and supplies, the development of arrangements for coordination, evacuation and public

information, and associated training and field exercises. These must be supported by formal

institutional, legal and budgetary capacities. Coping with likely distress situations also

necessitate taking on board certain items, equipment, appliances and materials; the list of

recommended items is given as Attachment V.

STEP 05: RESPONSE – Response involves taking timely action in the form of the provision of

emergency services and public assistance during or in the immediate aftermath of a disaster in

order to save lives, reduce health impacts, ensure public safety and to meet the basic

subsistence needs of the people affected. The Monitoring, Controlling and Surveillance (MCS)

Division of the DFAR will be in the forefront of this by accepting complaints (usually made to the

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Police in the first instance) and keeping key agencies such as the Navy, and Coast Guard

informed (having convinced itself that other vessels in the vicinity are unable to help the

fishers/fishing vessel in distress) and requesting search and rescue (SAR) action and thereafter

following it up right through to the end of the process. Safety for fishers should not only be

addressed through government activities, such as regulations and guidelines, but also needs to

be addressed through grass root level organizations and their activities. Fishermen and the

fishing village communities must be encouraged to take part in safety for fishermen initiatives. A

participatory approach is needed in order to reach out to fishermen with the safety message.

The involvement and commitment by local communities are vital for the success of the work.5

The Navy, the Coast Guard and where necessary the Air Force need to be requested to take

action to save lives as a priority and thereafter to provide any assistance possible for the salvage

of fishing vessels. Where any fishing vessel has drifted into foreign waters, the MFARD in

collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and, the boat owners and their organizations

will take necessary steps to ensure the safety, the release and the speedy repatriation of the

fishers and fishing vessels concerned.

STEP 06: RECOVERY/REHABILITATION: This takes place in the post disaster/accident phase and

involves the restoration and improvement where appropriate, of the livelihoods and the facilities

available to victims. The recovery task of rehabilitation and reconstruction begins soon after the

emergency phase has ended and should be based on pre-existing strategies and policies that

facilitate clear institutional responsibilities for recovery action and that enable public

participation. Recovery programmers, combined with heightened public awareness and

engagement after a disaster provide a valuable opportunity to develop and implement disaster

risk reduction measures and to apply the “build back better” principle. Quite understandably

there are bound to be some overlaps between the response phase and the

recovery/rehabilitation phase. Disaster response is predominantly focused on immediate and

short-term needs, and is sometimes called “disaster relief”, while recovery and rehabilitation will

be of a longer term duration.

5 Per Danielson et al. (2010). Safety at Sea for Small-Scale Fisheries in Developing Countries. Safety for Fishermen: The

Way Forwards.

15

IV. CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS/DISTRESS SITUATIONS AND

MEASURES FOR THEIR PREVENTION AND/OR REDUCTION

Accidents/distress situations at sea are caused by a diversity of factors which can be broadly

grouped under four major categories.

FISHING VESSEL DEFICIENCIES - These are due to weaknesses in boat construction, lack of

proper facilities in boat yards as well as lack of effective supervision. Among some of the causes

of accidents under this category are foundering due to water leaks in the hull of the boat;

capsizing due to poor stability, etc.

These are addressed in this Plan through the Guidelines contained in Attachment III which will

require compliance from boat builders, and will also concomitantly facilitate the boat inspection

process by the marine surveyors/inspectors of the DFAR who need to ensure that these

requirements are complied with, before a boat is released from the yard. These are primarily in

support of the provisions of the Fishing Vessels Safety (Design, Construction, and Equipment)

Regulations of 2009.

ENGINE/EQUIPMENT DEFICIENCIES – It has been established through empirical evidence that

engine failure at sea is by far the most common cause of accidents/incidents at sea. This is due

to lack of attention given to the seaworthiness of engines installed on vessels (e.g. old,

improperly conditioned engines, or modified land engines, etc.). Among some of the causes of

accidents or distress situations of this type are engine failure and getting stranded at sea; loss

over board of the motor while at sea; loss of steering system; loss of propeller, breakdown of the

gear box, etc.

Taking into consideration the obligation of the DFAR to ensure that only seaworthy engines with

proven performance are permitted for use on fishing vessels and thus ensuring the safety of

fishers and vessels, it has formulated Guidelines on engine systems and allied equipment

registration. These Guidelines given as Attachment IV will be useful for engine suppliers, DFAR

officials involved in the issue of permits, the Customs Department and other monitoring

agencies such as the Navy and the Coast Guard Services, as well as insurance companies.

OPERATIONAL WEAKNESSES OF CREW/SKIPPERS – A large number of accidents/distress

situations emanate from operational weaknesses/errors on the part of the skippers/crews.

Among these are lack of knowledge on navigation and communications, lack of knowledge on

survival at sea and (even the inability of fishers to swim), inability to cope with fires, not taking

adequate supplies of food, water and fuel on board when going fishing, and basic appliances

like life jackets, life buoys, etc.

16

As measures to face up to such perils this Plan recommends a continuing programme of

awareness/training for all classes of fishers culminating with the issuance of certificates with

special requirements in the case of Skippers of High Seas Vessels. Suggestions for training and

certificate issuance are given at Attachment III. To ensure that fishers equip themselves with all

the items and materials required for a sea trip, their attention will be drawn to a list of basic

items given as Attachment V which needs to be carried on board (including basic tools,

materials, first aid and fire fighting and lifesaving appliances) which will be made mandatory

items for different classes of vessels and will be facilitated by random checks conducted at sea

by the Monitoring Task Force.

FACTORS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF FISHERS – This includes factors such as extreme weather

conditions (storm surges, cyclones, tsunamis etc.), damaging acts of other vessels and acts of

piracy. In order to cope with these conditions and situations fishers need to be provided with

training in survival techniques.

Details of causes of accidents are listed in Attachment II. This analysis would pinpoint and

highlight specific interventions and their coverage in this Plan.

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V. KEY STAKEHOLDERS RELATED TO SAFETY OF FISHERS AND

FISHING VESSELS AT SEA IN SRI LANKA

STAKEHOLDER ENTITIES

Ensuring the safety of fishers and their vessels at sea requires the involvement of a number of

agencies both within and outside the government. Some of them, particularly government

institutions, carry mandates bestowed on them by legal instruments such as enabling Acts, while

in the case of several others their sense of social responsibility demands that they lend their

support to programmes designed to ensure safety at sea of fishers which include groups that

provide voluntary services to society at great risk to their life and, limb and to their vessels day

by day. A number of organizations have a special interest in emergency operations and they also

have facilities and the capacity to provide helpful ancillary services and/or have Search and

Rescue (SAR) facilities that may be of assistance in special cases. In addition to the

aforementioned groups are community based organizations that play a vital role in organizing

fishers with information, assistance to help cope with distress situations, etc. Attachment VI lists

these organizations and sets out their roles and responsibilities of the different key stakeholder

institutions and organizations.

Of these, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD) as the line

Ministry responsible for the fisheries sector and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources (DFAR) as the implementation arm of the Ministry have the biggest responsibility for

the safety of fishers and fishing vessels at sea. The Ministry of Defence, the Sri Lanka Fishery

Harbours Corporation, the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard Service, the Sri Lanka Air

Force, the Police Department, the Department of Merchant Shipping, the Coast Conservation

and Coastal Resources Management Department (CC&CRMD) and the Department of

Meteorology and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission are the other state agencies

and each of them has an important role and responsibility for the safety of fishers/vessels.

Search and Rescue is perhaps one of the most important activities for ensuring fishers' safety in

that it requires the harmonious action and cooperation of several agencies. It is also quite

complicated in terms of logistics, and expensive in terms of financial cost. Hence this requires

special consideration and attention. The recommended institutional arrangement for fisheries

search and rescue (covering fisheries and vessels) in the form of a Fisheries Safety at Sea Task

Force (FISTAF) is spelled out in section IX of this report.

Primarily for the purpose of monitoring the compliance response of fishers and fishing vessels a

Monitoring Task Force (MTF) comprising the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Sri

18

Lanka Air Force and the Department of Fisheries will be set up to carry out monitoring of vessels

while at sea or at launching sites such as fishery harbours/anchorages and landing sites through

their observation and whenever deemed necessary through random checks and inspections. It is

primarily to facilitate such monitoring that the guidelines in Attachment III B have been

formulated. These guidelines will also serve as a very useful checklist to be used by boat

operators whose responsibility it is to ensure compliance with them, every time a fishing trip is

launched.

Any complaints or reports emanating from MTF agencies will be placed before the FISTAF at its

meetings and necessary action taken to ensure that the requirements laid down in the

guidelines are complied with.

19

VI. ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORTING-INFORMATION NEEDS AND

REPORTING MECHANISMS

An accident reporting system is an extremely useful tool which contributes to better planning

for the future, as well as in the implementation of safety at sea measures since it provides

empirical information based on actual incidents and events. At present, there is no proper

reporting of vital information pertaining to the safety related aspects such as accidents which

have taken place, when and where, the causes leading to such incidents, injuries or damage

caused to crews/vessels, the response and the promptness of the agencies responsible for

providing help in such circumstances, claims lodged by the owners in respect of damages

incurred, vessels/crews under arrest in foreign countries, etc. Even in cases where they are

reported, there is currently no database to store such information and use it for taking

prevention/preparedness measures in the future. The Plan recommends the institution of such a

Fisheries Accident Reporting System (FARS) and a database without delay. Such a system to be

effective requires the cooperation, assistance, and active involvement of community

organizations and particularly Rural Fisheries Organizations within the framework of the

National Fisheries Federation. Hence sufficient publicity and awareness raising needs to be given

among fishing communities about the mechanism and the procedures for the collection of

information and how this would benefit the fishers themselves.

The MCS Division of the DFAR which bears the major responsibility for activating the Search and

Rescue System should be the lead agency for the coordination of the FARS and the information

obtained through the envisaged reporting system should be duly analysed and made available

on the basis of a user friendly format to:

1. FISTAF (Section IX) on a regular basis for its review;

2. MTF (Section IX) for necessary follow up and to facilitate its monitoring at sea; and,

3. Policy makers, fishing communities/boat owners and other stakeholders like

insurance companies to profit by the lessons brought out by such reports.

A list of information that it is recommended should be collected through the accident reporting

system is given at Attachment V; such information will be elicited from several parties such as

the victims of an accident or distress situation, the agencies/institutions going to their help, etc.

Simple questionnaires have been suitably framed to elicit this information in a manner which

can be easily fed into the database using a system of codes; most importantly this database will

be simple to operate and maintain and will also be operator and retrieval friendly.

20

VII. SEARCH AND RESCUE MECHANISM (SARM)

According the SAR Manual of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka “The prompt provision of

Search and Rescue Services is paramount to the assistance rendered to persons in distress and

the term Search and Rescue (SAR) refers to a process of searching for and providing rescue

service to persons who are or are believed to be in imminent danger of losing their lives or

limbs. This does not include salvage or the saving of property” 6. Salvage or the saving of

property is not strictly part of SAR, though it can certainly facilitate it.

At present Search and Rescue activities in the fisheries sector of Sri Lanka are largely conducted

on a rather ad hoc and informal basis with the MCS Division of the DFAR being the focal point.

The main identifiable steps in the SAR process are as follows:

The first step is the receipt by DFAR Radio stations of signals/information regarding

distress situations faced by fishing vessels at sea. Such information may be received

through several channels - relayed by the boat in distress or by another boat in the

vicinity, through mobile phones, by boats reaching land, by boat owner/relatives, etc.

The second step constitutes the action taken by the MCS Division of DFAR after

recording the information received. Such action may include conveying the information

to fishing vessels and ships operating in the area, to the Ministry of External Affairs for

contacting the relevant authorities in adjacent countries and/or seeking the assistance of

the Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard for conducting searches. There may be

other parallel actions taken informally by the boat owners and families of crews, such as

trying to get the assistance of other boats. However they too invariably seek MCS

Division’s intervention when such attempts fail to bear results.

Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has assigned the following radio frequencies to the

Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and has permitted their use for the purposes of

radio communication.

H/F-2182,0 KHz, 4068,0 KHz, 4098,0 KHz, 4283,0 KHz, 6210,4KHz, 6213,5 KHz, 8281,2

KHz

VHF- 157.8750 MHz, 157.9250 MHz, 158.1450 MHz, 158.1875 MHz, 162.1000 MHz,

162.1750 MHz, 162.2750 MHz

Search and Rescue is primarily the State’s responsibility in terms of the obligations that Sri Lanka

has accepted under the Convention of International Civil Aviation (CIAC). At present there is a

SAR Coordination Committee comprised of the representatives from respective organizations

6 Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. (2010). SAR Manual of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

21

and this serves as the national focal point for coordination and decision making. It is a large

committee and furthermore encompasses the total SAR needs of the country, including that of

merchant vessels and their crews. Therefore it is necessary to have a mechanism dedicated to

ensure timely and coordinated Search and Rescue operations for fishers when and where

warranted. For this purpose the Plan recommends that this function be assigned to the Fisheries

Safety at Sea Task Force (FISTAF). Its proposed implementation arrangements are addressed

in section VII below.

It is necessary to encourage the affected fishing communities and/or boat owners to make all

possible efforts to obtain the support of fishing boats operating in the vicinity to search for, and

rescue any missing fishers/vessels in the first instance. It is only when such attempts are

exhausted that the case should be referred to the Navy, the Coast Guard, etc. and that too on

the principle that saving lives is the priority. For this purpose training needs to be provided to

enable fishers/boats to come to the help of their peers in distress situations. The establishment

and functioning of sea safety committees among fishing communities based on self help should

be promoted and adequately supported.

SAR is an expensive process, the cost of which, particularly in the case of offshore and high seas

boats is usually beyond the means of average fishers/boat owners. Hence obtaining life and

vessel insurance policies should be promoted, made mandatory and effectively enforced. The

establishment of a fund to meet the expenses of search and rescue operations is recommended.

The cooperation of the insurance companies and agencies concerned should be obtained for

this purpose.

The capacity of the MCS Division to assist those in distress directly through S and R is extremely

limited due to the inadequate resources at its command. DFAR needs to upgrade its facilities to

ensure that it can effectively discharge its safety at sea related responsibilities. These relate to

the upgrading of 10 radio stations by extending their buildings and upgrading the equipment

and establishing a new radio station in Jaffna. In addition, there is also a dire need of rescue

vessels equipped with the requisite safety and communication equipment to replace the vessels

which were totally destroyed by the 2004 Asian tsunami. The Navy and the Coast Guard Service

have expressed their willingness to operate these vessels on behalf of the Fisheries and Aquatic

Resources Department.

22

The details including the approximate cost of these facilities are as follows:

Item Description Cost

2 units Rescue Vessel Length 17 m – 25 meters

Engine 800 HP

Hull material - Fibre Glass

Equipment – Radar, Compass,

VHF/HF/Portable VHF Radio, Auto Pilot,

Fire Fighting equipment etc.

Rs. 300 million

Improvements to 10 Radio

Stations

Extension of buildings, provision of

equipment at Rs. 2.5 m per station

Rs. 25 million

Establishment of new

station in Jaffna

Building and equipment Rs. 15 million

Total approximate cost Rs. 340 million

23

VIII. STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR REALIZATION OF PLAN

OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION

In order to achieve the Plan objectives the requirements of, and the issues faced by the two

principal target segments covered by this Plan namely fishers and fishing vessels must be

addressed. In addition, the Plan takes due note of the specific issues concerning different types

of fishers, namely coastal fishers using non-motorized vessels, coastal fishers using motorized

vessels and offshore and high seas fishers and the corresponding types of fishing vessels they

use.

For fishers, a blanket application with reference to mandatory requirement is not warranted and

differentiation has to be made concerning the treatment of the three main categories of marine

fishers namely, i) coastal fishers who fish using traditional non-motorized vessels, ii) coastal

fishers fishing with motorized vessels and iii) multi day/high seas fishers who use larger and

more sophisticated vessels and who appear to be the most susceptible to safety related issues.

Likewise as in the case of the fishers, corresponding differentiation needs to be made for the

different types of vessels engaged in marine fishing namely, i) coastal traditional non-motorized

vessels, ii) coastal motorized/mechanized vessels and iii) multi day/high seas vessels which

display considerable differences in terms of size, engines/equipment used, operational range

and crew number.

The infrastructure and facilities under which fishers and vessels operate also have a critical

bearing on their safety. While coastal vessels use village landing sites with little or no facilities, or

estuaries or river mouths with some facilities loosely called anchorages, the large majority of

multi day/high seas vessels use fishery harbours as their base of operations.

A series of policies, facilities, institutional and legal provisions and other measures,

procedures and instruments impinging on the above three segments need to be considered.

These relate to different phases of the overall safety process and attempts have been made as

far as possible to arrange this gamut of activities by different target segments and phases.

This Plan also includes certain important actions which seek to enhance the capacity of

fishers/boat operators to cope with distress situations, and of fisheries officials and staff of other

agencies to respond to requests for help effectively and in a timely manner. The specific

objectives of the Plan, the strategies and activities to be implemented to realize the objectives

are discussed below and these constitute the real life blood of this Plan.

24

Action Plan Matrix

Specific Objective 1: To ensure safety and wellbeing of fishers at sea

Strategy Activity Responsibility Timeline

1.1 Equip

fishers with

awareness

and training

to cope with

accidents

and distress

situations at

sea

1.1.1 One day training on survival, first aid,

fire fighting for all marine fishers leading to

fishers safety certificate (FSC)

DFAR To be

continued

1.1.2.Training in coastal navigation, OBE/IBE

trouble shooting/ maintenance for coastal

fishers using motorized vessels with

endorsement by the FCDC

DFAR To be

continued

1.1.3 Training in deep sea navigation, trouble

shooting of IBE, communication equipment

/maintenance for crew of offshore/ high

seas vessels with endorsement by the FCDC

DFAR 2014

1.1.4 Providing advanced training for

skippers of offshore/high seas vessels with

endorsement by the FCDC as a skipper

qualification

DFAR 2014

1.1.5 Training of fisher divers on safe

diving practices, leading to obtaining

certificate specified by DFAR

DFAR 2014

1.2 Provide

fishers with

requisite

information

and facilities

to be in a

state of

preparednes

s for

meeting any

distress

situations at

sea

1.2.1 Provide information on weather on a

regular basis a) around Sri Lankan waters

and b) in the rest of the Indian Ocean

Met. Dept.

DFAR

a) to be

continued

b) 2013

1.2.2 Set up mechanisms for village level

information dissemination on sudden critical

changes in weather conditions

DFAR/MCS

CBOs

NARA

2014

1.2.3 Establish and maintain facilities for

continuous communication contacts

between fishers on vessels in offshore/high

seas and land

DFAR/MCS to be

continued

1.2.4 Provide assistance/incentives for fishers

to acquire life jackets and demonstrate its

usefulness

DFAR

Projects

to be

continued

1.2.5 Issue official identity cards for all

fishers on motorized vessels for use in

emergencies outside Sri Lanka EEZ

DFAR 2013

1.2.6 Conduct a vigorous publicity campaign

on enrolment of fishers in insurance schemes

DFAR

Insurance

Companies

RFO/DFO/NFF

2013

onwards

25

Specific Objective 2: To ensure safety and security of fishing vessels at sea

Strategy Activity Responsibilit

y

Timeline

2.1 Improve

the quality

of fishing

vessels

2.1.1 Carry out registration and annual

registration of all vessels

DFAR 2013

2.1.2 Issue user friendly instructions to boat

yards on construction

DFAR 2013

2.1.3 Prepare detailed procedures /manual

based on already issued regulations /guidelines

to ensure standards for boat construction

/supervision

DFAR 2013

2.1.4 Ensure that all requisite checks and trials

are done prior to issuance of certificate of

seaworthiness

DFAR 2013

2.1.5 Lay down detailed criteria for approval of

marine engines and their installation in boats

to ensure safety at sea

DFAR 2013

2.2 Improve

the

operational

aspects of

vessels to

ensure

safety and

security of

fishing

vessels

2.2.1 Introduce mechanism for owners

/skippers of coastal motorized fishing vessels

to lodge pre-sailing information at landing

centres

DFAR/ (FIs)

RFO/CBO

2013

2.2.2 Introduce mechanism for owners

/skippers of offshore/high seas vessels to

lodge pre-sailing information at fishery

harbours

DFAR

CFHC

2013

2.2.3 Provide a list to each category of boat

owners re: pre-sailing tasks /checks

/minimum supplies etc., to be carried out prior

to sailing

DFAR

RFO/CBO

2013

2.2.4 Provide a list of the basic safety

equipment specific to each type of vessel

DFAR; NAVY

SLCGS; MTF

2013

2.2.5 Provide a list of the basic communication

equipment specific to each type of vessel

DFAR; NAVY

CGS; MTF

2013

2.2.6 Introduce a Vessel Monitoring System

(VMS)

MFARD

DFAR

to be

continued

Specific Objective 3: To improve infrastructure and other facilities to promote the

safety and security of fishing vessels at sea

Strategy Activity Responsibility Timeline

3.1 Harbour

facilities

improved to

ensure safety

3.1.1 Harbour entrances /mouth

/jetties/moorings to be made safer to

facilitate safe entry, exit and anchoring of

vessels

CFHC To be

continued

26

of vessels 3.1.2 Provide lifting apparatus /docking and

slipping facilities

CFHC To be

continued

3.1.3 Arrange first aid facilities and

ambulance services when required

CFHC 2014

3.2 Improve

facilities at

anchorages

and landing

sites in

support of

fishers and

vessels safety

at sea

3.2.1 Provide adequate lighting at fish

landing sites

DFAR

LGBs

To be

continued

3.2.2 Anchorage entrances /mouths to be

made safer

CFHC

DFAR

To be

continued

3.2.3 Leading lights to be installed at

identified places

DFAR

CBO

To be

continued

3.2.4 Removal/marking of obstructions for

safe navigation

DFAR

CC&CRMD

To be

continued

Specific Objective 4: To establish effective policy, legal and institutional mechanisms

to support safety of fishers and vessels at sea

Strategy Activity Responsibility Timeline

4.1

Coordination

and monitoring

mechanism

established in

support of

safety of fishers

and vessels at

sea

4.1.1 Establish a Fisheries Safety at Sea

Task Force (FISTAF) to coordinate,

facilitate and oversee implementation of

the National Plan

MFAR

All actors

2013

4.1.2 Set up a Monitoring Task Force

(MTF) with SLN, SLCGS, SLAF, DFAR, for

monitoring at sea

MFAR

FISTAF

2013

4.2 Fisheries

Search and

Rescue System

designed and

operationalized

4.2.1 Design and agree on a Fisheries

Search and Rescue System (FSRS)

FISTAF 2013

onwards

4.2.2 Monitor FSRS through FISTAF FISTAF 2015

4.3 Strengthen

enforcement of

laws/regulations

concerning

safety of coastal

fishers and

fishing vessels

4.3.1 Enforce use of life jackets for fishers

using non motorized vessels

DFAR 2015

4.3.2 Enforce use of life jackets for fishers

using motorized coastal vessels

DFAR 2013

4.3.3 Enforce use of life jackets for

offshore/high seas fishers

DFAR 2013

4.3.4 Make it mandatory for owners

/skippers of all offshore /high seas vessels

to lodge pre-sailing information (as

agreed between DFAR/CFHC) at fishery

harbours

DFAR

CFHC

2013

27

4.3.5 Enforce boat insurance for OS/HS

vessels

DFAR

Boat Owners

2013

4.4 Accident

reporting

system

designed and

maintained

4.4.1 Identify accident reporting

information requirements

DFAR/MCS

FISTAF

2013

4.4.2 Design cost effective accident

reporting mechanism (ARM) and database

DFAR/MCS 2013

4.4.3 Institute and operationalize the ARM

and database

DFAR/MCS 2013

4.5 Strengthen

legal provisions

in support of

safety at sea

4.5.1 Identify any gaps in the legal

framework or need for improvements

DFAR 2013

4.5.2 Draft necessary legal provisions as

identified

DFAR 2013

4.6

Establishment

of a training

unit to

coordinate

safety related

training

4.6.1 Identify/designate responsible

agencies/centres to conduct training

DFAR 2013

4.6.2 Review and agree on training

curriculum/modules

DFAR 2013

onwards

4.6.3 Establish competency certification

procedures

DFAR 2013

4.7

Establishment

of a fund to

meet SAR

expenses and

compensate

victims of

accidents

4.7.1 Prepare draft of bill DFAR 2013

4.7.2 Obtain government approval DFAR -

Specific Objective 5 : Enhance capacity of boat builders in improved boat construction

and marine engineers of the Department of Fisheries in inspection and quality

assurance

Strategy Activity Responsibility Timeline

5.1 Provision of trained and qualified

personal for vessel inspection and quality

assurance

DFAR 2015

5.2 Provide regular training and orientation

to Marine Engineers on boat inspection

and quality assurance

DFAR

University of

Moratuwa

2013

onwards

5.3 Provide regular training and orientation

on best practices in fishing vessel

construction

DFAR

University of

Moratuwa

2013

onwards

28

IX. IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION ARRANGEMENTS

Responsibility for the implementation of activities is indicated in Attachment V, wherever

possible with timelines and it is essential to keep under review the progress of implementation.

For this purpose an inter-agency Fisheries Safety at Sea Task Force (FISTAF) will be set up.

1. FISTAF will comprise representatives of the key stakeholders in the fishers and fishing

vessels Safety at Sea process namely MFAR, DFAR, SLN, SLCGS, SLAF, SLP, TRC and CFHC.

Any other agencies or individuals will be co-opted when ever deemed necessary or

appropriate.

2. FISTAF will:

a) Review progress and performance of the implementation of the strategies and

actions set out in the National Plan for the safety of fishers and fishing vessels at sea;

b) Take timely action to resolve any difficulties/hindrances identifies under a) above and

facilitate its smooth implementation;

c) Examine the roles of the participating partners and provide guidance for better

coordination;

d) Keep under continuous review search and rescue operation in respect of fishers

and/or fishing vessels subject to accidents/distress situations at sea; and,

e) Steer the activities of the Plan to ensure its smooth and effective implementation.

3. FISTAF – Meetings and procedures:

a) Will meet quarterly (every three months) but more often if deemed necessary;

b) Be chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

Development, or the Director General of the DFAR;

c) Will be convened and organized by the head of the MCS Division in consultation with

the Chairman; and,

d) Proceedings will be documented and disseminated among the concerned parties.

In addition to this, another unit namely the Monitoring Task Force (MTF), will be setup to

ensure compliance with regulations by fishing vessels. This will comprise the Sri Lanka Navy, the

Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Department of Fisheries and the Sri Lanka

Fishery Harbours Corporation. It will carry out monitoring of vessels at sea or at the fishery

harbours, anchorages and landing sites to ensure that the vessels are equipped with the items of

safety appliances, equipment, water, fuel, etc. This checklist will be provided to all fishing vessel

operators. The reports issued by the agencies of the MTF will be placed before the FISTAF at its

meetings for necessary follow up action.

29

ATTACHMENT I: LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHICH FORMULATED

THE NATIONAL PLAN

Name Designation Organization

Mr. Nimal Hettiarachchi Director General DFAR

Mr. A.D.P.C.

Wijegunawardene

Director- Industries Division DFAR

Mr. D.S. Nandasena Director-Industries DFAR

Mr. Nuwan Gunawardena Assistant Director DFAR

Miss. Kumarie N. Vithane Legal Officer DFAR

Mr. N.D.P. Gunawardena Assistant Director-Industries Division DFAR

Mr. W.S.L. de Silva Assistant Director-MCS Division, DFAR

Mr. Asoka Jayaweera Radio Officer-MCS Division DFAR

Mrs. U.P.J.G. Uggaldeniya Assistant Director-Planning Division MFARD

Lt. Comdr. R.M.L

Rathnathilake

Navy Headquarters Sri Lanka Navy

Commodore A.P. Guruge Director General SLCGS

Group Captain R.P.

Liyanagamage

Senior Air Staff Officer -Directorate of

Air Operations

Sri Lanka Air

Force

Mr. L.N. Francis

Senior Superintendent-Police

Headquarters

Sri Lanka

Police

Mrs. S.A.R. Kamalanayana Assistant Director SLTRC

Mr. A.M.D. Perera Research Officer-NHO NARA

Mr. W.A.N.S. Rajaratne Assistant Director CC&CRMD

Mr. Percy Samarasinghe Manager Operations SLFHC

Technical Advisers

Name Designation Organization

Dr. Champa Amarasiri National Project Manager FAO/RFLP

Mr. Claude Fernando National Consultant FAO/RFLP

Capt. S.K.S. Jayasinghe National Consultant Safety at Sea FAO/RFLP

Mr. Leslie Joseph National Consultant-Co-

management

FAO/RFLP

Ms. Manoja

Liyanaarachchi

Communications and Database

Assistant

FAO/RFLP

30

ATTACHMENT II: ACCIDENTS AT SEA AND THEIR CAUSES

SN Nature of Accident

/Distress Situation

Causes

01 Fire onboard Unsafe cooking apparatus, smoking, oil spills, over

heated exhaust manifolds

02 Fisher falling overboard Sitting on the gunwale, stepping overboard on to

the thunder box, lifting large fish and hauling nets,

getting entangled with shooting nets, ejecting due

to pounding and heavy rolling, thrown by waves on

deck, slipping foot non use of safety belt or man

rope, attempts on overboard repair works

03 Personal accidents injuring

the crew

Negligence, non use of safety wear, slipping, wet

deck, explosions, burns

04 Water leaks in the hull of the

boat

Collisions, striking floating objects, run aground,

leaks on the stern tube, sea valve leaks, cracked

hulls, hitting anchor equipment

05 Capsizing due to loss of

stability

Top loading, slack or empty bottom tanks, rig sail

06 Loss of position and getting

stranded

Poor knowledge of navigation, lack of navigational

equipment

07 Engine failure and getting

stranded in the sea

Use of non-seaworthy/inappropriate or dilapidated

engines, poor maintenance of engines, over use of

engines, lack of knowledge of crews in engine

repairs, not carrying sufficient spare parts and tools

onboard

08 Falling outboard motor in the

sea

Poor or not properly secured OBM to the hull,

heavy pounding and pitching

09 Loss of steering system Running short of hydraulic oil, leaks in the steering

system, detached cables, absence of jury rudder,

absence of tiller

10 Loss of propeller Colliding with floating or under water objects, lose

of propeller shaft nu

11 Breakdown of the gear box Worn gear box, lack of lubricants, crash entering,

poor clutch

12 Running out of fuel Under estimation of the fuel consumption of the

engine, unusual drifting due to heavy currents and

winds, experiencing heavy and head sea conditions,

leaks in tanks

13 Encountering of cyclones Avoidance of weather warnings, over estimation of

the capacity of the boat

14 Running short of drinking

water and provisions

Under estimation of the fresh water and food

consumption, pilferage by the crew, over stay at sea

31

due to unusual heavy currents and winds,

experiencing heavy and head sea conditions, leaks

in fresh water tanks, contaminations, stranding

15 Collision with another vessel Poor knowledge of the rules of the road, not

maintaining look out duties/watch, attempts to go

alongside to other vessels, inadequate alertness of

the crew

16 Loss of communication Lack of communication equipment, over use of

batteries, exceeding the range of listening and

transmitting from the receiver, poor knowledge of

manual communication inside the radius of vicinity

by fishers

17 Falling into the hands of

pirates

Accidental, neglect of warnings by the authorities

18 Run aground Poor knowledge in navigation and seamanship, lack

of navigational aids, heavy winds and currents

19 Explosions

20 Encountering strong winds

and currents

Neglecting opinions in routine charts

21 Lightening Not taking precautions

22 Decompression sickness of

the divers

Not complying with the diving table

23 Sea snake bites and

poisonous fish stings

Non use of hand gloves and poor knowledge in

handling such living animals

32

ATTACHMENT III: SCHEME FOR TRAINING AND ISSUANCE OF

COMPETENCY CERTIFICATES TO THE FISHERS

1st Phase: All fishers using vessels for fishing should undergo training in the following

mandatory disciplines:

1. Survival at sea;

2. Elementary first aid;

3. Fire fighting techniques; and,

4. Safety at sea.

For fishers who have undergone the above training a certificate (similar to CDC issued by the

Ministry of Shipping to the seamen) called “Fisher’s Continuous Discharge Certificate” (FCDC)

will be issued by the DFAR. This certificate is a common requirement applicable to all fishers

who engage in fishing on board vessels. There will be space in the FCDC for making entries and

endorsements relating to the experience of the fishers their services, training and competency

records. The FCDC will be valid for a specific period of time (may be 3-4 years). To enable

extension of the FCDC the fisher will be encouraged to attend updated training .

2nd Phase: The second phase would comprise of 2 or more stages namely A. Boat Operator’s

Competency Certificate, and B. Skipper’s Competency Certificate Class III. Proven sea service

(determined by the DFAR) is a pre-requisite for a fisher to be considered a candidate for the

second phase.

Stage A: Boat Operator’s Competency Certificate (BOCC): All boat operators working on

fishing boats in coastal waters fixed with outboard or inboard engines must undergo a basic

training in the following disciplines in addition to those mentioned in phase I.

1. Engine maintenance;

2. Basic seamanship /Communication;

3. Basic navigation; and,

4. First aid.

Fishers who have undergone training in the above disciplines would be eligible to receive the

Boat Operator’s Competency Certificate and an endorsement to this effect will be made in

the FCDC. Subjects for training OBM/in-board engine operators leading to Boat Operators

Competency Certificate are:

33

Engine Seamanship Navigation First aid

In-board Out board

Introdu

ction to

Inboard

engine.

Engines

(two &

four

strokes)

.

Introducti

on to

Outboard

engine.

Installation

Bracket

unit.

OBMs

used in Sri

Lanka

Ignition

electricity.

.

Boat handling.

Safety equipment.

Safety at sea.

Survival at sea.

Chart reading.

Use of food

provisions and fresh

water.

Rigging sails &

Masts Rules

of the Road.

Meteorology.

Stability.

Communication.

Fire fighting.

Distress signals &

communication

Knots and splices.

Cleanliness.

Globe and

imaginary lines

on the globe.

Longitude and

latitude.

Plotting

positions and

course.

Measuring

distances and

directions.

Use of GPS.

Use of compass.

Introduction to

elementary first aid.

Bandaging.

Handling casualties.

Diagnosis of

illnesses with

external symptoms

of casualties.

Caring casualties.

Fuel system.

Cooling system.

Lubrication.

Exhaust.

Power transmission

system.

Periodical

maintenance.

Introduction to tools,

equipment and their

use.

Ascertain Symptoms

and Diagnose of

engine faults.

Rectify faults.

Different types of

propellers and their

use.

Caring of engines.

Stage B: Skippers Competency Certificate (SCC) Class III: All skippers working on board multi

day boats (Gross Tonnage less than 50 tons GT) must undergo training in the following

disciplines in addition to the disciplines mentioned in Phase I. Proven sea service (determined by

the DFAR) is a pre-requisite for a fisher to qualify as a candidate to receive the SCC Class III.

34

1. Engine and machinery:

1. Inboard engine maintenance and troubleshooting; and,

2. Fishing equipment and machineries.

2. Seamanship:

1. Radio communication;

2. Harbour procedures;

3. Marine pollution;

4. Crew management;

5. Advance fire fighting; and,

6. Stability of vessels.

3. Navigation:

1. Use of navigational equipment; and,

2. Chart work.

4. First aid:

1. Basic medical treatments.

Skippers who undergo training in the above disciplines would be issued with a Class III skipper’s

competence certificates and an endorsement will be made to this effect in the FCDC. (All multi

day fishing boats operating in Sri Lanka would fall under Class III category.)

Subjects for training of multiday boat skippers leading to Class III will be made as follows:

Engine and machinery Seamanship Navigation First aid

Introduction to

inboard engines.

Engines (two & four

strokes).

Fuel system.

Cooling system.

Lubrication.

Exhaust.

Alternator.

Gear box.

Power transmission

system.

Periodically

maintenance of the

engine.

Sea valves.

Bilge pumps.

Boat handling.

Safety equipment.

Safety at sea.

Survival at sea.

Chart reading.

Use of food

provisions and fresh

water.

Rigging sails and

Masts.

Rules of the Road.

Meteorology.

Stability.

Communication.

Globe and lines

on the globe.

Longitude and

latitude.

Plotting

positions and

course.

Measuring

distances and

directions.

Use of GPS.

Introduction first

aid.

Bandaging.

Handling

casualties.

Diagnose illnesses

with external

symptoms of

casualties.

Caring of

casualties.

35

Electricity.

Introduction to

tools, equipment

and their use.

Symptoms and

Diagnose of engine

faults.

Rectify faults.

Tanks and pipe lines.

Different types of

propellers, shafts

and their use.

Stern tubes.

Net haulers.

Caring of engines

Fire fighting.

Earth plates and

Zinc anodes.

Rudder.

Water tight bulk

heads.

Moorings.

Securing.

Distress signals.

Knots and splices.

Cleanliness.

Use of compass.

Variation,

deviation.

Echo sounder.

Radar.

Stage C: Currently there are no fishing vessels exceeding 50 GRT Pre-qualifications. Skippers of

such vessels would come under Skipper’s competence certificate Class II and/or Class I as

appropriate.

Recommended Training strategy: The authorities should design specific training syllabi

including the contents and the time durations considering the education level of the fishers. Due

to the nature of their occupation it is difficult for them to attend pro-longed training

programmes since being away from their day to day will adversely affect their earnings.

Therefore it is suggested that training be split into modules of shorter duration so that fishers

could participate without disturbing their day to day earnings. The syllabus should therefore be

split into individual modules to enable fishers to follow them separately whenever the time

permits, and complete the syllabus in stages.

There are several state owned training institutions which could undertake delivery of such tailor

made training programmes in Sri Lanka such as National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical

Engineering (NIFNE), Mahapola Training Center and the Vocational Training Authority (VTA). The

private sector also should be encouraged to conduct such training since there are several

recognized institutions carrying out similar type of training programmes in Sri Lanka.

36

ATTACHMENT IV: GUIDELINES FOR USE BY BOATYARDS, EQUIPMENT

SUPPLIERS ETC.

IV-A: Minimum requirements relating equipment, services, and facilities in boatyards to

enable best boat construction practices to be followed

Criteria Traditional (C) OBM (B) IMUL (in board)- (A)

1. Man Power

Owner Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Manager (Tech) Optional Optional Compulsory

Working Forman Optional Optional Compulsory

Working Supervisor Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Store Keeper Optional Optional Compulsory

Accounting Staff Optional Optional Compulsory

Office Assistant Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Medical assistant Optional Optional Optional

Driver Optional Optional Compulsory

Cleaners Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Engineer-Tech Optional Optional Optional

Electrician Optional Optional Optional

Draughtsman Optional Optional Optional

Laminator 3 4 7

Carpenters Optional Optional 2

Welders Optional Optional Optional

Fitters Optional Optional Optional

Helper 1 1 3

2. Office and Service Facilities

Yard Area Sheltered Sheltered Sheltered

Laminating and

Molding shop with

Air conditioning or

proper ventilation

Dimensions

Length= Mould

length+10FT ,

Width= Mold

Width+8FT,

Height=10FT)

Dimensions

Length= Mould

length+10FT,

Width= Mould

Width+10FT,

Height=10FT

Dimensions

Width = 3 X mould

width, Length =

Mould Length +

10FT, Height =

Boat Design Height

up to wheel house+

5FT

Out fitting area Equal to molding

area

Equal to

molding area

2 X Molding Area

FRP store room

(chemical)

80 Sq. Ft. 80 Sq. Ft. 120 Sq. Ft.

General stores Optional Optional Compulsory

(150 Sq. Ft)

37

Office room 80 Sq. Ft. 80 Sq. Ft. 120 Sq. Ft.

Rest room Optional Optional Compulsory

(150 Sq. Ft)

Sanitary / toilets

and wash room

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Carpentry shop Optional Optional Compulsory

Tool room Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Electricity with

electric lighting

facility

Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable

Water supply with

drinking water

facility

Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable

Disposal method Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable

Floor Concrete and

Dust free

Concrete and

Dust free

Concrete and Dust

free

Total land area Minimum= 15

Purchase

Minimum= 15

Purchase

Minimum= 50

Purchase

3. Machinery and equipment

First aid box Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Fire extinguishers

CO2 1 1 2

Water 1 1 2

Foam 1 1 2

Bench drill Optional Optional Compulsory

Hand drill Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Pipe cutter Optional Optional Compulsory

Pipe bender Optional Optional Compulsory

Bench saw Optional Optional Compulsory

Welding plants Optional Optional Compulsory

Ladders Optional Optional Compulsory

Measuring Devices

Temperature,

relative humidity

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Laminate thickness

measures

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Curing measures Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Moisture meter Optional Optional Compulsory

Viscosity measure Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Dial gauge/ shaft

Alignment

Optional Optional Compulsory

Multi meter Optional Compulsory Compulsory

38

Micrometer crew

gauge

Optional Optional Compulsory

Veneer caliper Optional Optional Compulsory

4. Tools and

accessories

Electric drilling

machine

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Hole saw Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

High speed twist

drills

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Jigsaw Optional Compulsory Compulsory

Angle grinder Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Grinder discs-

cutting

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Grinder discs-

grinding

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Hacksaw Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Rasp Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Files Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Stanley knife and

standard blades

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

wood saw Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Scissors Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Abrasive papers

(wet/Dry)

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Cork standing

blocks

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Pad saw Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Sprit level Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Plumb bob Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Tape measures Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Rubber mallet Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Brushes Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Squeegee metal Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Masking tape Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Weighing scales Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Buckets-plastic Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Cleaning rags Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Soap powder Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Mohair rollers Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

laminating rollers Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Plastic Graduated Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

39

Dispenser Bottlers

5. Power supply

Condition or

breakers in good

condition

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Main switches in

good condition

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Trip switch in good

condition

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Wire log out in

good condition

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

Extension codes in

good condition

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

AMP-5 out puts in

good conditions

Compulsory Compulsory Compulsory

AMP 15 out puts in

good conditions

Optional Optional Compulsory

IV-B: Manufacturing standards of multiday/high seas fishing vessels:

The marine engineers inspecting the fishing vessels should ensure that all the multi day/high sea

fishing vessels should comply with the requirements laid down below prior to clearing of vessels

for release from the boatyard for registration. Thereafter, these Guidelines should also be used

by boat owners/operators as a checklist prior to launching fishing trips in order to ensure the

seaworthiness of, and thus the safety of vessels at sea. The results of those checks should be

documented and systematically filed and periodic random checks will be arranged by DFAR (at

the harbours, anchorages, landing sites or at sea by the MTF) to ensure the compliance with

these guidelines.

Registration No. of the boat : ……………………………………………………………………………..

Date of Registration of the Boat : ……………………………………………………………………………..

Port of Registration : ……………………………………………………………………………..

Port of Departure : ……………………………………………………………………………..

Date of Previous Checking : ……………………………………………………………………………..

Date of Checking : ……………………………………………………………………………..

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION Yes No Remarks

Spare Alternator

Spare Starter motor

Spare oil filter

40

Spare fuel filter

Check for Oil Leaks

Check for Oil Pressure

Belts and Spare belts

Hoses

Transmission – No excessive Vibration and

alignment issue

Engine Fresh Water System

Engine Salt Water Cooling System

Head Bolts

Engine Room Ventilation Satisfactory

Hose Clamps

Fuel Filter

Fuel Tank

Instruments (Temperature gauge, Charging

indicator)

Gear Shift

Air Cleaner

Exhaust System

Propeller

Propeller shaft

Shaft gland/packing

DECK

Winches working in order

Steering system working in order

Mast

Floor – No damages or leaks

Anchor and anchor securing

Bilge pumps and system

Drain system satisfactory

ELECTRICAL Yes No

Spare Battery set

12 Volt Supply

24 V Supply

Generator (optional)

Head lights

Cabin Lights

Engine Room Lights

Navigation Lights

Fishing Lights

41

ELECTRONICS Yes No

SSB Radio

G.P.S.

Depth Sounder

Speedometer

Radio Antenna

Compass

All Connections

Fuses

SAFETY Yes No

Sufficient Number of Life Jackets and

reliability

Life Raft (optional)

Life Ring

Flares

First Aid Kit

Fire Extinguisher – number and type- updated

Smoke Detector

CREW Yes No

Skipper License

Competent crew member for Engine Repair

and Maintenance

Any other

comments:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

……..

Recommended/Not Recommended for Clearance

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Signature of the officer:-…………………………………..

Date :-…………………………………..

42

ATTACHMENT V: CHECKLIST OF ITEMS OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT, OTHER

REQUISITES/MATERIALS RECOMMENDED TO BE CARRIED ON BOARD

FISHING VESSELS

Items Onboard

YES NO

1. Life jackets

2. Life buoy

3. First aid box

4. Warm cloths

5. hand gloves

6. Hats

7. Sufficient food

8. Sufficient drinking water

9. Mobile phone

10. VHF radio

11. SSB Radio

12. Clock

13. GPS

14. Marine charts

15. Compass

16. Bailers

17. Torch

18. Lighters/matches

19. Sea anchor

20. Smoke signals and flares

21. Mirror

22. Fire extinguisher

23. Sufficient fuel and lubrication oil

24. Tools

25. Adequate engine spare parts

26. Extra propeller (for OBM engines)

27. Extra alternator

28. Extra starter motor

29. Impellers

30. V - Belts

31. Packing sheets

32. Knife

33. Hand pump for pumping out bilges

34. Tiller

35. Sail and mast

36. Oars

43

37. Canvas

38. Ropes

39. Fibre glass repair kit

40. Gland packing

41. Extra Battery bank

44

ATTACHMENT VI: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE KEY

STAKEHOLDER INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH

SAFETY OF FISHERS/FISHING BOATS

Institution/

Organization

Role/Responsibility

01 Ministry of

Fisheries &

Aquatic Resources

Development

(MFARD)

Has responsibility for formulating policies /strategies/plans

and initiating legal provisions for the safety of fishers.

02 Department of

Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources

(DFAR)

As the implementation arm of the MFARD, DFAR has the

responsibility for the enforcement of the provisions of the

Fisheries Act and associated regulations concerning the

safety of fishers and boats with the assistance of the security

forces. DFAR has an MCS unit supported by several radio

stations along the coastline and an operations room in its

head quarters. More particularly :

a) All fishing boats should be registered Under the

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No.2 of 1996.

b) Inspection of seaworthiness of fishing boat and valid

Insurance certificate before issuance of registration

certificate.

c) Inspection of equipment mentioned in Fishing Boats

Safety (Design, Construction and Equipment)

Regulations 2009 inclusive life saving jackets and first

aid items before starting journey.

Resources and facilities available:

a) Taking actions to register fishing boat through Fisheries

Inspectors and Fisheries Resources Management

Assistant of each coastal district.

b) Inspection of fisheries boat by Assistant of Marine

engineers attached to the districts before renewing

registration for each calendar year.

c) Conduct awareness program for fishers related to the

provisions of Fishing Boats Safety (Design, Construction

and Equipment) Regulations.

03 Sri Lanka Fishery

Harbours

Corporation

Manages Fishery Harbours in the island. Maintains

information on the movements of fishing boats to and from

the harbours particularly :

a) To register all minor & large scale accidents of all

Harbour registered vessels.

45

b) If possible to add accidents information in to Log

Books”.

04 Sri Lanka Coast

Guard

Roles and responsibilities

a) To prevent illegal fishing in the coastal areas of Sri

Lanka and the protection of fishers, including rendering

assistance at sea.

b) To assist the relevant authorities in ensuring safety of

life and property at sea.

c) To participate in search and rescue operations for

human beings in times of natural catastrophes and to

assist in salvage operations in relation to vessels and

other goods after such catastrophes and other accidents

at sea.

d) To disseminate information including warnings by radio

or any other means in times of natural catastrophes.

Resources/facilities available to play the above

role/discharge responsibilities are:

a) Ability to receive distress calls.

b) Maintains a 24 hours operations room.

c) Availability of vessels for SAR in near shore area.

d) Availability of trained manpower in i. Lifesaving; ii. Fire

fighting, iii. Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic repairs

at sea; iv. First Aid.

e) Ability to conduct training on above fields, navigation

and seamanship

05

Civil Aviation

Authority of Sri

Lanka (CAASL)

The search and rescue service in Sri Lanka by law is the

responsibility of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. The

Director General of Civil Aviation Sri Lanka is responsible for

the overall coordination of the Search and Rescue Service

for Aircraft Emergencies within the search and rescue region

(SARR) of Sri Lanka

06 Sri Lanka Air Force Roles and responsibilities: Sri Lanka Air Force has been

designated as an agency responsible for coordination of SAR

within the island SAR area. It also maintains facilities and

may perform SAR operations over high seas and waters

subject to the jurisdiction of Sri Lanka.

Resources/facilities available

a) Air plane for reconnaissance.

b) Helicopters for rescue missions.

c) Required VHF and other communication equipment.

d) GPS and other navigational equipment.

e) Suitable rescue equipments.

f) Trained personnel for rescue.

46

07 Sri Lanka Police The Police is the SAR authority in its respective police

divisions within the Island. This will be their responsibility in

accordance with the interdepartmental agreements. They are

mainly responsible for the provision of initial search and

rescue services.

08 Meteorology

Department

The Department of Meteorology Sri Lanka provides routine

or special weather forecasts, wind history and a description

of past and present weather reports and when required

ditching reports.

09 Coast

Conservation

Department

Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management

Department’s specific involvement in safety in regard to

removal of obstructions, the safety of coastal inhabitants in

case of marine/climate related emergency situations.

10 Telecommunication

Regulatory Authority

(TRC)

Different type of communication devices installed in vessels

and Maritime Stations to ensure the safe movement of

vessels by providing signals or messages relating to distress

urgency, safety etc. operate on international bands while

individual frequencies assignment or private channels are

used for private communication purpose. All these radio

communication equipment on board or at stations must

hold a valid license to operate such equipment issued by

Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

11 Boatyards Boatyards are obliged to ensure that their products comply

with standards and requirements laid down in laws and

regulations.

12 Boat Owners

Associations

These organization keep their membership informed of state

policies/facilities, make representations to authorities

concerned regarding matters affecting the industry and seek

redress and relief where needed.

13 National Fisheries

Federation

14 Volunteer

Organizations

Volunteer rescue organizations are located throughout the

country and their focus is primarily one of promoting safety

and carrying out local rescues for land based operations.

15 Commercial and

Private

Organizations

a) There are certain commercial and private organizations

that are capable of providing assistance during SAR

incidents. Some of these organizations have facilities that

are immediately suitable for use as SAR units; others have

facilities that have been adapted by way of providing them

with extra equipment or training. Other organizations that

might volunteer to assist in a SAR operation include

commercial airlines, general aviation operators and flying

schools.

47

ATTACHMENT VII: ITEMS/INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR THE DATABASE

IN RESPECT OF SAFETY ASPECTS OF FISHING BOATS AND FISHERS

Identifying vessel/s involved:

Registration No.

Owner’s name and contact

details

Type – Multi day

One day inboard

One day outboard

Traditional without

Engine

Date and time of event

Type of distress:

(Sinking, run aground, fire,

collision, leaking, engine

failure, piracy etc)

Number of persons on

board ill-fated vessel:

Place and position of event

Latitude : Longitude:

Bearing and the distance.

Approx. area

Type of assistance

requested:

Save lives

Save boat

Tow

Weather conditions at the

site:

Calm

Moderate

Rough

Very rough

(Wind force on Beaufort

scale)

Date and time of alert: Origin of alert:

Direct from the boat; From a

close by vessel; From a

foreign source

Fisheries organizations;

Media

( By whom and how)

Safety equipment available

onboard: (life jackets, Life

rings/buoys, life raft,

parachutes/flares, flags,

signs, sail, sea anchor, Fire

extinguishers, first aid kits

etc)

Onboard communication

and navigational equipment:

(SSB, VHF, mobile phone,

GPS, compass, radar etc)

available onboard

Means of response used:

( Rescue vessel, alerting

other vessels, request

foreign assistance etc)

Endurance of the vessel:

Number of days

Swell in the area:

(Height in feet)

Result of response:

Rescued

Towed

Any other

Quantity of food available

onboard:

(for how many days)

Visibility:

(poor, good, fair)

Causes and circumstances of

event: e.g. Natural

Accident

Negligence

Quantity of drinking water

available onboard:

Drift

Vessel apprehended for

illegal activities

48

(for how many days)

(direction, speed)

Quantity of fuel available

onboard:

(Sufficient to reach the

land?)

Vessel

confiscated/released/crews

jailed

Nature of damage to;

1. vessel

2. equipment

3. gear

(with the cost of damage)

Nature of damage to the

crew

1. Persons saved

2. Persons assisted

3. Persons injured

4. Persons missing

5. Deaths

(with names and addresses)

Identity of the second party

if collided with another

vessel

( Name, flag, colour, type,

course etc)

Result of accident;

1. Drifting to other

countries

2. boat salvaged

3. crew rescue

State of injuries to the crew

(permanent loss of

livelihood, temporary

disablement)

Whether the responsible

party to the accident

assisted or hit and run?

Vessel insured? Crew insured? Compensation claimed from

a second party or vice versa

Number of days involved for

rescue operation

Cost involved for rescue

operation

Who met the Cost for

rescue?

Any difficulty experienced in rescue operation:

( Sea condition, lack of information, cross EEZ borders, lack of capacity etc)

Who is responsible for the distress:

Other remarks/comments if any:

49

‘National Plan for the Safety of Fishers and Fishing Vessels at Sea-Sri

Lanka' was formulated by an inter-agency committee appointed by

the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development. The

need for such a National Plan was highlighted in the National

Coordinating Committee meetings of the Regional Fisheries

Livelihoods Programme of South and Southeast Asia (RFLP) of Food

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). At the request

of the Ministry, RFLP provided technical, logistical and funding

assistance for the formulation of this Plan which was endorsed and

approved at a stakeholder workshop held on the 1st of February

2013. The contents of the Plan do not necessarily reflect the opinion

of FAO and RFLP.