Aimed at strengthening and capacitating the licensing officers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as inspectors, the training is substantial in the course implementation of FAO 198-1, series of 2018 in the issuance of Commercial Fishing Vessel License (CFVL), Commercial Fishing Gear License (CFGL) and other related laws, rules and regulations on commercial fishing.

 

The accomplishments in issuing CFVL and Fishing Gear Registration, along with an update on the implementation of FAO 198-1 were presented by Abigail S. Bitancur. Resource speakers from BFAR Central Office, Beverly S. San Juan and Jason B. Alarcio, discussed various regulatory requirements for CFVL issuance and relevant FAOs, including 198-1, 155, 237, 201, 262, and 244.

 

Additionally, the 24 participants reviewed updated inspection report forms and documentation processes. They were divided into groups for field activities, which involved site visits and gear inspections at San Roque and Fatima Port in Tabaco City. The participants later presented group reports on their experiences during the actual gear inspections of various commercial and municipal fishing vessels.

 

The training concluded with impressions and learnings from the participants comprised of FMRED-Licensing staff, representatives from the six Provincial Fisheries Offices and RFTFCD staff.