Licensing and Compliance

Fishers are expected to visit the Fisheries Division’s Head Office at 2c Newport East, Kingston 11 or any of the Fisheries sub-Offices island wide to pick up an application form. The completed form should be accompanied by the following documents to start the vessel registration process.
 Proof of ownership
 Bill of sale for boats
 Bill of sale for engines
 Engine serial numbers
 Two (2) coloured photographs(at least 4x7in) showing front and side views of
boats
 Transfer of ownership forms (filled out by former owner and approved by the
Fisheries Division, if the boat was previously owned).

All boats must be inspected before registration. An appointment will then be scheduled by the Division for an authorized Fisheries personnel to examine the vessel. Vessels will be checked especially on their safety and communication equipment, as well as the suitability of the vessel for rigging (that is setting up to use lines, nets, etc.) for the intended methodology which will be used for fishing.
Check Points:
 Hull and superstructure*
 Propulsion system (motor, pair of oars)
 Anchor
 Transistor radio
 First aid kit
 Life jackets for all crew members
 Waterproof flashlights
 Distress handheld flares (3 day and 3 night flares. Pistol type not recommended.)
 Marine compass, GPS)
 Emergency supplies

A registration number issued by the Fisheries Division will be painted on the vessel at specific areas mandated by Law. The boats will also be photographed for reference purposes.

Within five (5) working days, the Certificate of Registration and Licence will be issued for vessels passing the inspection and which have been approved by the Licensing Authority. Failed inspections will require that a new inspection date be scheduled with the applicant. The applicant will then be advised as to the necessary changes and repairs that must be done to the vessel.

1. Complete an application form made available by the Fisheries Division Head Office or any of its sub-offices island wide.
2. Provide the following documents:
   1.Identification (Driver’s licence or Passport or National ID or passport-size photo signed by a Justice of the Peace)
   2.Proof of ownership of vessel and/or engine
   3.The application will be processed within five (5) working days.
   4.Applicants are advised to call the Fisheries Division to check on the status of their application and will be advised where to collect the documentation.
   5.Applicants are also asked to visit the approved Identification Depot (currently in Kingston) to have their photographs taken and identification cards laminated.