Announcement of the Department of Fisheries on appointment, qualifications, training methods and registration as an national fisheries observer.

These Rules are made under section 50 of the Royal Ordinance on Fisheries by the Director of the Department of Fisheries concern fisheries observers on board of Thai fishing vessels fishing outside Thai fishing waters, including the high seas. Section 50 requires a holder of a license to engage in fishing outside Thai waters to have an observer stationed on board the fishing vessel in accordance with the rules prescribed by the coastal state or the international organisation having jurisdiction over the intended area of fishing operation, or as prescribed by the Director-General. The fishing vessels engaged in fisheries in the outer waters of Thailand shall be provided with observers for at least at least five percent Of the total fishing effort. The Rules set out data collection and reporting requirements of observers. The Division of Fisheries Research and Development Department of Fisheries shall be the competent authority for purposes of these Rules.