1. Operator Obligations
Obligations of operators of vessels or other mobile premises where aquaculture animals are kept temporarily to be treated or undergo another husbandry related procedure are set out in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) 2020/691 and Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2020/691.
2. Who Should Apply for Vessel Fish Health Approval?
According to Article 4 (e) of Regulation (EU) 2020/691, operators of vessels or other mobile premises where aquaculture animals are kept temporarily to be treated or undergo another husbandry related procedure, are required to apply to the Competent Authority for approval in accordance with Article 176(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429. Operationally, in Ireland, this obligation applies to operators of vessels which are used for the treatment and harvest of aquaculture animals.
3. How and When to Apply for Vessel Approval
Please download and complete the application form C-29 and submit to notification@marine.ie.
The application for vessel approval should be made at least five working days in advance of the date on which the vessel is expected to arrive in Ireland.
4. Marine Institute Notification Requirements
The Marine Institute require at least three working days notice before a vessel, which has been approved in accordance with Section 3 above, re-enters the country.
This notification period is necessary as the Marine Institute must schedule a veterinary inspection of the vessel before it begins work at an aquaculture establishment in Ireland.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cleaning & Disinfection Procedures Apply as Follows:
Vessel operators must strictly adhere to the requirements of Annex I cleaning & disinfection procedures for vessels operating on aquaculture establishments in Ireland. The Cleaning and Disinfection Form (C-038) can be downloaded from HERE.