The Falkland Islands Maritime Authority will be introducing a Voluntary Ship Reporting System (FIREP) from 1st June 2022.
As part of the Maritime Authorities obligations for the safety of vessels operating in its waters and following an assessment by NASH maritime in 2021, it was recommended that ‘a reporting scheme for vessels entering FI Territorial Waters to assist authorities in tracking and understanding passenger vessel activity around Jason Islands’ be put in place as ‘at present there is little to no oversight’.
This was particularly recommended in light of the Le Boreal incident in 2015 and the repercussions.
FIREP will be a voluntary system.
- Ships participating in the ship reporting system:
Vessels entering the area to the west of West Falkland, proceeding to and from anchorages or passing through the reporting area.
- Vessels not required to Participate in the Voluntary system.
Pursuant to SOLAS 1974 Convention, as amended, the FIREP does not apply to warships, naval auxiliaries, other ships owned or operated by a Contracting Government and used, only on Government non-commercial service. However, such ships are encouraged to participate in the reporting system.
Any vessels licenced to fish within the FICZ are not required to participate in this system.
For further information please see Local Notice to Mariners 01/2022. Chart and Publication corrections will be issued by UKHO shortly.
