---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 C.F.R. § 622.178"
title: "50"
number: "622.178"
heading: "At-sea observer coverage."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/50/622.178"
---

# §622.178. At-sea observer coverage.

- (a) **Required coverage.**
  - (1) A vessel for which a Federal commercial vessel permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper or a charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic snapper-grouper has been issued must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage. Vessel permit renewal is contingent upon compliance with this [paragraph (a)(1)](#a-1).
  - (2) Any other vessel that fishes for South Atlantic snapper-grouper in the South Atlantic EEZ must carry a NMFS-approved observer, if the vessel's trip is selected by the SRD for observer coverage.
- (b) **Notification to the SRD.** When observer coverage is required, an owner or operator must advise the SRD in writing not less than 5 days in advance of each trip of the following:
  - (1) **Departure information (port, dock, date, and time).**
  - (2) **Expected landing information (port, dock, and date).**
- (c) **Observer accommodations and access.** An owner or operator of a vessel on which a NMFS-approved observer is embarked must:
  - (1) **Provide accommodations and food that are equivalent to those provided to the crew.**
  - (2) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's communications equipment and personnel upon request for the transmission and receipt of messages related to the observer's duties.
  - (3) Allow the observer access to and use of the vessel's navigation equipment and personnel upon request to determine the vessel's position.
  - (4) Allow the observer free and unobstructed access to the vessel's bridge, working decks, holding bins, weight scales, holds, and any other space used to hold, process, weigh, or store fish.
  - (5) Allow the observer to inspect and copy the vessel's log, communications logs, and any records associated with the catch and distribution of fish for that trip.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

### Source

Source: 78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, unless otherwise noted.