2. February 20 2014 WCPFC, Pohnpei Malo Hosken (Consultant to SPC)
Observer electronic-reporting on board fishing vessels Trials in FSM and RMI in 2013 Options for 2014
February
WCPFC, Pohnpei
Malo Hosken
(Consultant to SPC)

3. eTUBS – TUBS web platform project

4. The ‘original’ TUBS (MS Access)

5. E-reporting System- eTUBS
This web based data entry system is visually appealing and user friendly
Observers showed high appreciation of using this system of data recording
Multiple data entry checks allowed for mistakes to be spotted and rectified: PS-4 calculations and PS-2 Positions entries.

7. Trainings Trainings were conducted one on one Between four to six days
Observers used they previous workbook
The quiet environment of the conference room was adequate
Trainees helped each other at one stage which was helpful

8. Hardware
Three TOSHIBA laptops 15”screen size with number key pad – Dual core i5 – 4Gb Ram
Laptops were sturdy, but perhaps too bulky
13” screen laptops could be tested
Computer generated interest by crew on some vessels - laptops were kept in lockers at all times.

9. At sea conditions
Observers spent on average 1.5 hours a day to enter their data in eTUBS
Observers felt safer recording data electronically (ie. Password protected)
Observers with own cabin performed better using eTUBS

10. Data export Under the download tab in eTUBS
the full report JSON file - 1 mb
trip positions KML file to 120 kb
KML file can be opened with google earth, shows a mark for each activity. Fishing sets marked red.
Data export from vessels was not tested

11. Data debriefing Conducted by debriefers over one to two days
Corrected workbook was checked against eTUBS data
Audited electronic data was assimilated into the TUBs regional database at SPC.
Electronic debriefing tool being developed to debrief electronic trials completed by observers

12. Data quality DQ was high for the seven trips
Observers used TUBS as a data verification tools
‘Scores’ were over 90%
Journals and trip reports were clear and readable in electronic format – easy to share amongst management staff

13. Summary
Five observers were trained to conduct on-board trials of eTUBS and TUBS.
7 e-reporting trips were conducted
ROP minimum standards were collected on the workbook and entered in eTUBS.
Observer journal and trip report were also electronically written in MS Word format.
Electronic data export is a simple process and data was sent via and uploaded to DB.

14. Typology of the ‘e-observer’
Computer literacy is the principal skill needed.
Observers should be assessed for their computer skills and/or provided basic computer training.
Since this type of reporting involves the use of expensive computer equipment, the observers should have a good track record of professional conduct.
The work longevity of the observer is not a big factor in using eTUBS.

15. 2014 Continue and expand trials (NFAs- SPC).
Ensure NFAs are equipped with TUBs database system to access electronic-data
Keep developing eTUBS
Trial eTUBS on long line vessels
Produce standards by the end of the year

16. Building Capacity
Observers who have conducted trials have a good understanding of the process and implications of electronic reporting and are seen as valuable resources for future trainings.
In view of a large-scale implementation, electronic reporting coordinators would need to be designated and trained to deal with this new form of reporting.

17. Test new hardware platforms
eTUBS was operated under Windows 7 pro and Windows 8 pro.
Windows 8 pro can be run on specific brands of tablets and smart phones.
These smaller platforms could also be tested.
Keyboard and keypad still useful however.
Select and use a single platform for large scale implementation.

18. Refine trainings and trials
Training methods and materials can be refined
Explore options for providing basic computer training to observers
Trial e-debriefing tools
Trial observer data upload from vessel to shore (encrypted)
Trial USB key ‘booting’
Trial TUBS on LL vessels

20. Thank you Questions

21. Vessel E-reporting

22. Smart PDF – same layout as RPL

23. eTUNALOG Data entered by captain or officers
Position data entry checks
Automated catch totals
By catch reporting
Clear layout, manager interface.
Organized folder system and back up system

24. 2013 trials Ten trips were conducted on six vessels
Three versions were trialed
Updated TUFMAN in NFAs allowed importing e-log data
Generated interest in the fishing industry
Easy learning curve (same content/layout)

25. Data transmission Using vessel email
For NFAs and SPC: XML format – 5 to 15kb
For companY: PDF format – 4 to 8 kb
Daily, weekly, end of trip
Communication costs reduced

26. Data integration
NORMA and MIMRA are currently able to upload eTUNALOG data into their national TUFMAN databases
A log sheet is automatically audited in steps before staff authorize integration
Currently still need stamped log sheet to finalize data integration

27. 2014 Expand trials to US fleet with trials in AS
NFAs encouraged to work with national fishing companies
Ensure NFAs can import e-log data correctly
Trial digital signature options
Trial eTUNALOG for LL vessels

28. Thank you Questions