Responsibilities of the FMC

(1) The FMC shall, through coordination with its service providers, ensure that the MTUs installed on vessels function normally and are not tampered with. (2) The FMC shall ensure the regular monitoring of the accuracy of the data referred to in Regulation 30. (3) The FMC shall ensure that it receives at least one report every hour, through VMS, the information referred to in Regulation 30 concerning the vessel. The FMC has the authority to require VMS reports at shorter intervals and other additional information as may be necessary. (4) The FMC shall, through the use of VMS, closely monitor the activities of a vessel, from the date and time of entry to the date and time of exit for the following areas: (a) any maritime areas where specific rules on access to waters and resources apply; (b) the regulated areas of the regional fisheries management organizations of which Belize is a party; (c) the jurisdictional waters of another country; (d) any other area, restricted or otherwise, which may be designated by Belize. (5) The FMC may provide information on Belize flagged vessels to any other FMCs, as necessary. (6) Belize shall use the data received pursuant to Regulations 32 and 33 for the effective monitoring of the fishing activities (7) The FMC shall ensure that the data received from the vessels is recorded in electronic formats for a period up to five years. VMS.