The presence of seabird-safe measures (except night setting) can be checked when a vessel is in port and able to be boarded.

As well, the materials, and design specifications of line weights and bird-scaring lines can be checked. However, it is not possible to check whether the measures are used or not during fishing, and in the case of bird-scaring lines, whether they are being used correctly.

Some indication of whether the bird-scaring line is used can be checked from its condition and where it is stored. 

Port access, health and safety

There will be a range of necessary permissions and procedures to gain access to the vessel. These may vary by port.

Useful equipment

Measuring tape, scales, camera.

What to check 

Bird-scaring lines

• Presence of an adjustable tori pole with an angle that holds the BSL to the side of the vessel so steamers hang over the baited hooks
• Height of the bird-scaring line attachment point above the waterline
• Length of the bird-scaring line
• Number of streamers, length of longest streamer, spacing, and streamer material
• Presence of an in-water drag section, including materials
• Presence of spare bird-scaring line materials on board 

Line weighting

• Type of weight (lead swivel, weighted hook, sliding weight, double weight)
• Mass of weight closest to hook
• Distance between the hook and the weight
• Proportion of branchlines with weights
• Presence of spare weights on board

Hook-shielding device (Hookpod)

• Name of manufacturer
• Presence of hook-shielding devices on all branchlines
• Spare hook-shielding devices on board

Underwater bait setter

• Name of manufacturer
• Maintenance record
• Data collected by control unit for use and depth settings