Format for exchange of information between Member States
1. Information shall be exchanged between Member States using the format defined in the Annex which is based on extensible mark-up language (XML).
2. Corrections to the information referred to in paragraph 1 shall be clearly identified.
3. When a Member State receives electronic information from another Member State it shall ensure that a return message is issued to the competent authorities of that Member State. The return message shall contain an acknowledgement of receipt.
4. Data elements in the Annex that are mandatory for Masters to record in their logbook according to Community rules shall also be mandatory in exchanges between Member States.
Access to data
1. A flag Member State shall ensure that a coastal Member State has online access in real time to electronic logbook and landing declaration data of vessels flying its flag when conducting fishing operations in the waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of the coastal Member State.
2. The data referred to in paragraph 1 shall at least cover the data from the last departure from port to the time when the landing is completed. Data from fishing trips for the previous 12 months shall be made available on request.
3. The master of a Community fishing vessel shall have secure access to his own electronic logbook information stored in the database of the flag Member State on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week basis.
4. A coastal Member State shall grant online access to its logbook database to a fishery patrol vessel of another Member State in the context of a joint deployment plan.
Exchange of data between Member States
1. Access to the data referred to in Article 15, paragraph 1 shall be by secure internet connection on a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week basis.
2. Member States shall exchange the relevant technical information to ensure mutual access to electronic logbooks.
3. Member States shall:
(a)
Ensure that data received according to this Regulation are safely stored in computerised databases and take all necessary measures to ensure that they are treated as confidential;
(b)
Take all necessary technical measures to protect such data against any accidental or illicit destruction, accidental loss, deterioration, distribution or unauthorised consultation.
Single authority
1. In each Member State, a single authority shall be responsible for transmitting, receiving, managing and processing all data covered by this Regulation.
2. Member States shall exchange lists and contact details of the authorities referred to in paragraph 1 and shall inform the Commission thereof.
3. Any changes in the information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be communicated to the Commission and other Member States without delay.
