Article 16
Arrangements on the placing of observers on board vessels 1. The placing of scientific observers on board Community fishing vessels conducting fishing or scientific research operations shall take place in accordance with the bilateral arrangements concluded to that end with another CCAMLR member. 2. The bilateral arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 shall be based on the following principles: (a) Scientific observers shall be accorded the status of ship's officer while on board. Accommodation and meals provided for observers while on board shall correspond to that status. (b) The flag Member State shall ensure that vessel operators provide scientific observers on board vessels flying its flag with every assistance in carrying out their duties. Among other things, scientific observers shall have free access to the vessel's data and operations in order to be able to carry out their duties as required by the CCAMLR. (c) The flag Member State shall take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of scientific observers in carrying out their duties on board vessels flying its flag, to provide medical care for them and to safeguard their freedom and dignity. (d) Action shall be taken to enable scientific observers to transmit and receive messages using the vessel's communications equipment and with the assistance of the operator. All reasonable costs incurred in making these communications shall normally be met by the CCAMLR member which designated the scientific observers (hereinafter called the designating country). (e) Arrangements involving the transportation and boarding of scientific observers shall be organised so as to minimise interference with harvesting and research operations. (f) The scientific observers shall provide the masters concerned with a copy of their reports, if they so wish. (g) Designating countries shall ensure that their scientific observers carry insurance satisfactory to the CCAMLR Members concerned. (h) Designating countries shall be responsible for the transportation of scientific observers to and from the places of embarkation. (i) Save as otherwise agreed, equipment, clothing and salary and any allowances for scientific observers shall, normally, be the responsibility of the designating country while accommodation and meals on board shall be that of the vessel of the host country. 3. Detailed rules for the application of this Article shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 20(2).