When a BlackBoxVX REM system has been installed on a vessel and set up on Anchor Lab’s server, it is time to prepare and initiate the validation process. The Scottish Marine Directorate has allocated a number of validation officers that will validate all of the REM systems provided by Anchor Lab.

There are a few stages to the the validation process:

1. The vessel owner and/or vessel point of contact (e.g. installer) to complete the 6.1 Annex A: REM Validation Survey Form along with other requirements such as vessel schematics etc. and return it to the fdf@gov.scot mailbox. The form and other requirements can be found by here. When sending Annex A and other requirements, please put the subject matter as ‘Pelagic REM Validation Required’.
2. When The Scottish Marine Directorate has received Annex A, they will assign a validating officer (VO) as point of contact for the vessel. The VO will be responsible for remote checks and any remedy work (if required) that will be required to meet the regulation standard.
3. Remote Check Part 1: VO will check camera positions/angles, view etc. The vessel is not required to be fishing, it only has to be online for this check.
4. Remote Check Part 2: The ‘burn in test trip’ – the vessel is required to be fishing for this to be completed. A check will be completed on cameras , winch sensor and GPS (VPS) and data transmission. There will be a requirement for short periods of video to be downloaded ( i.e about 2 /3 minutes per camera).
   • The 'burn in test trip' does not need to occur in Scottish waters. If this trip is going to occur outside of Scottish waters, contact Anchor Lab prior to the trip taking place to ensure video will be recorded.
5. When the VO is satisfied that the vessels REM system is compliant, they will notify the FDF unit who will then notify vessel owners and REM providers of the outcome. The FDF unit will also notify colleagues from within Scottish Government that the vessel meets the requirements.

Should there be any issues that need to be resolved, regarding the EM system itself or the validation details, the Scottish Marine Directorate will contact the vessels point of contact.

Annex A – Common Answers and Practical Guidance

Below we have gathered our suggestions and common answers to some of the fields in Annex A. The images of camera views and camera configurations can be found downloaded from the vessel support page:

• RSS: The equivalent to IMO for non-UK vessels.
• Hardware ID: The VX reference number is displayed as a tooltip if you position the mouse cursor over the vessel's PLN in the upper right hand corner of the user interface. The VX reference number can also be found in the system's settings, alternative contact Anchor Lab with your vessel's name and PLN.
• Chosen method of data storage and transmission: #2 uploading VPS and sensor data by default, and video by request only.
• Name of platform: Anchor Lab’s analysis software (BlackBox Analyzer).
• Temporary login details to access Data Capture Platform: The FDF VO’s have been provided with appropriate login details by Anchor Lab.
• Description of accessible data files, their structure and format: A description of Anchor Lab’s metadata (file structure and format) has been supplied to the Scottish Marine Directorate. Contact info@anchorlab.net if any questions arise.

The Anchor Lab team is ready to provide assistance with completing 6.1 Annex A: REM Validation Survey Form and any other issues related to the validation process. If assistance is needed please contact the Anchor Lab member you have been communicating with or follow this link to find our contact details.