Regional Clearance System (Advance) Development and Deployment of the NEW RCS Small Vessel Clearance System May 2012
Red stars- USVI, Haiti , Dom Red stars- USVI, Haiti , Dom. Rep, Central America, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela desirable host countries, not yet deployed. Yellow stars- Current host countries
Agenda RCS Advance: Original RCS 2000 rebuilt Operated in St. Lucia and BVI as Pilot Pre-Arrival Notification: eSeaClear Harmonized Clearance Form with / Immigration Strategy for phased Deployment in Region
RCS Advance Complete rebuild using current Web technologies to improve user efficiency Functional improvements based on feedback from Assessment Site Visits (CCLEC & Developer) Data Entry module complete 2008 PAN module complete 2008 Data Query and Analysis module ready by 2009 Previous RCS 2000 completely rebuilt Officers , users in several countries consulted for their input re functional improvements Data query ad analysis models are key for frontline and intelligence personnel Allows departments to create management reports
Harmonized Entry Form Simplified, divided into sections Crew entry capability Easy navigation by user
Registries Inport- Lists all vessels entered / inbound in a port Enroute- Lists all vessels that indicate intentions to visit a port / country Through eSeaclear Through being outbound at another port Outbound- Lists all vessels cleared out Overstay- Lists all vessels cleared and remaining past declared date of departure
In Port Registry Divided into individual ports for ease of loading Enroute Outboubd Overstay
En Route Registry Lists all vessels which reported through eSeaclear their intention to visit a country / port Lists all vessels cleared / outbound from one port to another
Seizure Intelligence Database Database of seizures (Drugs, Cites, Commercial goods, Firearms, Human Trafficking, etc.) Enter New Seizures View Seizure details, offenders, photos Customs, Police, Coastguard- all agencies Credit given to seizing agencies Regional and international publication, exposure (Canada, Caribbean, France, Netherlands, Spain, UK,)
Seizure Registry
Pilot and Rollout RCSA pilot program completed in St. Lucia and BVI 2008 to ensure: Software worked under real-life conditions Customs front-line staff ready for the new procedure Immigration officers also able to facilitate speedier clearance
Pre-Arrival Notification Yacht operators able to enter all details of pending voyage via web based system: eSeaClear Customs able to conduct Risk Assessment PRIOR TO the arrival of vessel and crew Clearance information moved into RCSA by Customs staff with minimal effort…a few mouse clicks Caribbean Marine Association - CMA fully supports the deployment of eSeaClear and is actively promoting its use to yacht operators
Step 1: Voyage Details
Step 2: Crew Details
Step 3: Weapons Details
Step 4: Stores Details
Step 5: Confirmation
Pre-Arrival Notification Vessel Operator enters arrival notification: Notification immediately available to Customs: Vessel Operators register and log in to an independent system to enter and manage their information. From here they create arrival notifications for each new voyage. Once that notification is created, the information is immediately accessible from within the SeaTrax software for Customs or other stakeholders to make use of.
Harmonized Clearance Form CCLEC coordinated efforts between Customs departments and approved a common Clearance Form for use with RCSA Additional fields of information added to form to help satisfy Immigration clearance procedures Critical that both Customs and Immigration can use the new system to speed Clearance for the yachting public
Pre-requisites for RCSA Agreement on the elements for the harmonized form Connectivity and recommended hardware Repositioning of the system to the front end of the clearance process. Engagement with Immigration Authorities Promote use and awareness of the system within local admins and yachting community Technical support – Systems admin and JIO Tutoring, installation, daily, live support, analytical support Officers need to use the system to risk assess and process documents / yacht Connectivity and hardware needs- all admin informed, but already installed CPU’s are useful, simply an email package to install Many meetings held with local and regional yachting concerns- their advice and input included- very enthusiastic
Strategy for Further Deployment Pilot program concluded 2008 Assess feedback and distribute report Expand system around pilot sites Progressive expansion to include all user countries based on readiness to implement Data remains owned and shared by regional administrations via MOU
RCSA Deployment BVI St. Lucia St. Vincent and Grenadines (Martinique) Dominica Montserrat St. Kitts and Nevis Anguilla St. Maarten
RCSA Deployment Cayman Islands Aruba and Curacao Antigua Grenada Bermuda ---------------------------- RCS 2000 still operates in Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Bonaire, Guadeloupe and remains available to all the above
RCS SUCCESSES Caribbean & Metro countries use RCS/RCSA with increased results Spain UK Canada France Netherlands
Summary RCS Advance up and running in many territories Pre-Arrival Notification- Enables Facilitation RCSA and eSeaclear designed to minimize data entry burden on Customs staff- Enables Facilitation of Yachting Public Pre-Arrival Notification helps support Intelligence Led Enforcement throughout the Region Complete RCSA and SID data query modules Communication forum of RCS 2000 and RCSA
RCS SUCCESSES/ CAPABILITIES Streamline maritime clearance processes Facilitate legitimate yachting public Drug Seizures using RCS : over 30 tonnes ID maritime trafficking trends Locate suspect and wanted persons Track the movement of suspect yachts Platform for regional and international maritime anti-smuggling initiatives Register and Track the movement of arms and ammunition on yachts
Learning Points 2000-2012 Regional need for such a system Clear contractual conditions must be set Wholly owned by region through CCLEC CCLEC concept and mandate Traditional, regional collaborative culture Freedom to share system/ maximize usage benefits IPR/ Patent registration essential Reliable funding - members and marketing
Future Plans - CCLEC Develop/ Deploy a multi modal clearance system Rapid deployment More efficient and up to date technology More user-friendly Full collaboration with maritime community Increased facilitation of yachting and traveling public Secure Border Security usage (Customs , Immigration, etc.) Increased border protection capabilities Advertising / PR platform
END Thanks Questions?