WCPFC High Seas Transhipment E-Reporting APP

What Is Transhipment?

Transhipment means transferring fish, bait, or other seafood from one fishing vessel to another while both are at sea (on the “high seas,” which refers to areas beyond any country’s jurisdiction). Transhipment on the high seas can make it harder to track which vessel caught which fish. That is why WCPFC (Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission) has strict rules to make sure every transfer is documented.

Why Is Electronic Reporting Important?

Instead of using paper forms or email alone, electronic reporting lets vessel operators send information directly into a secure, centralized system. This approach:

• Speeds up submission of notifications and declarations.
• Reduces errors by using menus and automated checks.
• Lowers transmission costs, since only small data packets are sent.
• Allows fisheries managers to view and analyze data in real time.

What Is TSER?

TSER stands for Transhipment Electronic Reporting System. It is the WCPFC’s official app for submitting high seas transhipment notifications and declarations. Vessel masters, company managers, and staff at national fisheries agencies use TSER to meet WCPFC’s reporting requirements.

Overview of TSER Features (Basic to Detailed)

Easy Access and No Cost to Use

• Free to download and use. Internet-service providers may still charge a small fee for data usage, but TSER itself has no download cost.
• Compatible platforms:
  • Windows (desktop or laptop)
  • Android tablets (2013 or newer)
  • iPads (2013 or newer)
  • Android phones and iPhones (works, but small screens can feel “cramped”)

Works on Slow Satellite Connections

TSER only sends a few hundred transhipment forms per megabyte, which keeps data-transfer costs low, even using satellite internet. You don’t need to stay online the whole time—TSER saves your form locally and sends data only when you click “Submit.” If the first attempt fails, TSER automatically retries after a short pause.

User-Friendly Data Entry

• Drop-down menus: Most fields use pre-defined lists, so you type very little.
• Edit or cancel submissions:
  • If details (date, location, species, etc.) change, you can update the notification in about 15 seconds.
  • You may also cancel a submission if needed.

Supported Languages and Manuals

Currently, the TSER user manual is available in English. It is about 25 pages with many screenshots, making it easy to follow.

Regulatory Context and Requirements (More Technical)

WCPFC Conservation and Management Measure CMM 2009-06

CMM 2009-06 regulates high seas transhipment under WCPFC rules. It lays out:

• When a transhipment notification must be submitted.
• What details must be included (dates, locations, species, quantities, vessel names, etc.).
• How national agencies must review and forward data to WCPFC.

Download CMM 2009-06

TSER is designed to meet every requirement in CMM 2009-06 and the related Electronic Reporting Standards agreed by the Commission.

Download Electronic Reporting Standards

How to Submit High Seas Transhipment Notifications/Declarations

Available Submission Methods

• Use TSER to enter data, attach any required files, and send directly to WCPFC.
• Email a completed form to transhipment@wcpfc.int.
• Combination of TSER and email (for example, if your agency prefers to keep a local copy first).

Note: TSER is recommended because it automatically enforces WCPFC rules on required fields and data formats.

Enabling E-Reporting for Your Country (CCM)

By default, e-reporting is disabled for each country (CCM = Members, Cooperating Non-Members, or Participating Territories). If your agency wishes to use TSER:

1. Email the WCPFC Compliance Manager.
2. Provide your CCM name and contact details.

Once activated, all users in your CCM can log in and start using TSER immediately.

Downloading and Installing TSER

Windows Version

Download TSER App (Windows)

Android Version

Google Play Store:

1. Open Google Play on your Android device.
2. Search for “wcpfctser” (no spaces).
3. Install the app.

If Play Store is unavailable: Contact the Secretariat via email (itsupport@wcpfc.int)

App Store:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for “wcpfc tser” (with a space).
3. Install the app.

Tip: Check your device’s operating system version. TSER works best on devices manufactured in 2013 or later.

TSER User Manual (Detailed Guide)

The TSER user manual is approximately 25 pages long and contains mostly screenshots to guide you step by step. It covers:

• How to set up your TSER account.
• Logging in and navigating the main menu.
• Filling out new transhipment notifications.
• Editing or cancelling existing entries.
• Troubleshooting common errors (e.g., invalid format, missing fields).
• Installing updates on each platform (Windows, Android, iOS).

TSER App Privacy Policy

View the TSER App Privacy Policy