Civil Service

Ministry of Fisheries

27. MINISTRY OF FISHERIES 27.1

Mauritius has a maritime zone of approximately 2.3 million square kilometres. With such a vast maritime zone, Mauritius has the potential to become a significant player in the world seafood industry. In this context, Government is aiming at developing an Ocean Economy which will be one of the future contributors to the country‟s GDP.

27.2

The vision of the Ministry of Fisheries is to make the Fisheries Sector an economic pillar with due regard to sustainability of the aquatic resources and social development, for the benefit of all stakeholders. Its mission is to provide an enabling environment for the promotion of sustainable development of the Fisheries Sector and to ensure continued economic growth and social development within the framework of good governance. The Government‟s programme 2012-2015 now incorporates fisheries as an essential element of the Ocean Economy.

27.3

The objectives of the Ministry are, to inter alia, promote and regulate the optimal long-term sustainable utilisation of the living marine resources; carry out and promote applied research, development and management of aquatic living resources; foster the interest of Mauritius within the International Fisheries organisations; and provide professional, responsive and customer friendly services.

27.4

The Fisheries Sector has been developing very fast during the last decade where new areas of operation have been opened such as Sea Food Hub, Fish Auction Market and, even a master plan for the sector has been prepared with the collaboration of all stakeholders which prompts the request for a good reorganisation and incentives to encourage the officers to fulfill the goals of the Ministry.

27.5

The Ministry of Fisheries is under the overall responsibility of the Permanent Secretary, assisted on the administrative side by one Principal Assistant Secretary and two Assistant Secretaries, and on the technical side by the Director of Fisheries who is responsible for sectoral planning and coordination between management and research. The fisheries research service which deals with applied research, is manned by officers in the professional, technical and enforcement cadres.

27.6

The technical duties of the Ministry are performed by the staff of the Albion Fisheries Research Centre (AFRC), the Fisheries Training and Extension Centre and the Competent Authority Seafood. The objectives of the AFRC are, to inter alia, carry out research and studies needed for the sustainable development and management of marine living resources (fish stocks, coral reef, etc.); provide support services to stakeholders of the fishing industry; and provide advice to policy makers on matters related to the management ~387~

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Ministry of Fisheries

and development of living marine resources and the conservation of marine environment including the creation of marine parks and reserves. 27.7

Through its training activities, the Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (FITEC), aims at empowering fishermen to earn a better livelihood. Additionally, it encourages fishermen to venture into a more profitable business in the off lagoon fishing around Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), by deploying and maintaining a number of these FADs around the island.

27.8

We are, in this Report, streamlining the organisation structure by merging the grades of Scientific Officer (Fisheries) and Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries), and restyling the grade of Principal Fisheries Officer to a more appropriate job appellation.

Scientific Officer/Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries) 27.9

Management has submitted that the organisation structure of the professional cadre is cumbersome, with eight Divisional Scientific Officers (Fisheries), one Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries) and 28 Scientific Officers (Fisheries) in post. In line with the Bureau‟s policy of delayering, it would be appropriate to merge the grades of Scientific Officer (Fisheries) with that of the Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries), and the supervisory element be ensured by the Divisional Scientific Officer (Fisheries).

Recommendation 1 27.10

We recommend that the grades of Scientific Officer (Fisheries) and Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries) be merged and restyled Scientific Officer/ Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries).

27.11

We further recommend that the scheme of service for the grade of Divisional Scientific Officer be amended such that, in future, promotion be made on the basis of experience and merit, of officers in the grade of Scientific Officer/Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries) reckoning an aggregate of four years‟ service in a substantive capacity in the grades of Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries) and Scientific Officer/Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries).

Assistant Director (Fisheries) formerly Principal Fisheries Officer 27.12

Presently, Principal Fisheries Officers, apart from coordinating technical/professional activities, also assist the Director of Fisheries in the formulation of policies and strategies for the smooth running of the Fisheries Sector. We are, therefore, restyling the grade to befit the status and the responsibilities devolving upon incumbents.

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Ministry of Fisheries

Recommendation 2 27.13

We recommend that the grade of Principal Fisheries Officer be restyled Assistant Director (Fisheries).

27.14

We also recommend that the scheme of service for the grade of Director of Fisheries be amended accordingly.

Clerk Assistant 27.15

The grade of Clerk Assistant exists on the establishment of the Prime Minister‟s Office (Civil Status Division); Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security; Ministry of Social Security, National Solidarity and Reform Institutions; Ministry of Fisheries; and Ministry of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives. Incumbents in this grade normally perform sub-clerical duties wherever they are posted. However, they are often called upon to perform higher duties. Following representations made by incumbents from this grade, the MCSAR, in February 2011, approved the payment, to all Clerk Assistants posted to various Ministries/Departments, of an ad hoc allowance, equivalent to the responsibility allowance they would have drawn had they been assigned higher duties of Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer, with effect from 4 January 2011 until the publication of the next PRB Report subject to (i) funds being available; and (ii) the Permanent Secretary is satisfied that the Clerk Assistants are operating at the level of Clerical Officer/Higher Clerical Officer.

27.16

During consultations with stakeholders for this Report, Management has submitted that in the given circumstances, the Clerk Assistants are performing at a higher level and the experience acquired over the years is being gainfully used. Additionally, the staff side has requested for a change in appellation to reflect the nature of duties they perform. The Bureau has examined the submissions and is making an appropriate recommendation.

Recommendation 3 27.17

We recommend that: (i)

the grade of Clerk Assistant be restyled Office Clerk;

(ii)

the MCSAR, in collaboration with the relevant institution, mount an appropriate award course for Office Clerk formerly Clerk Assistant;

(iii)

on successful completion of the award course, incumbents be allowed to move incrementally in the master salary scale up to salary point Rs 23250 wherever they have been posted; and

(iv)

Management should ensure that the officers are entrusted responsibilities commensurate to the position.

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Ministry of Fisheries

Restyling of other grades 27.18

To cope with the technical innovation on board of newly designed boats/vessels, there is need for suitably qualified personnel. The Ministry has submitted for the restyling and reviewing of the qualification requirements of some posts to reflect the new skills and competencies required for these posts. We have examined the submissions and are making appropriate recommendations.

Boatswain (Sea-Going Vessel) Recommendation 4 27.19

We recommend that the grade of Boatswain (Sea Going Vessel) be restyled Skipper. Recruitment, thereto, should be made from among candidates possessing either the Certificate of Competency as Skipper Fishing Vessels (Limited) or Skipper‟s Certificate or Certificate of Competency as Skipper of Fishing Vessel of 24 metres or more and reckoning at least one year‟s experience as Skipper on boats/vessels. Progression beyond the Qualification Bar (QB) in the salary scale would be subject to the officer possessing the above qualification.

27.20

Incumbents would be required, among others, to be responsible for keeping available all deck stores and equipment; participate in fishing operations, constructions, setting and maintenance of full aggregating services, take part in any search and resource operations and in landing operations on any islet in the coast of Mauritius; record attendance of all new officers directly under his supervision; and perform such duties as may be assigned during the docking of boat/vessel.

Coxswain Recommendation 5 27.21

We recommend that the grade of Coxswain be restyled Second-Hand Fishing (Limited). Appointment, thereto, should be made from among candidates possessing the Certificate of Competency as Second-Hand Fishing (Limited) and reckoning at least three years‟ service in the operation of fishing boats or other boats at sea.

27.22

Incumbents would be required, among others, to carry out proper coordination and execution of fishing operations, operate fishing, patrol, research and training boats with central and outboard engines; be responsible for the general maintenance of boats and their equipment and for the safe keeping of stores items; take part in the preparation of fishing operations; assist in the preparation and setting of fish aggregating services at sea; and take part in any Search and Rescue Operations and in landing operations of any islet in the water of Mauritius.

Pay Review 2013

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Civil Service

Ministry of Fisheries

Artificer Recommendation 6 27.23

We recommend that the grade of Artificer should be restyled Motorman/Engine Driver. Recruitment thereto should, in future, be made from among holders of a Certificate of ratings forming part of the Engine Room Watch as per Section A-III/4 of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and reckoning at least two years experience in the operation of fishing boats or other boats at sea as Motorman or Engine Room Rating.

27.24

Incumbents would be responsible, among others, to the Skipper for the maintenance and repairs of inboard and outboard motors and other mechanical installation and equipment on board of fishing, patrol, research and training boats; taking part in the preparation of fishing operations; assisting in fishing operations and in the preparation and setting of fish aggregating devices; taking part in any Search and Rescue Operations and in landing operations on any islet in the waters of Mauritius; and performing such duties as may be assigned during day docking of boats/vessels, among others.

Deckhand/Fisherman 27.25

We are also reviewing the qualification requirements and the duties of the grade of Deckhand/Fisherman.

Recommendation 7 27.26

We recommend that appointment to the grade of Deckhand/Fisherman should, in future, be made from among candidates possessing a Certificate as Efficient Deckhand and reckoning at least two years‟ service on decked boats/vessels at sea.

27.27

Incumbent, would in addition to the present duties also be required to form part of the crew of a fishing, patrol, research or training boat or any light craft attached to such boat/vessel owned or operated by Government through the Ministry, and participate in fishing operations and in the deployment of fish aggregating devices.

27.28

These factors have been taken into consideration in determining the recommended salary for the grade.

Sea-Going Allowance 27.29

At present, officers who work as observers on board vessels operating in our Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), and officers participating in Surveillance Missions outside our EEZ, and who are not entitled for overtime, are paid an allowance of Rs 800 a day for working for a period of five days at a stretch. ~391~

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27.30

Ministry of Fisheries

We are maintaining the provision and revising the quantum.

Recommendation 8 27.31

We recommend that officers who work as observers on board vessels operating in our Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), and officers participating in Surveillance Missions outside our EEZ, and who are not entitled for overtime, be paid an allowance of Rs 880 a day for working for a period of five days at a stretch.

27.32

Presently, a Sea-Going Allowance is payable to the Scientific/Technical staff who are required to go out at sea for the placing and maintenance of Fish Aggregating Devices, for research work and training of those fishermen working in the Aquaculture Division, the Marine Conservation Centre, the Import/Export Quarantine Clearance Unit and the Licensing Unit. We are maintaining this provision.

Recommendation 9 27.33

We recommend the continued payment of a Sea-Going Allowance for the Scientific/Technical staff who are required to go out at sea for the placing and maintenance of Fish Aggregating Devices, for research work and training of those fishermen working in the Aquaculture Division, the Marine Conservation Centre, the Import/Export Quarantine Clearance Unit and the Licensing Unit as follows: (a)

one day‟s pay for working in the open sea for four hours up to 12 hours on working days.

(b)

1½ day‟s pay for working beyond 12 hours, including Saturdays, up to 24 hours.

(c)

one day‟s pay and one day off for working four to 12 hours on Public Holidays and Sundays.

In-Attendance Allowance 27.34

Scientific Officers and Technical Officers are often required to work outside normal working hours during weekdays, weekends and public holidays in cases of fish mortality, stranded mammals and sea pollution. We are revising the quantum of this allowance.

Recommendation 10 27.35

We recommend that Scientific Officers and Technical Officers, who effectively work outside the normal working hours in emergency cases, should be paid an In-Attendance Allowance of Rs 110 per hour.

Pay Review 2013

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Civil Service

Ministry of Fisheries

Rent Allowance 27.36

Officers of the Fisheries Protection Service not occupying Government quarters are entitled to a rent allowance. We are revising the quantum.

Recommendation 11 27.37

We recommend that eligible officers of the Fisheries Protection Service not occupying Government quarters be paid Rent Allowances as follows: Grades

Amount (Rs)

Fisheries Protection Officer

645

Senior Fisheries Protection Officer

700

Principal Fisheries Protection Officer

895

Assistant Controller, Fisheries Protection Service

985

Deputy Controller, Fisheries Protection Service

1010

Controller, Fisheries Protection Service

1065

Diving Allowance 27.38

Officers of the Fisheries Division are required to perform diving duties for carrying out observation and data collection underwater with regard to marine and lagoon eco-system and other features occurring therein. They are presently being paid a diving allowance of Rs 540 per dive, subject to a maximum of Rs 8100 a month. We are revising both quanta.

Recommendation 12 27.39

We recommend that the diving allowance paid to the officers of the Fisheries Division be revised to Rs 595 per dive, subject to a maximum of Rs 8925 a month.

Allowance for officers posted in Flying Squads 27.40

Presently, a monthly Special Duty Allowance equivalent to one and a half increments at the initial of their respective salary scales is paid to officers of the Fisheries Protection Service posted in the Flying Squads. We are revising the allowance.

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Ministry of Fisheries

Recommendation 13 27.41

We recommend the continued payment of a monthly Special Duty Allowance equivalent to one and a half increments at the initial of their respective salary scales to officers posted in the Flying Squads.

Shift, Roster and Night Allowance 27.42

Fisheries Protection Officers and Senior Fisheries Protection Officers work on shift. Officers posted in the Flying Squad, i.e Fisheries Protection Officers, Senior Fisheries Protection Officers and Principal Fisheries Protection Officers are also required to work on shift. This element has been taken into account in arriving at the recommended salaries of the respective grades.

27.43

At present, Fisheries Protection Officers, Senior Fisheries Protection Officers and Principal Fisheries Protection Officers who are effectively performing night duty are paid a Night Duty Allowance equivalent to 17.5% of the normal hourly rate per hour for the hours worked between 2300 hours and 0500 hours including a maximum of two hours lying-in period. We are maintaining the allowance.

Recommendation 14 27.44

We recommend that Fisheries Protection Officers, Senior Fisheries Protection Officers and Principal Fisheries Protection Officers who effectively work on night shift should continue to be paid a Night Duty Allowance equivalent to 17.5% of the normal rate per hour for the hours between 2300 hours and 0500 hours including up to a maximum of two hours lying-in period.

Shares of Fines 27.45

In the 2003 PRB Report, we recommended that consideration be given to the amendment of the Fisheries Act, on the same line as the Customs Act, to introduce a reward in the form of „Shares of Fines‟ to officers in the Fisheries Protection Service who actually perform enforcement duties. We understand that the Ministry is in the process of amending the Fisheries Act to implement the said recommendation. MINISTRY OF FISHERIES SALARY SCHEDULE

Salary Code 02 00 94

Salary Scale and Grade Rs 114000 Permanent Secretary

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Ministry of Fisheries

Salary Code 19 00 90

Salary Scale and Grade Rs 102000 Director of Fisheries

19 74 82

Rs 59400 x 1800 – 68400 x 2400 – 75600 Assistant Director (Fisheries) formerly Principal Fisheries Officer

19 64 75

Rs 44100 x 1500 – 57600 x 1800 – 61200 Divisional Scientific Officer (Fisheries)

19 44 71

Rs 23250 x 750 – 28500 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 36600 x 1500 – 54600 Scientific Officer/Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries) formerly Scientific Officer (Fisheries) Senior Scientific Officer (Fisheries)

19 55 66

Rs 32100 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 36600 x 1500 – 47100 Controller, Fisheries Protection Service

19 53 62

Rs 30300 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 36600 x 1500 – 41100 Deputy Controller, Fisheries Protection Service

19 46 59

Rs 24750 x 750 – 28500 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 36600 Assistant Controller, Fisheries Protection Service

19 39 53

Rs 19500 x 750 – 28500 x 900 – 30300 Principal Fisheries Protection Officer

19 32 49

Rs 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 27000 Senior Fisheries Protection Officer

19 15 45

Rs 11000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 24000 Fisheries Protection Officer

19 56 67

Rs 33000 x 1200 – 36600 x 1500 – 48600 Principal Technical Officer (Fisheries)

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Ministry of Fisheries

Salary Code 19 50 62

Salary Scale and Grade Rs 27750 x 750 – 28500 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 36600 x 1500 – 41100 Senior Technical Officer (Fisheries)

19 33 58

Rs 16500 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 28500 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 35400 Technical Officer (Fisheries)

13 24 41

Rs 13400 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 21000 Motorman/Engine Driver formerly Artificer Second-Hand Fishing (Limited) formerly Coxswain

08 11 41

Rs 10000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 21000 Office Clerk formerly Clerk Assistant

08 27 49

Rs 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 27000 Agricultural Clerk (Personal) (formerly GSC 10)

08 15 45

Rs 11000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 24000 Agricultural Clerk (Personal) (formerly GSC 9)

24 29 47

Rs 15000 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 25500 Senior Laboratory Attendant

24 12 41

Rs 10250 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 21000 Laboratory Attendant

24 16 36

Rs 11250 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 17850 Gangman

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Ministry of Fisheries

Salary Code

Salary Scale and Grade

24 21 41

Rs12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 21000 Driver (Heavy Vehicles above 5 tons ) (Roster-day and night)

24 12 37

Rs 10250 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 Driver (Roster)

24 11 36

Rs 10000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 17850 Driver

24 07 29

Rs 9000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 15000 Watchman

24 00 22

Rs 7400 x 200 – 7600 x 225 – 8500 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 12800 General Worker (Personal to employees in post as at 30.06.2008)

24 00 16

Rs 7400 x 200 – 7600 x 225 – 8500 x 250 – 11250 General Worker

24 05 27

Rs 8500 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 Stores Attendant

25 12 37

Rs 10250 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 Tradesman formerly Carpenter Marine Mechanic – Diesel (Fisheries) Mason Painter Plant Mechanic

24 25 37

Rs 13700 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 Head Nurseryman

24 26 39

Rs 14000 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 Head Nurseryman (Fisheries) (Roster)

24 16 36

Rs 11250 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 17850 Senior Nurseryman (Fisheries) (Roster) ~397~

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Ministry of Fisheries

Salary Code 24 11 32

Salary Scale and Grade Rs 10000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 Nurseryman (Fisheries) (Roster)

13 31 57

Rs 15700 x 350 – 16050 x 450 – 18300 x 600 – 19500 x 750 – 28500 x 900 – 29400 QB 30300 x 900 – 33000 x 1200 – 34200 Skipper formerly Boatswain (Sea-going Vessel)

13 11 32

Rs10000 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 16050 Deckhand/Fisherman

13 08 30

Rs 9250 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 x 350 – 15350 Boatman

25 05 27

Rs 8500 x 250 – 12500 x 300 – 14300 Tradesman‟s Assistant

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Pay Review 2013

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