Certificate of Authorisation (COA)
A Certificate of Authorisation (COA) is a permit for fishing vessel that are larger than 24 metres in length overall or in case of vessels less than 24 meters, those operating in waters outside the Economic Exclusive Zone of the Flag State, to fish for tuna and tuna-like species, managed by the IOTC in the IOTC area of competence.
The Flag state needs to ensure that their vessels are able to comply with all the relevant IOTC Conservation and Management Measures and fulfil in the requirements and responsibilities under the IOTC Agreement and its Conservation and Management Measures.