AFMA can track fishing boat locations via vessel monitoring systems
During June 2015, AFMA will be targeting vessel monitoring system (VMS) compliance.
All boats nominated to Commonwealth concessions are required to have a VMS unit operating at all times.
Any boat with a VMS unit that stops reporting will be ordered to stop fishing immediately and return to port until AFMA is satisfied that the boat’s monitoring system is working.
If any fishers are found to be operating illegally they may be fined or prosecuted.
Operators who fail to comply with an order to return to port or who leave port before AFMA has lifted a return-to-port order may be prosecuted.
Operators with temporary switch off approval who switch off their VMS without notifying AFMA, will be issued with a $340 Commonwealth Fisheries Infringement Notice.
AFMA advises operators to:
- be vigilant in checking and maintaining their VMS units to ensure they are fully operable
- ensure they are compliant with any notification requirements of their temporary switch off approval
- do not switch off their VMS for any reason
- note they cannot manually report during June 2015.
A VMS allows AFMA to track the location of Commonwealth fishing boats by GPS and satellite in real time.
VMS is an essential tool for the sustainable management of Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries as it helps police closed areas, in turn ensuring healthy fish stocks and protecting the rights of fishing operators.
More on VMS requirements.
Frequently asked questions for operators
What action will be taken if my VMS is not operating?
When a VMS unit stops reporting, the boat will be ordered to return immediately to its home port or to remain at port until:
- a technician has certified to AFMA that the VMS unit is operating
- AFMA has confirmed that the unit is operating
- AFMA has formally lifted the order to return to or remain at port.
Operators with temporary switch off approval who switch off their VMS without notifying AFMA will be issued with a $340 Commonwealth Fisheries Infringement Notice.
Operators who fail to comply with an order to return to port or who leaves port before AFMA has lifted a return-to-port order may be prosecuted.
I can’t tell when my VMS is and isn’t working. How will I know if there’s a problem?
AFMA will notify operators when a unit stops reporting.
I am only fishing in state waters, does my VMS need to be on?
Yes. All boats nominated to Commonwealth concessions are required to have a VMS unit operating at all times regardless of the jurisdiction they are fishing in.
I have an e-monitoring system fitted to my boat, will I still be ordered back to port if my VMS fails?
No. Provided the e-monitoring unit is operating correctly and remains operating you will be able to continue on the current trip. However, you will not be allowed to leave port on future trips until the VMS is operating correctly again.
If I have temporary switch off approval will AFMA take action if I turn my VMS off?
No. Providing you meet all the notification requirements under the terms of the temporary switch off approval.
What if the problem is AFMA’s fault?
Occasionally the problem can be with AFMA’s system. In that case it would typically affect the whole fleet. If the problem is with AFMA’s system no action will be taken against the operator.
My unit is faulty, can I get special consideration?
No. AFMA will help where possible to rectify the issue, but it is ultimately the concession holder’s responsibility to fit and maintain their VMS unit.
Can I manually report when I get back to port?
No. Operators will not be allowed to manually report under any circumstances during June 2015.
My boat is on the slip and I’ve turned the unit off and forgot to tell AFMA. Why do I need a technician’s report?
AFMA require a technicians report to make sure that there are no faults in the unit.
By failing to notify AFMA you have committed an offence.
I have a perpetual temporary switch off approval and forgot to notify AFMA I was turning my VMS off. Why do I need a technician’s report?
AFMA require a technicians report to make sure that there are no faults in the unit.
By failing to notify AFMA you have committed an offence.