Volume 4, Issue 12, 14 June 2007 [see previous editions]
Don't forget your VMS! Deadline approaching 1 July !
With just over a fortnight to go, AFMA is urging operators to ensure they make arrangements for installation and approval of ICVMS units if they have not already done so.
From 1 July 2007, all Commonwealth fishing vessels are required to have a vessel monitoring system (VMS) fitted and operational. The expansion of VMS across the entire fishing fleet is part of AFMA’s response to the Ministerial Direction issued by the Australian Government which requests AFMA to enhance the monitoring of fishing activity.
The VMS units currently approved for installation by AFMA include the Thrane & Thrane 3026S Inmarsat-C, Thrane & Thrane 3026D Inmarsat-C with Maritime Distress, Thrane & Thrane 3022D Inmarsat-C, and Furuno Felcom 16 Inmarsat-C.
Operators and suppliers must complete and submit to AFMA the relevant documentation.
It is the responsibility of the fishing concession holder to confirm that the VMS paperwork has been completed and submitted to AFMA before the vessel goes to sea. Copies of these forms can be found at: www.afma.gov.au/industry/vms/dnid_download_agreements_nov2004.pdf.
For more information, please call the AFMA VMS officers on (02) 6225 5387 or 0448 248 948; email vmsinfo@afma.gov.au.
Operators who use the TT3026D model or the TT3022D model (ie those units with GMDSS capability) to transmit their own messages may be required under the Radiocommunications Act to hold an operator’s certificate and should contact Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) on 02 62195294 or 1300 850 115 for further details.
AFMA Board meeting in Maroochydore
The next meeting of the AFMA Board will be held in Maroochydore on 10-11 July 2007.
Commonwealth fishing concession holders based in the area are invited to join AFMA Board Directors for light refreshments at the Surf Bar, Maroochydore Surf Club, 34-36 Alexandra Parade, Maroochydore.
Date: Tuesday 10 July 2007
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
RSVP to Milica Milanja on 02 6225 5400 or milica.milanja@afma.gov.au by Friday 6 July.
Notice to VMS operators- get lower Inmarsat rates!
Satcomms Australia, following negotiation with AFMA, has advised that operators who hold Commonwealth fishing concessions on their vessels may now access the same lower communications rates as AFMA.
This includes special rates for Inmarsat-C (both communications and position reporting for operators who wish to monitor their own vessels), Inmarsat Mini-M and Inmarsat B communications. For example, Sat-C email costs under this offer are: 19c per 256bits, compared to normal rates of 24c per 256bits (excluding taxes)
Further details of the offer and how to apply can be found at: www.satcomms.com.au or by contacting Sat Comms Australia on 1300 859 632.
Do you fish for Southern Bluefin Tuna?
This year, AFMA has introduced a cost-saving measure whereby Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery permits will be amended once, at the start of the SBT season, instead of fortnightly as was previously the case.
The new permit condition will require longline operators to regularly check the location of the SBT core and buffer zones by accessing AFMA’s website at www.afma.gov.au/fisheries/tuna/etbf/mgt/zones or by contacting Wez Norris, Manager ETBF on 02 6225 5312.
AFMA Chair visits Darwin
The Chairman of AFMA, Tony Rundle recently visited the AFMA Darwin Office. During his time in Darwin, Mr Rundle visited the Detention Centre and the purpose built boat burning facility. Mr Rundle also inspected the Air Force surveillance craft Orion and the Navy’s Armidale patrol vessel Larrakia.
The Navy, Customs, Quarantine, Coastwatch and the Air Force are all playing key roles in protecting Australia's northern and southern ocean fishing grounds.
Mr Rundle said "The significant reduction in sightings and apprehensions of foreign fishing vessels is underpinned by great teamwork across the various Commonwealth agencies and extra financial resources committed by the Federal Government."
“I am pleased AFMA fisheries officers have played an important role in the face of recent belligerent behaviour by some foreign fishers facing apprehension."
