Guide for fishers

The e-Logs application certification process gives a fisher the assurance that a product with such certification produces a schema that conforms to the electronic logbook specification established by AFMA.

The e-Logs process will work as follows:

  1. Register to submit logbook returns electronically
  2. Buy, install and maintain certified e-Log Application
  3. Fishing operation recording and reporting using e-Log App
  4. Generating and submitting e-Log data
  5. Requesting fishing history
  6. Frequently asked questions

elogs - Fisher's perspective

Download Fishers Perspective (99kb)

1. Register to submit logbook returns electronically

Concession holders and there agents that wish to submit their logbook returns electronically must register with AFMA. AFMA requires the entitlement holder to enter an agreement and be issued with an appropriate User ID, Vessel ID and password for themselves and their agents before they can participate in the electronic submission of logbooks.

2. Buy, install and maintain certified e-Log Application

Concession holders who want to submit logbooks electronically must obtain an e-Log application that is certified for the fishing method and fishery. The entitlement holder is responsible for maintaining the application. If the certification for the application were to expire it is the fisher’s responsibility to replace or upgrade the application with another certified e-log product. AFMA will notify registered concession holders and the appropriate Management Advisory Committees (MACs) of any changes to certification expiry dates. A listing of certified software applications and providers will be available on the AFMA website.

3. Fishing operation recording and reporting using e-Log App

A skipper (authorised agent) or owner operator (concession holder) who is registered for electronic submission of log returns and who has a currently certified e-Log application suitable for the fishery for which the operation is licensed may record and maintain logbook data electronically during fishing and non fishing activity.

AFMA compliance officers may board the vessel and seek to review the fishers log book data for currency and completeness. Fishers should have paper logbooks on the vessel in case the e-Log application fails or the software operating system for the computer should fail or become corrupted.

4. Generating and submitting e-Log data

Fishers registered to submit logbook returns electronically and who have a currently certified application that is suitable to the nominated fishery and fishing method under an approved concession may submit electronic logbooks to AFMA for their fishing and non fishing activity.

5. Requesting fishing history

As many of the e-log applications might well be a sub set of vessel management software, operators might wish to populate the management software package data base with historical data. These data can be obtained from AFMA by contacting John Garvey of Data Information Services at John.Garvey@afma.gov.au.

The historical data extracts are time limited and detail limited.  At some stage it is envisaged that these data might be obtained via the web portal.

6. Frequently asked questions

This series of questions and answers is intended to help you understand the recent electronic logbook initiatives from AFMA:

When will the new schema be released?

The e-Logs schema will be  been released in September 2008. AFMA will run a change control process to notify interested stakeholders whenever a change to a schema is envisaged.

How will I know the release date?

The release or the schema will be notified in AFMA update and posted via the AFMA website. Alternatively if you care to register your interest with the Co-ordinator at elogs@afma.gov.au the schema and accompanying documentation can be forwarded to you on release.

I currently use an e-Logs software product, how will I be affected?

Due to the new schema development your current software will not be compliant with AFMA requirements for the electronic submission of logbooks.

There will be a requirement for software developers to submit their software for testing and accreditation to ensue that the resultant log will be compliant with the new AFMA systems. You will need to upgrade your software to an accredited version to continue submitting e-logbook returns.

How often are reports required?

There will be no change to the current reporting requirement for data to be sent to AFMA. However should you wish to submit electronic reports more frequently, you will be allowed to do so.

Will I still have to complete a paper logbook?

No, if you are using the electronic reporting system to record and send your data to AFMA you will not have to complete a paper logbook.

However, you will need to have the equivalent paper logbook on board the vessel as a backup in the event of computer failure. When you first choose to report electronically, AFMA may ask you to fill out the paper logbook as well for a short time to iron out any problems that may arise.

What equipment is required?

Vessel management systems are being used increasingly to record information about the activities of fishing vessels for use by the vessel owner.

AFMA expect that the electronic logbook reporting system will be an additional software module within a vessel management system. No extra equipment should be required but AFMA does not have control over the software vendors requirements.

How do I locate a software vendor?

AFMA will publish a list of accredited e-Logs compliant vendors on its web site.
You can use this list to contact and consult a professional software vendor for advice.

You may be approached by vendors interested in selling their product or you may contact other fishers who you know are satisfied with their vessel management systems.

While AFMA does not endorse or approve any particular software product or vendor, a list of software that has been accepted for electronic reporting is available at Software Versions Accredited by AFMA. AFMA’s knowledge of these systems is limited to their electronic logbook reporting capabilities.

Should you select software not previously tested by AFMA, your software vendor will need to comply with AFMA’s specifications, register their wish to send test transmissions and to follow AFMA’s procedures.

Is electronic reporting user-friendly?

The vendors of existing vessel management systems work in conjunction with fishers to make their products as user friendly as possible. All AFMA can tell you is an accredited software supplier can generate a compliant e-Logs data file.

AFMA will not assess the ease of use of an e-Logs system. The vendor should provide advice, information and training on how to use the software you select.

How much will it cost?

AFMA has no control over the price of a vessel management software package. This will depend on the vendors who develop these systems and the capabilities of the software you select. AFMA will not subsidise the cost of electronic logbook reporting.

There will be a cost involved in sending the data electronically to AFMA depending on the method selected by the vendor of the vessel management system to transmit the data, i.e. e-mail from shore, satellite phone, Inmarsat and Telstra’s G3 mobile network.

The particular transmission technology used will not effect how AFMA receives the data so long as you use an AFMA certified and accredited supplier. You should seek advice as to which method of transmission might be most appropriate in your region and the pattern of fishing.

How does my logbook data stay confidential?

To do business electronically, you must be able to trust that the electronic communications systems meets basic security requirements.

To do this AFMA is using a combination of username/password for all internet transmissions, or a combination of username/password and digital certificate for email transmissions to offer protection for your e-Logs data.

This procedure and technology allows you, as the sender of a message, to electronically sign your electronic logbook return and protection during transmission.