Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS)

AFMA will use VMS for any or all of the following purposes:

  • to encourage and monitor compliance with domestic fisheries management arrangements and to comply with requirements of Australia’s international obligations;
  • to increase the range of feasible management options available;
  • to improve the quality of location data available for research;
  • to facilitate the collection of data for management purposes.

Integrated Computer Vessel Monitoring Systems (ICVMS)

AFMA requires that all boats nominated to Commonwealth fishing concessions must have an operational ICVMS on board reporting its position to AFMA at all times.

AFMA has guidelines and requirements for the installation (74kb) of Automatic Location Communicators (ALCs) on board commonwealth nominated boats. The ALC equipment suppliers have this information and only they can install an ALC to meet AFMA requirements.

As part of the installation process the registered owner of the ALC is required to provide written authorisation (36kb) nominating the ALC to be used on a particular vessel and allowing AFMA to receive tracking information from the ALC on board the vessel.

Costs

Transmission Costs

Payment of position tracking costs is made by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Costs are recovered from operators through the levy process. AFMA position tracking costs may vary depending on the circumstances of the fishery or other factors but are usually less than $1 per day.

Payment of transmission costs are the responsibility of the vessel operator.

Equipment Costs

The cost of an ALC and computer depends on its type, the quantity purchased and other factors. As such, AFMA cannot provide estimates on the costs of setting up ICVMS.