Keep your VMS switched on during the festive season

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) would like to remind Commonwealth operators to ensure their Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) remain operational over the Christmas and New Year holiday season. 

VMS helps us monitor a vessel’s position, course and speed to ensure compliance with fisheries management arrangements.

All Commonwealth fishing operators are required to have a VMS unit fitted and always operational. Vessels with VMS that are not reporting may be ordered to stop fishing and return to port.

Apply for a Temporary Switch Off (TSO) for a specified period if you need to switch off your VMS unit for reasons such as a vessel undergoing repair or for holiday periods. Please note: TSO applications will not be processed between close of business on 24 December 2025 and 2 January 2026. 

Please make sure you:

• seek approval from AFMA before switching off a VMS
• check with us if you have any concerns with your VMS before you go fishing
• include your VMS in routine maintenance programs. 

You must not:

• switch off your unit for any reason without prior approval from AFMA
• leave port if your VMS is not working.

Find more information on VMS requirements and responsibilities, including a list of approved Vessel Monitoring Systems.

We wish you safe and happy holidays!