Nearly all operators are now compliant with the VMS conditions of their concessions. This is a good result and AFMA now has its end of the system working well.

A small number of fishers have now had their fishing concessions suspended for failing to have an operational VMS unit fitted to their vessel. These fishers are no longer authorised to operate under their concessions until their VMS infringements have been rectified.

A number of other operators have received correspondence from AFMA warning them that their concessions may be suspended if they cannot provide a legitimate explanation to AFMA as to why a working VMS unit is not fitted to their vessel.

These operators have been given strict deadlines to provide AFMA with a satisfactory explanation.

Each vessel nominated to a Commonwealth concession must have a working VMS unit operating 24 hours a day regardless of whether the vessel is in port or at sea.

A TSO (temporary switch off) may be granted where an operator can provide an explanation as to why their VMS should be turned off while in port. A TSO generally only applies to vessels in port and can only be granted by AFMA.

To apply for a temporary switch off or to discuss your VMS options, please contact AFMA's VMS unit: 1300 723 621.

Operators who continue to disregard the conditions of their Commonwealth concession may have their concession suspended.

Source: AFMA update Volume 5, Issue 21, 23 September 2008