Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)

A vessel monitoring system (VMS) is a computer-based system that allows the position, course and speed of vessels to be automatically monitored and analysed from shore.

The VMS is a requirement of the Fisheries Management (Vessel Monitoring Scheme) Regulations 2017.

VMS has been implemented in the:

• Miscellaneous fishery for licence holders fishing for giant crab
• Southern zone abalone fishery
• Northern zone rock lobster fishery for boats over 7.5 metres
• Sardine fishery for boats over 7.5 metres.

It is anticipated to have VMS on the majority of commercial fishing vessels by 30 June 2025.

The timeframes for each fishery where VMS is not currently implemented (subject to hardware supply) are:

• Blue Crab – December 2024
• Prawn – Gulf St Vincent – January 2025
• Prawn – Spencer Gulf – January 2025
• Prawn – West Coast – January 2025
• Abalone – Western Zone – February 2025
• Abalone – Central Zone – February 2025
• Marine scalefish – June 2025

Registered boats do not need a transceiver if they are only used for:

• transporting people
• transporting fish
• transporting fishing devices
• setting sardine nets as a skiff from a mother ship.

All fishing grounds will be monitored via adaptable geofences that can alert fishers in line with each declared fishing period.

The geofences that will be created to replicate fishing blocks or boundaries can be moved or altered by PIRSA staff to suit the decisions made within fisheries. This ensures that the system is adapted to match the management arrangements of the fishery.

Type of VMS

To date, some larger vessels with significant infrastructure have been be supplied with a dedicated 12V unit.

All vessels coming online in 2024–25 will be supplied a small solar-powered VMS unit that can be easily transferred between registered vessels. Solar-powered VMS units can remain charged for several days without direct sunlight, but can also be charged via a USB cable. These units must be placed where they can receive adequate sunlight or be plugged in via the USB cable.

Installation

PIRSA will coordinate the initial installation of VMS units. This will be coordinated by PIRSA through the Executive Officers of each fishery.

If your VMS unit is damaged or lost, it is the responsibility of the fisher to replace it.

When replacing a vessel, you will be required to transfer your existing VMS to the new vessel. If this is not possible, contact PIRSA to organise a replacement.

Online activation

Initial activation including the nominated contact person is made using the National VMS Vessel Tracking Authorisation Form.

Maintenance

The VMS units selected for use in South Australia are very reliable and maintenance free.

In the unlikely event of a malfunction, the internal computer within the VMS can inform PIRSA the reason for the issue (for example: loss of power, damage, tampering). The unit will need to be replaced immediately – PIRSA can assist with this process.

If a transmission issue was to occur with the VMS, fishers will need to notify PIRSA to arrange alternate means of reporting while the VMS unit is repaired. Fishers may continue to fish using alternate means of reporting in the short term.

If any ongoing maintenance is required, it will be at the fisher's expense.

Operation of the VMS

VMS units will be set up differently for different fisheries as some vessels retrieve on a daily basis while others remain in the water. When the vessel is on the water the VMS will be transmitting positions.

During periods where the vessel is not being used for commercial activity, the VMS can be deactivated when the vessel is deregistered. You will need to notify PIRSA of this change.

Temporary Switch off Orders (TSO) can be sent to PIRSA advising of the time you will not be fishing and will not require the VMS to transmit.

Owners of charter licences can either leave the VMS on or remove it for the duration of the charter activity.

Fishers will be required to advise PIRSA of relief day details and will be responsible to ensure a VMS is being used for relief day fishing.

If a fisher decides to exit the fishery, the VMS unit can be switched off very quickly and easily.

Use of data and confidentiality

VMS data will be treated with the highest level of data security and will be controlled by PIRSA. PIRSA is obliged to supply the data to an investigating agency if it is suspected that an offence has occurred. Data obtained from the VMS program will only be utilised for compliance purposes. Data will not be shared with SARDI or any other agency, unless expressly agreed to by that individual fishery.

Fishers can access their own tracking data through a subscription at the fisher's expense through third party chart or mapping software.

VMS data is not subject to Freedom of Information searches, and may only be released by PIRSA to other law enforcement agencies who are investigating a suspected offence – refer to Section 124 of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 .

Enquiries

Please direct any queries about VMS implementation to your industry Executive Officer.