Vessel Monitoring Systems

Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS)

A vessel monitoring system monitors, records and transmits the location, speed and heading of a vessel.  VMS is monitored by the Department’s Fisheries Officers and Marine Police for fisheries compliance purposes.  The data may also be used by the Department for fisheries management purposes.

VMS is required to be used in the commercial rock lobster, giant crab, scallop and abalone fisheries.

The use of VMS in Tasmania’s commercial fisheries is determined by published ‘VMS Notice’ under rule 25 of the Fisheries Rules 2019.  The VMS Notice determines which fishery or part of a fishery is required to use VMS and the make, model and type of approved VMS unit that is required to be used by that fishery.

It’s important to note that VMS is not designed to be a safety system and is not monitored for this purpose by NRE Tas or any maritime safety agency.

  • VMS - Temporary Switch Off Form
    NRE Tas may give approval to the Supervisor of a fishing licence (vessel) to not operate an Approved VMS unit for a specified period of time.
  • VMS Rule Changes
    Changes to the VMS provisions in the Fisheries Rules 2019 came into effect on 8 January 2024.

Contact

Fisheries Compliance and Licensing Branch
Level 1, 134 Macquarie Street
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550
Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

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Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au