AFMA’s new VMS brochure, plus our VMS compliance rates for October – November 2013. Click to enlarge.
Commonwealth Fishers are starting to heed the message on Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) compliance, with compliance rates reaching 100% twice in the October-November period. Peter Venslovas, General Manager Fisheries Operations is happy with the results “This is really good news and shows that, with a little effort, operators can ensure they remain compliant with VMS requirements”.
AFMA has adopted the simple motto “Fail to Report, End up in Port” to highlight to operators what will happen if they fail to maintain an operational VMS unit. AFMA has issued a number of formal cautions and 3 vessels have been ordered to port for VMS non-compliance so far this financial year.
“We have had some concerns about the level of complacency amongst some pockets of the industry with respect to their VMS compliance. As a result we were forced to take a harder line with some operators. But it seems operators are starting to get the message that those who fail to meet their obligations, be they complacent or otherwise, will see their boats ordered back to port” he said.
AFMA has been giving information brochures and handy stickers to skippers highlighting their VMS obligations and key contact information.
For more information, please contact Tod Spencer, Senior Manager, National Compliance Strategy, 02 6225 5312 or tod.spencer@afma.gov.au