Install a vessel tracking unit
Rebate for unit purchase and installation
You have until 30 June 2027 to apply for a rebate to help pay for the purchase and installation costs associated with implementing vessel tracking. To be eligible, you must purchase an approved unit and register it in FishNet Secure.
Choose an approved device
You must purchase an approved vessel tracking unit.
Comply with the installation and maintenance standards
You must comply with the installation and maintenance standard when configuring, installing and maintaining vessel tracking equipment.
The safe installation of a vessel tracking unit – including cabling, terminals or fuses – is the responsibility of the commercial fisher, as is the installation of all electrical equipment on their boat. Have the unit installed by a qualified technician.
Activate your unit
To confirm that your vessel tracking unit is sending your positional data (polling), you must:
- activate the unit with your unit provider
- register the unit in FishNet Secure
- allocate the unit to your primary commercial fishing licence (with correct boat mark and/or tender number) in FishNet Secure.
If you have previously registered a unit that is no longer required (i.e. not being used any more or no longer working), you need to 'unassign' it in FishNet Secure.
Nominate boat contacts
You must nominate a way to communicate with your boat by submitting a boat communication notice in FishNet Secure.
If you are operating in the M1, M2, T1 and T2 trawl fisheries, you must also nominate a mode of communication for boat.
Legislation
For all vessel tracking requirements, refer to: