What are electronic logbooks?
An electronic logbook is software that has been installed on board your vessel to record and submit data on your fishing activities that is currently recorded in your paper logbook. Electronic logbooks will eventually replace paper logbooks.
Why do I need a Electronic logbook?
Council Regulations 1966/2006, 1006/2008 and 1224/2009 and Commission Regulations 1077/2008 and 201/2010, implemented -by the Sea Fishing (EU Recording and Reporting Requirements) (Scotland) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/334), require Scottish vessels when operating in Scottish, EU and third country waters to record and report fishing activity data electronically.
Where can I find approved systems?
More information is available in the Approved Systems page above.
What is the timescale?
Vessels with an overall length of 24 metres or more, 1 January 2010
Vessels over 15 metres overall length operating outside of EU waters, 1 January 2011
Vessels with an overall length of 15 metres or more, 1 July 2011
Vessels with an overall length of 12 metres or more, 1 January 2012
Use of paper logbooks
If you are adopting electronic logbooks prior to the dates outlined above, you will need to inform Marine Scotland Compliance. Each vessel will need to complete a pre-registration form to allow access to the UK ERS HUB and to ensure grant in aid.
Vessels that are not subject to (and have not opted to comply early with) EU electronic logbook requirements, should continue to submit their paper logbooks by:
(1) Handing them in at a local Fishery Office. (Contact details for local Fishery Offices are accessible via the following web-link: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Compliance/resources/fisheriesoffices);
(2) Depositing them in a box marked for this purpose at the port of landing, or
(3) Handing them to a British sea-fishery officer.
Access to electronic logbook data
All fishing activity data submitted electronically may be viewed by Marine Scotland Compliance. Primary vessel owners can also register on their systems which allows them to view activity data for their vessels over an internet browser. The primary vessel owner can set up other users to view and administer their vessel activity data (Producer Organisations or Agents). For further details and to manage that set up please contact you local fishery office in the first instance or the Marine Monitoring Centre.
How do I get electronic logbook software on board my vessel?
Once you have chosen your software, arrange a date for installation with your supplier.
Once the supplier's engineer installs the software on your vessel they will request a same-day confirmation from us that the system is working. Your vessel's details will be added to the list of compliant vessels which is on the Marine Scotland website.
Why do I have to purchase software approved by the UK fisheries administrations to be compliant and to qualify for grant aid?
Approved software has been through an extensive testing process commissioned by the UK fisheries administrations testing agent, National Computer Centre Group. This is to ensure that it meets the published specification required to communicate with the central system - the UK Hub.
What if the system fails at sea?
In the event the vessel becomes incapable of submitting electronic logs, it should call the UK Fisheries Call Centre and report the daily catch. This will then be manually updated on the system. The UK Fisheries Call Centre (UKFCC) details:
Telephone: +00 44 131 271 9700
Email: ukfcc@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Fax: +00 44 131 244 6471
The vessel should repair any faults on return to land and before its next voyage, or demonstrate best efforts to do so. Where onboard software fails at sea and it is not possible to contact the UK Fisheries Call Centre, the vessel should return to port.
How do I apply for a grant to reimburse me for my costs?
Only vessels that are administered and registered in Scotland are currently eligible to apply for a grant from the Scottish Ministers. Subject to Parliamentary approval at the end of November, the grant scheme will open to applicants. Marine Scotland will write out to individual vessels over 12 metres in November with application forms and further advice.
Policy Contact
Kerrie Campbell
Sea Fisheries
Marine Scotland
Area 1B South
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
Kerrie.campbell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
0131 244 4980