What is a Vessel Monitoring System?
A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is a digital tool that tracks the location and movement of fishing vessels in near real-time. It uses small on-board devices called Automatic Location Communicators (ALCs) or Mobile Transceiver Units (MTUs) to send position reports via satellite to a central database. Fisheries managers and authorities use this information to ensure boats follow fishing rules, stay within allowed areas, and fish responsibly.
Why does VMS matter?
- Ensures fishing vessels follow conservation rules and stay in approved areas.
- Helps detect illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing.
- Improves safety at sea by letting authorities know where vessels are if they need help.
- Supports scientific research by providing data on fishing patterns.
Key Terms Explained
ALC (Automatic Location Communicator)
A small device installed on a fishing vessel. It automatically collects and sends the vessel’s GPS coordinates at set intervals. If the device fails, captains must send a manual report until the device is fixed.
MTU (Mobile Transceiver Unit)
Another name for an ALC. It does the same job: regularly sending vessel location data to the monitoring center.
Pacific VMS
The combined system that collects data from vessels across the Pacific region. This data feeds into both the FFA VMS and WCPFC VMS.
CCM (Cooperating and \Controlled Member)
A country or territory that has agreed to follow the WCPFC’s conservation and management measures.
CMM (Conservation and Management Measure)
A rule or regulation adopted by the WCPFC that member countries must follow. Several CMMs cover VMS requirements.
SSP (Standards, Specifications, and Procedures)
A detailed set of technical specifications and processes that ALCs and the VMS must meet to work properly.
Background
Early Measures
In 2006, during WCPFC’s third meeting (WCPFC3), members adopted the first VMS rule, known as CMM 2006-06 (Download PDF, 65.99 KB). A year later (WCPFC4), they updated it in CMM 2007-02 (Download PDF, 33.2 KB), extending VMS coverage to certain northern and western areas of the Convention Area.
By 2014 (WCPFC11), the rule became CMM 2014-02 (Download PDF, 190.06 KB), requiring members to implement VMS in waters north of 20° N and west of 175° E by 31 December 2013.
An agreement with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) was signed in December 2008. The WCPFC VMS began operation on 1 April 2009. Today, around 1,500 fishing vessels report to WCPFC VMS via the Pacific VMS, which also receives high-seas data for FFA‐registered vessels.
In 2012, WCPFC9 adopted a Statement of Purpose and Principles for the WCPFC VMS (Download PDF, 424.21 KB), outlining why and how VMS should work.
In May 2018, the Secretariat published VMS Reporting Requirements Guidelines (Download PDF, 640.95 KB) to help members understand reporting rules.
How to Check VMS Reporting Status
Authorized users from CCMs can see which vessels are reporting properly to VMS using the VMS Reporting Status Tool. This online tool shows you if each vessel on the Record of Fishing Vessels (RFV) is sending data correctly.
Current CMM for VMS
The active rule governing VMS is CMM 2014-02. It outlines which vessels must report, where, and how often.
VMS Standards, Specifications, and Procedures (SSPs)
To make sure all ALCs work the same way, WCPFC5 adopted a detailed set of rules called the Standards, Specifications, and Procedures for the WCPFC VMS. These rules explain:
- How often vessels must send data.
- What data each report must include (for example, vessel ID, position, date/time).
- Technical requirements for ALCs so they can send accurate, timely information.
Over the years, several amendments have adjusted the SSPs for special cases, such as:
- Manual Reporting When ALC Fails
WCPFC9 introduced a rule (effective 1 March 2013 to 1 March 2017) allowing captains to submit manual position reports if their ALC breaks. WCPFC13 extended this to 1 March 2019, WCPFC15 extended it to 1 March 2020, and WCPFC18 extended it further to 1 March 2024. Unless the Commission changes it, manual reporting rules stay in force. - ALC Type Approval
Starting at WCPFC12, the Commission decided how to approve new ALC models and which ones to remove if they no longer meet standards.
You can download the latest version of the SSPs here: Vessel Monitoring System SSPs (version as at Dec 2024, WCPFC21) (Download PDF, 588.12 KB).
Approved ALCs (MTUs)
Vessels can send data to WCPFC VMS in two ways:
- Directly to WCPFC VMS – The ALC must meet WCPFC’s technical standards. WCPFC keeps a list of approved ALC brands and models.
- Through FFA VMS – FFA’s own rules decide which ALCs are allowed. To see FFA’s requirements, visit FFA VMS Requirements .
How WCPFC Approves ALCs:
- Paragraph 2.6 of the SSPs says WCPFC will consider lists from other regional programs and from CCMs when making the initial approved list. The first WCPFC list of approved ALCs was made on 19 June 2009.
- Paragraph 2.7 says the Secretariat will review proposals from CCMs or manufacturers and recommend new ALC models to TCC and then to the Commission. Approval is based on whether the ALC meets minimum technical standards (Annex 1 of CMM 2014-02 and the SSPs). The proposer covers testing costs. By 31 July 2016, WCPFC can remove any ALC that fails to meet standards, and CCMs must replace old ALCs within three years.
You can download the latest list of approved MTUs/ALCs here: MTU/ALC Type Approval List – 6 Feb 2024 (Download PDF, 156.69 KB).
How to Request a New ALC Make/Model: Email VMSHelpdesk@wcpfc.int with your proposal.
Commission VMS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
The SOPs describe day-to-day steps for running the VMS. They were approved in December 2024 at WCPFC21 (Commission 18, 2021). Download them here: Commission VMS SOPs (approved Dec 2024) (Download PDF, 588.12 KB).
How to Register a Vessel
Paragraph 2.9 of the SSPs explains what data each CCM must send to register a fishing vessel on WCPFC VMS:
- Vessel name and unique vessel identification number (UVI) (once adopted)
- Radio call sign
- Length and gross registered tonnage
- Engine power (kW or HP)
- Type(s) of fishing gear used
- ALC details: make, model, unique network ID (user ID), and equipment serial number
Since March 2023, CCMs can also use the online Record of Fishing Vessels (RFV) to request activation or deactivation of MTUs/ALCs for their vessels. The RFV also lets you submit a vessel’s annual MTU Audit Inspection report. For questions, email VMSHelpdesk@wcpfc.int.
Members Whose Waters Are Covered by WCPFC VMS
In WCPFC9, members decided that VMS should cover each CCM’s national waters to help manage fishing inside their exclusive economic zones (EEZs). The table below shows which CCMs have had their waters included, when the request was received, when it took effect, and which waters are covered.
| WCPFC MEMBER | DATE REQUEST WAS RECEIVED | DATE INCLUSION OF NATIONAL WATERS BECAME EFFECTIVE | AREAS OF NATIONAL WATERS INCLUDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand* | — | 23 Feb 2010 (Tokelau activated 22 Aug 2012) | All EEZ waters under New Zealand’s jurisdiction, including the Tokelau EEZ. |
| Cook Islands* | — | 14 May 2010 | All EEZ waters under Cook Islands’ jurisdiction. |
| Niue* | — | 1 Jan 2013 | All EEZ waters under Niue’s jurisdiction. |
| United States of America | 16 Jan 2013 | 9 Mar 2013 | EEZ waters around the Hawaiian Islands, Kingman Reef, Palmyra Atoll, Johnston Atoll, Wake Island, Jarvis Island, Howland and Baker Islands, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula west of 150° W, and American Samoa EEZ waters. |
| Australia | 13 Feb 2013 | 15 Mar 2013 | EEZ waters around mainland Australia and islands: Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Macquarie Island, Norfolk Island, Heard and McDonald Islands. |
| Federated States of Micronesia | 5 Mar 2013 | 4 Apr 2013 | All EEZ waters under FSM’s jurisdiction. |
| France | 14 May 2013 | 13 June 2013 | EEZ waters around New Caledonia. |
| France | 20 May 2013 | 16 June 2013 | EEZ waters around French Polynesia EEZ waters around Wallis and Futuna |
| Palau | 2 Aug 2013 | 1 Sept 2013 | All EEZ waters under Palau’s jurisdiction. |
| Tuvalu | 8 Aug 2013 | 8 Sept 2013 | All EEZ waters under Tuvalu’s jurisdiction. |
| Samoa | 6 Sept 2013 | 6 Oct 2013 | All EEZ waters under Samoa’s jurisdiction. |
| Tonga | 25 Nov 2014 | 13 Mar 2015 | All EEZ waters under Tonga’s jurisdiction. |
| Nauru | 19 June 2015 | 19 July 2015 | All EEZ waters under Nauru’s jurisdiction. |
| Solomon Islands | 9 Mar 2016 | 8 Apr 2016 | All EEZ waters under Solomon Islands’ jurisdiction. |
| Vanuatu | 27 Oct 2020 | 28 Nov 2020 | All EEZ waters under Vanuatu’s jurisdiction. |
| Papua New Guinea | 1 Sept 2021 | 2 Oct 2021 | All EEZ waters under Papua New Guinea’s jurisdiction. |
| Fiji | 16 May 2025 | 15 June 2025 | All EEZ waters under Fiji’s jurisdiction. |
* These three members (New Zealand, Cook Islands, Niue) had their national waters added under earlier WCPFC decisions.
Page Updated 21 May 2025