To apply for licences for your fishing vessel and onboard fishing gear, and to register personnel working on your vessels, you must be eligible and also meet the requirements of the licence/registration.
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Anyone, including individuals and businesses, can apply for a Licence for a Fishing Vessel (inboard engine) for commercial fishing.
You must have a vessel with a "SF" or “SMF” prefix and a Licence for a Fishing Vessel to:
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Last Updated 27 Apr 2026
The requirements can be found in the documents listed below:
Licence for an Inboard Fishing Vessel (SMF)
Registration of a Person Employed or Engaged in Any Activity on a Fishing Vessel
Upon obtaining your licence, you must:
1. | Get the owner of a commercial inboard fishing vessel to complete and submit a soft copy of the following within 1 month from the approval of the licence application: Undertaking to repatriate fishermen arrested by foreign governments Appointed agent to auction fish caught by the licensed fishing vessel |
2. | Renew your licences/registrations before they expire if renewal is required. |
3. | Update SFA immediately when there is a change in your contact details. |
4. | Seek approval from SFA for changes to the fishing vessel or personnel. |
For more information
You can contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
Related Pages
Application Process & Fees for Licence / Registration of Fishing Vessel, Fishing Gear, Persons Engaged or Employed on Fishing Vessel, Entry Permit and Port Clearance/Report of Arrival at SFA Fishery PortsUpdate, Renew, Cancel Licence / Registration for Fishing Vessel, Gear & PersonnelDigital ServicesTools And Resources
