DFO says more online licensing options available to fishermen

YARMOUTH – The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says improvements have been made to its online licensing system to give fishermen more options of work that can be carried out.

There have been improvements made to the number of services available through its online licensing system says DFO.

The National Online Licensing System was implemented on April 1, 2013. Leading into the launch of the system there was apprehension and concern by fishermen, particularly since not everyone is necessarily computer savvy – although DFO said licence holders could appoint someone to do the work online on their behalf.

One of the benefits that DFO touted about the system is that unlike needing to come in person into a DFO office during set hours on set days, the online system gives fishermen 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week access to much of the business they need to carry out.

Some of the functions that the online system has offered has included paying a fee and printing licence documents and verifying licence and vessel holdings.

As of Oct. 6 more functions have been added to the system. Although there are still some aspects of the functions that do require a fisherman to visit a DFO licensing centre in person or by telephone, the online system now also allows for:

• the submitting of requests for licensing services

• new fisher registration

• vessel transfers/registration

• applications for new licences (recreational and open entry)

• substitute operators

• licence re-issuance (transfers).

There are also some things that require turn-around time through the online system, therefore fishermen are cautioned not to leave certain requests to the last minute as they might not be able to get them done in the time needed.

There is support available to fishermen who have trouble or questions about navigating the online system. People needing advice on licensing requests/services can contact DFO by telephone at 902-426-9966 or by email at Licence.Maritimes.Permis@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

For passcode resets and other system inquiries people can use the same email, or telephone DFO at 902-407-8413 or 1-877-535-7307.

The secure online licensing website is: https://fishing-peche.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/

You can also get support at: fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

There have been other supports set up as well for fishermen. On Water Street in Yarmouth, for instance, the LFA 33 and 34 Tags and Licensing Association has an office whereby fishermen can receive assistance for their online licensing needs by office staff.