Applying for a Fishing Vessel Licence
Applying for a Fishing Vessel Licence
All inboard fishing vessels must be licensed by SFA. The annual licence fee varies, depending on the Gross Tonnage (GRT) of the fishing vessel. The breakdown is as follows:
| Vessels by Gross Tonnage | Annual Licence Fee |
|---|---|
| Fishing Vessel Licence Inboard Engine less than 50GRT | $175 |
| Fishing Vessel Licence Inboard Engine more than 50GRT but less than 100GRT | $242 |
| Fishing Vessel Licence Inboard Engine more than 100GRT | $470 |
Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements
Before you apply, ensure you meet the requirements. For details, see Requirements for Licence / Registration for Fishing Vessel, Gear & Personnel.
Step 2: Gather the supporting documents
You will need to submit the vessel layout in scale, proof of ownership of the fishing vessel and other documents.
For a complete list of supporting documents, see the Application Checklist on the Application Form.
Step 3: Submit your application
Allocate 10-20 minutes to submit the Application Form along with the required supporting documents.
Step 4: SFA reviews your application
SFA will review your application and contact you if additional information is required.
Step 5: Pay licence fees
Once your application has been approved, you will be notified via email to make payment.
The payment methods are stated in the email. Typically, payment can be made via:
- AXS Stations (self-service kiosk)
- AXS e-Stations (website)
- AXS m-stations for Android, iOS
- interbank GIRO
For more details, see Payments.
Step 6: Submit the undertaking and the appointed agent
Within 1 month of SFA's approval of your licence application, the owner of a commercial inboard fishing vessel is required to submit a soft copy of the following forms:
Undertaking to repatriate fishermen arrested by foreign governments
Appointed agent to auction fish caught by the Licensed Fishing Vessel
Step 7: Receive a copy of the licence
You will receive a copy via post and email upon payment of the licence fees and compliance with licensing requirements (e.g. pre-licensing inspection and submission of insurance).
Applying for New Fishing Gear
Applying for New Fishing Gear
Fishing gears used on SFA-licensed vessels are also required to be licensed. Follow the steps below to apply for a licence for new gear onboard a licensed fishing vessel. The fee is a one-time payment and the licence remains valid as long as there is no change to the type of fishing gear.
| Name of Licence | One-time fee |
|---|---|
| Licence to use new fishing gear onboard a licensed fishing vessel | $20 |
Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements and conditions
The licence for fishing gear is applicable for gears used onboard licensed fishing vessels only. For details, see Requirements for Licence / Registration for Fishing Vessel, Gear, & Personnel.
You must have a licence for a fishing vessel. Do not apply if you do not have a licence for a fishing vessel.
Step 2: Submit your application
Allocate 10-20 minutes to submit the Application Form.
Step 3: SFA reviews your application
SFA will review your application and contact you if additional information is required.
Step 4: Pay licence fees
Once your application has been approved, you will be notified via email to make payment.
The payment methods are stated on the invoice. Typically, payment can be made via:
- AXS Stations (self-service kiosk)
- AXS e-Stations (website)
- AXS m-stations for Android, iOS
- interbank GIRO
For more details, see Payments.
Step 5: Receive a copy of the licence
You will receive a copy of the licence via post and email upon payment of the licence fees.
Registering personnel on fishing vessels
Registering personnel on fishing vessels
Follow the steps below to register employees and persons engaged in activities onboard your fishing vessel. The registration is valid for 1 year. You must renew their registration before it expires.
| Vessel Prefix | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Vessel prefixed with the letters “SMF” | Annual fee of $14 per registered person |
| Vessel prefixed with the letters “SF” | One-time registration fee of $14 per person |
Step 1: Ensure you meet the requirements and conditions
The registration of employees and persons is applicable to licensed fishing vessels only.
For details, see Requirements for Licence / Registration for Fishing Vessel, Gear & Personnel.
You must have a licence for a fishing vessel. Do not submit a registration if you do not have a licence for a fishing vessel.
Step 2: Gather the supporting documents
You will need to submit soft copies of identification documents, work passes, etc. For a full list of documents, see Registration Information.
Step 3: Submit your application
Allocate 10-20 minutes to submit the Application Form along with the required supporting documents.
A system-generated number will be sent to your email upon submission.
Step 4: SFA reviews your application
SFA will review your application and contact you if additional information is required.
Step 5: Pay registration fees
Once your application has been approved, you will be notified via email to make payment.
The payment methods are stated in the email. Typically, payment can be made via:
- AXS Stations (self-service kiosk)
- AXS e-Stations (website)
- AXS m-stations for Android, iOS
- interbank GIRO
For more details, see Payments.
For more information
You can also contact us via the SFA Online Feedback Form.
Last updated: 18 Apr 2026
Related Pages
Registration Of A Person Employed Or Engaged Under Fisheries ActRequirements for Licence / Registration for Fishing Vessel, Gear & PersonnelUpdate, Renew, Cancel Licence / Registration for Fishing Vessel, Gear & PersonnelDigital Services