IPHC-2024-MR013 Commencement of the electronic logbooks trial in Alaska

SEATTLE – The IPHC is pleased to announce the commencement of the electronic logbooks trial in Alaska. 

Following the revision of Section 19 (Logs) of the IPHC Fishery Regulations in January 2024, the IPHC is now authorized to accept logbook data from the vessels engaged in commercial fishing in Alaska, USA, reported through approved electronic logbooks. 

The IPHC has distributed several tablets equipped with Deckhand® software to the captains of vessel who expressed interest in participating in the trial. Trial participants can now record fishing activities normally recorded in the IPHC Pacific halibut paper logbook in electronic format using the tablet provided by the IPHC. Participating vessels will help the IPHC test and refine this new electronic system, which aims to streamline data collection and submission processes.

The functionality of the Deckhand software is demonstrated in the online tutorial video available here.

As a reminder, trial participants commit to:

• Upon receiving the device, calling Real Time Data/RTD at 888-884-1947 to set up the device. GCI phone users can call the dedicated Alaska-specific          Deckhand Support Line at 907-215-4101.
• Utilizing tablet-to-tablet data transmission to share data with IPHC representatives present at the offload site. This technology allows IPHC to receive data
  directly, thus we do not require printers.
• Uploading any data not previously shared with IPHC representatives at the offload site to the IPHC headquarters within 30 days of the fishing period closing date, using the built-in upload function.
• Maintaining a paper logbook as a backup to electronic data during the trial period. This requirement is expected to be lifted upon successful completion of the tablet testing.  

In case of issues with the software, trial participants should contact Deckhand/RTD at 888-884-1947 or 907-215-4101.

For more information or to participate in the no-cost trial, please contact us at secretariat@iphc.int. Include the name of the captain, vessel name, vessel length and the ports you expect to land in 2024. The trial focuses on vessels under 60 feet that have previously used the IPHC Pacific halibut logbook.

Additionally, the IPHC has now the ability to receive and edit data from the Deckhand electronic equivalent of the NOAA Daily Fishing Logbook/DFL. Participants of the DFL logbook trial will be notified by Deckhand when the functionality is available on their tablet.