Deckhand Logbook | Alaska Trollers e-Logbook Solution

How It Works

Purpose-Built for the Alaska Troll Fleet

The Alaska Trollers Association (ATA) is an industry group that advocates for the sustainability of the fleet and the fish they rely upon. Trollers needed a simple, reliable way to record catch data, ocean conditions, and regulatory reports — without the paperwork burden of paper logbooks on rocking vessels.

Deckhand provides the ATA's troll fleet with a purpose-built eLogbook workflow that records catch by species, location, depth, gear, and ocean conditions in real time.

NOAA and NMFS Alaska compliant catch reporting
DFL (Daily Fishing Log) data capture and export
Ocean conditions and bycatch recording
Species, gear type, and area recording by haul
Works fully offline — only needs internet to send reports
Designed for iPad in the wheelhouse

Our Partners

Alaska Trollers Association & Ocean Data Network

The ATA partnered with Deckhand to provide their troll fleet with a modern eLogbook solution that reduces paperwork, improves data accuracy, and ensures NOAA and NMFS compliance. A custom Deckhand workflow was built specifically for the Alaska troll fishery, integrating directly with NOAA and NMFS Alaska data systems.

Ocean Data Network (ODN) specialises in backend services for data collected at sea. ODN packages and aggregates ocean data to support industry and climate-driven science. Through collaboration with Deckhand, ODN receives skipper-collected data — water temperature, ocean conditions, stomach content observations, and catch records — and passes it directly to scientists and stakeholders via their Amazon S3 infrastructure.

Key Features

Built for the Troll Fleet

Every feature is designed around the daily workflow of an Alaska troll fisher — from setting gear to submitting your DFL.

Works Offline

Full functionality without internet. An internet connection is only needed to send reports.

Species Recording

Record catch by species, area, gear type, and depth for every set — fast and accurate.

Ocean Conditions

Log sea conditions, bycatch observations, and environmental data alongside catch records.

DFL Reports

Generate NOAA and NMFS Alaska compliant Daily Fishing Logs ready to share with regulators.

Native iOS App

Purpose-built for iPad with a large, glove-friendly interface for all conditions.

Dedicated Support

Onboarding assistance and ongoing support from our North American team.

How It Works

From Paper Logs to Real-Time Ocean Data

See how the Alaska Trollers Association fleet moved from handwritten DFL forms to a connected digital system that puts accurate data directly in the hands of scientists and regulators.

Before Deckhand

Paper DFL forms filled by hand on a rocking vessel
Ocean spray and weather damage to paper records
Illegible handwriting creates errors in catch data
Manual re-entry required before submitting to NOAA/NMFS
Lost or incomplete forms delay DFL reporting
No real-time visibility for ATA, ODN, or regulators

After Deckhand ATA and ODN connected data flow with Deckhand

Digital DFL capture on iPad directly in the wheelhouse
Works offline — records saved regardless of conditions
Validated fields prevent errors at point of capture
Catch, ocean conditions, and bycatch submitted with one tap
Data flows automatically to NOAA, NMFS, and ODN's Amazon S3
ATA and researchers receive timely, accurate data every trip

What Our Customers Say

Hear From the Fleet

Deckhand has been a game changer for our fleet. SEPFA is the principal association for the 160 vessels in the South Eastern Rock Lobster fleet in South Australia, and we've been using the Deckhand Electronic Logbook for nearly a decade. Before, our fishermen used to spend hours filling out paper logbooks — not only time-consuming, but prone to errors. With Deckhand, everything is much more efficient and accurate.

Nathan KimberExecutive Officer, SEPFA

The Deckhand Logbook has been a game-changer for me. I used to spend hours every trip manually recording data. Now, with this streamlined tool, I save 20–30 minutes a day. Deckhand's clear layout makes it easy to record sets and catch data, reducing the chance of errors and ensuring compliance. The ability to work offline is a lifesaver when I'm in remote areas.

Garrett ElwoodF/V Western Freedom

At some point in the near future, we will be required to do all submissions electronically and it is amazing the Deckhand is helping get ahead of the game and give people opportunity to lead in that change and create solutions that fit the fleet rather than be forced into unexpected regulation or role change.

Lauren HowardAlaska Longline Fishermen's Association

Deckhand saves me hours every trip. It works the way I work — whether I've got a signal or not — and it's a lot easier to carry than those big federal logbooks. What I really appreciate is that the Deckhand team actually listens; every update makes the app better because they take user feedback seriously. It's made keeping records simple instead of a chore.

Michael OffermanF/V Pacific Sojurn

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deckhand Logbook Software? +

Deckhand is an at-sea data collection platform. Deckhand empowers fishermen, seafood processors, and other fishing industry stakeholders to easily record and report trip data — digitally, accurately, and compliantly.

Who can use Deckhand? +

Deckhand is a global product and anyone can use it for both regulatory and business purposes. Currently, Deckhand is an approved electronic logbook for regulators across the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

How do I get Deckhand? +

Please call your local representative:

United States: 1 (360) 220-8674 / 1 (360) 594-1995
Australia: +61 8 7100 1397
New Zealand: +64 (0)4 385 9285

Or book a free demo from this website and one of our specialists will walk you through the platform.

Why use Deckhand? +

As a company founded by fishermen, we believe your fishing data is your biggest asset. Deckhand ensures your logbook data is collected as you work, the way you work — and provides the pathways to get the right data into the right hands at the right time.

Can I go back and look at my past fishing activity? +

Yes. All data recorded in the Deckhand app is archived and viewable in summaries and reports showing an array of catch and business metrics relevant to your operation.

I'm usually out of cellular range. How do I submit reports? +

Deckhand is designed to work in offline environments. All data is stored locally on your device. An internet connection is only needed to send reports — you never lose a record, even in the most remote fishing grounds.

Can fishing associations use Deckhand? +

Absolutely. If you are a vessel cooperative, trade association, or other type of fishermen's organisation, Deckhand is a powerful tool for your membership. Use our CatchFlow™ workflow customisation engine to tailor Deckhand to your organisation's specific needs.

eLogbook Solution for Alaska Trollers Ocean Data Collection