Deckhand is an electronic logbook application that empowers fishermen to collect data for themselves and for the regulators that require electronic trip reporting.
Deckhand is a global product and anyone can use it. Additionally, it has been approved as an official software solution by the Greater Atlantic Regional Office in the United States, MPI/FINNZ in New Zealand, and PIRSA in South Australia.
You’ll find Deckhand in the Apple App Store®. Search for “Deckhand Pro” to find the latest release designed solely for commercial use. Deckhand runs on the Apple iPad® with Wi-Fi + Cellular capability, (though a cellular plan is not necessarily required).
We believe, as a company founded by fishermen, that electronic logbooks should do more for you than simply respond to regulations.
Deckhand is the only app on the market that combines a smooth, easy-to-use interface with benefits and tools to better serve fishermen in their livelihoods. More than just a glorified form on a tablet, Deckhand is the fishing industry’s superior electronic logbook.
Data generated within the Deckhand app is stored locally on your device or on secure servers for only you to access whenever you need it. Data required for reporting to regulators is encrypted and sent securely, via our servers, to the necessary repository for only fishery managers to access.
You own your data. We provide the interface and infrastructure to generate, store, and keep it secure. Our mission is to empower fishermen to collect and report their own data — we are not in the business of owning it or using it for any purpose.
Yes. All data recorded using the Deckhand app is always accessible to look at retrospectively. Just navigate to the “All” list to see your past fishing activity.
Running on the Apple iPad, Deckhand seamlessly replaces paper logbooks as the most comprehensive electronic logbook solution entering the market today. You can use Deckhand to collect, store and feed back your proprietary fishing data to help inform critical business decision making. In addition, when integrated with the fishery regulator in your area, Deckhand sends the data required for electronic reporting via WiFi, cellular, or satellite* — whichever is available and convenient at the time.
*Satellite connectivity currently available in New Zealand fisheries only.
If you are a vessel cooperative, trade association, or other type of fishermen’s organization, Deckhand is a powerful tool for your membership.
Keep your constituents up-to-date with the latest electronic reporting standard. Tailor Deckhand to suit your organization’s needs using our own Catchflow™ workflow customization engine. Or, simply serve as the conduit for connecting your membership with a superior, redefined logbook.
Start a conversation with us today to learn more about engaging your membership to collect the data your organization needs.
GARFO FAQ
An Apple ID account, GARFO credentials provided by GARFO, and an iPad (WiFi + Cellular).
1. Download the App
You’ll find Deckhand in the App Store on your iPad. You’ll need to search for it using the search box, and then click the “GET” button to install it on your iPad before proceeding. Once you install Deckhand, it should appear on your iPad Home Screen, click on it to launch. Deckhand is ready to use with some sample fishing methods, but since you’re a GARFO user, you’ll want to immediately set up the GARFO reporting capability.
2. Set up a GARFO user account
To do this, you’ll need to have your GARFO-provided username and password to link Deckhand to your GARFO license. If you don’t have this, this page [https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/resources-fishing/how-create-account-fish-online-and-link-vessel] on the GARFO site explains how to get one.
3. Set up an account with our MyDeckhand service
Fishbank is where your Deckhand account is managed and is the service that is responsible for securely transmitting your fishing reports through to GARFO. To set this up:
Make sure Deckhand is running, then click “User Preferences” and select “Log in / Create Account”.
You’ll be prompted for an existing Fishbank account, but notice the “Create New Account” at the bottom. Click that, and enter your chosen email and password.
You’ll get an email to confirm your account, so you’ll need to go to your email program, confirm your account, and return by clicking on Deckhand.
Once you have your Fishbank and GARFO credentials in-hand, you can purchase the GARFO reporting product and go fishing immediately:
- Make sure Deckhand is running then click “User Preferences” again. This time select the Deckhand Store.
In the store, you’ll see a choice of the GARFO reporting product available for either a 1-month or 3-month renewable subscription option. Select the option you need. - At this point, you’ll be asked to enter your GARFO username and password to link your GARFO license to Deckhand.
When you complete the above, you’ll receive the normal Apple payment prompts to complete your purchase. - Once complete, just click the close button to return to the “Go Fishing” page. Now, in the upper right, in small grey text, you should see the title “GARFO” and a version number, confirming you’re now ready to go fishing.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Take it fishing! Deckhand is unique in that it “fishes with you.” You can tally individual hauls, tows, traps, strings, as you go; or, you can wait to input any data until you wish to submit the eVTR. Whether you want to interact with it a lot or hardly at all, Deckhand adjusts to the way you fish and want to work.
If you need assistance, please contact us.