Support

Knowledge Base

Guides, FAQs, and technical help for getting the most out of Deckhand.

FAQ

General Questions

What is Deckhand? +
Deckhand is an electronic logbook application that empowers fishermen to collect data for themselves and for the regulators that require mandatory electronic trip reporting.
Who can use Deckhand? +
Deckhand is a global product and anyone can use it. It has been approved as an official software solution by the Greater Atlantic Regional Office (GARFO) in the United States, MPI/FINNZ in New Zealand, and PIRSA in South Australia.
How do I get Deckhand? +
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, although a cellular plan is not necessarily required.
Why use Deckhand? +
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.
Can I go back and look at my past fishing activity? +
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.
I am usually out of cellular range. How do I submit reports? +
Running on the Apple iPad, Deckhand seamlessly replaces paper logbooks as the most comprehensive electronic logbook solution entering the market today. 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.
Who owns the data I record? +
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.
How secure is my data? +
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.
Can fishing associations use Deckhand? +
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, or tailor Deckhand to suit your organization's needs using our own CatchFlow™ workflow customisation engine. Start a conversation with us today to learn more.
GARFO

GARFO eVTR Users

What do I need to use Deckhand for GARFO reporting? +
An Apple ID account, GARFO credentials, and an iPad (WiFi + Cellular).
What do I do once I have downloaded Deckhand and purchased the GARFO eVTR module? +
Take it fishing! Deckhand is unique in that it "fishes with you." You can tally individual hauls, tows, traps, and 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.
How do I set up my GARFO account in Deckhand? +
  1. Download the Deckhand app — Find Deckhand in the App Store on your iPad. Tap "GET" to install it, then tap on it to launch.
  2. Set up a GARFO user account — You will need your GARFO-provided username and password to link Deckhand to your GARFO licence. If you do not have one, visit the GARFO site for instructions.
  3. Create a MyDeckhand account — In Deckhand, tap "User Preferences" and select "Log in / Create Account". Tap "Create New Account", enter your email and password, then confirm your account via the verification email.
  4. Purchase the GARFO reporting product — Tap "User Preferences" → "Deckhand Store". Select the 1-month or 3-month GARFO reporting subscription, enter your GARFO credentials when prompted, then complete payment. Once done, you should see "GARFO" and a version number in the upper right of the Go Fishing page.
Setup

Getting Started

How do I create an Apple ID? +
Creating an Apple ID is free. Visit Apple's website for instructions. You will need: your first and last name, an email address (this becomes your Apple ID), a password (min. 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, and a number), date of birth, a recovery email, a mobile phone number, and a billing address.
How do I add an email account to my iPad? +
An email account must be set up on your iPad before you can send any email. Visit Apple's support page for step-by-step instructions on adding an email account to your iPad.
How do I set up Deckhand on my iPad? +
  1. Download the app — Tap the App Store icon, search "deckhand", then tap Get to download Deckhand.
  2. Create a Deckhand account — Tap Allow for notifications, then tap Sign in → Create an account. Enter your name, email, and password. Check your email for a verification code from noreply@mydeckhand.com and enter it to verify your account.
  3. Set location access to Always — Go to Settings → Deckhand → Location → tap Always. This ensures accurate location tracking.
How do I use a Deckhand activation code? +

Activation codes are used to unlock a specific workflow for new customers. Do not use an activation code if you already have a myDeckhand account — contact your Association or Account Manager instead.

  1. Go to the Deckhand website, scroll to the footer, and tap Activation Code.
  2. Enter your activation code and fill in all fields to create your account, then tap Create an Account.
  3. Check your email for a verification code and enter it on the next screen.
  4. Once verified, open the Deckhand app — your custom workflow will load automatically.
How do I migrate from the Enterprise Deckhand NZ version to Deckhand Pro NZ? +
  1. Create a backup — In Deckhand, tap User Preferences → Manage Backups → Create New Backup.
  2. Copy the backup file — Open the Files app, navigate to iCloud Drive → Deckhand → Backup folder, press and hold the backup file, tap Copy, then paste it to On My iPad.
  3. Delete the existing Deckhand NZ app — Press and hold the app icon and tap Remove App → Delete App.
  4. Download Deckhand Pro NZ — Search "deckhand" in the App Store and install Deckhand Pro NZ.
  5. Sign in with FishServe — Tap Sign in → Sign in with FishServe → FishServe New Zealand, then enter your credentials.
  6. Create a new backup and restore — Create a new backup to generate a fresh iCloud Drive folder, then copy your old backup file into it and restore it via User Preferences → Manage Backups.
How do I add multiple registered users in Deckhand? +
  1. Tap User Preferences → Registered Users.
  2. Tap Register User, then sign in with the additional user's email and password.
  3. Create a new PIN for that user when prompted.
  4. Repeat for each additional user.

When starting a trip, tap Go Fishing, select the registered user for that trip, enter their PIN, and confirm the Trip Start Report.

Using Deckhand

Using Deckhand Pro

What are the main sections of the Deckhand home screen? +
  • Go Fishing — Takes you to the Fishing Trip section to start and complete your trip and report.
  • User Preferences — Settings, device connections, registered users, workflow updates, and contact support.
How do the Fishing Trip tabs work? +
  • Active — All started and un-submitted reports.
  • Sending — Submitted reports currently being uploaded.
  • All — Combination of Active and Sending.

From the Fishing Activity Panel you can Edit, Abort, view the Log, or Submit each report. The Fishing Activity Type selector lets you choose the type of fishing and species — Deckhand will display the correct report form.

How do I create and restore a Deckhand backup? +

Create a backup:

  1. Tap User Preferences → Manage Backups → Create New Backup.
  2. The backup appears in the list with today's date when complete.

Restore a backup:

  1. In Manage Backups, select the backup and swipe left to reveal options.
  2. Tap Restore, then tap OK to confirm. Warning: this cannot be undone.
  3. Deckhand will return to the home screen once complete.
What is Submission Mode and how do I change it? +
Submission Mode controls how completed reports are sent. Manual requires you to tap the Submit button yourself. Automatic submits the report as soon as it is completed without any extra step. You can change this in User Preferences.
What is the Floating Action Button (FAB)? +
The FAB is a small menu button on the Fishing Trip screen. Currently it contains "Edit Points", which lets you correct start/end points or fishing locations on the map if they are inaccurate. Additional options may appear depending on your integration.

Still Need Help?

Our support team is available during business hours to assist you.

AU +61 8 7100 1397
US 1 (360) 220-8674 / 1 (360) 594-1995
NZ +64 (0)4 385 9285 support@deckhandlogbook.com