Commercial fishing vehicle access permit application

You can apply for a commercial fishing vehicle-access permit online.

Before filling in the application form, make sure that:

  • you have read the Commercial fishing access policy
  • you have all the information required to supply a detailed explanation of access required
  • you have a public liability insurance certificate of currency as outlined below.

Certificate of currency

To obtain a commercial fishing vehicle access permit, you must have and maintain a public liability insurance (PLI) policy that meets the following requirements:

  • The policy must be held with an approved insurance underwriter. Check the list on the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) website for details of insurers authorised to conduct new or renewable insurance business in Australia or call 1300 131 060.
  • A valid PLI certificate of currency is required to demonstrate insurance is current.
  • The certificate must note and be valid for the access required.
  • The certificate must cover the geographic area permitted by the licence.
  • The name of the ‘insured’ must match the licensed fisher’s name.
  • The limit of the PLI cover must be a minimum value of A$10 million.
  • 'The Minister for Environment and Heritage, the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Crown in right of NSW' must be named as interested parties on the certificate.

Your permit status will automatically change from 'active' to 'suspended' when your PLI expires, unless you supply the NPWS with a new PLI certificate of currency. NPWS may periodically check the details of your PLI certificate of currency during the term of your licence.

The local NPWS office will review your application. You will be notified if your application is approved. A security deposit may be applicable for any keys that are supplied by the local NPWS office.

Once your application is approved, the NPWS will issue an agreement which authorises your activities and includes all conditions relating to commercial fishing vehicle access.

Important information

  • Annual commercial fishing vehicle access permits are valid until the end of the financial year, 30 June (maximum of 12 months).
  • There is no fee for an annual commercial fishing vehicle access permit.
  • Commercial fishing vehicle access requires approval as per the Commercial fishing access policy.
Your details
NPWS will issue a vehicle tag for this vehicle.
Details of access required
E.g. Royal National Park
Please include names of tracks, roads and rivers to be accessed and any other descriptions to accurately identify the location you need to access. If you need to provide a map, you can upload it here. Please ensure that your file is a single file (PDF or Word) not larger than 2MB. If the maps/materials are in hard copy only you can post a copy to: Commercial Fishing Access Application, NPWS, PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232.
Other details
Certificate of currency
Please upload a copy of your certificate of currency for your public liability insurance. If the certificate is in hard copy only, you can post a copy to: Commercial Fishing Access Application, NPWS, PO Box 733, Queanbeyan NSW 2620.
Terms & conditions


Submit this form

Note that with this selection you are verifying that your application is true and correct and completed in full. Please click the "Submit" button to send your application to NPWS.

Contact Information

The information you provide in this form will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected. By submitting, you consent to storage, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. You can request access and amendment of your personal information.