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Frequently Asked Questions for Independent access providers

This page is intended for Independent Access Providers (IAPs). An IAP is a retail outlet, charter, lodge or marina that can help a fisher obtain a B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing (TWSF) licence and salmon stamp.

General information

Are hard copies of the Tidal Water Sport Fishing Guides and Freshwater Salmon Guides available?

No. Fishery management decisions are made all year long and we update the online BC Sport Fishing Guide with current regulations as soon as they are announced.

How do I apply to become an Independent Access Provider?

Please contact us to learn more about this process.

Licences

What types of licences can an Independent Access Provider issue?

Electronic licences are issued directly through the online system, which is the main and most efficient method of licence issuance. As an Independent Access Provider, you can quickly and easily issue licences to clients using this system.

You can purchase licences in advance to prepare for a system outage or limited Internet access (e.g., in remote areas or on a boat with no Internet access). After pre-purchased licences are issued, the information recorded on the pre-purchase licence log must be entered into the online system.

Please note that all pre-purchase licences that have not been added to the online system will be charged to your account as per your agreement.

Are both residents and non-residents allowed to buy a Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence online or through an Independent Access Provider?

Yes, both residents and non-residents can buy their licence online or through an Independent Access Provider. However, non-residents may only fish for Pacific halibut in Areas 23, 121 and 123 if they purchase their licence from an authorized Independent Access Provider. Non-residents are prohibited from fishing for Pacific halibut in Areas 23, 121 and 123 if they purchase their licence online.

Do fishers have to sign their Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence?

No, fishers are not required to sign their Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence. This applies to electronic and pre-purchase licences.

Can Independent Access Providers void electronic licences?

Yes, if an error has been made, you may void 1 Day licences on the same day of issuance or until the day before the licence effective date. You may void 3 and 5 Day licences on the same day they were issued or until the licence effective date (up until 23 hours 59 minutes).

Can Independent Access Providers void pre-purchase licences?

If an error was made, you should destroy the affected pre-purchase licence and issue a corrected licence to the fisher.

At the end of the season, any unused licences will remain in your inventory as unreconciled and will be charged to your account.

It is therefore recommended that you buy only the number of pre-purchase licences you expect to sell and issue these licences by the end of the fishing year.

Online licensing system

Is there a fee to use DFO’s online National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS)?

No, we do not charge additional fees if fishers choose to buy their Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence online. As an Independent Access Provider, you may choose to charge a fee to assist in covering the costs of printing, maintaining a computer and accessing the Internet. If a fisher objects to the usage fee, they may access the National Recreational Licensing System site through other public locations such as a library, community centre or Service Canada office.

If a fisher wants to go salmon fishing, how are Salmon Conservation Stamps issued through the National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS)?

The stamp option is listed on the web menu. When a fisher purchases a Salmon Conservation Stamp, the current year’s stamp image is automatically added to the top right corner of their licence.

As an Independent Access Provider, you can add a Salmon Conservation Stamp to a new or existing licence.

Why did DFO start issuing Tidal Water Sport Fishing (TWSF) licences online?

Issuing all licences online and expanding the National Recreational Licensing System to Independent Access Providers improves access to fisher information, assists in the development of catch reporting tools and demographic surveys, and accounts for revenue in a timely manner.

How does the National Recreational Licensing System improve services for fishers and Independent Access Providers?

Fishers and Independent Access Providers are able to apply more quickly for a Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence online than with the previous paper form system. With a credit card, fishers are able to purchase, print and immediately use their Tidal Water Sport Fishing licence.

As an Independent Access Provider, you are able to issue licences to repeat clients more quickly, issue licences to multiple fishers at once and run electronic reports. Additionally, eliminating the requirement to submit carbon copies and paper sales reports has streamlined the process of issuing licences.

I forgot my Independent Access Provider login information. How can I access my account?

The Independent Access Provider system requires the Independent Access Number in addition to a username and password to login to the system. If you are unable to remember your access number, please contact us to reset your information.

Contact us

Email: fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Telephone: 1-877-535-7307

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