The vessel operator interacts with commercial e-logbook software onboard the vessel. The e-logbook software must be certified as compliant with electronic reporting specifications.
The vessel operator must record the day's fishing activity within 24 hours of the conclusion of the fishing day. When the vessel operator has entered a day's fishing activity and indicates a desire to conclude the data entry session, the e-logbook program will present the signing ceremony, which may look something like this:
By typing my name in the indicated fields, I hereby certify that all of the information submitted in, and in support of, this application is true, accurate and complete. I am also agreeing to conduct business electronically with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in accordance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) (P.L. 105-277, 44 U.S.C. 3504 note). I understand that transactions and/or signatures in records may not be denied legal effect solely because they are conducted, executed, or prepared in electronic form, and that if a law requires a record or signature to be in writing, an electronic record or signature satisfies that requirement. I further understand that false statements made knowingly and willfully on this application, including any documents submitted with or in support of this application, are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under the provisions of 16 U.S.C. §1857 and 18 U.S.C. §1001.