The ALC equipment has proven to be very reliable but failures do occur occasionally. AFMA has reporting procedures in place in the event of a unit failure. The security of information in transit is generally at least as secure as the public telephone network. Encryption of data may also be required by AFMA in certain VMS applications. Within AFMA access to VMS data is restricted to officers on a need to know basis.
Care is taken to avoid unauthorised disclosure of fishing position information.
The payment of transmission costs is the responsibility of the vessel operator. The cost of an ALC depends on its type, quantity purchased and many other business factors. As such there is some fluctuation in prices from time to time. The use of a PC, printer or data terminal attached to the ALC may not be required by AFMA for all VMS applications. However, AFMA recommends that either one be fitted to provide the operator with full communications and safety features.