Fishing Vessel Permits
SIPI and SIKPI Fishing Vessel Licence Services
Nautinix helps fishing businesses obtain a SIPI for fishing vessels and a SIKPI for fish carrier vessels: checking the ship’s Ministry of Transportation documents, registering it as a fishing vessel, filing through the fisheries ministry’s (KKP) licensing system linked to OSS, and handling renewals and licence changes. Under risk-based licensing, the two licences may appear as the business licence for the fish-catching and fish-transport subsectors.
Understanding SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences
A SIPI (Surat Izin Penangkapan Ikan, fishing licence) is the licence a fishing vessel must hold to catch fish, while a SIKPI (Surat Izin Kapal Pengangkut Ikan, fish carrier licence) allows a fishing vessel to carry fish. The obligation comes from Law No. 31 of 2004 on Fisheries as amended, implemented by Government Regulation No. 27 of 2021 and Ministerial Regulation No. 58/PERMEN-KP/2020 on Capture Fisheries Business. Both licences attach to the vessel, rest on the operator’s fisheries business licence (SIUP), and record operating details such as fishing gear, fishing area and home port.
Last reviewed: Prepared by Nautinix
Who Needs SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences?
- Owners or operators of Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels, other than small-scale fishers, that will fish in Indonesian fisheries management areas.
- Companies operating fish carrier vessels that bring catches to a destination port.
- Owners of new or second-hand vessels that have just completed their nationality documents and fishing vessel registration.
- SIPI or SIKPI holders whose licence is expiring, or who need to change gear, fishing area, home port or vessel ownership.
- Operators in measured fishing zones who must align vessel licences with Government Regulation No. 11 of 2023.
- Companies with a mixed fleet of fishing and fish carrier vessels.
SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences Requirements
- Ministry of Transportation vessel documents by size: Surat Ukur and Grosse Akta for GT 7 and above, plus a Pas Kecil, Pas Besar or Surat Laut
- Business identification number (NIB) and the fisheries business licence (SIUP) for capture or transport
- Registration as a fishing vessel in the electronic Fishing Vessel Book (E-BKP)
- Results of the physical inspection of the vessel and its fishing gear by the competent officers
- Fishing gear specifications and planned fishing area for a SIPI; the home port and, for a SIKPI, the loading port
- An active VMS (SPKP) transmitter, evidenced by a transmitter activation certificate (SKAT), for vessels that must carry one, generally vessels above 30 GT licensed by the central government
- Current vessel data and photos, the identity of the owner or responsible person, and a stamped statement that the vessel is not on an IUU fishing vessel list and the data provided is true
SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences: Step by Step
- Consultation to map the licence type, vessel size, gear and operating area, which determine the issuing authority.
- Audit of the nationality documents so GT, dimensions and owner match the data filed with KKP.
- Checking or preparing the NIB, fisheries business licence (SIUP) and fishing vessel registration (E-BKP).
- Arranging the physical inspection of the vessel and gear at its location.
- Filing the SIPI or SIKPI application through the KKP licensing system linked to OSS.
- Handling verification and any data corrections, then paying the PNBP per the official bill.
- Handover of the licence and logging its expiry for renewal reminders; every departure still needs an SLO and an SPB.
Processing Time for SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences
Estimate: for a vessel whose nationality documents, business licence and fishing vessel registration are complete, a SIPI or SIKPI is usually issued within a few weeks. The deciding factors are the physical inspection schedule, the issuing authority’s verification and PNBP payment. Vessels with incomplete Ministry of Transportation documents, inconsistent GT data or an inactive VMS transmitter take longer, because those issues must be fixed first.
SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences Costs: PNBP and Service Fees
The cost has two parts. First, the marine and fisheries non-tax state revenue (PNBP), set by government regulation and billed officially; the amount can depend on vessel size, gear type and the levy scheme that applies. Second, the Nautinix service fee for the document audit, file preparation, filing, inspection coordination and support until the licence is issued. The fee depends on the number of vessels, licence type, completeness of nationality documents, vessel location and VMS needs. We quote a breakdown after reviewing your vessel data.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected or Delayed
- The GT, dimensions or name in the Ministry of Transportation documents differ from the KKP system or the inspection results.
- The proposed fishing gear does not fit the permitted fishing zone or area, or is a prohibited gear type.
- The application went to the wrong authority, for example a vessel above 30 GT filed with a provincial government.
- The VMS (SPKP) transmitter is inactive or unregistered for a vessel that must carry one.
- The NIB, business classification (KBLI) or business licence does not match fishing or fish transport.
- The renewal was filed after the licence expired, or a change of vessel ownership was not updated.
SIPI & SIKPI Fishing Licences: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a SIPI and a SIKPI?
A SIPI allows a fishing vessel to catch fish with the gear and in the area stated on the licence. A SIKPI allows a fish carrier vessel to transport fish. Each vessel holds the licence that matches its function, so a company with a mixed fleet may need both for different vessels.
Who issues SIPI and SIKPI licences?
It depends on vessel size and operating area. Under Ministerial Regulation No. 58/PERMEN-KP/2020, the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries licenses vessels above 30 GT operating beyond 12 nautical miles and/or on the high seas, while provincial governors license vessels up to 30 GT whose operators are domiciled in the province and that operate within 12 nautical miles. We make sure the application goes to the right authority.
Do small-scale fishers need a SIPI?
No. Small-scale fishers are exempt from the SIUP, SIPI and SIKPI, but their vessels must still be registered and receive a fishing vessel registration certificate (TDKP). Who counts as a small-scale fisher follows the definition in current fisheries regulations, so vessel size and operation should be checked first. Nationality documents are still required according to vessel size.
When must a SIPI or SIKPI be renewed?
Under Ministerial Regulation No. 58/PERMEN-KP/2020, SIPI and SIKPI licences are valid for one year and can be renewed, with the expiry date stated on the licence. Apply well before that date, because a vessel with an expired licence cannot legally sail. Current rules can differ by licensing scheme, including for vessels in measured fishing zones, so we always check them first.
Is a SIPI enough to go fishing?
No. A SIPI or SIKPI licenses the vessel, but every departure also needs an operational worthiness letter (SLO) from a fisheries inspector and a port clearance (SPB) from the harbour master at the fishing port. While operating, the vessel must meet other duties, such as VMS reporting where required. We help make sure the full set of documents is ready.
How does measured fishing affect a SIPI?
Government Regulation No. 11 of 2023 on Measured Fishing introduced zone- and quota-based fishing. For vessels operating in those zones, the licence must fit the quota scheme and its implementing rules, including home ports and applicable levies. Because the implementing rules can change, we check the latest requirements before filing.
The information on this page is general and educational. Requirements, procedures and processing times can differ by vessel type, GT, operating area, issuing office and current regulations. Nautinix is an independent ship document service company and does not replace the authority of the relevant government agencies.
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