Electronic logbooks (ELOGs) - Get started!

Use this checklist to start using ELOGs today!

To start using an electronic logbook, you will need an ELOG key. Follow these steps to get started.

Part 1 – Choose an authentication method

You have a choice of two different ways to login into the National ELOG key system. You may use either:

• A sign-in partner, such as through your financial institution. This is done using the SecureKey Concierge function. Please contact your financial institution for step-by-step instructions for using this.
• GCKey, which is the Government of Canada’s anonymous and secure electronic credential.

Note: If you know your NOLS (National Online Licensing System) or any other Government of Canada GCKEY sign-in credentials you can use it here.

If you choose to use a GCKey Sign-in follow the steps below:

1. On the Welcome to GCKey page, select the Sign Up button
2. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions of Use
3. Create your username. Your username:
• must contain at least eight characters and be unique to you
• follow the username checklist in the box on the right
• as you enter the username, a red “x” or a green checkmark will appear in the username checklist. A red “x” means you haven’t met the requirements
4. Create a password. Your password:
• must be between eight and sixteen characters, one upper case letter, one lower case letter and one digit.
• follow the password checklist in the box on the right.
• as you enter the username, a red “x” or a green checkmark will appear in the username checklist. A red “x” means you haven’t met the requirements.
5. Create recovery questions, answers and hints
• For the first question, choose a recovery question from “Select a Recovery Question”
• Enter an answer to the question in the “My Recovery Answer” field
• Enter the name of someone you'll remember in the “Memorable Person” field
• If you think you may forget the answer to this question, you can enter a hint in the Memorable Person Hint field
• Enter a date that you'll remember in the “My Memorable Date” field
• If you think you may forget the answer to this question, you can enter a hint in the Memorable Date Hint field
• Select “Continue”
6. Optional account recovery
• Enter an email address to recover your username and password if you like
• Confirm email address
7. Two-factor authentication
• Once you have created your GCKey username and password, you will be asked to choose a method of two-factor authentication. This is an enhanced security measure that helps protect your personal information. Two-factor authentication requires you to confirm your identity each time you use a GCKey. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your online accounts and services.
• On the two-factor authentication page, choose one of the authentication methods and follow the on-screen instructions.

Part 2 – Self-Registration – Registering a DFO online profile

Now that you have your login credentials, you will now be able to create an online profile with DFO. If you already have signed in with your DFO online profile (for example, with your NOLS credentials), you may skip to Part 3.

1. Click on the Self-registration link
2. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions of Use
3. Enter the required info, press “next”
4. Enter the postal code and address, press “next”
5. Enter phone number, press “next”
6. Click “save”
7. Select and answer your Profile Recovery questions
• Note: these questions may be the same as the ones previously used when creating your GCKey

Part 3 – Obtaining your ELOG key

Now that you have a DFO profile, you are now ready to obtain your ELOG key.

Please note the following:

• You are responsible for your ELOG key. You must not share it with anyone.
• ELOG keys that are not used for more than a year become inactive and unusable.

Part 4 – Choosing your application

Once you have secured your ELOG key, you may select a qualified electronic logbook application. Please contact the individual applications for support on where to enter your ELOG key. Each application may be different.

Get your ELOG key

Still need help? You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada directly by:

• Telephone: 1-877-535-7307
  • Telephone support is available Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 20:00 (Eastern time) excluding holidays.
• Email: fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca