[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 174 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48988-48992]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23353]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[Docket No. 990902244-9244-01; I.D. 042699A]
Vessel Monitoring Systems; List of Approved Mobile Transmitting
Units and Communications Service Providers
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of vessel monitoring systems; approval.
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SUMMARY: This document provides notice of the vessel monitoring systems
(VMS) approved by NOAA for use by pelagic longline vessels in the
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries and sets forth
relevant features of each VMS.
ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA approved VMS mobile
transmitting units and NOAA approved VMS communications service
providers, write to NOAA Office for Law Enforcement (OLE), 8484 Georgia
Avenue, Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
To obtain information regarding the status of VMSs being evaluated
by NOAA for approval, write to NOAA Office for Law Enforcement, 8484
Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
For more addresses regarding approved VMSs, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section, under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Current listing information: Linda Taylor, Outreach Specialist,
phone 301-427-2010, fax 301-427-2055.
Installation and activation checklists: For a copy of the
checklist, contact Sandra Yin, VMS Specialist, phone 301-427-2300. For
questions regarding the checklist, contact Fred Kyle, Special Agent,
NOAA Enforcement, Southeast Division, phone 727- 570-5344. To submit a
completed and signed checklist, mail or fax it to NOAA Enforcement,
9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL
33702, fax 727-570-5355.
Status of evaluations: Sandra Yin, VMS Specialist, phone 301-427-
2300, fax 301-427-2055.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 48989]]
I. The VMS Requirement
The NMFS has issued a regulation, codified at 50 CFR part 635,
requiring the use of VMS by pelagic longline vessels in the HMS
Fisheries. This requirement becomes effective January 1, 2000. The
placement of VMS units on the fishing vessels in this fishery will
enable NMFS to determine vessel locations and will complement the
Agency's efforts to monitor and enforce compliance with applicable
regulations.
This document provides notice of the VMS mobile transceiver units
and the mobile communications service providers that have been approved
by NOAA for use in the HMS Fisheries. The VMS consists of both the
mobile transceiver unit placed on the vessel and the communications
service provider that supplies the wireless link between the unit on
the vessel and the shoreside data user. In the HMS Fisheries, the
vessel owner is required to procure both VMS components. The two VMS
components may, or may not, be provided by a single vendor, depending
on the mobile transceiver unit selected. Thus, the vessel owner may be
required to procure the mobile transceiver unit and the mobile
communications service separately.
To the extent that the use of VMS is required by applicable
regulations, NMFS is considered to be the operator and user of the VMS
mobile transceiver unit and the user of any required data, regardless
of who is required to pay for the mobile transceiver unit onboard a
vessel and for the associated communications services. Accordingly,
NMFS will specify how the VMS mobile transceiver units must be
configured, installed, and activated. This does not, however, preclude
the vessel owner from procuring a VMS that provides additional services
and capabilities used exclusively by the vessel owner and operator.
On September 23, 1993, NMFS published proposed VMS standards at 58
FR 49285. On March 31, 1994, NMFS published final VMS standards at 59
FR 15180. These notices stated that NMFS endorses the use of VMS and
defined specifications and criteria for VMS use.
On September 8, 1998, NOAA published a request for information
(RFI) in the Commerce Business Daily in which it stated the minimum VMS
specifications necessary for NOAA's approval. The RFI requested that
responses from interested VMS providers include supporting information
which would demonstrate that the VMS could meet the minimum
specifications established by OLE. The submitted supporting information
was used as the basis for approving the mobile transceiver units and
communications service providers specified in this document.
This notice lists each currently approved VMS and sets forth the
features of each VMS. The list of VMS mobile transceiver units and
communications service providers approved by NOAA will be updated and
revised as others are approved. The list will be published in the
Federal Register upon each revision.
Implementation of required VMS usage in the HMS fisheries has been
delayed until January 1, 2000; however, fishing vessel owners and
operators should not delay their purchase and installation of a VMS
mobile transceiver unit. Vendors may require extended periods of time
to deliver a mobile transceiver unit and to complete its installation.
II. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units
A. ArgoNet Mar GE Approval
Argos is approved for the HMS fisheries based on its cost
effectiveness and on its ability to meet other specified VMS elements.
Fishing vessel owners and operators should be aware that Argos approval
for the HMS fisheries is limited to 3 years from July 23, 1999, and
this approval may or may not be extended at the end of the 3-year
period.
The approved Argos mobile transceiver unit for the HMS Fisheries is
the ArgoNet Mar GE for which North American Collection and Location by
Satellite, Inc. (NACLS) is the sole service provider. The NACLS
provides (a) the ArgoNet MAR GE mobile transceiver unit installed on
the vessel, (b) the ArgoNet satellite service, (c) delivery of position
reports to the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement and to the vessel owner,
and (d) optional software to display vessel positions. The NACLS
address is listed under the heading for VMS Provider Addresses.
The ArgoNet MAR GE uses NOAA polar-orbiting satellites, and, as
such, it is considered a NOAA Data Collection and Location System
(DCS). The use of any NOAA DCS is governed by 15 CFR part 911. Pursuant
to those regulations, use of a NOAA DCS can be authorized only if it is
determined that there are no commercial space-based services available
that meet the user's requirements. At this time, Argos is the only
space-based DCS that meets NMFS' important requirement of cost
effectiveness to the Government. Therefore, the use of Argos has been
authorized, pursuant to the DCS regulations, for a 3-year period. The
regulations provide that, at the end of the 3-year period, approval of
Argos must be reconsidered using the regulatory criteria at which time
it may be renewed for a subsequent 3-year period, if appropriate.
ArgoNet MAR GE Features: The ArgoNet MAR GE utilizes a single
mobile transmitting unit mounted atop the vessel. The unit contains an
Argos transmitter, an integrated global positioning system (GPS)
receiver, a battery, and an antenna. The mobile transceiver unit is
connected to a power junction box in the wheelhouse, which can be
installed in less than 1 hour.
The GPS position reporting starts automatically when the power is
connected. The unit is configured for automatic reduced position
transmissions when the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port). When the
vessel is in port, position transmissions are automatically reduced to
one per week. This allows for port stays without significant power
drain or power shut-down. The unit restarts normal position
transmissions automatically when the vessel goes to sea.
The unit requires 18 to 32 volts direct current (VDC) at 375
milliamp during normal operations at sea, and 18 to 32 VDC at 350
milliamp while the vessel is in reduced position transmission mode
(i.e., in port). Operation continues for 48 hours on the internal
battery if external power is lost. Operation resumes automatically when
external power is restored.
The unit contains a protected push button to request assistance
from United States search and rescue authorities. However, search and
rescue authorities can not use the MAR GE transmitter to communicate
with the vessel because ArgoNet communications are one way, i.e., from
the vessel to the control center.
Optional reports can be transmitted with the purchase of a low-
cost, handheld keypad.
A vessel owner wishing to purchase this system may contact the
provider listed for ArgoNet Mar GE under the VMS Provider Addresses
heading. The owner should identify himself or herself as a vessel owner
in the ``United States HMS Fishery.''
The vessel owner purchasing the system will need to complete an
ArgoNet contract with NACLS and establish credit with ArgoNet. The MAR
GE transceiver the vessel owner purchases will be pre-configured to
meet the HMS Fisheries' VMS requirement. The NACLS will notify the NOAA
Office for Law Enforcement that the vessel is VMS registered.
Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), the Agency will provide an
installation and
[[Page 48990]]
activation checklist, which the vessel owner must follow and then
return to NMFS having signed a statement certifying compliance with the
installation procedures on the checklist. Installation may be performed
by experienced crew or by an electronics specialist. The owner pays
installation costs.
The owner may confirm that position reports are being received by
calling the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement in St. Petersburg, FL, at
727-570-5344, approximately 8 hours after installation.
B. INMARSAT-C Transceivers
While Argos has been type-approved based on its cost effectiveness
and its ability to meet other specified VMS elements, there are other
VMS mobile transceiver units and communications service providers that
NMFS has determined meet the minimum technical requirements necessary
pursuant to regulations implementing the fishery management plan, but
which do not meet the user's (i.e., NMFS) cost-effectiveness
requirements. These VMSs may be used at the discretion of the vessel
owners.
The Inmarsat-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that
meet the minimum technical requirements for the HMS Fisheries are as
follows: Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Capsat'' (part number TT-3022D-
NMFS); Trimble Galaxy TNL7005 (part number 17760-45) with software
v5.1; and Trimble Galaxy Courier TNL8005 (part number 30090-45) with
software v5.1. Both Trimble units use antenna part number 25132-01 and
must run software version 5.1, or later. Those vessels using earlier
versions of Trimble software (5.0, and earlier) must contact their
Trimble-Authorized Support Dealer to perform an upgrade to firmware
version 5.10 or 5.10a, and set the parameters equivalent to software
version 5.1, or later. The addresses for the Thrane & Thrane
distributor (LandSea Systems) and the Trimble dealer contact are
provided under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS Features: The transceiver consists of
an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit in the wheelhouse and an antenna
mounted atop the vessel. The unit is factory pre-configured for NMFS
VMS operations (non-Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (non-
GMDSS)). Satellite commissioning services are provided by LandSea
Systems personnel.
Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver
installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a
car-radio-sized transceiver using a floating 10 to 32 VDC power supply.
The unit is configured for automatic reduced position transmissions
when the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port). It allows for port stays
without power drain or power shut down. The unit restarts normal
position transmission automatically when the vessel goes to sea.
The outside antenna, model TT-3005M, is a compact omni-directional
Inmarsat-C/GPS antenna, providing operation down to +/-15 deg. angles.
Although the unit contains push buttons to request emergency assistance
from United States search and rescue authorities, search and rescue
authorities can use the transceiver to communicate with the vessel only
when additional equipment not required by NMFS is purchased (i.e., a
message terminal display).
A configuration option is available to automatically send position
reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company.
Another available option is the ability to send and receive private e-
mail and other messages with the purchase and installation of an input
device such as a laptop or personal computer.
A vessel owner wishing to purchase this system may contact the
entity identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses for Thrane &
Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS. The owner should identify himself or herself as a
vessel owner in the ``United States HMS Fishery.'' The Thrane & Thrane
transceiver and antenna the vessel owner purchases will be configured
for the HMS Fisheries.
To use this transceiver, the vessel owner will need to establish an
Inmarsat-C system use contract with an approved Inmarsat-C
communications service provider. The owner will be required to complete
the Inmarsat-C ``Registration for Service Activation for Maritime
Mobile Earth Station.'' The owner should consult with LandSea when
completing this form.
LandSea Systems personnel will perform the following before
shipment: (a) Configure the TT-3022D-NMFS according to NOAA OLE
specifications for the HMS Fisheries; (b) download the predetermined
NMFS position reporting and broadcast command identification numbers
into the transceiver; (c) test the transceiver to ensure operation when
installation has been completed on the vessel; and (d) forward the
Inmarsat service provider and transceiver identifying information to
the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement.
Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), the Agency will provide an
installation and activation checklist which the vessel owner must
follow. The vessel owner must sign a statement on the checklist
certifying compliance with the installation procedures and return the
checklist to NMFS. Installation can be performed by experienced crew or
by an electronics specialist, and the installation cost is paid by the
owner.
The owner may confirm that automated position reports are being
received by calling the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement in St.
Petersburg, FL, at 727-570-5344.
Trimble Galaxy TNL7005 part number 17760-45, Software v5.1,
Features: The transceiver consists of an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit
in the wheelhouse and an antenna mounted atop the vessel. The unit is
factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations (non-GMDSS). The
installation will be performed by Trimble-authorized support dealers
and must be paid for by the owner.
Automatic GPS position reporting starts after coordination with the
communications service provider. Although the unit contains push
buttons to request emergency assistance from United States search and
rescue authorities, search and rescue authorities can use the
transceiver to communicate with the vessel only when additional
equipment not required by NMFS is purchased (i.e., a message terminal
display).
A configuration option is available to automatically send position
reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company.
Another available option is the ability to send/receive private e-mail
and other messages with the purchase and installation of an input
device, such as a laptop or personal computer.
Trimble Galaxy Courier TNL8005 part number 30090-45, Software v5.1
Features: The Trimble Galaxy Courier TNL8005 transceiver has the same
features as the Trimble Galaxy TNL7005, except that it also includes an
integrated computer for messaging, including Internet e-mail. The unit
is factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations, and it is GMDSS.
Trimble Galaxy--General Features: A vessel owner wishing to
purchase this system should contact the entity identified under VMS
Provider Addresses for Trimble Galaxy Information. The owner should
identify himself or herself as a vessel owner in the ``United States
HMS Fishery.''
In addition to purchasing an approved Trimble transceiver (TNL7005
or TNL8005) and an antenna for the HMS fishery, the vessel owner will
need to establish an Inmarsat-C system use contract with an approved
Inmarsat-C communications service provider. The
[[Page 48991]]
transceiver will need to be commissioned with the service provider.
The installation of the transceiver and antenna must be performed
by Trimble-trained and Trimble-authorized support dealers and must be
paid for by the owner. To set up the transceiver for NMFS VMS
operations, the owner will (a) turn on the power of the vessel
transceiver; (b) contact the Inmarsat-C system communications service
provider; (c) have the service provider's Customer Service download the
pre-determined NMFS position reporting and broadcast commands from the
provider's control center to the vessel transceiver via satellite; and
(d) confirm with Customer Service that periodic position reports are
now automatically being sent to NOAA. Customer Service will confirm
service activation by forwarding to the Office for Law Enforcement the
following identifying information: (a) Trimble transceiver serial
number; (b) Inmarsat Identification number; (c) Data Network
Identification (DNID) and member numbers; (d) Enhanced Network
Identification (ENID) numbers; (e) owner name; (f) vessel name; and (g)
Vessel documentation or registration number.
Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), the Agency will provide an
installation and activation checklist which the vessel owner must
follow. The vessel owner must sign a statement on the checklist
certifying compliance with the installation procedures and return the
checklist to NMFS. The installation cost is paid by the owner.
The owner may confirm that automated position reports are being
received by calling the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement in St.
Petersburg, FL, at 727-570-5344.
III. Communications Service Providers
A. NACLS
NACLS is the sole provider of Argos satellite services. Selecting
to use the approved Argonet MAR GE transceiver unit also requires using
NACLS as the service provider. For more information, refer to Section
II.A Argonet MAR GE Approval.
B. COMSAT-C
COMSAT-C is a store-and-forward data messaging service. COMSAT C
allows users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in the
world - on land, at sea, and in the air. COMSAT-C supports a wide
variety of applications including Internet e-mail, position and weather
reporting, a free daily news service, and remote equipment monitoring
and control. Mariners can use COMSAT-C free of charge to send critical
safety at sea messages as part of the U.S. Coast Guard's Automated
Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue system and of the NOAA Shipboard
Environmental Acquisition System programs. For the COMSAT address, look
under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
COMSAT-C Features: Vessel owners wishing to use COMSAT-C will need
to purchase an Inmarsat-C transceiver and antenna approved for the
fishery. The owner will need to complete an Inmarsat-C system use
contract with COMSAT, including a provision for a mobile earth station
license (FCC requirement). The transceiver will need to be commissioned
with Inmarsat according to COMSAT instructions. The owner should refer
to and follow the configuration, installation, and service activation
procedures for the specific transceiver purchased.
It is recommended that the vessel owner keep for his or her records
and that COMSAT have on record the following identifying information:
(a) Signed and dated receipts and contracts; (b) transceiver serial
number; (c) COMSAT customer number, user name and password; (d) E-mail
address of transceiver; (e) Inmarsat identification number; (f) Data
Network Identification numbers (DNID and ENID), including the member
number; (g) owner name; (h) vessel name; (i) vessel documentation or
registration number; and (j) mobile earth station license (FCC
license).
The owner may confirm transceiver operation and communications
service to ensure that position reports are automatically sent to and
received by the Office for Law Enforcement before leaving on a fishing
trip under VMS. The NOAA Office for Law Enforcement does not regard the
fishing vessel as participating in VMS until position reports are
automatically received. For confirmation purposes, contact the NOAA
Office for Law Enforcement in St. Petersburg, FL, at 727-570-5344.
C. Station 12
Station 12 is a provider of Inmarsat satellite communications
services. Station 12 offers seamless, global Inmarsat-C coverage.
Station 12 is approved for VMS use with Inmarsat-C services. For the
Station 12 address, look under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
Station 12 Features: Customer Service supports the security and
privacy of vessel accounts and messages with the following: (a)
Password authentication for vessel owners or agents and for the NOAA
Office for Law Enforcement to prevent unauthorized changes or
inquiries; and (b) separation of private messages from Office for Law
Enforcement messages. (The Office for Law Enforcement receives VMS-
related position reports, only.)
Billing is separated between accounts for the vessel owner and the
NOAA Office for Law Enforcement. VMS position reports and vessel-
initiated messaging are paid for by the vessel owner. Messaging
initiated from the Office for Law Enforcement operations center is paid
for by NOAA.
Customer Service supports and establishes a two-way transmission of
transceiver unit configuration commands between the transceiver and
land-based control centers. This supports the Office for Law
Enforcement's message needs and, optionally, fishermen's private
message needs.
When the transceiver transmits a message requesting emergency
assistance (GMDSS alert), Station 12 (through Inmarsat) forwards the
information to the United States Coast Guard. However, unless non-NMFS
required equipment is purchased (i.e., an addition of a message
terminal display), the United States Coast Guard can not use the
transceiver to communicate with the vessel.
The vessel owner can configure automatic position reports to be
sent to a private address, such as to a fleet management company. The
vessel can send and receive private e-mail and other messages when the
transceiver has such an input device as a laptop or personal computer
attached.
Vessel owners wishing to use Station 12 will need to purchase an
Inmarsat-C transceiver and antenna approved for the fishery. The owner
will need to complete an Inmarsat-C system use contract with Station
12, including a mobile earth station license (FCC requirement). The
transceiver will need to be commissioned with Inmarsat according to
Station 12's instructions. The owner should refer to and follow the
configuration, installation, and service activation procedures for the
specific transceiver purchased.
It is recommended that the vessel owner keep for his or her records
and that Station 12 have on record the following: identifying
information: (a) Signed and dated receipts and contracts; (b)
transceiver serial number; (c) Station 12 customer number, user name,
and password; (d) E-mail address of transceiver; (e) Inmarsat
identification number; (f) Data Network Identification numbers (DNID
and ENID), including the member number; (g) owner name;
[[Page 48992]]
(h) vessel name; (i) vessel documentation or registration number; and
(j) mobile earth station license (FCC license).
The owner may confirm transceiver operation and communications
service to ensure that position reports are automatically sent to and
received by the Office for Law Enforcement before leaving on a fishing
trip under VMS. The NOAA Office for Law Enforcement does not regard the
fishing vessel as participating in VMS until position reports are
automatically received. For confirmation purposes contact the NOAA
Office for Law Enforcement in St. Petersburg, FL, at 727-570-5344.
VMS Provider Addresses
For ArgoNet Mar GE information, contact North American CLS, Inc.,
9200 Basil Court, Suite 306, Largo, MD 20774; voice: 301-341-1814; fax:
301-341-2130; e-mail: [email protected].; website: http://www.nacls.com.
For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS information, contact Doug Price,
Marine Products, LandSea Systems, Inc., 849 Seahawk Circle, Suite 103,
Virginia Beach, VA 23452-7809; voice: 757-468-0448; fax: 757-468-0625,
e-mail: [email protected].; website: http://
www.landseasystems.com.
For regional dealer information about the Trimble Galaxy
transceiver units, contact Dayna Woodward at 1-800-477-1207, or a
Trimble-Authorized Support Dealer, based at local marine electronics
outlets.
For COMSAT information, contact COMSAT Mobile Communications, 6560
Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817; COMSAT Customer Care, phone:
301-214-3100; fax: 301-214-7284; e-mail: [email protected].;
website: www.comsat.com. Alternate Contact: Al Labbe, Manager Business
Development, COMSAT-C, 6560 Rock Spring Drive, Room 4502, Bethesda, MD
20817; phone: 301-214-3214; fax: 301-214-7113; pager: 800-5COMSAT (800-
526-6728); e-mail: [email protected].
For Station 12 information, contact Station 12, KPN-Netherlands,
Andre Cortese, 2000 L Street, NW., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036;
U.S. telephone number: 202-416-1828; e-mail: A[email protected].;
Customer Service, Netherlands, toll free: 1-888-440-8988; e-mail:
[email protected].; website: www.station12.com.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.
Dated: September 2, 1999.
Andrew A. Rosenberg,
Deputy Assistant Adminstrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-23353 Filed 9-2-99; 5:00 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F