[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