[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11534-11537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5643]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 022103C]


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. This notification is being issued to 
replace the approval notice published on September 9, 1999.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA approved VMS mobile 
transmitting units and NOAA approved VMS communications service 
providers, or information regarding the status of VMSs being evaluated 
by NOAA for approval, write to NMFS Office for Law Enforcement (OLE), 
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    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 727-570-5375.
    For more addresses regarding approved VMSs, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section, under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For current listing information Mark 
Oswell, Outreach Specialist, phone 301-427-2300, fax 301-427-2055. For 
questions regarding VMS installation, activation checklists, and status 
of evaluations, contact Jonathan Pinkerton, National VMS Program 
Manager, phone 301-427-2300, fax 301-427-2055. For questions regarding 
the checklist, contact Fred Kyle, Special Agent, NMFS Office for Law 
Enforcement, Southeast Division, phone 727-570-5344.
    The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and 
relevant updates via the ``fax-back'' service, or at the OLE website 
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html Telephone requests can be made by 
calling 301-427-2300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. The VMS Requirement

    The NMFS issued a regulation (64 FR 29090, May 28, 1999) codified 
at 50 CFR 635.69, requiring the use of VMS by vessels permitted to fish 
for HMS and that have pelagic longline gear onboard. Due to litigation, 
the requirement had been suspended until recently. 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. This notice is being issued to 
replace the approval notice published on September 9, 1999 (64 FR 
48988). 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. Thus, the vessel owner may need 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 documents stated that NMFS endorses the use of VMS and 
defined specifications and criteria for their 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

[[Page 11535]]

providers include supporting information which would demonstrate that 
the VMS could meet the minimum specifications established by NMFS 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 document 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 posted on the NMFS OLE 
website and will contain revisions when required.
    As noted above, implementation of required VMS usage in the HMS 
fisheries was delayed until a court recently upheld the HMS VMS HMS 
requirement. NMFS will issue a separate notice in the Federal Register 
specifying the effective date of the requirement to have a working VMS 
unit installed onboard a vessel that has left port and that has HMS 
permits and pelagic longline gear. However, fishing vessel owners and 
operators should not delay their purchase and installation of a VMS 
mobile transceiver unit until the last day. Vendors may require 
extended periods of time to deliver a mobile transceiver unit and to 
complete its installation.

II. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units

A. INMARSAT-C Transceivers

    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. Though both Trimble 
units are approved for use, they are no longer being manufactured. 
Units still may be available at Trimble-authorized dealers.
    Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), the NMFS will provide an installation 
and activation checklist for the below listed units 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 NMFS Office for Law Enforcement in St. 
Petersburg, FL at 727-570-5344.
    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 NMFS 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.
    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

[[Page 11536]]

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 transceiver will need 
to be commissioned with the service provider.
    The installation of the transceiver and antenna 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.

III. Communications Service Providers

    NMFS OLE has approved the below-listed Telenor and Xantic satellite 
communications services for the Atlantic HMS fishery. It is recommended 
that the vessel owner keep for his or her records and that Telenor and 
Xantic have on record the following identifying information: (a) signed 
and dated receipts and contracts; (b) transceiver serial number; (c) 
Telenor or Xantic 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 meeting the requirements of 50 CFR 635.69 until 
position reports are automatically received. For confirmation purposes, 
contact the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement in St. Petersburg, FL, at 
727-570-5344.

A. Telenor Satellite Services/Inmarsat-C

    Inmarsat-C is a store-and-forward data messaging service. Inmarsat-
C allows users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in 
the world - on land, at sea, and in the air. Inmarsat-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 Inmarsat-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 Telenor 
address, look under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.Inmarsat-C 
features: Vessel owners wishing to use Inmarsat-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 
Telenor, including a provision for a mobile earth station license (FCC 
requirement). The transceiver will need to be commissioned with 
Inmarsat according to Telenor instructions. The owner should refer to 
and follow the configuration, installation, and service activation 
procedures for the specific transceiver purchased.

B. Xantic

    Xantic is a provider of Inmarsat satellite communications services. 
Xantic offers seamless, global Inmarsat-C coverage. Xantic is approved 
for VMS use with Inmarsat-C services. For the Xantic address, look 
under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    Xantic 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), Xantic (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 Xantic 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 
Xantic's instructions. The owner should refer to and follow the 
configuration, installation, and service activation procedures for the 
specific transceiver purchased.

IV. VMS Provider Addresses

    For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS information, contact Ken Ravenna, 
Marine Products, LandSea Systems, Inc.,509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L & 
M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; voice: 757-463-9557; fax: 757-463-9581, e-
mail: [email protected].; website: http://www.landseasystems.com.
    For regional dealer information about the Trimble Galaxy 
transceiver units, contact Tom Mackey at 1-800-477-1207, or a Trimble-
Authorized Support Dealer, based at local marine electronics outlets.

[[Page 11537]]

    For Telenor information, contact Telenor Satellite Services, 6560 
Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817; Telenor Customer Care, phone: 
800-685-7898 or 301-838-7700; e-mail: usa.com">www.customercare@telenor-usa.com.; website: www.telenor-usa.com. Alternate Contact: Courtney 
Coleman, Manager COMSAT-C Services Marketing, 6560 Rock Spring Dr., 
Bethesda, MD 20817; phone: 301-214-3293.e-mail: 
usa.com">courtney.coleman@telenor-usa.com.
    For Xantic information, contact Xantic, Andre Cortese, 1211 
Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 
number: 202-785-5615; e-mail: [email protected]; Customer 
Service, Netherlands, toll free: 1-888-440-8988; website: 
www.xantic.net.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.

    Dated: March 3, 2003.
Rebecca Lent,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-5643 Filed 3-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S