[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 134 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41559-41562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-17757]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 070103A]


Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; 
Approved Vessel Monitoring Systems for use in the South Atlantic Rock 
Shrimp Fishery

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 vessel monitoring systems 
(VMS) approved by NOAA for use by vessels participating in the limited 
access program for the Rock Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region 
and sets forth relevant features of the VMS.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA approved VMS mobile

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transmitting units and NOAA approved VMS communications service 
providers, or information regarding the status of VMS systems being 
evaluated by NOAA for approval, write to NOAA Fisheries 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 Southeast, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger 
Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, fax: 727-570-5575.
    For addresses regarding approved VMS, 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 status of evaluations, contact Jonathan 
Pinkerton, National VMS Program Manager, phone: 301-427-2300, fax: 301-
427-2055. For questions regarding VMS installation or the installation 
checklist, contact Fred Kyle, Special Agent, or Beverly Lambert, 
Southeast Divisional VMS Program Manager, NOAA Enforcement Southeast, 
phone: 727-570-5344.
    The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and 
relevant updates via the OLE/SE website http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/Southeast/SED/VesselMonitoringSystem.htm Telephone requests can be made 
by calling 727-570-5344.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    NMFS issued a final rule on January 16, 2003 (68 FR 2188) to 
implement Amendment 5 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Shrimp 
Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States (Amendment 5) which was 
prepared by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council). 
That final rule established a limited access program for the rock 
shrimp fishery in the exclusive economic zone off Georgia and the east 
coast of Florida. The final rule requires an owner or operator of a 
vessel that has been issued a limited access endorsement for South 
Atlantic rock shrimp to ensure that such vessel has a NMFS-approved, 
operating VMS on board when on a trip in the South Atlantic. An 
operating VMS includes an operating mobile transmitting unit on the 
vessel and a functioning communication link between the unit and NMFS 
as provided by a NMFS-approved communication service provider. The VMS 
requirement is effective as of October 14, 2003, or 90 days after 
publication in the Federal Register of this notice listing the approved 
transmitting units and associated communications service providers, 
whichever is later. However, vessel owners and operators should not 
delay their purchase and installation of a 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.
    This notice provides a list of the currently approved VMS (mobile 
transceiver units and communication service providers) for the South 
Atlantic rock shrimp limited access fishery and sets forth the features 
of each VMS. The list of VMS approved by NOAA will be updated and 
revised as others are approved. The list will be published in the 
Federal Register and will be posted on the NMFS OLE website and will 
contain revisions when required.

Partial Reimbursement for Initial VMS Acquisition/Installation

    Amendment 5 expressed the Council's intent that costs for an 
initial VMS acquisition and installation should not exceed $1200, for a 
vessel owner who receives an initial rock shrimp limited access 
endorsement. In keeping with that intent, through December 31, 2004, 
NMFS will partially reimburse such a vessel owner up to $775 for 
initial acquisition and installation of an approved VMS. The maximum 
$775 reimbursement is based on the estimated cost of acquisition and 
installation of the least expensive approved VMS unit ($1975) minus 
$1200. If actual costs are less than $1975, the reimbursement would be 
reduced accordingly; in some cases involving special circumstances 
pertaining to installation of the device, a somewhat larger 
reimbursement amount may be considered. An owner would be initially 
responsible for the entire cost. To receive the reimbursement, an owner 
must provide valid signed receipts for purchase and installation of an 
approved VMS to NMFS Southeast Regional Office, and confirm with NOAA 
Enforcement Southeast that the VMS is functioning. NMFS anticipates 
that most qualified vessel owners will acquire VMS as soon as possible; 
some may defer temporarily for a variety of reasons. No requests for 
reimbursement will be accepted after December 19, 2004, and no 
reimbursements will be granted after December 31, 2004. NMFS will 
provide additional details regarding the reimbursement procedures to 
qualified vessel owners.

II. Approved VMS Mobile Transceiver Units

INMARSAT-C Transceivers

    The Inmarsat-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that 
meet the minimum technical requirements for the South Atlantic Rock 
Shrimp Fishery are the Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Capsat'' (part number 
TT-3022D-NMFS) and the Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Mini-C'' (part number 
TT-3026-NMFS). The address for the Thrane & Thrane distributor (LandSea 
Systems) dealer contact is provided under the heading VMS Provider 
Addresses.
A. Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS
    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.
    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, personal computer, or message display 
terminal.
B. Thrane & Thrane TT-3026-NMFS
    The transceiver consists of an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit 
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.

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 The unit is an integrated transceiver/antenna/GPS design 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 TT-3026-NMFS provides operation down to +/-15 degree angles. 
Although the unit has the capability of two-way communication to send 
and receive private e-mail and other messages; it can only use this 
capability when additional equipment not required by NMFS is purchased 
(i.e., a laptop, personal computer, or message display terminal). A 
configuration option is available to automatically send position 
reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company.

General Procedure for Acquiring and Installing Approved VMS

    A vessel owner wishing to purchase either of the approved systems 
may contact the entity identified under the heading VMS Provider 
Addresses for Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS and TT-3026-NMFS. The owner 
should identify himself or herself as a vessel owner in the ``U.S. 
South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery.'' The Thrane & Thrane transceiver 
set the vessel owner purchases will be configured for the Rock Shrimp 
Fishery.
    To use the TT-3022-NMFS or the TT-3026-NMFS, 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 
Systems when completing this form.
    LandSea Systems personnel will perform the following before 
shipment: (a) Configure the transceiver according to NOAA Fisheries 
Office for Law Enforcement specifications for the South Atlantic Rock 
Shrimp Fishery; (b) download the predetermined NMFS position reporting 
and broadcast command identification numbers into the unit; (c) test 
the unit to ensure operation when installation has been completed on 
the vessel; and (d) forward the Inmarsat service provider and the 
transceiver identifying information to the NOAA Fisheries Office for 
Law Enforcement.

III. Approved Communications Service Providers

    NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement has approved the below-
listed Telenor and Xantic satellite communications services for the 
South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery.

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**. (Features marked 
with * require use of attached laptop; features marked with ** can be 
accessed using the TT3022D.)
    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 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 global leader in providing Vessel Monitoring Services 
to the fishing industry. By installing on the vessel an Inmarsat-C 
transceiver approved by NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement, 
fishermen can send and receive E-mail*, to and from land; the 
transceiver automatically sends vessel position reports to the NOAA 
Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement, and is fully compliant with the 
International Coast Guard Search and Rescue Centers**. (Features marked 
with * require use of attached laptop, features marked with ** can be 
accessed from the TT3022D.)
    XANTIC Vessel Monitoring System Services are being sold through its 
Service Provider, LandSea Systems, Inc. For the LandSea and XANTIC 
addresses, look under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    XANTIC Features offered through LandSea Systems: 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 Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement to prevent 
unauthorized changes or inquiries; and (b) separation of private 
messages from NOAA Fisheries 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 Fisheries 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.
    LandSea Systems provides customer service for XANTIC users to 
support and establish 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.
    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 services will need to purchase 
an Inmarsat-C transceiver approved for the fishery. The owner will need 
to complete an Inmarsat-C system use contract with XANTIC, 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.

General Procedures Regarding Communication Service Providers

    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) owner name;

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(g) vessel name; (h) vessel documentation or registration number; and 
(i) mobile earth station license (FCC license).
    Pursuant to 50 CFR 622.9(b), 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 NOAA Enforcement Southeast. Installation can be performed 
by experienced crew or by an electronics specialist.
    The owner should confirm the TT-3022-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS operation 
and communications service to ensure that position reports are 
automatically sent to and received by NOAA Enforcement Southeast, 
before leaving on a fishing trip under VMS. NOAA Enforcement Southeast 
does not regard the fishing vessel as meeting the requirements of 50 
CFR 622.9 until position reports are automatically received. For 
confirmation purposes, contact NOAA Enforcement Southeast in St. 
Petersburg, FL, at 727-570-5344.

IV. VMS Provider Addresses

    For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022-NMFS or TT-3026-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 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">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 LandSea Systems Inc., Donna 
Sherman, 509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L, M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; 
voice: 757 463-9557; fax: 757 463-9581 e-mail: 
[email protected]. Alternate contacts: XANTIC, Folef Hooft 
Graafland, 6100 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 410, Hollywood, FL 33024; 
voice: 954-962-9908 Ext. 11; fax: 954-962-1164; Cellular: 954-214-2609; 
e-mail: [email protected]; Andre Cortese, 1211 
Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 
number: 202-785-5615; e-mail: [email protected]; Bobbie Thach, 
1211 Connecticut Ave, NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20036; voice: 202-
785-5614; fax: 202-785-5616; e-mail: [email protected]. Customer 
Service, contact 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].; or XANTIC Netherlands, toll free: 1-888-
440-8988; website: www.XANTIC.net.

V. Additional Information

    The NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement is constantly 
evaluating new and emerging technologies for inclusion in the VMS 
program. Additional units may be approved for use the South Atlantic 
Rock Shrimp Fishery at a later date.

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

    Dated: July 9, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-17757 Filed 7-11-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S