[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 221 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64860-64864]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-28663]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 110503A]


Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units for 
use in the Fisheries off the West Coast States and in the Western 
Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notification of approval of VMS systems.

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SUMMARY: This document provides notice of vessel monitoring systems 
(VMS) approval by NOAA for use by vessels participating in the Pacific 
Coast groundfish fishery and sets forth relevant features of the VMS.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA approved VMS mobile 
transmitting units and NOAA approved VMS communications service 
providers,

[[Page 64861]]

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, 7600 Sand Point Way NE; Seattle, WA 98115; fax (206)526-
6528.
    For more addresses regarding approved VMS, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section, under the heading ``VMS Provider Addresses''.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For current listing information 
contact 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 Joe Albert, Northwest 
Divisional VMS Program Manager, phone 206-526-6133.
    The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and 
relevant updates via the ``fax-back'' service, or by contacting Joe 
Albert, Northwest Divisional VMS Program Manager, Northwest Division, 
phone (206) 526-6133.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units

A. INMARSAT-C Transceivers

    The Inmarsat-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that 
meet the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast 
groundfish 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.
    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 
nstallation 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.
    Thrane & Thrane TT-3026-NMFS features: 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. 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.
    A vessel owner wishing to purchase either of these 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 ``Pacific Coast 
groundfish fishery.'' The Thrane & Thrane transceiver set the vessel 
owner purchases will be configured for the Pacific Coast groundfish 
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 OLE specifications 
for the Pacific Coast groundfish 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 OLE.

B. INMARSAT D+ Transceivers

    The Inmarsat-D+ satellite communications VMS transmitting unit that 
meets the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast 
groundfish fishery is the Satamatics SAT-101 (model number SAT-101 
NMFS/PCG). The address for the Satamatics contact is provided under the 
heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    Satamatics-101 NMFS/PCG Features: The transceiver is part of a 
bundled service provided by Satamatics that includes the transceiver 
and the satellite airtime. The transceiver is delivered as a complete 
kit including main unit, antenna, antenna mount, cabling, power 
connector and detailed installation manual. The main unit is an 
integrated GPS receiver and Inmarsat-D+ transmitter receiver measuring 
4.375in. x 6.75in. x 1.5 in. For the VMS environment, it is enclosed in 
a secure ruggedized outer box so that it can be mounted inside the 
superstructure or hull of the vessel or externally in any location 
sheltered from ``green seas.'' Prime power to the unit is a floating 
9.6 to 30 Vdc. The main unit includes a back up, re-chargeable battery. 
The antenna is small and lightweight measuring 4.375in. diameter and 
1.5 in. high and weighing 0.5 lbs. The transceiver is factory pre-
configured for NMFS VMS requirements for each fishery for ``plug and 
play'' installation and operation requiring no specialized training or 
expertise.
    Automatic GPS position reporting can start immediately after 
transceiver installation and power activation onboard the vessel. 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

[[Page 64862]]

shut down. The unit restarts normal position transmission automatically 
when the vessel goes to sea.
    Satamatics provides a one-stop shop for easy purchase and 
commissioning of transceiver and satellite airtime. A vessel owner 
wishing to purchase the model number SAT 101- NMFS/PCG can purchase a 
bundled package of transceiver and satellite airtime directly from 
Satamatics using a self-serve web site or by contacting Satamatics as 
listed in the VMS Provider Addresses.
    Satellite commissioning service is instantaneous via a self-service 
web page or through Satamatics Support anytime after the receipt of the 
transceiver. This eliminates delays and paperwork. Satamatics will 
forward the transceiver identifying information to OLE. Although the 
VMS package has been designed for an easy, low cost self-install, 
Satamatics provides a support web site and contact line for fishermen.

C. ORBCOMM Transceivers

    The ORBCOMM satellite communications VMS transmitting units that 
meet the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast 
groundfish fishery is the Stellar ST2500G (part number ST2500G-NMFS). 
The address for ORBCOMM and Stellar Value Added Resellers (VAR) and 
their regional sales outlets around the country are provided under the 
heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    Stellar ST2500G-NMFS Features: The transceiver consists of an 
integrated GPS/ORBCOMM Satellite Communicator mounted in the wheelhouse 
and antennas mounted atop the vessel. The unit is pre-configured and 
tested for NMFS VMS operations (with an emergency alarm switch (non-
GMDSS)). Satellite commissioning services are provided by several VMS 
providers.
    Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver 
installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a 4 
in x 8in x 2in transceiver powered by any 12 to 32 VDC power supply. It 
is factory configured for automatic reduced position transmissions when 
the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port) which allows for port stays 
without power drain or unit shut down. The unit restarts normal 
position transmission automatically when the vessel goes to sea.
    The ST2500G has an omni-directional VHF antenna, providing 
operation from +/-5 degrees above the horizon anywhere on earth.
    A configuration option is available to automatically send position 
reports to a private e-mail address or to a secure web site where the 
data is provided on a map and in tabular form. Another available option 
is the ability to send and receive private e-mail from a PC or Laptop 
personal computer or from specific hand held devices. A complete list 
of devices, supported operating systems and available software 
solutions are described by each VMS provider.
    A vessel owner wishing to purchase the Stellar ST2500G transceiver 
will be required to complete an ORBCOMM ``Provisioning'' form via the 
web. If assistance is required, the owner may consult with the VAR or 
one of the entities identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses 
for the ST2500G-NMFS when completing this form. The unit purchased by 
the vessel owner will be configured specifically for the Pacific Coast 
groundfish fishery.
    The ORBCOMM VMS VAR will perform the following before shipment: (a) 
configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications for the 
Pacific Coast groundfish fishery; (b) download the predetermined NMFS 
position reporting applications into the unit; (c) test the unit to 
ensure proper operation prior to shipping; (d) forward the service 
provider and the transceiver identifying information to OLE and test 
the unit when the installation has been completed on the vessel.

II. Communications Service Providers

    OLE has approved the below-listed communications service providers: 
Orbcomm, Satamatics, Telenor, and Xantic satellite communications 
services for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.

A. Orbcomm

    It is recommended that the vessel owner keep for his or her records 
and that the VAR have on record the following identifying information: 
(a) signed and dated receipts and contracts; (b) satellite communicator 
identification number; (c) VAR customer number, (Identification number/
unit surname name combination); (d) e-mail address of satellite 
communicator ([email protected]); (e) owner name; (f) vessel name; 
and (g) vessel documentation or registration number.
    Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), OLE 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 OLE. 
Installation can be performed by experienced crew, a VAR or by an 
electronics specialist. All installation costs are paid by the owner.
    The owner may confirm the Stellar ST2500G-NMFS operation and 
communications service to ensure that position reports are 
automatically sent to and received by OLE before leaving on a fishing 
trip under VMS. OLE 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 Enforcement, 7600 
Sand Point Way NE; Seattle, WA 98115, at (206) 526-6133.

ESL Sat-Ex Satellite Services/ORBCOMM

    ORBCOMM is a store-and-forward data messaging service allowing 
users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in the world, 
on land, at sea, and in the air. ORBCOMM supports a wide variety of 
applications including Plain Text Internet e-mail, position and weather 
reporting, and remote equipment monitoring and control. Mariners can 
use ORBCOMM 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. VMS Services are being sold through specific ORBCOMM 
VARS.
    Features offered: 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 OLE to 
prevent unauthorized changes or inquiries; and (b) separation of 
private messages from OLE messages. (OLE requires VMS-related position 
reports, only.)
    Billing is separated between accounts for the vessel owner and OLE. 
VMS position reports and vessel-initiated messaging are paid for by the 
vessel owner. Messaging initiated from OLE operations center is paid 
for by OLE.
    ORBCOMM provides customer service through its VARS to establish and 
support two-way transmission of transceiver unit configuration commands 
between the transceiver and land-based control center. This supports 
OLE's message needs and, optionally, fishermen's private e-mail needs.
    The owner should refer to and follow the configuration, 
installation, and service activation procedures for the Stellar 
ST2500G-NMFS satellite communicator.

B. Satamatics/INMARSAT-D+

    Satamatics provides tracking and monitoring solutions globally 
using Inmarsat-D+. Satamatics is able to provide end to end bundled 
services using a combination of its satellite gateways that it 
designed, built, owns and maintains and its own D+ transceiver line 
that it designed and

[[Page 64863]]

manufactures. The marine solution certified for NMFS VMS is similar to 
that being used in other VMS applications around the world and in the 
Secure Ship Alert System recently mandated by the International 
Maritime Organization to combat security threats.
    Satamatics provides a one-stop shop for service and transceiver for 
easy purchase and commissioning. Vessel owners wishing to use the 
Satamatics solution to meet the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery VMS 
requirement can purchase a bundled package of transceiver and airtime 
directly from Satamatics using a self-serve web site or contacting 
Satamatics as listed in the VMS Provider Addresses.
    Satellite commissioning service is instantaneous via a self-service 
web page or through Satamatics Support anytime after the receipt of the 
transceiver. This eliminates delays and paperwork. Satamatics will 
forward the transceiver identifying information to OLE. Although the 
VMS service package has been designed for easy commissioning via the 
web, Satamatics provides a support line for fishermen as well.
    Billing for satellite airtime is separated between accounts for the 
vessel owner and OLE. VMS position reports and vessel-initiated 
messaging are paid for by the vessel owner. Messaging initiated from 
OLE operations center is paid for by NOAA.

C. INMARSAT-C Communications 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; (g) vessel name; (h) vessel 
documentation or registration number; and (i) mobile earth station 
license (FCC license).
    Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), OLE 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 OLE. 
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 the TT-3022-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS operation 
and communications service to ensure that position reports are 
automatically sent to and received by OLE before leaving on a fishing 
trip under VMS. OLE 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 Fisheries Office 
for Law Enforcement, 7600 Sand Point Way NE; Seattle, WA 98115, at 
(206) 526-6133.

C1. Telenor Satellite Services

    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. Telenor Vessel 
Monitoring System Services is being sold through LandSea Systems, Inc. 
For the LandSea and Telenor addresses, look under the heading ``VMS 
Provider Addresses''.

C2. Xantic

    Xantic is a provider Vessel Monitoring Services to the fishing 
industry. By installing an approved OLE Imarsat-C transceiver on the 
vessel, fishermen can send and receive E-mail, to and from land, 
transceiver automatically sends vessel position reports to OLE, and is 
fully compliant with the International Coast Guard Search and Rescue 
Centers. XANTIC Vessel Monitoring System Services are being sold 
through LandSea Systems, Inc. For the LandSea and XANTIC addresses, 
look under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    Telenor and 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 OLE to prevent unauthorized changes or 
inquiries; and (b) separation of private messages from OLE messages. 
(OLE requires VMS-related position reports, only.)
    Billing is separated between accounts for the vessel owner and the 
OLE. VMS position reports and vessel-initiated messaging are paid for 
by the vessel owner. Messaging initiated from OLE operations center is 
paid for by NOAA.
    LandSea Systems provides customer service for Telenor and XANTIC 
users to support and establish two-way transmission of transceiver unit 
configuration commands between the transceiver and land-based control 
centers. This supports OLE'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 Telenor or 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 
Telenor or XANTIC, including a mobile earth station license (FCC 
requirement). The transceiver will need to be commissioned with 
Inmarsat according to Telenor or XANTIC's instructions. The owner 
should refer to and follow the configuration, installation, and service 
activation procedures for the specific transceiver purchased.

III. VMS Provider Addresses

    For ORBCOMM and Stellar ST2500G-NMFS information, contact: ORBCOMM, 
LLC; 21700 Atlantic Boulevard; Dulles, VA 20166 USA. www.ORBCOMM.com 
for Vessel Management on the home page.
    Call 800-ORBCOMM (USA); Phone: 703-433-6300; Fax: 703-433-6400 
Satamatics/INMARSAT D+ bundled VMS solution of satellite airtime and 
SAT-101 NMFS/PCG transceiver: go to www.nmfs.satamaticsusa.com; call 
877-SAT-MATD (877-728-6383) fax 360-246 7263 e-mail 
[email protected]. Thrane & Thrane TT-3022-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS, 
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 or 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]. Telenor and XANTIC Customer Service, 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]. Telenor

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Alternate Contact: Courtney Coleman, Manager COMSAT-C Services 
Marketing, 6560 Rock Spring Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817; phone: 301-838-
7720; e-mail: usa.com">courtney.coleman@telenor-usa.com. Xantic Alternate 
contacts: 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].

IV. Additional Information

    OLE is constantly evaluating new and emerging technologies for 
inclusion in the VMS program. Additional units may be approved for use 
in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery at a later date.

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

    Dated: November 12, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-28663 Filed 11-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S