[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 73 (Thursday, April 15, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19985-19988]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8591]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 030304D]


Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS); Approved Mobile Transmitting 
Units for Use in Alaska Fisheries Requiring VMS

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

[[Page 19986]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notification of NOAA-approved VMS.

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SUMMARY: This document provides notice of NOAA-approved VMS for use by 
vessels participating in Alaska fisheries requiring VMS, and sets forth 
relevant features of the monitoring systems.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA-approved VMS mobile 
transmitting units and VMS communications service providers, or to 
obtain information regarding the status of VMS systems being evaluated 
by NOAA, write to NOAA Fisheries, Office for Law Enforcement (OLE), 
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    Completed activation forms, must be sent to NOAA Enforcement, P.O. 
Box 21767, 709 W. 9th Street, Room M09C, Juneau, AK 99802-1767, or 
faxed to 907-586-7703.
    For service provider contact information, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this notice, under section III, 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 
forms, and status of evaluations contact Jonathan Pinkerton, National 
VMS Program Manager, phone: 301-427-2300, fax: 301-427-2055. For 
questions regarding VMS unit activation or to acquire this notice, 
activation procedures, and relevant updates contact the Alaska 
Enforcement Division VMS staff, phone: 907-586-7225, fax: 907-586-7703.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The sections below list the satellite 
transceivers and communications service providers approved for use in 
the Alaska fisheries requiring the use of VMS. Activation guidelines 
are also provided for each unit or service listed in this notice.

I. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units

A. ArgoNet Mar GE

    North American Collection and Location by Satellite, Inc. (NACLS) 
is the sole point-of-contact for the ArgoNet service. NACLS provides: 
Installation of the ArgoNet MAR GE transmitter on the vessel, the 
ArgoNet satellite service, and delivery of position reports to OLE and 
the vessel owner.
    Please note that any ``assistance'' or ``emergency'' functions 
integrated into a VMS unit are not supported by NOAA, although they may 
be supported by other parties.
    New ArgoNet installations are prohibited on or after the published 
date of this notice. Units installed prior to the published date of 
this notice are approved to the end of their service life.

B. INMARSAT-C Transceivers

    The INMARSAT-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that 
meet the minimum technical requirements for Alaska fisheries requiring 
VMS 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) is provided under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.

B1. Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Capsat'' TT-3022D-NMFS

    The TT-3022D-NMFS 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.
    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 volts DC (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, and 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 degrees of 
elevation.
    A configuration option is available to automatically send position 
reports to a private e-mail 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.
    Please note that any ``assistance'' or ``emergency'' functions 
integrated into a VMS unit are not supported by NOAA, although they may 
be supported by other parties.

B2. Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Mini-C'' TT-3026-NMFS

    The TT-3026-NMFS 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.
    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, and 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, and 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 perform 
these operations when additional equipment that is 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 e-mail address, such as a fleet 
management company.
    Please note that any ``assistance'' or ``emergency'' functions 
integrated into a VMS unit are not supported by NOAA, though they may 
be supported by other parties.
    A vessel owner wishing to purchase either of these systems may 
contact the entity identified in this notice under the heading VMS 
Provider Addresses. The owner should identify themselves as a vessel 
owner in an ``Alaska fishery requiring VMS,'' so the transceiver set 
can be configured for Alaska fisheries.
    To use the TT-3022D-NMFS or the TT-3026-NMFS, the vessel owner must 
establish an Inmarsat-C system use contract with an NMFS-approved 
Inmarsat-C communications service provider. The owner will be required 
to complete Inmarsat-C ``Registration for Service Activation for 
Maritime Mobile Earth Station,'' and should consult with LandSea 
Systems when completing the form.
    LandSea Systems will perform the following services before 
shipment: (1) configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications 
for Alaska fisheries requiring VMS, (2) download the predetermined NMFS 
position reporting and broadcast command identification

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numbers into the unit, (3) test the unit to ensure proper operation 
when installation of the unit has been completed on the vessel, and (4) 
forward the Inmarsat service provider and the transceiver identifying 
information to OLE.
    The vessel owner is required to fax or mail the Alaska VMS 
Activation Form directly to Alaska Enforcement Division VMS, P.O. Box 
21767, Juneau, AK 99802-1767, phone 907-586-7225, fax 907-586-7703.

C. ORBCOMM Transceivers

    The ORBCOMM satellite communications VMS transmitting unit that 
meets the minimum technical requirements for Alaska fisheries requiring 
VMS is the Stellar ST2500G (part number ST2500G-NMFS). The address for 
ORBCOMM Value Added Resellers (VAR) and their regional sales outlets 
around the country are provided under the heading VMS Provider 
Addresses.
    The Stellar ST2500G-NMFS 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. Satellite commissioning services are available from 
several VMS providers.
    Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver 
installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a car 
radio-sized 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. 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 displayed on a map 
and in tabular form. Another available option is the ability to send 
and receive private e-mail from a laptop, personal computer or specific 
handheld devices. A complete list of devices, supported operating 
systems and available software solutions can be obtained from any 
ORBCOMM Value Added Reseller.
    Please note that any ``assistance'' or ``emergency'' functions 
integrated into a VMS unit are not supported by NOAA, though they may 
be supported by other parties.
    A vessel owner wishing to purchase the Stellar ST2500G transceiver 
will be required to complete an ORBCOMM ``Provisioning'' form via the 
Internet at www.orbcomm.com. If assistance is required, the owner may 
consult with the VAR or one of the entities identified in this notice 
under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. The unit will be configured 
specifically for Alaska fisheries requiring VMS.
    The ORBCOMM VMS VAR will perform the following services before 
shipment: (1) configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications 
for Alaska fisheries requiring VMS, (2) download the predetermined NMFS 
position reporting applications into the unit, (3) test the unit to 
ensure proper operation prior to shipping, and (4) 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, Stratos, Telenor, and Xantic satellite communications 
services.

A. ORBCOMM

    NMFS recommends, for vendor warranty and customer service purposes, 
that the vessel owner and the VAR have on record the following 
identifying information: (1) signed and dated receipts and contracts, 
(2) satellite communicator identification number, (3) VAR customer 
number, (identification number/unit surname name combination), (4) e-
mail address of satellite communicator ([email protected]), (5) owner 
name, (6) vessel name, and (7) vessel documentation or registration 
number.
    VMS units must be installed in accordance with vendor instructions 
and specifications. Installation can be performed by experienced crew, 
a VAR, or an electronics specialist. All installation costs are paid by 
the owner. The vessel owner is required to fax or mail the Alaska VMS 
Activation Fax directly to Alaska Enforcement Division VMS, P.O. Box 
21767, Juneau, AK 99802-1767, phone 907-586-7225, fax 907-586-7703.
    The owner must 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 their first 
fishing trip requiring VMS. OLE does not regard the fishing vessel as 
meeting the requirements until position reports are automatically 
received. For confirmation purposes, owners must contact the Alaska 
Enforcement Division VMS staff, phone 907-586-7225, fax 907-586-7703.
    ORBCOMM is a store-and-forward data messaging service allowing 
users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in the world. 
ORBCOMM supports a wide variety of applications including plain text 
Internet-based 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.
    ORBCOMM customer service supports the security and privacy of 
vessel accounts and messages by requiring password authentication of 
vessel owners or agents and OLE personnel to prevent unauthorized 
changes or inquiries, and by separating private messages from OLE 
messages. (OLE presently 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 by the 
vessel owner. Messaging initiated from OLE operations center is paid 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 centers. 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. INMARSAT-C Communications Providers

    NMFS recommends, for vendor warranty and customer service purposes, 
that the vessel owner, Stratos, Telenor and Xantic have on record the 
following identifying information: (1) Signed and dated receipts and 
contracts, (2) transceiver serial number, (3) Stratos, Telenor or 
Xantic customer number, user name and password, (4) e-mail address of 
transceiver, (5) Inmarsat identification number, (6) owner name, (7) 
vessel name, (8) vessel documentation or registration number, and (9) 
mobile earth station license (FCC license).
    VMS units must be installed in accordance with vendor instructions

[[Page 19988]]

and specifications and can be performed by experienced crew or by an 
electronics specialist, costs are paid by the owner. The vessel owner 
is required to fax or mail the Alaska VMS Activation Fax directly to 
Alaska Enforcement Division VMS, P.O. Box 21767, Juneau, AK 99802-1767, 
phone 907-586-7225, fax 907-586-7703.
    The owner must confirm the TT-3022D-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 their first 
fishing trip under VMS. OLE does not regard the fishing vessel as 
meeting the requirements until position reports are automatically 
received. For confirmation purposes, contact Alaska Enforcement 
Division VMS staff, phone 907-586-7225, fax 907-586-7703.

B1. Telenor Satellite Services

    Inmarsat-C is a store-and-forward data messaging service, and 
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-based 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 NOAA's Shipboard 
Environmental Acquisition System programs.
    Telenor Vessel Monitoring System Services is being sold through 
LandSea Systems, Inc. For the LandSea and Telenor addresses, look in 
this notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.

B2. Xantic

    Xantic is a provider of vessel monitoring services to the fishing 
industry. By installing an OLE-approved Inmarsat-C transceiver on the 
vessel, fishermen can send and receive e-mail, to and from land. The 
transceiver automatically sends vessel position reports to OLE, and is 
fully compliant with 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 in this notice 
under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    Telenor and Xantic products and services are offered through 
LandSea Systems who supports the security and privacy of vessel 
accounts and messages by requiring password authentication for vessel 
owners or agents, and OLE personnel to prevent unauthorized changes or 
inquiries, and separating of private messages from OLE messages. (OLE 
currently 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 by 
the vessel owner. Messaging initiated from OLE operations center is 
paid 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. A configuration option is available to 
automatically send position reports to a private e-mail address, such 
as a fleet management company.

B3. Stratos

    Stratos provides all Inmarsat services globally and has extensive 
experience in the provision of Inmarsat-C messaging and tracking 
services. Stratos has distributors situated throughout the United 
States that can provide equipment, installation, commissioning and all 
other necessary services in compliance with NMFS requirements.
    By installing an OLE approved Inmarsat-C transceiver on the vessel 
in accordance with vendor instructions and specifications and OLE 
requirements, fishermen can also easily send and receive e-mail, to and 
from land and can also setup individual crew member accounts onboard 
for e-mail to family and friends without billing to the vessel, but 
direct billing to crew member.
    Vessel owners wishing to use Stratos, Telenor or Xantic services 
must purchase an Inmarsat-C transceiver approved for the fishery. The 
owner must complete an Inmarsat-C system use contract with Stratos, 
Telenor or Xantic, obtain a mobile earth station license (FCC 
requirement). The transceiver must be commissioned with Inmarsat 
according to Stratos, 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;
    voice: 800-ORBCOMM (USA) or 703-433-6300; fax: 703-433-6400; or 
website www.ORBCOMM.com.
    For Stratos service or to locate the nearest Stratos distributor, 
contact [email protected], 1-888-766-1313. In Seattle, Dave 
Brengelmann at 1-506-633-5888 [email protected] or in 
Florida, Roberto Darias, 1-954-217-2277, or e-mail: 
[email protected].
    For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS information, 
contact Tom Kelly, 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, 
contact the address above or e-mail: [email protected]. For 
alternate Telenor, 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. For alternate Xantic, 
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].

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

    Date: April 9, 2004.
William T. Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8591 Filed 4-14-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S