[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 52 (Friday, March 18, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13175-13178]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5428]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 122104A]


Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units 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 Rock 
Shrimp Fishery of the South Atlantic Region and sets forth relevant 
features of the VMS, and supersedes all previous type approval notices 
for the South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA-approved VMS mobile 
transmitting units and NOAA-approved VMS communications service 
providers, or to obtain 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, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33702, fax 727-570-5355. 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 installation checklist, contact Beverly 
Lambert, Southeast Division VMS Program Manager, NMFS Office for Law 
Enforcement, phone 727-570-5344.
    The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and 
relevant updates via the OLE website http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html. Telephone requests can be made by calling 301-427-2300.

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 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 (Thrane & Thrane) dealer 
contact is provided in this notice 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 Thrane & 
Thrane 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.
    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 Thrane & Thrane 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

[[Page 13176]]

required by NMFS - is utilized (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 may purchase either of these systems by contacting 
the entity identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. The 
owner should identify himself or herself as a vessel owner in the 
``U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery'' so the transceiver set can 
be configured for the Rock Shrimp Fishery.
    To use the TT-3022D-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 Thrane & 
Thrane when completing this form.
    Thrane & Thrane personnel will perform the following services 
before shipment: (1) configure the transceiver according to NOAA 
Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement specifications for the Rock Shrimp 
Fishery; (2) download the predetermined NMFS position reporting and 
broadcast command identification numbers into the unit; (3) test the 
unit to ensure operation when installation has been completed on the 
vessel; and (4) forward the Inmarsat service provider and the 
transceiver identifying information to the NOAA Fisheries Office for 
Law Enforcement.

B. ORBCOMM Transceivers

    The ORBCOMM satellite communications VMS transmitting unit that 
meets the minimum technical requirements for U.S. South Atlantic Rock 
Shrimp Fishery 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 in this 
notice 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 VAR.
    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.
    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. The owner should identify him or herself 
as a vessel owner in the ``U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery.'' 
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 the U.S. South 
Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery.
    The ORBCOMM VMS VAR will perform the following services before 
shipment: (1) configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications 
for the U.S. South Atlantic Rock Shrimp Fishery, (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 Rock Shrimp 
Fishery Activation Fax directly to NOAA Enforcement, 9721 Executive 
Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, fax 727-
570-5355.
    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 NOAA 
Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33702, phone 727-570-5344, fax 727-570-5355.
    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.

[[Page 13177]]

    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 
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 VMS Activation Fax directly to NOAA 
Enforcement, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. 
Petersburg, FL 33702, phone 727-570-5344, fax 727-570-5355.
    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 NOAA Enforcement, 9721 
Executive Center Drive North, Koger Building, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, 
phone 727-570-5344, fax 727-570-5355.
B1. Telenor Satellite Services
    Inmarsat-C is a store-and-forward data messaging service. It 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 
Thrane & Thrane Inc. For the Thrane & Thrane 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 Thrane & 
Thrane Inc. For the Thrane & Thrane and Xantic addresses, look in this 
notice under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
    Telenor and Xantic products and services are offered through Thrane 
& Thrane 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.
    Thrane & Thrane 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 or in Florida contact 
Roberto Darias, 1-954-217-2277, or e-mail: 
[email protected].
    For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS information, 
contact Ronald Lockerby, Marine Products, Thrane & Thrane, 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 Thrane & Thrane 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]. Alternate Telenor contacts 
include 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. Alternate Xantic contacts include 
Folef

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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]; and 
Andre Cortese, 1211 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 
20036; voice: 202-785-5615; e-mail: [email protected].

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

    Dated: March 14, 2005.
William T. Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-5428 Filed 3-17-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S