[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 179 (Friday, September 15, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54472-54474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-15340]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 083006C]


Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units for 
use in the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

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

[[Page 54473]]


ACTION: Notice of vessel monitoring systems; type-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 Reef 
Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico 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, please contact the VMS Support Center at phone 888-219-9228, 
fax 301-427-0049, or write to NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement 
(OLE), VMS Support Center, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910.
    For more addresses regarding approved VMS, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section, under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding the status of 
VMS provider evaluations, contact Jonathan Pinkerton, National VMS 
Program Manager, phone 301-427-2300; fax 301-427-0049.
    For questions regarding the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico 
VMS requirement, contact Beverly Lambert, Southeast Divisional VMS 
Program Manager, NMFS Office for Law Enforcement, Southeast Division, 
phone 727-824-5344.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units

A. BOATRACS - FMTC/G

    The Boatracs satellite communications VMS transmitting unit that 
meets the minimum technical requirements for the Reef Fish Fishery is 
the BOATRACS - FMTC/G. The address for the Boatracs distributor dealer 
contact is provided in this notice under the heading ``VMS Provider 
Addresses.''
    The FMTC/G is an integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) two-way 
satellite communications system, consisting of two major hardware 
components, the Mobile Communication Transceiver (MCT) and the Enhanced 
Display Unit (EDU). The MCT contains the antenna and integrated GPS 
that communicates with the satellite and contains the operating 
circuitry and memory. The EDU is a shock and splash resistant display 
and keyboard unit consisting of a liquid crystal display, keyboard, 
with adjustable contrast and brightness, and audible alerts. A 
backlight illuminates the display for night view. The EDU has message 
waiting, no signal, and audible message received indicators.
    The MCT is 6.7 inches high, 11.4 inches wide and weighs 11 pounds. 
The base of the unit is 6.595 inches in diameter. The transceiver draws 
approximately 2.3 amps of current from the power supply while 
transmitting and 1.2 amps when the vessel is idle.
    The EDU is a hardened and splash proof keyboard display unit with a 
15-line X 40-character screen that allows for both text and graphics. 
It is 12.72 inches wide, 9.3 inches long, 2.21 inches in depth, and 
weighs 3 pounds and is holster-mounted in the cabin.
    A vessel owner may purchase this system by contacting the entity 
identified in this notice under the heading ``VMS Provider Address.'' 
The owner should identify him or herself as a vessel owner issued a 
permit to operate in the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, so 
the transceiver set can be properly configured.

B. Thrane & Thrane Sailor 3026D Gold VMS

    The Thrane & Thrane Sailor 3026D Gold VMS(TT-3026D) meets the 
minimum technical requirements for vessels issued permits to operate in 
the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. The address for the Thrane 
& Thrane distributor contact is provided in this notice under the 
heading ``VMS Provider Addresses.''
    The TT-3026D features an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit and a 
marine grade monitor with keyboard and integrated mouse. The unit is 
factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations (non-Global Maritime 
Distress & Safety System). 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-3026D provides operation down to 15 degree angles. The unit 
has the capability of two-way communications to send formatted forms 
and to receive e-mail and other messages. 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 this system by contacting the entity 
identified in this notice under the heading ``VMS Provider Addresses.'' 
The owner should identify him or herself as a vessel owner issued a 
permit to operate in the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, so 
the transceiver set can be properly configured. To use the TT-3026D 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 OLE 
specifications for vessels issued permits to operate in the Reef Fish 
Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; (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 OLE.

II. Satellite Communication Services

A. Boatracs

    The FMTC/G utilizes a KU band geostationary satellite to provide 
two-way date services. The satellite transmits and receives all two-way 
message traffic between the vessel and NMFS, Shore Office, NOC or third 
party. The satellite is located 22,300 miles over the equator at 
103[deg] W Longitude (south of Florida).
    Boatracs operates a redundant Network Operations Center (NOC). This 
facility is online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. 
Customer service representatives are available to relay messages and 
provide customer service. The NOC is also the facility that allows for 
automatic boat-to-boat, boat-to-e-mail, boat-to-fax, and e-mail-to-boat 
service. Data on demand and information services are also provided by 
the NOC.
    Boatracs contracts their satellite communication services from 
QUALCOMM Corporation of California. QUALCOMM offers 24x7, 365 days a 
year network support, and operates fully redundant earth stations in 
California and Nevada.
    VMS units must be installed in accordance with vendor instructions 
and specifications. All installation costs are paid by the owner. The 
vessel owner is required to fax the Reef Fish Fishery Activation Fax 
directly to VMS Support

[[Page 54474]]

Center at 301-427-0049(fax), or mail to NOAA Fisheries Office for Law 
Enforcement (OLE), VMS Support Center, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    The owner must confirm the FMTC/G 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 VMS Support Center, phone 888-219-
9228, fax 301-427-0049.

B. Inmarsat C

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 Thrane & Thrane, Inc. 
For the Thrane & Thrane and Telenor addresses, look inside this notice 
under the heading ``VMS Provider Addresses.''
Xantic
    Xantic is a provider of Vessel Monitoring Services to the maritime 
industry. By installing an approved OLE Inmarsat-C transceiver on the 
vessel, vessels can send and receive e-mail, to and from land, while 
the 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 Thrane & Thrane, Inc. For the Thrane & Thrane and Xantic 
addresses, look in this notice under the heading ``VMS Provider 
Addresses.''
    For Telenor and Xantic, Thrane & Thrane 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.
    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, the crew'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.
    Vessel owners wishing to use Telenor or Xantic services will need 
to purchase an Inmarsat-C transceiver approved for vessels issued 
permits to operate in the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico. 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.
    The owner must confirm the TT-3026D 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 VMS Support Center, phone 888-219-
9228, fax 301-427-0049.

III. VMS Provider Addresses

    Boatracs corporate office address is 9155 Brown Deer Rd, Suite 8, 
San Diego, CA 92121. Telephone numbers are toll free (877) 468-8722 and 
direct dialed (858)458-8100. The primary point of contact is Debbie 
Foste, Fisheries Market Segment Executive, e-mail [email protected], 
direct telephone number (858)458-8105. The alternate contact is Winston 
Richardson, e-mail [email protected], direct telephone number 
(858)458-8106.
    For Thrane & Thrane Sailor 3026D Gold VMS, Telenor, or Xantic 
information contact Lauri Paul, Marine Products, Thrane & Thrane, Inc., 
509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L & M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; voice: 757-
753-9450 or 757-463-9557; fax: 757-463-9581, e-mail: [email protected]; Web 
site: http://www.us.thrane.com/.

    Dated: September 11, 2006.
William T. Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-15340 Filed 9-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S