[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 207 (Friday, October 26, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 60825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21087]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XC98


Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approval of Mobile Transceiver Unit

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

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document provides notice of the type-approval of the 
Faria WatchDog 750VMS for use in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands 
Marine National Monument.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA-approved Vessel 
Monitoring Systems (VMS) Mobile Transceiver Unit and VMS Mobile 
Communications Service Providers, or to obtain information regarding 
the status of VMS systems being evaluated by NOAA, write to the VMS 
Support Center, NOAA Fisheries Service, Office for Law Enforcement 
(OLE), 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415, Silver Spring, MD 20910; or call 
toll free 888-219-9228.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions regarding the status of 
VMS evaluations contact Jonathan Pinkerton, National VMS Program 
Manager by phone: 301-427-2300 or by fax: 301-427-2055.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The WatchDog 750VMS manufactured and sold by 
Faria WatchDog, Inc. has satisfied the requirements for type-approval 
for use in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.

Faria WatchDog 750VMS

    The transceiver consists of an integrated dual mode GPS/GSM/GPRS/
Iridium Satellite Communicator mounted in the wheelhouse or on a 
console and antennas mounted atop the vessel. The MTU also includes a 7 
inch color touch screen display that enables vessel operators to send 
and receive e-mail and electronic forms. The unit is pre-configured and 
tested for NOAA Fisheries Service VMS operations. Authorized dealers 
who are listed at http://www.vmstracking.com provide satellite 
commissioning services.
    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 9 to 16 VDC power supply. The 
unit can be factory configured for automatic reduced position 
transmissions when the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port) which 
allows for port stays in a reduced power state and without the need for 
unit shut down. The unit restarts normal position transmission 
automatically when the vessel goes to sea.
    The unit has an omni-directional Iridium, GPS, and GSM/GPRS 
antennas, providing operation from 5 degrees above or below the horizon 
anywhere on earth. The GSM/GPRS capability gives the system the 
additional ability to communicate through the AT&T wireless network 
where available. Iridium only units are permitted for use in the 
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.
    A configuration option is available to automatically send daily 
status reports to a private e-mail address. A 2 inch user interface is 
included with this system that displays if the MTU is operating 
properly and can send emergency notification messages to up to four e-
mail addresses and/or telephone numbers. A complete list of options is 
available from the VMS provider.
    A vessel owner may purchase the Faria Watchdog 750VMS and the 
Iridium/GSM communications service by contacting a Faria Watchdog Inc., 
authorized reseller. Reseller information can be found on the internet 
at www.vmstracking.com. Alternatively vessel owners may contact, Faria 
WatchDog Inc., 385 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville, CT 06382, 
1-877-888-5569, 860 848 2704 fax, [email protected] e-mail. 
The owner should identify himself or herself as a vessel owner and 
identify which VMS required fishery they wish to participate in.

    Dated: October 22, 2007.
William T. Hogarth,
Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-21087 Filed 10-25-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S