[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 232 (Friday, December 2, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75523-75524]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30957]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XA844


Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units and 
Communications Service Providers for Use in Atlantic Highly Migratory 
Species (HMS) Fisheries

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

ACTION: Notice of vessel monitoring systems; type approval.

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SUMMARY: This document provides notice that three mobile transmitting 
unit (MTU) vessel monitoring systems (VMS) that were previously 
approved for use in Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries 
are no longer approved for use. This document also provides a list and 
describes relevant features of the enhanced mobile transmitting unit 
(E-MTU) VMS and communications service providers that are currently 
approved by NMFS for use by vessels participating in Atlantic HMS 
fisheries.

ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NMFS-approved VMS mobile 
transmitting units and NMFS-approved VMS communications service 
providers (including specifications), please contact the VMS Support 
Center at phone (888) 219-9228, fax (301) 427-0049, or write to NMFS 
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: The public may acquire this notice and 
relevant updates by calling the VMS support center, email: 
[email protected], phone (888) 219-9228, fax (301) 427-0049. For 
questions regarding the status of VMS provider evaluations, contact 
Kelly Spalding, VMS Management Analyst, phone (301) 427-2300; fax (301) 
427-0049. For questions regarding Atlantic HMS fisheries VMS 
requirements, contact Pat O'Shaughnessy, Southeast Division VMS Program 
Manager, at phone (727) 824-5358; fax (727) 824-5318.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior to January 2008, NMFS Office for Law 
Enforcement (OLE) approved for use several MTU VMS for use in fisheries 
nationwide, including HMS fisheries (68 FR 11534; March 11, 2003). On 
January 31, 2008, NMFS published in the Federal Register (73 FR 5813) a 
type approval notice listing the specifications for approved E-MTU VMS, 
including a requirement for two-way communication. An E-MTU is ``a 
transceiver or communications device, including antennae, dedicated 
message terminal and display, and an input device such as a keyboard 
installed on fishing vessels participating in the VMS requirement'' 
(subject to any future superseding authority) (January 31, 2008; 73 FR 
5813).
    In the notice at 73 FR 5813, OLE stated that ``previously installed 
MTUs approved under prior notices will continue to be approved for the 
remainder of their service life'' and that new installations ``must 
comply with all of the requirements'' of the notice, including the 
requirement to have two-way communication capability. In this issue of 
the Federal Register, NMFS published a final rule that requires 
fishermen to replace their previously installed MTU VMS with E-MTU VMS 
in Atlantic HMS fisheries by March 1, 2012. As a result of the final 
rule, on March 1, 2012, the following MTU VMS will no longer be 
approved for use in Atlantic HMS fisheries: Are Trimble Galaxy 7001 and 
7005 and Thrane & Thrane Sailor VMS Silver.

Approved E-MTU VMS and Communications Service Providers

    The following type-approved E-MTU VMS are approved for use in 
Atlantic HMS Fisheries. The list of approved E-MTU VMS and 
communications service providers may be updated in the future through 
publication of a notice in the Federal Register.

A. Faria WatchDog 750VMS With VTERM

    The Faria WatchDog 750VMS with VTERM Features a transceiver 
consisting of an integrated dual model GPS/GSM/GPRS/Iridium Satellite 
Communicator or a single mode GPS/Iridium Satellite Communicator 
mounted in the wheelhouse and antennas mounted atop the vessel. The 
Faria VTERM is a 7 inch color touch screen display and provides the 
capability (if so configured) to process electronic forms, 
declarations, and to send email. The unit is pre-configured and tested 
for NOAA Fisheries Service VMS Operations.
    Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver 
installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a 
car-radio-sized transceiver powered by a 9.5 to 36 VDC power

[[Page 75524]]

supply. The unit can be 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 Faria WatchDog 750VMS has 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 (if 
activated) gives the system the additional ability to communicate 
through the AT&T GPRS wireless network where available.
    A configuration option is available to automatically send daily 
status reports to a private email address and position reports to a 
secure Web site where the data is provided on a map and in tabular 
form. A 2-inch LCD user interface is also included with this system 
that displays if the MTU is operating properly and can send emergency 
notification messages to up to four email addresses and/or telephone 
numbers. A complete list of options is available from the VMS provider.
    The Faria WatchDog 750VMS must be bundled with the Iridium/GSM 
communications service.
    Faria can be contacted at (860) 608-5875 and 
[email protected].

B. Thrane & Thrane Sailor (TT-3026D) Gold VMS

    The TT-3026D Gold VMS features an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit. 
The unit is factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations (non-Global 
Maritime Distress & Safety System (non-GMDSS)). The Thrane and Thrane 
Gold VMS includes a marine grade monitor with keyboard and integrated 
mouse. Satellite commissioning services are provided by GMPCS Personal 
Communications Inc. 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 (if so configured) of two-way communications to 
send electronic forms and to receive email and other messages. A 
configuration option is available to automatically send position 
reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company.
    The TT-3026D must be bundled with the Inmarsat-C communications 
service. 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 GMPCS SERVICE 
AGREEMENT FOR INMARSAT VMS--NMFS SERVICES form. The owner should 
consult with GMPCS when completing this form.
    GMPCS Personal Communications Inc. personnel will perform the 
following services before shipment: (1) Configure the transceiver 
according to OLE specifications for vessels issued permits to operate 
in Atlantic HMS fisheries; (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.
    GMPCS can be contacted at 1-(888) 664-6727 and us.com">Contact@gmpcs-us.com.

C. CLS America Thorium VMS TST-100

    The approved configuration consists of the CLS America Thorium VMS 
TST-100 Transceiver and the Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) version 1.0. 
The DTE software is version 1.0. The CLS Thorium VMS unit and the DTE 
must be bundled with Halios communications (email, eforms) and position 
services. This configuration is enabled through the Iridium Short Burst 
Data (SBD) service, and is accessed through the CLS Iridium Web Portal 
(IWP) or machine-to-machine interface (IWS). CLS can be contacted at 1 
(301) 925-4411 and halios.net">info@cls-halios.net.

D. Stellar ST2500-G

    The approved Skymate E-MTU consists of the Stellar 2500-G satellite 
communicator version 1.12 with MDA version 2.52, April 27, 2007, Comrod 
AV-57, May 2005 VHF antenna, SA-700 GPS antenna, a dedicated Dell 
Latitude ATG D620 PP18L modified to meet the requirements of 73 FR 
5813, and when bundled with the Orbcomm mobile communications provider 
service.
    Skymate can be reached at 866-SKYMATE and [email protected].

    Dated: November 25, 2011.
Alan D. Risenhoover,
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-30957 Filed 12-1-11; 8:45 am]
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