[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26062-26063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11627]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Vessel 
Monitoring System (VMS) Program

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 7, 2017.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Scott Miller, (907) 586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units integrate global positioning 
system (GPS) and communications electronics into a single, tamper-
resistant package to automatically determine the vessel's position 
several times per hour. The units can be set to transmit a vessel's 
location periodically and automatically to an overhead satellite in 
real time. In most cases, the vessel owner is unaware

[[Page 26063]]

of exactly when the unit is transmitting and is unable to alter the 
signal or the time of transmission. The VMS unit is passive and 
automatic, requiring no reporting effort by the vessel operator. A 
communications service provider receives the transmission and relays it 
to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Law 
Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard. Enforcement of management 
measures, such as directed fishing closures and critical habitat no-
fishing zones, relies heavily on the use of VMS.

II. Method of Collection

    Automatic GPS position reporting starts after VMS transceiver 
installation and power activation on board the vessel. The unit is pre-
configured and tested for NMFS VMS operations. Vessel operators who 
purchase and install a VMS on a vessel must fax a one-time VMS check-in 
report to NMFS. Thereafter, submittal is automatic by satellite.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0445.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently 
approved collection).
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; 
individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 83.
    Estimated Time per Response: 12 minutes for VMS check-in report; 2 
hours for VMS operation (includes installation and maintenance).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 130.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $67,793 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: June 1, 2017.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-11627 Filed 6-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P