[Federal Register: March 11, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 47)]
[Notices]
[Page 11534-11537]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11mr03-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 022103C]
Vessel Monitoring Systems; List of Approved Mobile Transmitting
Units and Communications Service Providers
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 the vessel monitoring systems
(VMS) approved by NOAA for use by pelagic longline vessels in the
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries and sets forth
relevant features of each VMS. This notification is being issued to
replace the approval notice published on September 9, 1999.
ADDRESSES: To obtain copies of the list of NOAA approved VMS mobile
transmitting units and NOAA approved VMS communications service
providers, or information regarding the status of VMSs being evaluated
by NOAA for approval, write to NMFS 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 727-570-5375.
For more addresses regarding approved VMSs, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section, under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For current listing information 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 checklist, contact Fred Kyle, Special Agent, NMFS Office for Law
Enforcement, Southeast Division, phone 727-570-5344.
The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and
relevant updates via the ``fax-back'' service, or at the OLE website
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html Telephone requests can be made by
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/vms.html Telephone requests can be made by
calling 301-427-2300.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. The VMS Requirement
The NMFS issued a regulation (64 FR 29090, May 28, 1999) codified
at 50 CFR 635.69, requiring the use of VMS by vessels permitted to fish
for HMS and that have pelagic longline gear onboard. Due to litigation,
the requirement had been suspended until recently. The placement of VMS
units on the fishing vessels in this fishery will enable NMFS to
determine vessel locations and will complement the Agency's efforts to
monitor and enforce compliance with applicable regulations.
This document provides notice of the VMS mobile transceiver units
and the mobile communications service providers that have been approved
by NOAA for use in the HMS Fisheries. This notice is being issued to
replace the approval notice published on September 9, 1999 (64 FR
48988). The VMS consists of both the mobile transceiver unit placed on
the vessel and the communications service provider that supplies the
wireless link between the unit on the vessel and the shoreside data
user. In the HMS Fisheries, the vessel owner is required to procure
both VMS components. The two VMS components may, or may not, be
provided by a single vendor. Thus, the vessel owner may need to procure
the mobile transceiver unit and the mobile communications service
separately.
To the extent that the use of VMS is required by applicable
regulations, NMFS is considered to be the operator and user of the VMS
mobile transceiver unit and the user of any required data, regardless
of who is required to pay for the mobile transceiver unit onboard a
vessel and for the associated communications services. Accordingly,
NMFS will specify how the VMS mobile transceiver units must be
configured, installed, and activated. This does not, however, preclude
the vessel owner from procuring a VMS that provides additional services
and capabilities used exclusively by the vessel owner and operator.
On September 23, 1993, NMFS published proposed VMS standards at 58
FR 49285. On March 31, 1994, NMFS published final VMS standards at 59
FR 15180. These documents stated that NMFS endorses the use of VMS and
defined specifications and criteria for their use.
On September 8, 1998, NOAA published a request for information
(RFI) in the Commerce Business Daily in which it stated the minimum VMS
specifications necessary for NOAA's approval. The RFI requested that
responses from interested VMS
[[Page 11535]]
providers include supporting information which would demonstrate that
the VMS could meet the minimum specifications established by NMFS OLE.
The submitted supporting information was used as the basis for
approving the mobile transceiver units and communications service
providers specified in this document.
This document lists each currently approved VMS and sets forth the
features of each VMS. The list of VMS mobile transceiver units and
communications service providers approved by NOAA will be updated and
revised as others are approved. The list will be posted on the NMFS OLE
website and will contain revisions when required.
As noted above, implementation of required VMS usage in the HMS
fisheries was delayed until a court recently upheld the HMS VMS HMS
requirement. NMFS will issue a separate notice in the Federal Register
specifying the effective date of the requirement to have a working VMS
unit installed onboard a vessel that has left port and that has HMS
permits and pelagic longline gear. However, fishing vessel owners and
operators should not delay their purchase and installation of a VMS
mobile transceiver unit until the last day. Vendors may require
extended periods of time to deliver a mobile transceiver unit and to
complete its installation.
II. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units
A. INMARSAT-C Transceivers
The Inmarsat-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that
meet the minimum technical requirements for the HMS Fisheries are as
follows: Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Capsat'' (part number TT-3022D-
NMFS); Trimble Galaxy TNL7005 (part number 17760-45) with software
v5.1; and Trimble Galaxy Courier TNL8005 (part number 30090-45) with
software v5.1. Both Trimble units use antenna part number 25132-01 and
must run software version 5.1, or later. Those vessels using earlier
versions of Trimble software (5.0, and earlier) must contact their
Trimble-Authorized Support Dealer to perform an upgrade to firmware
version 5.10 or 5.10a, and set the parameters equivalent to software
version 5.1, or later. The addresses for the Thrane & Thrane
distributor (LandSea Systems) and the Trimble dealer contact are
provided under the heading VMS Provider Addresses. Though both Trimble
units are approved for use, they are no longer being manufactured.
Units still may be available at Trimble-authorized dealers.
Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), the NMFS will provide an installation
and activation checklist for the below listed units which the vessel
owner must follow. The vessel owner must sign a statement on the
checklist certifying compliance with the installation procedures and
return the checklist to NMFS. Installation can be performed by
experienced crew or by an electronics specialist, and the installation
cost is paid by the owner.
The owner may confirm that automated position reports are being
received by calling the NMFS Office for Law Enforcement in St.
Petersburg, FL at 727-570-5344.
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 LandSea
Systems 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.
Although the unit contains push buttons to request emergency assistance
from United States search and rescue authorities, search and rescue
authorities can use the transceiver to communicate with the vessel only
when additional equipment not required by NMFS is purchased (i.e., a
message terminal display).
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 or personal computer.
A vessel owner wishing to purchase this system may contact the
entity identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses for Thrane &
Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS. The owner should identify himself or herself as a
vessel owner in the ``United States HMS Fishery.'' The Thrane & Thrane
transceiver and antenna the vessel owner purchases will be configured
for the HMS Fisheries.
To use this transceiver, 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 LandSea when
completing this form.
LandSea Systems personnel will perform the following before
shipment: (a) configure the TT-3022D-NMFS according to NMFS OLE
specifications for the HMS Fisheries; (b) download the predetermined
NMFS position reporting and broadcast command identification numbers
into the transceiver; (c) test the transceiver to ensure operation when
installation has been completed on the vessel; and (d) forward the
Inmarsat service provider and transceiver identifying information to
the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement.
Trimble Galaxy TNL7005 part number 17760-45, Software v5.1,
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-GMDSS). The
installation will be performed by Trimble-authorized support dealers
and must be paid for by the owner.
Automatic GPS position reporting starts after coordination with the
communications service provider. Although the unit contains push
buttons to request emergency assistance from United States search and
rescue authorities, search and rescue authorities can use the
transceiver to communicate with the vessel only when additional
equipment not required by NMFS is purchased (i.e., a message terminal
display).
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/receive private e-mail
and other messages with the purchase and installation of an input
device, such as a laptop or personal computer.
Trimble Galaxy Courier TNL8005 part number 30090-45, Software v5.1
features: The Trimble Galaxy Courier TNL8005 transceiver has the same
features as the Trimble Galaxy TNL7005, except that it also includes an
integrated computer for messaging, including Internet e-mail. The unit
is
[[Page 11536]]
factory pre-configured for NMFS VMS operations, and it is GMDSS.
Trimble Galaxy--General features: A vessel owner wishing to
purchase this system should contact the entity identified under VMS
Provider Addresses for Trimble Galaxy Information. The owner should
identify himself or herself as a vessel owner in the ``United States
HMS Fishery.''
In addition to purchasing an approved Trimble transceiver (TNL7005
or TNL8005) and an antenna for the HMS fishery, the vessel owner will
need to establish an Inmarsat-C system use contract with an approved
Inmarsat-C communications service provider. The transceiver will need
to be commissioned with the service provider.
The installation of the transceiver and antenna must be paid for by
the owner. To set up the transceiver for NMFS VMS operations, the owner
will (a) turn on the power of the vessel transceiver; (b) contact the
Inmarsat-C system communications service provider; (c) have the service
provider's Customer Service download the pre-determined NMFS position
reporting and broadcast commands from the provider's control center to
the vessel transceiver via satellite; and (d) confirm with Customer
Service that periodic position reports are now automatically being sent
to NOAA. Customer Service will confirm service activation by forwarding
to the Office for Law Enforcement the following identifying
information: (a) Trimble transceiver serial number; (b) Inmarsat
Identification number; (c) Data Network Identification (DNID) and
member numbers; (d) Enhanced Network Identification (ENID) numbers; (e)
owner name; (f) vessel name; and (g) Vessel documentation or
registration number.
III. Communications Service Providers
NMFS OLE has approved the below-listed Telenor and Xantic satellite
communications services for the Atlantic HMS fishery. It is recommended
that the vessel owner keep for his or her records and that Telenor and
Xantic have on record the following identifying information: (a) signed
and dated receipts and contracts; (b) transceiver serial number; (c)
Telenor or Xantic customer number, user name and password; (d) e-mail
address of transceiver; (e) Inmarsat identification number; (f) Data
Network Identification numbers (DNID and ENID), including the member
number; (g) owner name; (h) vessel name; (i) vessel documentation or
registration number; and (j) mobile earth station license (FCC
license).
The owner may confirm transceiver operation and communications
service to ensure that position reports are automatically sent to and
received by the Office for Law Enforcement before leaving on a fishing
trip under VMS. The NOAA Office for Law Enforcement does not regard the
fishing vessel as meeting the requirements of 50 CFR 635.69 until
position reports are automatically received. For confirmation purposes,
contact the NOAA Office for Law Enforcement in St. Petersburg, FL, at
727-570-5344.
A. Telenor Satellite Services/Inmarsat-C
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. For the Telenor
address, look under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.Inmarsat-C
features: Vessel owners wishing to use Inmarsat-C will need to purchase
an Inmarsat-C transceiver and antenna approved for the fishery. The
owner will need to complete an Inmarsat-C system use contract with
Telenor, including a provision for a mobile earth station license (FCC
requirement). The transceiver will need to be commissioned with
Inmarsat according to Telenor instructions. The owner should refer to
and follow the configuration, installation, and service activation
procedures for the specific transceiver purchased.
B. Xantic
Xantic is a provider of Inmarsat satellite communications services.
Xantic offers seamless, global Inmarsat-C coverage. Xantic is approved
for VMS use with Inmarsat-C services. For the Xantic address, look
under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
Xantic features: 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 the NOAA Office for
Law Enforcement to prevent unauthorized changes or inquiries; and (b)
separation of private messages from Office for Law Enforcement
messages. (The Office for Law Enforcement receives VMS-related position
reports only.)
Billing is separated between accounts for the vessel owner and the
NOAA Office for Law Enforcement. VMS position reports and vessel-
initiated messaging are paid for by the vessel owner. Messaging
initiated from the Office for Law Enforcement operations center is paid
for by NOAA.
Customer Service supports and establishes a two-way transmission of
transceiver unit configuration commands between the transceiver and
land-based control centers. This supports the Office for Law
Enforcement's message needs and, optionally, fishermen's private
message needs.
When the transceiver transmits a message requesting emergency
assistance (GMDSS alert), Xantic (through Inmarsat) forwards the
information to the United States Coast Guard. However, unless non-NMFS
required equipment is purchased (i.e., an addition of a message
terminal display), the United States Coast Guard can not use the
transceiver to communicate with the vessel.
The vessel owner can configure automatic position reports to be
sent to a private address, such as to a fleet management company. The
vessel can send and receive private e-mail and other messages when the
transceiver has such an input device as a laptop or personal computer
attached.
Vessel owners wishing to use Xantic will need to purchase an
Inmarsat-C transceiver and antenna approved for the fishery. The owner
will need to complete an Inmarsat-C system use contract with Station
12, including a mobile earth station license (FCC requirement). The
transceiver will need to be commissioned with Inmarsat according to
Xantic's instructions. The owner should refer to and follow the
configuration, installation, and service activation procedures for the
specific transceiver purchased.
IV. VMS Provider Addresses
For Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS information, contact Ken Ravenna,
Marine Products, LandSea Systems, Inc.,509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L &
M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; voice: 757-463-9557; fax: 757-463-9581, e-
mail: KCR@LandSeaSystems.com.; website: http://www.landseasystems.com.
M, Virginia Beach, VA 23452; voice: 757-463-9557; fax: 757-463-9581, e-
mail: KCR@LandSeaSystems.com.; website: http://www.landseasystems.com.
For regional dealer information about the Trimble Galaxy
transceiver units, contact Tom Mackey at 1-800-477-1207, or a Trimble-
Authorized Support Dealer, based at local marine electronics outlets.
[[Page 11537]]
For Telenor information, contact Telenor Satellite Services, 6560
Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817; Telenor Customer Care, phone:
800-685-7898 or 301-838-7700; e-mail: www.customercare@telenor-
Rock Spring Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817; Telenor Customer Care, phone:
800-685-7898 or 301-838-7700; e-mail: www.customercare@telenor-
usa.com.; website: www.telenor-usa.com. Alternate Contact: Courtney
Coleman, Manager COMSAT-C Services Marketing, 6560 Rock Spring Dr.,
Bethesda, MD 20817; phone: 301-214-3293.e-mail:
courtney.coleman@telenor-usa.com.
For Xantic information, contact Xantic, Andre Cortese, 1211
Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC 20036; telephone
number: 202-785-5615; e-mail: andrea.cortese@xantic.net; Customer
Service, Netherlands, toll free: 1-888-440-8988; website:
www.xantic.net.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.
Dated: March 3, 2003.
Rebecca Lent,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-5643 Filed 3-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S