[Federal Register: September 15, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 179)]
[Notices]
[Page 54472-54474]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15se06-32]
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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 dfoste@boatracs.com,
direct telephone number (858)458-8105. The alternate contact is Winston
Richardson, e-mail wrichardson@boatracs.com, 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: lp@thrane.com; 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