[Federal Register: November 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 221)]
[Notices]
[Page 64860-64864]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17no03-33]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[I.D. 110503A]
Vessel Monitoring Systems; Approved Mobile Transmitting Units for
use in the Fisheries off the West Coast States and in the Western
Pacific; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notification of approval of VMS systems.
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SUMMARY: This document provides notice of vessel monitoring systems
(VMS) approval by NOAA for use by vessels participating in the Pacific
Coast groundfish fishery 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,
[[Page 64861]]
or information regarding the status of VMS systems being evaluated by
NOAA for approval, write to NOAA Fisheries 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, 7600 Sand Point Way NE; Seattle, WA 98115; fax (206)526-
6528.
For more addresses regarding approved VMS, see the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section, under the heading ``VMS Provider Addresses''.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For current listing information
contact 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 Joe Albert, Northwest
Divisional VMS Program Manager, phone 206-526-6133.
The public may acquire this notice, installation checklist, and
relevant updates via the ``fax-back'' service, or by contacting Joe
Albert, Northwest Divisional VMS Program Manager, Northwest Division,
phone (206) 526-6133.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. VMS Mobile Transceiver Units
A. INMARSAT-C Transceivers
The Inmarsat-C satellite communications VMS transmitting units that
meet the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery are the Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Capsat'' (part
number TT-3022D-NMFS) and the Thrane & Thrane Fishery ``Mini-C'' (part
number TT-3026-NMFS). The address for the Thrane & Thrane distributor
(LandSea Systems) dealer contact is provided under the heading VMS
Provider Addresses.
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
nstallation 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.
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, personal computer, or message display
terminal.
Thrane & Thrane TT-3026-NMFS features: The transceiver consists of
an integrated GPS/Inmarsat-C unit 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 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-3026-NMFS provides operation down to +/-15 degree angles.
Although the unit has the capability of two-way communication to send
and receive private e-mail and other messages; it can only use this
capability when additional equipment not required by NMFS is purchased
(i.e., a laptop, personal computer, or message display terminal). A
configuration option is available to automatically send position
reports to a private address, such as a fleet management company.
A vessel owner wishing to purchase either of these systems may
contact the entity identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses
for Thrane & Thrane TT-3022D-NMFS and TT-3026-NMFS. The owner should
identify himself or herself as a vessel owner in the ``Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery.'' The Thrane & Thrane transceiver set the vessel
owner purchases will be configured for the Pacific Coast groundfish
fishery.
To use the TT-3022-NMFS or the TT-3026-NMFS, 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
Systems when completing this form.
LandSea Systems personnel will perform the following before
shipment: (a) configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications
for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery; (b) download the
predetermined NMFS position reporting and broadcast command
identification numbers into the unit; (c) test the unit to ensure
operation when installation has been completed on the vessel; and (d)
forward the Inmarsat service provider and the transceiver identifying
information to OLE.
B. INMARSAT D+ Transceivers
The Inmarsat-D+ satellite communications VMS transmitting unit that
meets the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery is the Satamatics SAT-101 (model number SAT-101
NMFS/PCG). The address for the Satamatics contact is provided under the
heading VMS Provider Addresses.
Satamatics-101 NMFS/PCG Features: The transceiver is part of a
bundled service provided by Satamatics that includes the transceiver
and the satellite airtime. The transceiver is delivered as a complete
kit including main unit, antenna, antenna mount, cabling, power
connector and detailed installation manual. The main unit is an
integrated GPS receiver and Inmarsat-D+ transmitter receiver measuring
4.375in. x 6.75in. x 1.5 in. For the VMS environment, it is enclosed in
a secure ruggedized outer box so that it can be mounted inside the
superstructure or hull of the vessel or externally in any location
sheltered from ``green seas.'' Prime power to the unit is a floating
9.6 to 30 Vdc. The main unit includes a back up, re-chargeable battery.
The antenna is small and lightweight measuring 4.375in. diameter and
1.5 in. high and weighing 0.5 lbs. The transceiver is factory pre-
configured for NMFS VMS requirements for each fishery for ``plug and
play'' installation and operation requiring no specialized training or
expertise.
Automatic GPS position reporting can start immediately after
transceiver installation and power activation onboard the vessel. 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
[[Page 64862]]
shut down. The unit restarts normal position transmission automatically
when the vessel goes to sea.
Satamatics provides a one-stop shop for easy purchase and
commissioning of transceiver and satellite airtime. A vessel owner
wishing to purchase the model number SAT 101- NMFS/PCG can purchase a
bundled package of transceiver and satellite airtime directly from
Satamatics using a self-serve web site or by contacting Satamatics as
listed in the VMS Provider Addresses.
Satellite commissioning service is instantaneous via a self-service
web page or through Satamatics Support anytime after the receipt of the
transceiver. This eliminates delays and paperwork. Satamatics will
forward the transceiver identifying information to OLE. Although the
VMS package has been designed for an easy, low cost self-install,
Satamatics provides a support web site and contact line for fishermen.
C. ORBCOMM Transceivers
The ORBCOMM satellite communications VMS transmitting units that
meet the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery is the Stellar ST2500G (part number ST2500G-NMFS).
The address for ORBCOMM and Stellar Value Added Resellers (VAR) and
their regional sales outlets around the country are provided under the
heading VMS Provider Addresses.
Stellar ST2500G-NMFS Features: The transceiver consists of an
integrated GPS/ORBCOMM Satellite Communicator mounted in the wheelhouse
and antennas mounted atop the vessel. The unit is pre-configured and
tested for NMFS VMS operations (with an emergency alarm switch (non-
GMDSS)). Satellite commissioning services are provided by several VMS
providers.
Automatic GPS position reporting starts after transceiver
installation and power activation onboard the vessel. The unit is a 4
in x 8in x 2in transceiver powered by any 12 to 32 VDC power supply. It
is factory configured for automatic reduced position transmissions when
the vessel is stationary (i.e., in port) which allows for port stays
without power drain or unit shut down. The unit restarts normal
position transmission automatically when the vessel goes to sea.
The ST2500G has an omni-directional VHF antenna, providing
operation from +/-5 degrees above the horizon anywhere on earth.
A configuration option is available to automatically send position
reports to a private e-mail address or to a secure web site where the
data is provided on a map and in tabular form. Another available option
is the ability to send and receive private e-mail from a PC or Laptop
personal computer or from specific hand held devices. A complete list
of devices, supported operating systems and available software
solutions are described by each VMS provider.
A vessel owner wishing to purchase the Stellar ST2500G transceiver
will be required to complete an ORBCOMM ``Provisioning'' form via the
web. If assistance is required, the owner may consult with the VAR or
one of the entities identified under the heading VMS Provider Addresses
for the ST2500G-NMFS when completing this form. The unit purchased by
the vessel owner will be configured specifically for the Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery.
The ORBCOMM VMS VAR will perform the following before shipment: (a)
configure the transceiver according to OLE specifications for the
Pacific Coast groundfish fishery; (b) download the predetermined NMFS
position reporting applications into the unit; (c) test the unit to
ensure proper operation prior to shipping; (d) forward the service
provider and the transceiver identifying information to OLE and test
the unit when the installation has been completed on the vessel.
II. Communications Service Providers
OLE has approved the below-listed communications service providers:
Orbcomm, Satamatics, Telenor, and Xantic satellite communications
services for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery.
A. Orbcomm
It is recommended that the vessel owner keep for his or her records
and that the VAR have on record the following identifying information:
(a) signed and dated receipts and contracts; (b) satellite communicator
identification number; (c) VAR customer number, (Identification number/
unit surname name combination); (d) e-mail address of satellite communicator (surname@ORBCOMM.net); (e) owner name; (f) vessel name;
and (g) vessel documentation or registration number.
Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), OLE will provide an installation and
activation checklist 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 OLE.
Installation can be performed by experienced crew, a VAR or by an
electronics specialist. All installation costs are paid by the owner.
The owner may confirm the Stellar ST2500G-NMFS operation and
communications service to ensure that position reports are
automatically sent to and received by OLE before leaving on a fishing
trip under VMS. OLE 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 Enforcement, 7600
Sand Point Way NE; Seattle, WA 98115, at (206) 526-6133.
ESL Sat-Ex Satellite Services/ORBCOMM
ORBCOMM is a store-and-forward data messaging service allowing
users to send and receive information virtually anywhere in the world,
on land, at sea, and in the air. ORBCOMM supports a wide variety of
applications including Plain Text Internet e-mail, position and weather
reporting, and remote equipment monitoring and control. Mariners can
use ORBCOMM 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. VMS Services are being sold through specific ORBCOMM
VARS.
Features offered: 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 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 OLE.
ORBCOMM provides customer service through its VARS to establish and
support two-way transmission of transceiver unit configuration commands
between the transceiver and land-based control center. This supports
OLE's message needs and, optionally, fishermen's private e-mail needs.
The owner should refer to and follow the configuration,
installation, and service activation procedures for the Stellar
ST2500G-NMFS satellite communicator.
B. Satamatics/INMARSAT-D+
Satamatics provides tracking and monitoring solutions globally
using Inmarsat-D+. Satamatics is able to provide end to end bundled
services using a combination of its satellite gateways that it
designed, built, owns and maintains and its own D+ transceiver line
that it designed and
[[Page 64863]]
manufactures. The marine solution certified for NMFS VMS is similar to
that being used in other VMS applications around the world and in the
Secure Ship Alert System recently mandated by the International
Maritime Organization to combat security threats.
Satamatics provides a one-stop shop for service and transceiver for
easy purchase and commissioning. Vessel owners wishing to use the
Satamatics solution to meet the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery VMS
requirement can purchase a bundled package of transceiver and airtime
directly from Satamatics using a self-serve web site or contacting
Satamatics as listed in the VMS Provider Addresses.
Satellite commissioning service is instantaneous via a self-service
web page or through Satamatics Support anytime after the receipt of the
transceiver. This eliminates delays and paperwork. Satamatics will
forward the transceiver identifying information to OLE. Although the
VMS service package has been designed for easy commissioning via the
web, Satamatics provides a support line for fishermen as well.
Billing for satellite airtime is separated between accounts for the
vessel owner and 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.
C. INMARSAT-C Communications Providers
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) owner name; (g) vessel name; (h) vessel
documentation or registration number; and (i) mobile earth station
license (FCC license).
Pursuant to 50 CFR 635.69(d), OLE will provide an installation and
activation checklist 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 OLE.
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 the TT-3022-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS operation
and communications service to ensure that position reports are
automatically sent to and received by OLE before leaving on a fishing
trip under VMS. OLE 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 Fisheries Office
for Law Enforcement, 7600 Sand Point Way NE; Seattle, WA 98115, at
(206) 526-6133.
C1. 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 LandSea Systems, Inc.
For the LandSea and Telenor addresses, look under the heading ``VMS
Provider Addresses''.
C2. Xantic
Xantic is a provider Vessel Monitoring Services to the fishing
industry. By installing an approved OLE Imarsat-C transceiver on the
vessel, fishermen can send and receive E-mail, to and from land,
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 LandSea Systems, Inc. For the LandSea and XANTIC addresses,
look under the heading VMS Provider Addresses.
Telenor and XANTIC Features offered through LandSea Systems:
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.
LandSea Systems 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, fishermen'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. 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 Telenor or XANTIC services will need
to purchase an Inmarsat-C transceiver approved for the fishery. 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.
III. VMS Provider Addresses
For ORBCOMM and Stellar ST2500G-NMFS information, contact: ORBCOMM,
LLC; 21700 Atlantic Boulevard; Dulles, VA 20166 USA. http://www.ORBCOMM.com
for Vessel Management on the home page.
Call 800-ORBCOMM (USA); Phone: 703-433-6300; Fax: 703-433-6400
Satamatics/INMARSAT D+ bundled VMS solution of satellite airtime and
SAT-101 NMFS/PCG transceiver: go to http://www.nmfs.satamaticsusa.com; call
877-SAT-MATD (877-728-6383) fax 360-246 7263 e-mail nmfs@satamaticsusa.com. Thrane & Thrane TT-3022-NMFS or TT-3026-NMFS,
contact Ken Ravenna, Marine Products, LandSea Systems, Inc.,509 Viking
http://www.landseasystems.com.
For Telenor or XANTIC information, contact LandSea Systems Inc.,
Donna Sherman, 509 Viking Drive, Suite K, L, M, Virginia Beach, VA
23452; voice: 757-463-9557; fax: 757-463-9581; e-mail: irtime@landseasystems.com. Telenor and XANTIC Customer Service, 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. Telenor
[[Page 64864]]
Alternate Contact: Courtney Coleman, Manager COMSAT-C Services
Marketing, 6560 Rock Spring Dr., Bethesda, MD 20817; phone: 301-838-7720; e-mail: courtney.coleman@telenor-usa.com. Xantic Alternate
contacts: Folef Hooft Graafland, 6100 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 410,
Hollywood, FL 33024; voice: (954) 962-9908 Ext. 11; fax: (954) 962-1164; Cellular:(954) 214-2609; e-mail: folef.hooftgraafland@XANTIC.net;
Andre Cortese, 1211 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 504, Washington, DC
20036; telephone number: 202-785-5615; e-mail: andre.cortese@XANTIC.net; Bobbie Thach, 1211 Connecticut Ave, NW Suite
504, Washington, DC 20036; voice: (202) 785-5614; fax: (202) 785-5616; e-mail: bobbie.thach@XANTIC.net.
IV. Additional Information
OLE is constantly evaluating new and emerging technologies for
inclusion in the VMS program. Additional units may be approved for use
in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery at a later date.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.
Dated: November 12, 2003.
Bruce C. Morehead,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 03-28663 Filed 11-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S