Activation instructions, form and worksheet

Vessel Monitoring Systems Installation and Activation Report
for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fisheries
INSTRUCTIONS: This Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Installation and Activation report for the Pacific
Coast groundfish fishery is provided by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) pursuant to the
regulatory requirements of 50 C.F.R.660.359 (d). The vessel owner or operator must follow the indicated
procedures when installing or re-installing a type-approved VMS transceiver unit. At least 72 hours prior
to leaving port on a trip in which VMS is required, the vessel must send the Installation and Activation
Report.
This VMS installation and Certification Report is applicable for the VMS transceiver units and
communications service providers currently approved for use in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. As
additional VMS transceiver units and communication service providers are approved, revised instructions
will be posted on the NMFS, Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) web site
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/nw_vms.html and on the Northwest Region’s web site at
www.nwr.noaa.gov/Groundfish-Halibut/Groundfish-Fishery-Management/Vessel-Monitoring-System/Index.
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Follow the steps for the particular transceiver unit selected by the vessel owner. The vessel owner is
responsible for all installation and activation costs. After the installation is complete and unit is activated,
the owner must mail or fax the Installation and Activation Certification Report to NMFS, OLE, Northwest
Division, 7600 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-6349. Fax (206) 526-6528.

INSTALLATION AND ACTIVATION
Begin by consulting the “Vessel Monitoring System, List of Approved Mobile Transceiver Units and
Communications Service Providers for the Pacific Coast groundfish Fishery”. This list of type-approved
transceiver units and communications service providers, which consolidates information published in the
Federal Register, will be posted on the NMFS Northwest Region web site. The list is also available from
NMFS OLE by calling (206) 526-4850.
A. If you already have an INMARSAT-C transceiver unit: If you already have an INMARSAT-C
transceiver unit that is the same make and model as one of the approved units, you can qualify the unit for
use in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery if the unit is functionally equivalent to an approved unit. This
may require you to upgrade the version of software and firmware for the unit, and/or reconfigure the
message settings (unit parameters and menu options). If you are not currently using your unit, you will
need to contact the INMARSAT-C service provider to establish communications service. This includes
applying for subscriber services, establishing credit, and setting up a billing account for ongoing
communications charges.
Contact the VMS provider for your make and model and request an upgrade for your unit. After the
provider performs the upgrade, go to Section C, Step 9. If you cannot get an upgrade, you will need to
purchase new equipment and services for VMS.
B. If you already have an ARGOS MAR GE transceiver unit:
If you already have an ARGOS MAR GE transceiver unit that is the same make and model as one of the
approved units, you can qualify the unit for use in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery if the unit is
functionally equivalent to an approved unit. If you are not currently using your unit, you will need to
contact the Argos provider to establish communications service. This includes applying for subscriber
services, establishing credit, and setting up a billing account for ongoing communications charges. If you
are using your VMS for fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska or for other purposes, you will
need to complete the VMS Installation and Activation Certification report. Please contact NMSF OLE,
VMS Program Coordinator during business hours at (206) 526-4850, go to Section C, Step 9.
C. Purchasing a new VMS transceiver unit:
Step 1 Contact the entities identified in the Federal Register Notice under “VMS Provider Addresses”.
Indicate to the providers that you will be using the VMS transceiver unit for the Pacific Coast groundfish
fishery and you would like to obtain purchase and installation information on the units they provide.
Determine the transceiver unit and communications service provider that best suits your needs. Select
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which satellite system to use for the fishing vessel’s VMS. If you select INMARSAT-C, go to Step 2, if you
select INMARSAT-D+, go to Step 7 and if you choose ORBCOMM, go to Step 8.
Step 2 Choose INMARSAT-C providers: one for the transceiver unit, and one for the communications
service providers. The VMS program is designed so that the fisherman has free choice of any
combination of approved INMARSAT-C options. Do the next two steps, Steps 3 and 4, in any order.
Step 3 Choose the INMARSAT-C communications service provider you prefer and establish a service
contract. This includes applying for subscriber services, establishing credit, and setting up a billing
account for ongoing communications charges. If applicable, record the important identifying information,
such as a user name and password to access your private position information and your transceiver unit,
and the INMARSAT-C email address of your unit.
Step 4 Choose the INMARSAT-C transceiver unit you prefer. If you purchase a Thrane & Thrane
TT3022D, request part number “NMFS” before the unit is mailed out. The Thrane & Thrane provider will
initially mail you only the form known as the INMARSAT Service Activation Request Form (SARF). Go to
Step 5.
Step 5 Register your transceiver unit for INMARSAT-C by using the following steps.

•
•
•

Fill out the SARF form referred to in Step 4 above.
Fax or mail the SARF to the “routing organization” indicated on the form for U.S.-flagged vessels.
Include proof of the fishing vessels “ship radio license” (copy of FCC Form 506) with the SARF.

When the SARF is processed, you will be given an “INMARSAT Number” (also known as “IMN” or
“INMARSAT Mobile Number”). This number uniquely identifies your unit within the INMARSAT system,
similar to a telephone number. Record this number. Go to Step 6.
Step 6 Contact your Thrane & Thrane provider and inform them of your INMARSAT Mobile Number (INM)
and the
communications service provider company you have chosen. The Thrane & Thrane provider will configure
the unit to be ready for VMS (VMS message settings and satellite operations), and will then ship the unit.
Go to Step 9.
Step 7 The INMARSAT D+ transceiver that meets the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific
Coast groundfish fishery is the Satamatics SAT-101 (Model Number SAT-101 NMFS/PCG). Satamatics
provides both the transceiver unit for sale, and the communications service. To activate your INMARSATD+ transceiver, you must establish a service contract with the INMARSAT-D+ vendor. This includes
applying for subscriber services, establishing credit, and setting up a billing account for ongoing
communications charges. Go to Step 9.
Step 8 The ORBCOMM transceiver that meets the minimum technical requirements for the Pacific Coast
groundfish fishery is the Stellar ST2500G (Part Number ST2500G-NMFS). To activate your ORBCOMM
transceiver, you must establish a service contract with the ORBCOMM vendor. This includes applying for
subscriber services, establishing credit, and setting up a billing account for ongoing communications
charges. Go to Step 9.
Step 9 Install the VMS transceiver unit and antenna according to the installation instructions contained in
the manual supplied by the manufacturer, or contact a marine electronics specialist or dealer to install the
unit. Also see Step 10.
Step 10 Run the cable connecting the unit in the wheelhouse to the antenna mounted outside, through a
solid, immovable and permanent part of the vessel such as a bulkhead, deck, or console. Go to Step 11.
Step 11 Turn on the power to the vessel transceiver. Go to Step 12
Step 12 Confirm, by phone, with your communications service provider’s Customer Service that periodic
position reports are now automatically being sent to NOAA OLE. Go to Step 13
Step 13 Once you transceiver unit is installed and activated and you have confirmed with your customer
service provider that the unit is operational, fill out the “VMS Installation and Certification Report” and mail
or fax it to NMFS.
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VMS INSTALLATION AND ACTIVATION CERTIFICATION REPORT
OMB Control No.: 0648-xxxx
Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

The vessel owner must sign this statement certifying compliance with the installation procedures defined for
VMS transceiver unit, then submit this certification to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
NMFS, Office for Law Enforcement (OLE), Northwest Division, 7600 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA
98115-6349. Fax (206) 526-6528. At least 72 hours before participating in a fishery requiring VMS
transmissions, you must obtain a confirmation from NMFS OLE that the VMS transmissions are being received
without error.
Vessel Name:
Documentation number:

Federal Groundfish Permit Number:

VMS Unit Manufacturer:

VMS Unit serial number:

INMARSAT Serial number (ISN):

INMARSAT mobile number (INM):

BOATRACS MCT#: ___________________________
Is this VMS unit a primary or back-up unit?

G Primary

G Back-up

VMS Communications Service Provider:
(The information listed above should have been provided my the VMS unit manufacture)
Ownership of the VMS transceiver unit may be transferred from one vessel owner to another vessel owner
only when all of the correct documents have been submitted to NMFS OLE
Has the VMS Transceiver Unit you are registering been previously registered to another vessel that
operated in marine waters off the coast of Washington, Oregon or California?
Yes ~
No ~
Note: Registering a VMS transceiver unit to more than one vessel at the same time is prohibited.
If this VMS Transceiver Unit was previously registered to another vessel that operated in marine
waters off the coast of Washington, Oregon or California, you must submit with this activation
report and proof of ownership of the VMS transceiver unit or proof of service termination from the
communication service provider.
Certification: In accordance with 50 C.F.R. 660.359 (d)(2), as the owner of a vessel participating in the Pacific
Coast Groundfish Fishery, I hereby certify that the VMS system on my vessel has been installed in compliance
with the applicable procedures and the manufactures instructions.

Vessel Owner Name:_

Vessel Owner Signature:

Date:

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PL 104-13) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (PL 93-579), you are advised that
disclosure of the information requested in this Vessel Monitoring System (VMS ) installation and activation report is mandatory for the
purpose of managing the Pacific Coast Groundfish fishery. The VMS installation and Certification Report information is used to ensure
proper operation of the VMS unit. Reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 4 hours per installation,
including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining data needed, and completing and
reviewing the information. The burden for submission of this VMS installation and Certification Report is estimated at 5 minutes per
response. Confidentiality of the information provided will be treated in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100. It is the policy
of the National Marine Fisheries Service not to release confidential data to the public or unauthorized users, other than in aggregate form,
as the Magnuson Act protects (in perpetuity) the confidentiality of those submitting data. Whenever data are requested, the NMFS ensures
that information identifying the business activity of a particular individual is not identified. Because you have been provided with a currently
valid OMB control number for a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, you are required to
respond to, or be subject to penalty for failing to comply with, this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate
or suggestions for reducing this burden to: NMFS, Office of Law Enforcement, Northwest Division 7600 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA
98115-6349.

Declaration Report Worksheet

OMB Control No.: 0648-xxxx; Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

This worksheet is for your own use and is intended to help you organize information submitted in a declaration report. Do not submit
this worksheet to NMFS.
1) Enter a Declaration Report. If you are calling this system for the first time and or if you have lost your vessel number or passcode
select the option to talk to a NMFS representative (Call should be forwarded to a live person or a message that reminds them to call
during business hours and identifies the hour)
2) Enter your 6 digit vessel number.
Vessel Number

3) Enter your 5 digit vessel passcode.
Vessel Passcode

4) Enter the type of report you are making.
*1 Enter a new declaration report.
* 2 Enter an Exemption Report
Type of report

D1) Enter your 2 digit gear code.
10 - Limited entry fixed gear
20 - Limited entry midwater trawl gear
30 - Limited entry bottom trawl gear
31- Limited entry demersal trawl gear
41 - Pink shrimp trawl gear
42 - California halibut trawl gear
43 - Sea cucumber trawl gear
44 - Ridgeback prawn trawl gear
50 - Tribal trawl gear
57 - Open access longline gear for groundfish
58 - Open access pot or trap gear for groundfish
59 - Open access line gear for groundfish

60 - Spot and ridgeback prawns pot gear
61 - Dungeness crab gear
62 - Pacific Halibut gear
63 - Salmon troll gear
64 - California halibut line gear
65 - California Sheephead trap or pot gear
66 - Gear used to take Highly Migratory Species
67 - Gear used to take Coastal Pelagic Species
68 - Gear used to take species in the California gillnet
complex
69 - A gear that is not listed above

Gear Code

D2) Enter your 2 digit VMS Exemption code.
10 - Haul Out
20 - Outside of Area
30 - Long-term departure exemption
40 - Permit transfer exemption
50 - Emergency exemption
Exemption Code

D3) For your records, record the confirmation number provided by this system.
Confirmation Number