All mobile transceiver units and communications services used in vessel monitoring systems must be type-approved for use—meaning the mobile transceiver unit and service must meet and remain in compliance with the type-approval requirements.
Previously, the type-approval specifications (requirements) were published in the Federal Register (73 FR 5813). These specifications provided the requirements related to: technical requirements of the unit, satellite communications, and data security, delivery, and latency. The specifications also addressed roles and responsibilities for the type-approval process, change control, customer service, billing, and litigation support.
NOAA Fisheries published a final rule the Federal Register on 24 December 2014 (79 FR 77339) that codified the type-approval specifications, revised latency standards, and established initial type-approval, renewal, revocation, and appeals processes for industry and constituents. The final rule is effective 23 January 2015.
For more information, visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/about/our_programs/vessel_monitoring_proposed_rule.html.