SAN DIEGO, December 17, 2003—Boatracs, the premier provider of wireless maritime information solutions, now has three products approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to provide Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) services to commercial fishing vessels in the Northeast region. The newly approved Boatracs FMCT/G Fishing Information and Communication System includes GPS as well as two-way communications and e-mail, and is fully supported by Boatracs' 24/7/365 Network Operations Center. Boatracs FMCT system gained NMFS approval for VMS service in July 2003, and the original Boatracs MCT has successfully provided vessel monitoring for NMFS since 1998.
The U.S. government has introduced regulations governing catch sizes, allowable fishing territory, and allowable days for commercial fishermen, in order to manage the depletion of fishing stocks. The term Vessel Monitoring System, or VMS, refers to a wireless information system that automatically reports fishing vessel position and activity to NMFS.
“The recent NMFS approval of a third Boatracs solution for VMS, our FMCT/G, gives commercial fishermen more choices for integrating their communications needs with full VMS compliance. Boatracs provides a convenient, one-stop source for fishermen wanting a communications lifeline to shore offices and families, GPS accuracy, and more,” says Roland Melzer, Boatracs Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
VMS plus more
Not only does the Boatracs FMCT/G provide NFMS-approved VMS compliance, it also opens up a world of communication for commercial fishermen, who are often at sea for weeks or months at a time. E-mail keeps families in touch, as well as keeping fleet offices and suppliers informed. Providing 100-meter accuracy using the GPS constellation, the Boatracs FMCT/G consists of an all-weather enhanced display unit and a continuous-tracking KU band antenna housed in a sealed dome. The FMCT/G comes preloaded with official NMFS reporting macros, which are automatically transmitted to NMFS upon installation. Drop-ship replacement part service minimizes downtime.
About Boatracs
Since 1990, Boatracs has led the industry with effective integrated wireless communications and information software solutions for the maritime industry. Boatracs provides reliable services to over 400 commercial fleets throughout the maritime industry, in offshore, inland, commercial fishing, and government markets. All Boatracs products are backed by our Network Operations Center, staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.
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