The final rule is expected to post tomorrow in the Federal Register.  I spoke to Jonathan Pinkerton last Friday and was given the "green light" to begin installations now.

 

There have been many questions about the existing VMS and ARGOS vessels that intend to participate in Open Access in 2008.  It is my understanding that if a vessel has not been previously compensated for a VMS unit they will be eligible for reimbursement as long as funding holds up. 

 

This is a very unique roll out.  Because there are no fishing permits involved, reimbursement eligibility cannot be confirmed until the VMS is installed and activated.  This will require customers to accept the responsibility of payment for the unit if funding is denied at the time of installation.  I am working to develop a questionare and points of contact to be as sure as possible that a customer is prequalified.  If there are outstanding fines or violations for a vessel you should be forthcoming with that information as it is something we cannot verify before installation but would result in denial upon reimbursement request.

 

Another unique point with regards to qualified vessels.  You must provide the state commercial fishing license number (2008) for the vessel and provide at least one processor you would deliver your open access catch to.  Documentation or State Hull registration numbers will also be required and used to create your email address to your new VMS unit.

 

We have set up a team of 15 factory trained installers to facilitate timely installations for customers in all areas affected by this regulation.  I encourage you to contact your local electronics dealer first to make sure they have been setup as a dealer for all three eligible devices and, if they haven't, to have them call us for more information on how to become qualified.  I support loyalty to your local provider.  We are available if they get overwelmed or need more information.  It is my plan to work through local dealers whereever possible, as emergency support in the future may be needed.  We will also support all devices installed regardless of where they have been purchase as long as they have been installed by an authorized dealer.

 

We will begin scheduling installations over the next week or two.  Installations will be scheduled by port of call to reduce any travel costs.  We do not plan to charge overtime and will make every effort to work at the hours most effective to prevent delays in fishing schedules.  Those schedules will posted and updated on this website as soon as possible.

 

I will be setting up a 24 hour hotline over the next few days for registration, scheduling, installation, and any VMS questions.  For now, please register by clicking this link or call our office at                             (503) 861-2415               during business hours (8-5 Monday through Friday) to be added to the list.  You are under no obligation by being added to the list but are guaranteed to be contacted by us to verify you are being taken care of.

 

 

The Final Rule for Open Access VMS regulations is now expected to be published in the Federal Register early in December 2007.  This will be the start date for VMS installation to begin is expected to have a 60 day implementation.  This would mean that any fisherman planning to participate in open access in February 2008 and later would be required to have a VMS unit installed before fishing.

 

Two other expected announcements have already been made.

 

The first document stated that there are currently three approved VMS manufactures; Faria, Thrane & Thrane, and Boatracs.

 

 

The second document states that there is Federal funding available to pay the equipment.    The reimbursement amount is set at the price of the lowest cost unit.  It also says these units must include a dedicated terminal to provide 2-way communications and be purchased and installed by an approved vendor.  Jensen's is proud to be an approved vendor for all three Manufactures.  Please note that there is one vague statement that says "proof of authorized operation of a commercial fishing vessel in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery, Open Access Sector".  It is unclear what this proof is at this time.

 

 

Also note that all three manufactures will be presenting at the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Wa on November 15-17th at Qwest Field Event Center.

 

Public Town Hall meetings up and down the coast consisting of a presentation by NMFS and a question and answer session have been scheduled starting on November 20th.  Jensen's urges all local commercial fisherman considering participation or seeking more information to attend the Astoria meeting on Monday November 26th, 2007:

 

Monday, November 26th, 2007
6 pm – 7:30 pm
OSU Seafood Laboratory
Main Conference Room
2001 Marine Drive
Astoria, OR 97103

 

 

 

 

Jensen Communications, Inc. has been involved with the Pacific Northwest's VMS regulations and services since late in 2003.  We support fishermen in complying with regulations implemented through the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service.  An often unwelcome but necessary tool for enforcement of depth based boundaries in the Federal waters off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California.

 

Recognizing the urgency placed on our customers to comply at all times and the difficulties the added regulations present, we offer ongoing support for all fishermen affected by VMS, even those we didn't sell.  We provide loaner systems, after-hours support, on-site spares, best choice consulting, and operating demonstrational units for all of the systems.  We have worked with each manufacture to implement support processes and field testing and regularly consult with NMFS to help provide peace of mind for our customers, complete compliance with regulations, and advanced notice of meetings, regulation updates, and pending changes.  Our success depends on you being able to keep fishing!

 

New regulations have been proposed to expand the VMS program to cover all commercial fishing vessels participating in Open Access Fisheries (read them here).  The final notice on these regulations is expected to be posted in the Federal Register sometime in October 2007.  These units are expected to be funded at a set amount by NMFS through Pacific States Marine reducing the initial burden of the equipment to fishermen.  Installation and the monthly reporting fees are not expected to be covered.  Professional installation is estimated at around $250 and the monthly reporting fee is expected to be around $35 per month.

 

We are accepting requests for "put me on the list".  A pre-request can be made by calling us at                                                         (503) 861-2415                            .  This will help us reduce travel costs by grouping installations at remote locations and help guarantee early compliance.  Although we plan to travel to all three states to meet the needs of all fishermen we support doing business with your local service provider.  Just let us know who you prefer to work with and we do all we can to protect your interest and still provide the ongoing service needed to keep you fishing.

 

Updates will be posted here as soon as we receive them.