Natural Resources Compliance 12 items
Fishing Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Compliance Checklist
Verify that a federally permitted fishing vessel meets Vessel Monitoring System requirements, covering approved units, position reporting, declarations, and tamper prevention.
NOAA 50 CFR 648Magnuson-Stevens ActNOAA OLE VMS Requirements50 CFR 300
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Unit Installation & Approval
- Is a NOAA type-approved VMS unit installed on the vessel for the applicable fishery? *
- Was installation certified and an activation/installation report submitted to NOAA OLE? *
- Is the unit connected to a functioning communications service provider account? *
Position Reporting
- Is the VMS unit transmitting automatic position reports at the frequency required for the fishery? *
- Is the unit powered continuously while the vessel is at sea, including in port where required? *
- Are power-down exemptions, if used, requested and approved in advance per procedure?
Declarations & Reporting
- Are trip/activity declarations submitted via VMS before departure as required by the fishery? *
- Are catch or other required electronic reports transmitted through the VMS or associated e-reporting system?
- Are closed areas and restricted zones observed and consistent with reported vessel tracks? *
Integrity & Maintenance
- Is the VMS unit and antenna free from tampering, disabling, or obstruction? *
- Is a VMS malfunction reported to NOAA OLE and are manual position reports provided until repair? *
- Date of the most recent verification that the VMS is transmitting correctly. *
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