[SatNews] The French Department of Maritime Fishing and Aquaculture (DPMA) have certified two companies for their combined LogBook offering. Vizada, an independent satellite communications provider and partner Sodena, a supplier of software for the maritime industry, are now certified.

LogBook allows fishing vessels to send their activity reports almost in real time by using a secured system that conforms to new European legislation promoting sustainable fishing. The package includes Vizada satellite connectivity, an Inmarsat FleetBroadband 150 terminal for transmission at 150 kbps, 1.5 MB per month of free communications for 3 years, Sodena’s Turbo Catch software to transfer daily reports to the DPMA, and tech support available 24/7. The reports sent to the DPMA help the government track fishing boats’ yield in order to maintain a healthy balance in the marine environment. 

This solution conforms perfectly to the new European Union laws for fishing in France and it has been officially recognized by the DPMA for the following features:

• Security and privacy: data transfer and storage security is ensured by end-to-end data encryption.
• Quick communications: daily activity reports are sent to the DPMA and the delivery receipt received in less than 5 minutes.
• +99% service availability:  in case of server failure, a backup email service is available for users
• Scalable solution: the regulated changes and updates for Turbo Catch software can be automatically completed remotely, without having to return to shore.

This offer is currently available in France, but will soon be tailored to conform to legislation in other European countries.

In addition to complying with European legislation, fishing vessels equipped with Vizada and Sodena’s LogBook solution will benefit from a high speed internet connection up to 150 kbps and emailing capabilities for the staff and crew. The optional Vizada SkyFile® software also offers advantages to customers such as data compression to reduce communication costs, anti-virus software to protect ships’ IT systems, and personalized weather forecasts available at sea. 

*As of July 1, 2010, all fishing boats measuring longer than 24 meters are required to record and send daily activity reports of catch, transshipments, landings and sales electronically to fishing authorities. Fishing vessels over 15m will also be required to comply with these legislations as of July 1, 2011.