...supply, installation and maintenance of a new UK Vessel Monitoring System (VMS+) satellite/GPRS position reporting and communications device to AST Marine Sciences Ltd (MSL) for the over 12m UK fishing fleet, including Isle of Man vessels. The AST MSL VMS+ device is the next generation of marine graded terminals especially developed for the monitoring of fishing vessels and is fully compliant for current National and EU VMS requirements. In addition, the VMS+ device incorporates many new and unique features. With a view to assisting the 12-15m fleet with their initial VMS installations, the device has an integrated all in one design incorporating all the electronics in one secure unit which means it’s less expensive to install and takes up less room on the vessel.

‘More for less’, the VMS+ device is designed to provide value for money offering cost-effective communication services that minimize airtime charges. The new additional National position reporting requirements can mean a larger number of VMS position reports being transmitted, however by combining satellite and GSM technologies in one device, the total airtime paid by the fishermen will be less expensive compared to the current VMS devices in use on the UK’s over 15m fishing fleet.

Other optional added value services include a new Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) safety and distress service for the industry. This new life-saving service, provided by the RNLI actively monitors a one hourly report sent from the VMS+ device, and in the event a position report is not received by the RNLI, whilst at sea, the RNLI will immediately try and contact the vessel and mobilise the search and rescue services if appropriate. In addition the VMS+ terminal includes an ‘Alert Button’, enabling a fisherman to send a priority distress alert directly from the VMS+ to the RNLI operations center manned 24/7 for immediate assistance. No additional equipment is required.

The new VMS+ device will be able to transmit Electronic Logbook reports from UK approved Electronic Logbook Software Systems (ELSSs). AST is providing the software and links to enable all the UK approved Elog suppliers to use the VMS+ device for transmitting their elogbook reports at minimum cost and avoiding the need for 12-15m fishermen to procure a separate transmission device for elogbook reporting. ELSS suppliers are asked to contact AST if they wish to make use of this service. The new VMS+ device is currently undergoing final trials with the UK Fisheries Administrations and is expected to be approved by the end of the year. It is also part of a separate combined Elogbook/VMS solution for the Isle of Man fleet.