Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2244/2003 laying down detailed provisions regarding satellite-based Vessel Monitoring Systems.

The present Regulation lays down detailed rules for the operation by Member States of a satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), as provided for in article 22(1)(b) and article 23(3) of Regulation (EC) No. 2371/2002. The application scope covers (a) fishing vessels exceeding 18 metres overall length, as from 1 January 2004; and (b) fishing vessels exceeding 15 metres overall length as from 1 January 2005. The Regulation shall not apply to fishing vessels used exclusively for exploitation of aquaculture and operating exclusively inside the baselines of Member States. As established under article 3, the Member States shall operate Fisheries Monitoring Centres (FMC). The Regulation is composed of the following five Chapters: (I) General provisions; (II) Satellite-based monitoring of Community fishing vessels; (III) Access to data and reports; (IV) Satellite-based monitoring of third-country fishing vessels operating in Community waters; (V) Final provisions.