Implementation of Satellite based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for Fishing Boats Operating in High Seas Regulations 2015.

These Regulations, consisting of 21 sections and completed by two Schedules, regulate the Implementation of Satellite based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for Fishing Boats Operating in High Seas. In particular, it establishes the following issues: No person shall deploy fishing boats, supply or cargo vessels, reefers and carrier vessels having an overall length of 10.3m (34 feet) or more for high seas fishing operations unless such vessel is fitted with Satellite based Vessel Monitoring System Device on board approved by Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources which allows tracking and identification of such vessels by the land based Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) of the Department. The master, skipper, owner or licensee of the fishing vessel shall take steps to ensure that the Monitoring Device on board is activated at all times irrespective of their geographical location allowing four hourly automatic transmission of required information or any time intervals decided by Director General as he may deem fit to the FMC. Such data shall include: the identification of the fishing vessel; a) registration number of the vessel; b) international call sign; c) name of the Vessel; d) No. International Maritime Organization; e) No. of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (lOTC). These regulations shall apply to any fishing vessel having the overall length of 10.3m (34 feet) or more.