[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26062-26063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-11627]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Vessel
Monitoring System (VMS) Program
AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 7, 2017.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet
at [email protected]).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should
be directed to Scott Miller, (907) 586-7228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
This request is for extension of a currently approved information
collection.
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units integrate global positioning
system (GPS) and communications electronics into a single, tamper-
resistant package to automatically determine the vessel's position
several times per hour. The units can be set to transmit a vessel's
location periodically and automatically to an overhead satellite in
real time. In most cases, the vessel owner is unaware
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of exactly when the unit is transmitting and is unable to alter the
signal or the time of transmission. The VMS unit is passive and
automatic, requiring no reporting effort by the vessel operator. A
communications service provider receives the transmission and relays it
to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Law
Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard. Enforcement of management
measures, such as directed fishing closures and critical habitat no-
fishing zones, relies heavily on the use of VMS.
II. Method of Collection
Automatic GPS position reporting starts after VMS transceiver
installation and power activation on board the vessel. The unit is pre-
configured and tested for NMFS VMS operations. Vessel operators who
purchase and install a VMS on a vessel must fax a one-time VMS check-in
report to NMFS. Thereafter, submittal is automatic by satellite.
III. Data
OMB Control Number: 0648-0445.
Form Number(s): None.
Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently
approved collection).
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations;
individuals or households.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 83.
Estimated Time per Response: 12 minutes for VMS check-in report; 2
hours for VMS operation (includes installation and maintenance).
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 130.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $67,793 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.
Dated: June 1, 2017.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-11627 Filed 6-5-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P