Business Tools

Vessel Monitoring Systems

This section has information on vessel monitoring systems (VMS) for commercial fishing vessels.

Former NOAA Fisheries director Bill Hogarth commented on VMS technology, saying "We are increasingly relying on satellite technology to monitor fishing near closed areas, and this decision supports the hard work that NOAA Fisheries enforcement agents put in to protect marine fisheries for honest fishermen."

VMS can also aid in search and rescue operations. In November of 2008, F/V Costa & Corvo capsized approximately 115 miles east of Cape Cod Massachusetts.

"Fortunately for the crewmen, we were able to locate the boat using VMS and the Mary K was nearby and able to assist," said Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Leazott, a search and rescue controller from Sector Southeastern New England.

Important VMS Links

National VMS Program
phone 301–427–2300
fax 301–427–0049.

VMS Support Center, NOAA Fisheries Office for Law Enforcement (for questions regarding VMS installation or activation checklists)
8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 415
Silver Spring, MD 20910
phone 888–219–9228
fax 301–427–0049.

Vessel Monitoring Systems Reimbursement Program

NOAA Fisheries Northeast Region VMS News and Information