VMS Overview

SkyMate has offered modern VMS systems to regulators and fishermen since 2003. Core to our approach was an open design to use laptops and PCs, tablets and smart phones for the user interface. Our systems are known to be less expensive, more easily updated and drawing less power.

Today, many regulators are considering two big VMS related changes. One is the information exchanged. In the past, many regulators settled for a periodic location report and an exception event notice. Despite the system having a two way ship-shore connection to the vessel, the utilization was minimal. That is changing. Regulators need more information, for example, declarations and catch reports. They need to communicate - send emails or have access to messaging exchanges. They want to support their fishermen by providing weather and emergency SOS notifications. In short, tomorrow’s VMS systems will need an onboard user interface. Furthermore, they want the flexibility to use their own tools. A regulator’s own catch report system operating on an android tablet. They need the VMS to be a communications backbone. Flexibility. Modern Interfaces. Ease of Use. SkyMate.

Second, many regulators are looking at expanding the scope of their VMS practices to cover fisheries within the EEZ. As this new area opens up, fleets where many spend nights and off days at shore, the opportunities for flexible reporting emerge. Every X minutes offshore, once a day onshore, with immediate reporting if the vessel moves, for instance. This cuts communications by major amounts. 

 For the fisherman, the tools that the system provides that he can use to help him succeed make adoption of the regulatory demands much easier. The system provides the owner the ability to monitor and communicate with his vessels (text, email, forms), the ability to monitor and control onboard systems. For the captain, the system provides key communications tools, email & texting, SOS emergency notification and current or forecasted weather information. For the crew, the future will include private communications tools. SkyMate allows for billing of service that separates regulators and their needs, with the fisherman and his.

 SkyMate is approved in many jurisdictions around the world, including the very demanding Greater Atlantic Region of NOAA in the US where the system includes dozens of reports and declarations, 10000 + activity codes and annual software upgrades. It has always been a leader in bringing modern approaches to the VMS marketplace. It is easy to use, easy to install and easy to budget for. 

System Features

Position Reporting

SkyMate VMS provides continuous, global surveillance and can be configured 

• to report at a range of intervals (minutes to days)

• to report at variable rates (e.g. in-harbor, at-sea, geo-fence)

• to report with a standard or advanced format (includes SOG, COG) 

• to record positional data (available for interrogation)

• over-the-air

There is no means for the fisher to change the reporting interval.  The position reporting  communications protocol is closed and secure (absolutely no spoofing).

Event Reporting

SkyMate VMS provides regulated event surveillance reporting.

There is no means for the fisher to change/adjust an event report.  Examples of events reported include the following:  Power OFF/ON, Signal Loss, Vessel IN/OUT of a geo-zone, vessel at rest/in motion.

The event reporting  communications protocol is closed and secure (absolutely no spoofing).

Custom Forms

SkyMate VMS supports custom forms: 

1. The catch forms can be custom and integrated into the SkyMate m1600VMS.  The fisher connects to the m1600 (i.e. with any device with a browser), enters his catch data and sends it to the Regulator/FMC.

   • An example of this is the NOAA forms for the Greater Atlantic Region.  The NOAA TA systems have 16 distinct forms with over 10,000 declaration codes.

2. Using a SkyMate m1600VMS interface provided for 3rd party applications, the system can deliver reports created on a Regulator application, transferred to the m1600VMS and then sent to the Regulator.

SkyMate supports updating custom forms on the m1600VMS, over-the-air or over Wi-Fi through the VMS terminal.

Value-added Features

Email and SMS  

The m1600VMS can be used to send and receive emails anywhere in the world.  The Communications Hub has its own SMS phone number, allowing two-way texting, when offshore, to any other SMS device on shore, over the satellite connection.

Weather 

Through the browser UI, the m1600VMS will provide global weather, on demand, for any location at sea.  For example, the Point Forecast weather reports include wave heights, wind speed/direction, barometric pressure and temperature.

Sos emergency notification system

By activating the SOS function (via the KeyPad) the m1600 notifies your emergency contacts of an SOS. While the SOS is active, the m1600 continually reports the vessel position to your emergency contacts.

SENTRY REMOTE MONITORING

The m1600 sentry accessory provides the user to have up to 16 sensors monitored.  These sensors can be monitored by a set of rules such that when a sensor event happens, and email or SMS is sent (emergency notifications).  Sentry also provides a daily status report of the sensors configured.

VMS Approvals

SkyMate has been providing VMS Type-Approved (TA) systems to the US government (NOAA/NMFS) since 2003.  We currently have three NMFS TAed, Iridium-based, VMS systems: the SkyMate I1500VMS, the SkyMate m1600VMS, and Alon a8000 (TA pending).

 The I1500VMS system is primarily for the NMFS market;  the m1600VMS system, also for NMFS, but is easily customizable/configurable to serve the global VMS regulated fisheries. 

 For the shore side infrastructure, these systems have been integrated with the Visma vTrack Fishery Vessel Monitoring System, Trackwell VMS Monitoring Systems, PoleStar VMS Monitoring Systems, and SRT VMS Monitoring Systems.

VMS Type Approvals:

• NOAA Fisheries

  • Fisheries of the Greater Atlantic Region of the United States

  • Fisheries of the West Coast of the United States

  • Fisheries of Alaska

  • U.S. Fisheries of the Western and Central Pacific Islands

  • Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument

  • United States Rock Shrimp Fishery

  • United States Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery

  • Commercial Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico

  • Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission Convention Area

  • High Seas

• Gulf of Mexico For-Hire Fisheries

• IATTC

• WCPFC

• Pacific Islands FFA

• BFAR

VMS System Software Interfaces:

• Visma (vTrack)

• Trackwell (Trackwell)

• PoleStar (MDA)

• SRT (IMEMS)

m1600VMS Hardware

The m1600 hardware is user friendly and very easy to install (DIY) and operate.  It’s plug-and-play right out of its eco-friendly box. 

 The system works with any UI device that has a web browser.  You just Wi-Fi connect your device to the m1600, point your browser to the m1600 (mseries.online) and you are in.  The Wi-Fi password is your security; after you first connect, there is no login required.  The SI-TEX Navstar and Raymarine Axiom MFDs can also be used to connect to the m1600.

The KeyPad provides the user an indication whenever there is an message (email or SMS) waiting to be viewed.  When the UI device connects and views the message the light goes out.  When Sentry is installed, the Sentry button allows the user to engage/disengage the Sentry monitoring. When the SOS is activated (both buttons need to be pressed and held simultaneously) the system will continue to run even if external power fails or is disconnected.  A full description of the KeyPad operation is available under Support a documentation.

The LEDs on the Communications Hub provide status of the system.  A full description of the LEDs is available under
Support - Documents.  

m1600VMS Accessories

The m1600VMS has several accessories (not included) which may be required for your installation or to provide functional extensions. 

Cables:  There are 10m extension cables available for the Smart Antenna and the Keypad.  For the Smart Antenna, two extensions cables can be added (maximum 30m); for the KeyPad, only one extension cable can be added (maximum 12m).

VMS System Network

Sentry Remote
Monitoring and Control

Sentry allows users to have up to 16 sensors monitored.  These sensors can be monitored by a custom set of rules such that when a sensor event happens, and email or SMS is sent (emergency notifications).  Sentry also provides a daily status report of the sensors configured.

For more information about Sentry:

Sentry Features

Sentry Sensors and Actuators

Sentry is compatible with a wide variety of sensors.
Additional third-party sensors may also be compatible.

Float switch

Receive alerts when float switch is engaged, and if bilge pump is activated.

Switch turns on when water level is at 51mm and off at 19mm. Compatible with pumps drawing up to 20 amps. Designed for use with fresh and salt water only.

Contact Sensor

Increase vessel security and be notified when windows, doors, cabinets, hatches or other areas have been accessed. Create custom rules to receive alerts or sound alarm when sensor is activated.

Sensor measures 32x15x8mm in size on each side with up to 20-30mm operating gap.

Shore power sensor

Monitor shore power status from anywhere and receive an alert if shore power is lost. Avoid the shutdown of critical systems while docked.

Sensor is IP67 rated and suitable for use in dry, damp or wet areas. Input Voltage Range is 90VAC-295VAC.

Product Specifications

Compatible with mazu sportfishing iPad app. Enabling Sea State, NOAA chart overlays, Sentry monitoring and more.

The mazu sportfishing iPad app provides valuable and crucial fishing data when on the hunt for Big Game Fish.

Features:

• Sea Surface Temperature (HD & Cloud-Free)

• Chlorophyll Imagery

• Altimetry

• mazuChat

• & MORE!

Save both time and fuel by eliminating guesswork and heading to an area that is more likely to yield results!

How To Buy

For information on how to buy in your area, please contact us at sales@skymate.com or use the form below.