Vessel Monitoring Solutions (VMS)
BlueTraker VMS System is a robust, cost effective and intelligent solution for your vessel monitoring needs. It is the only solution that provides true global coverage and comes with many unique features. One of those features and probably the most important; it offers the abilty to adapt to the needs of the end customer.
VMS collects vessel positions using GNSS satellite signals and sends them together with speed, bearing and optional BlueSenz sensor data to the TDS communication server. BlueTraker VMS Terminal intelligently transmits data via either the GSM/GPRS terrestrial network or the Iridium satellite network at predefined intervals. The telematic data aggregation server (TDS) processes the received data and delivers it to any third party VMS Fisheries Monitoring Software application in the appropriate format used at the National FMC. BlueTraker VMS solution enables tracking fishing vessels wherever they might be, even in the Sea area A4.
BlueTraker VMS solution has been thoroughly tested and has already been operational for years in several countries. The system complies with EU, NEAFC, NAFO and SEAFO regulations on data exchange, and to bilateral agreements commonly made between nations. It also fully complies with EU Commission Regulation Nos. 2244/2003, 1224/2009 and Implementing Regulation No. 404/2011.
Vessel Monitoring Systems provide regular reports of the fishing vessel’s location, speed, bearing, eLogBook data and other information to the relevant fisheries management authority.
- Continuous surveillance of fleets fishing activities but still keeping control of the reporting costs for their fishermen.
- A cost-effective solution.
- A secure device with power efficient design that is easy to install.
- A future-proof design.
- With many advanced features, technology and references BlueTraker VMS is the right choice!
The following group of products are, or may be included in the solution
Features Overview
Hybrid Communication System – SAT and GSM/GPRS
BlueTraker VMS terminals use a hybrid communication system that dramatically reduces reporting costs by using GPRS communication when in coastal waters but while on the high seas seamlessly switching to the Iridium satellite constellation.
Device Security Features
BlueTraker VMS was designed with a high level of mechanical and electrical safety and security features to avoid any tampering or fraud. The most noticeable features are an integrated design, tamper detection, antenna blockage detection, unique serial numbers engraved into the housing and unique security seals.
Ensuring fishermen’s safety
Fishermen’s safety onboard the vessel is drastically improved by offering integrated IN-PORT and ALERT buttons into the connection box. The BlueTraker VMS alert function is unique in that it will work even when the ship’s power goes down and also provides a distress call acknowledgement message.
Embedded Geozones
Minimum 100 geographical areas (polygons and associated rules, e.g. vessel speed, time intervals,…) in the form of Geofences can be remotely uploaded, edited, activated and deactivated for each and every BlueTraker VMS terminal using land-based servers and the over-the-air upgrade feature. Specific geographical areas can be defined and specific operational rules can be put into effect (e.g. increased reporting frequency). Alerts can also be put in place for when a vessel is traversing geographical areas or a Geofence.
eLogbook ready
With the worldwide eLogbook initiative gathering pace helping to eradicate Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing (IUU); Fisheries Monitoring Centres need to be ready to introduce Electronic Reporting Systems to ensure the traceability of their fleet’s catches. BlueTraker VMS integrates with Octopus 10, an advanced touchscreen tablet computer with built-in data-pass functionality for transferring »Catch« reports. Octopus 10 allows only approved Electronic Reporting Systems (ERS) to be integrated and authentication is required each time.
Lower operating costs and high frequency of position reports at the same time
BlueTraker VMS dramatically reduces cost by using two communication channels. Switching between channels depends on vessel location. Beyond the reach of a GPRS signal, tracking data is transferred via the satellite communication channel. In coastal waters, it switches to a low-cost mobile network automatically. Reporting interval can be set differently for each communication channels, generally with a higher reporting interval when using the GPS.
Seamless automatic switching from GPRS to SAT channel and back
BlueTraker VMS technology is engineered as a hybrid solution. Switching between data delivery channels (satellite or GSM) is automatically applied, depending on the vessel’s position and location.
Continuous operation even in the case of vessels power failure
BlueTraker VMS transponder operates for up to 3 full days on the rechargeable internal battery in the event of an external power failure or if the primary power source is being disconnected.
Cost-efficient operation
BlueTraker VMS transponder is a maintenance-free device that offers reliable and cost-efficient operation. The device is fully remote controlled and upgradable via satellite or GSM network without interruption of the transponder operation. So there is no need for costly and time-consuming manual update physically onboard.
Connectivity with 3rd party GIS software
BlueTraker VMS system enables integration with the existing FMC infrastructure regardless of the communication channel.
Compliant with EU fishing regulations
BlueTraker VMS transponder is characterized by low installation costs associated with simplified one-cable installation (connecting the device to the power source).
Unrivaled safety and security level
Several mechanical and electrical security measures protect data integrity and security from tampering or fraud. Hardwired security codes prevent swapping of modules. Sealed with laser marked wiring. Access to the software code can be disabled remotely to prevent against hacking/patching.
