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Relevant products are already on the market. Applied Satellite Technologies, Ltd., based in the United Kingdom, has also developed a line of such products under the brand Thrane & Thrane. These devices provide two-way communication and allow for the transfer of email and fax messages. Satellite communication providers include Inmarstat, Argos, and Iridium, which provide global coverage. The cost of transmission has fallen from over $0.15 to less than $0.05 since the advent of VMS, and a device that once cost $10,000 in 1988 now can be purchased for $1500. As technologies become more widespread, the devices will become more affordable.
Vessel Monitoring Systems have proven to be feasible and practical. Nations are beginning to realize the benefits of such a system and have already taken steps towards implementing such a system. The United States and the United Kingdom both have some form of GPS tracking system used for the regulation of their waters. In 2000, the UK required a GPS system in every fishing vessel over 24 meters (AST, 2004). Three years ago they decided that fishing vessels 15 meters and longer would be required to have the GPS Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) installed, and signed a contract purchasing 750 VMS devices for fishing vessels. The devices are designed to be tamper proof in order to guarantee accurate information is transmitted. The devices provide the monitoring agency with the vessels speed, direction, position, course and destination. Allowing the regulatory agency to successfully and easily monitor and enforce oceanic law in the surrounding waters.
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