Commercial Reef Fish Fishery: OMB Control No. 0648-0544 Approval Expires 07/31/2026
Atlantic HMS Fishery: OMB Control No. 0648-0372, Approval Expires 12/31/2023
High Seas Fishery: OMB Control No: 0648-0304, Approval Expires 3/31/2025
Regulations implementing the requirements for VMS within the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico, and High Seas Fishing Compliance Act: Guide for Revised Regulations allow for vessel owners and/or operators to discontinue the use of VMS units for a minimum period of 72 hours for specific periods of time, provided they obtain a VMS power-down exemption letter from the Southeast Office of Law Enforcement (SE OLE). For HMS pelagic and bottom longline vessels, a power down exemption is required if the vessel will not be fishing for an extended period of time.
To obtain this exemption letter, fill out the appropriate information below and submit this completed form.
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