Federal Fisheries Vessel Permit Application - Initial an

United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930
Revised 11/23/16

Permit Application for Vessels Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) 
Greater Atlantic Region 
General Information 
If you are a new owner of a vessel or your vessel is new to our region, please review and complete 
the initial vessel application provided herein. 
Applicants with specific questions are encouraged to contact the Permit Office at (978) 282‐8438 
between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET or by email at: [email protected].   Applicants are 
also encouraged to visit our website at http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/permits 
What to include with your application 
1. Signed and dated initial application;
2. Signed and dated owner form with the names of each owner and/or shareholder of the vessel and;
3. A copy of the vessel’s valid Coast Guard Documentation or State Registration.  Expired USCG
Documentation or State registrations will not be accepted.
4. For party/charter permits:  include a copy of your valid Captain’s License or a copy of your Coast
Guard Documentation with a Coastwise endorsement.
5. If the vessel is owned by a company or LLC, include a copy of the articles of incorporation or
organization showing the members of the business.
6. If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F or a limited access monkfish permit and you
intend to fish with gillnets or you need to order more tags, request a gillnet tag form.
7. If applying for a letter of authorization (LOA), complete and request an LOA Form.
If  your  application  is  not  complete  when  we  receive  it,  we  will  return  it  to  you  for  completion  or 
correction.  This will delay the issuance of your permit.  You cannot fish without an active permit. 

Where to send your completed application (email, fax or mail) 
Fax completed forms to:  

(978) 281‐9161   

Mail completed forms to:   NMFS Permit Office 
55 Great Republic Drive 
Gloucester, MA  01930 
Email scanned forms to: 

[email protected] 

Revised 11/23/16

Reporting Requirements 
The owner or operator of a fishing vessel that has been issued a Greater Atlantic Region Fishing Vessel Permit 
has VTR reporting requirements for all fishing trips taken, regardless of species targeted or waters fished. 
Federal surf clam and ocean quahog permit holders must complete clam/quahog log reports when fishing for 
those species. Vessels that only possess an American lobster permit are not required to submit VTRs.  For 
more information, please call the Vessel Reporting Office at (978) 281‐9246 or visit our website at: 
www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/evtr/doc/vtr_inst.pdf  

Federal Vessel Operator Permit  
It is the responsibility of the vessel owner to ensure that his/her vessels issued Greater Atlantic Region 
permits are operated by an individual with a valid Federal Vessel Operator Permit.  Any individual operating a 
vessel issued Greater Atlantic Federal Fishing Vessel Permit is subject to the vessel operator permit 
requirements. Vessel operators are required to report their operator permit number when completing their 
VTRs. 
The Federal Vessel Operator Permit is a photo ID that must be carried by the operator of the vessel.  
Operator permits are issued for a 3‐year period and renewal applications are mailed 35 to 45 days before the 
expiration of the permit.  If you already have an operator permit issued by the Southeast Region (SERO), you 
do not need to get one from us, the Greater Atlantic Region.  Either permit is valid for all of the Southeast 
and Greater Atlantic fisheries that require an operator permit.
Be sure to keep your address up to date.  This will ensure you receive your renewal at the correct address 
and in a timely manner.  Address changes can be made by sending us a written request signed and dated 
by the owner. 
To ensure that your operator has a valid operator permit or to obtain an application, please call the Permit 
Office at 978‐282‐8437, or online at http:// http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/forms.html. 
Tuna Permit Holders 
Atlantic tuna vessel permits are issued through a separate permitting system, which can be accessed by 
phone at (888) 872‐8862 (888‐USA‐TUNA) or via the Internet at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ 
Atlantic tunas regulations can also be found on this same website, or can be answered at 978‐281‐9260. 
Sale of Your Catch Requirements 
All vessels issued a Federal Greater Atlantic Region Fishing Vessel Permit are required to sell their catch of 
federally managed species only to seafood dealers with a valid Federal Greater Atlantic Region dealer permit 
for that species.  Federally permitted vessels with Greater Atlantic Region permits may not sell their catch of 
federally managed species to persons or seafood dealers that do not have valid Federal Greater Atlantic 
Region dealer permits.   

Federal Regulations: This letter and the enclosures only summarize the legal requirements.  Please consult 
the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations whose guidance for application requirements, permit eligibilities, and 
related information will always prevail.  For a complete understanding of your obligations, consult the 
regulations at: www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/fr.html or call 978‐281‐9315.  

Greater Atlantic Region Federal Fisheries Initial Permit Application
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
PERMIT OFFICE
55 Great Republic Drive
GLOUCESTER, MA 01930-2276
Tel: (978) 282-8438

Section 1 - Vessel/Owner Information
Is this application for a vessel permit transfer?
Yes
No
If Yes, complete the vessel replacement portion of the Vessel Replacement, Upgrade, and Confirmation of Permit History Application.
Enter information in the spaces provided. All items must be completed.

Vessel Name:

Owner Name:

Mailing Address:
City:

State:

Zip:

Telephone:

CG Doc. or State Registration Num:
Home Port: City

Alternate Phone:
ST

Previously permitted Vessel Permit #

Principal Port: City

ST

_____________(if applicable)
Section 2 - Vessel Information

Enter information in the spaces provided. All applicable items must be completed.

Vessel Length:________________________

Dredge Size: _______________________________

Overall length in feet.

Dredge size in feet.

Crew Size: ___________________________

Number of Dredges: _________________________

Average number or crew, including the captain.

Total number of dredges aboard the vessel.

Gross Tonnage: _______________________

Pump Horsepower: __________________________

Year Built: ____________________________

Construction: Please check

As recorded on US Coast Guard Documentation.

This item applies to surf clam/ocean quahog vesssels only.

✔

the number that applies to your vessel.

The year the vessel was built.

1 = Wood

Engine HP: _______________________
The vessel engine horsepower.

Fish Hold Capacity: __________________
Measured to the nearest 100 pounds.

2 = Fiberglass

Propulsion: Please check
1 = Gasoline

✔

3 = Steel

4 = Other

the number that applies to your vessel.

2 = Diesel

3 = Other

Number of Charter/Party Passengers:____________
Number of passengers the vessel is licensed to carry.
(See page 3 of instructions for additional documents required)

Signature required on back of form OMB# 0648-0202 Expires 08/31/2019

Section 3 – Fishery Information

Gear Codes

120 – Purse Seine

210 – Beach Seine

220 – Boat Seines

310 – Bottom Trawl

320 – Midwater Trawl

330–Other Trawl

410 – Dredge

700 – Gill/Entangling Nets

800 – Pots & Traps

911 – Hand Lines

912 – Rod & Reel

913 – Tub Trawl

1010 – Harpoons

920 – Longlines / Setlines

1400 – Diving Gear

1200 – Other Gears

Circle or check the number or letter of the fishery category for which you are applying. Clearly print the associated gear code(s)
from the list above. Refer to the instructions for allowable gear code(s) per category.
If you select a fishery category and gear code combination(s) for which your vessel is not eligible, the processing of your permit
may be delayed. See instructions for further details or call the Permit Office at (978) 282-8438.
Open Access
Limited Access Categories
Fisheries
Qualified Vessels Only
Gear Code(s)
Categories
2
3
4
5
reset
Atlantic Sea Scallop
★
6
7
8
9
Atlantic Sea Scallop – General
Northeast Multispecies

HB
J

Monkfish

E

Surf Clam/Ocean Quahog

1

I*
K

A

B

A
E
A
F

C
F
B
G

C

reset

D
HA

C
H

★
reset

★

D
reset

★

6

410 – Dredge only

Maine Mahogany Quahog

7

Summer Flounder

2*

1

Scup

2*

1

Black Sea Bass

2*

1

Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish

2*

3

Incidental HMS Squid Trawl

4

1

410 – Dredge only

5

T1

T2

T3

reset ★

1

Spiny Dogfish

1

Atlantic Bluefish

1

2*

Atlantic Herring

D

E

Tilefish

1

2*

Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab

A

Skate

1

A

B

B

C

American Lobster – Non Trap

1

2*

American Lobster - Trap

A1
A5

A2
A6

C

reset

A3
AOC

★

A4

800 – Pots and Traps only

* Charter/Party permit categories

Section 4 – Application Checklist & Signature
 Please include the applicable forms below with your signed and dated application

_____ All vessels: copy of current (not expired) US Coast Guard (CG) Documentation or State Registration.
_____ Corporations, LLCs, Partnerships: signed and dated list of current owners/officers/partners and their addresses.
_____ All vessels: Vessel Ownership Form with each vessel application.
_____ Charter/Party requests: CG Documentation must state “coastwise” or include a copy of a valid Captain’s license.

I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the vessel named in Section 1. I affirm,
subject to the penalties provided in 18 USC 1001, that all information provided obtaining this permit is true and correct.
Print Name: ______________________________ Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________
Public reporting burden for the collection of information on this application is estimated to average 45 minutes per response, including time for reviewing
instructions, gathering needed data and documents, and completing the application. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or suggestions for reducing
this burden to: NOAA Fisheries, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) requires that potential respondents for
this permit be notified of certain information regarding their rights and the burden associated with applying for Federal fisheries permits. Notwithstanding any
other provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the PRA, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Owner name, vessel characteristics,
address, phone, and permit information will be released via a NOAA Fisheries website. All other data submitted will be handled as confidential material in
accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fishery Statistics.
Revised 11/23/2016 OMB # 0648-0202 Expires: 8/31/19

National Marine Fisheries Service / Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office 

Owner Form 


Completion of this form is required with each application for a Greater Atlantic Federal Vessel or
Dealer permit.



List all persons who have an ownership interest in the business that is the subject of this application.



Owners or persons who have an ownership interest in a business are defined as and include, but are
not limited to, corporations, partnerships, LLCs, persons who are shareholders in a corporation,
persons who have formed a partnership (general or limited), and any other entities that have
ownership interest in the business.

Section A – Dealer or Vessel name and Federal Permit Number.  If this application is for a new or initial 
permit, then leave permit number blank. 
Dealer or Vessel Name: 

Permit Number: 

USCG documentation or State Registration Number (Vessel Permit Applicants): 

Section B ‐ All persons who have an ownership interest in the business must be listed below.  Do not include 
employees of the business unless they are also an owner or shareholder.  
Mr/Mrs/Ms

First Name

Check all that apply Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply Mr/Mrs/Ms

Middle Name

Middle Name

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Officer

Officer
Middle Name

Owner

Officer

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder
Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder
Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Additional space provided on the back of this form to list all persons with an ownership interest in the business. 
I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the business named in Section A above.  I 
affirm, subject to the penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information that I have given in obtaining this permit 
is true and correct.                                                                                                               OMB# 0648‐0202 Expires  08/31/2019 

Name of Applicant (print clearly)____________________________________ 
Signature of Applicant _________________________________________      Date_____________

Page 2 ‐ Section B Continued ‐ All persons who have an ownership interest in the business must be listed 
below.  Do not include employees of the business unless they are also an owner or shareholder. 
Mr/Mrs/Ms

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

Officer

Middle Name

Owner

Officer
Middle Name

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Officer

Middle Name

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Officer

Middle Name

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Owner

First Name

Check all that apply -

Mr/Mrs/Ms

Middle Name

Officer

Middle Name

Owner

Officer

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder
Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

Last Name

Suffix: Jr, Sr, III, etc

Shareholder

I, the undersigned, am the owner or legally authorized agent of the owner of the business named in Section A above.  I 
affirm, subject to the penalties provided in 18 U.S.C. 1001, that all information that I have given in obtaining this permit 
is true and correct.                                                                                                                OMB# 0648‐0202 Expires  08/31/2019 

Name of Applicant (print clearly)____________________________________ 
Signature of Applicant _________________________________________      Date_____________
Please copy this form as needed to provide information on all persons with an ownership interest in the 
business in Section A.

Na
ational Ma
arine Fish
heries Serrvice (NMFS)
No
ortheast P
Permit Offfice (978) 282-8438
8

Review
R
checklist for Initial V
Vessel Applications

9 Ensu
ure your application is complete
9 Please review the list below
w
ure to includ
de this inforrmation with
h your application will result in
9 Failu
proce
essing dela
ays or a pos
ssible return of your ap
pplication.
Include with your signed an
nd dated initial vesse
el permit ap
pplication:
•

A copy of your valid Coast Guarrd Documentation or a ccopy of your valid State Registration
n.
Expired registrations
r
s will not be accepted.
a

•

ave an owne
A comple
eted NMFS vessel
v
owne
ership form liisting all perrsons who ha
ership intere
est in
the vesse
el.

•

If the ves
ssel is owned
d by a comp
pany, LLC orr a partnersh
hip, please in
nclude a cop
py of the articles
of incorporation, artic
cles of organ
nization, or your
y
partnersship agreem
ment.

•

To be eligible for a Federal
F
party
y/charter perrmit you musst include a ccopy of yourr Captain’s
License or
o a copy off your U.S. Coast
C
Guard Documenta
ation with a C
Coastwise e
endorsementt.

•

category A,, E, or F perrmit or a limitted access m
If applyin
ng for a NE multispecies
m
monkfish permit
with the intention
i
of fishing
f
with gillnet
g
gear, you must co
omplete the NMFS Gillnet Form and
d
obtain gillnet tags. Call
C the Perm
mit Office to obtain a gilln
net tag appliication or go
o to
http://ww
ww.nero.noaa
a.gov/permitts/forms.htm
ml

National Marine Fisheries Service
Initial Vessel Application
Instructions for Greater Atlantic Federal Fishing Vessel Permits
Enclosed are the instructions for completing the Initial Fishing Vessel Application for Federal
Greater Atlantic fishing permits. This package contains definitions for each field on the
application, the additional documents required for a complete application, and a brief definition of
the fishery permits. These instructions do not contain all the regulatory provisions that pertain to
each fishery, and are not a substitute for the regulations. A copy of the regulations can be
obtained through NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service NERO web site:
http://www.nero.noaa.gov. If you have further questions, please contact the Sustainable
Fisheries Division at (978) 281-9315.
Please read and follow the application instructions carefully. Failure to provide all required
information and additional documentation will result in the application being returned to you for
completion. You cannot fish without a current and valid permit.
Walk-in application processing service is not available. There is a 30-day processing period for all
application packages. This 30-day processing period begins when a correct and complete
application package is received in the Northeast Region Permit Office. Questions? Please refer to
the NMFS Northeast Region Web Page at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/permits/ for applications,
instructions, fisheries regulations, and other important information, or call 978-282-8438 or
e-mail [email protected].
Mail the completed application package to:
National Marine Fisheries Service
Greater Atlantic Permit Office
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930-2276
Section 1 - Vessel and Owner Information (all items must be filled in)
Vessel Name
Current name of vessel, or enter “unnamed” if not applicable.
Owner Name
Include the owner name (business name or person name) exactly as it appears on the
United States Coast Guard Documentation, State Registration, or Title of Vessel
Ownership. If your vessel's state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also
provide a copy of the vessel's title, or other documentation from the appropriate state
agency that identifies all vessel owners. If the vessel is owned by a company, LLC, or
partnership, you must provide the full name and mailing address of all officers and
shareholders in the business (see page 3 for further details).
Address and Telephone Number
Provide primary address and include 4-digit addition to zip code (if known). Also provide
area code and phone number (additional phone numbers may be provided).

Revised: November 23, 2016

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 1 of 11

U.S. Coast Guard Documentation or State Registration Number
Provide United States Coast Guard Documentation Number or State Registration for your
vessel. A copy of the USCG Documentation or State Registration is also required, see
page 3 for further details.
Home Port
City and State where vessel is moored
Principal Port
City and State where the majority of your landings occur

Section 2 - Additional Vessel Information
(Except where noted, all items on must be completed)
Vessel length:
Crew Size:
Gross Tonnage:
Year Built:
Main Engine HP:
Fish Hold Capacity:
Dredge Size:
Number of Dredges:
Pump Horsepower:
Construction:
Propulsion:
Charter Passengers:

Overall length in feet
Average number of crew, including the captain
As recorded on US Coast Guard Documentation or estimated gross
tonnage for state registered vessels
Year vessel was built
Vessel engine horsepower
Measured to the nearest 100 pounds
Dredge size in feet (not required if vessel does not use dredge gear)
Total number of dredges aboard the vessel (not required if vessel
does not use dredge gear)
This item applies to surf clam/ocean quahog vessels only
1=Wood, 2=Fiberglass, 3=Steel, 4=Other (Circle applicable number)
1=Gasoline, 2=Diesel, 3=Other (Circle applicable number)
Number of charter/party/headboat passengers the vessel is licensed
to carry (see page 3 for additional documents required)

Section 3 - Fishery Information
Except as noted for limited access fisheries, circle a fishery category and enter the
applicable gear codes in the spaces provided. Refer to Northeast Fisheries Regulations for
further restrictions – http://www.nero.noaa.gov/ro/doc/the648.htm
Category
For each fishery you want to apply for, select the category that best describes your fishing
operations, and circle the category numbers or letters in the column marked “Category”. A
description of Northeast fisheries permits and categories is contained in this document on
pages 4 – 10.
Gear Code
For each fishery permit and category you select, you must write in the applicable gear
codes from the Gear Code table on the application. Write the gear code numbers in the
column marked "Gear Code". For certain permit categories, you are restricted on the gear
type you can use. For this information, see the description of each fishery below. Where
applicable, you may select more than one gear code for a category. If you do not write
in any gear codes, the application cannot be processed and will be returned to
you.

Revised: November 23, 2016

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 2 of 11

Section 4 – Signature of Owner or Authorized Agent
Sign and date the form. Unsigned, or otherwise incomplete applications, will be returned.
Your signature is an affirmation that, under penalty of perjury, all the information provided
in order to obtain this permit is true and correct. Submitting false information in
connection with an application could subject you to criminal/civil penalties or permit
sanctions [18 U.S.C. 1001].

Additional Documents Required
USCG Documentation/State Registration
With each application, submit a copy of your current (not expired) United States Coast
Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation. If the vessel is not documented, send a copy
of a valid (not expired) state vessel registration for the vessel. Do not send your original.
We cannot accept a bill of sale or an application for renewal of the USCG Documentation.
If your vessel's state registration does not list all owners of the vessel, also provide a copy
of the vessel's title, or other documentation from the appropriate state agency that
identifies all vessel owners. A permit application will not be accepted if the vessel
registration or documentation has expired before we receive it.
Business/Corporate Information
If the vessel is owned by a business, corporation, LLC, or a partnership, the following
information must be submitted with the application form:
• A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation/Organization with the initial application.
• Partnerships must submit a copy of the partnership agreement each year which
includes the full name and current mailing address of each partner.
Owner/Shareholder Information via the Vessel Ownership Form
All applicants must attach a completed NMFS vessel ownership form listing and identifying
all owners and officers. Applicants must provide the full name of each owner and officer
regardless of their percentage ownership in the vessel.
Charter/Party/Headboat Vessels
If you are applying for a charter/party/headboat permit, submit a valid copy (not expired)
of at least one of the following:
• State license showing the vessel is authorized to carry charter/party passengers.
• US Coast Guard Documentation showing vessel is documented for “Coastwise” trade.
• US Coast Guard license to operate or navigate passenger-carrying vessels.
Gillnet Vessels applying for Limited Access NE Multispecies and Monkfish
If applying for a NE multispecies category A, E, or F permit with the intention of fishing
with gillnet gear, you must complete sections 1 and 3 of the NMFS Gillnet Form. If you
wish to order gillnet tags for either the NE multispecies or monkfish gillnet fishery, you
must also submit a completed NMFS Gillnet Form.

Revised: November 23, 2016

OMB# 0648-0202

Page 3 of 11

Description of Northeast Fisheries Permits – Categories Are Shaded
 Atlantic Sea Scallop
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. All permits issued will be valid for
the entire fishing year. A vessel owner has 45 days from the first effective date of the permit within a
permit year to make a change to the limited access Sea Scallop permit category. Further restrictions
may apply. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
2*
3*
4

5*

Full-Time: This category is limited to dredge gear where the combined width in use or in
possession does not exceed 31 feet.
Part-Time: This category is limited to dredge gear where the combined width in use or in
possession does not exceed 31 feet.
Occasional: This category is limited to dredge gear where the combined width in use or
in possession does not exceed 31 feet.
Full-Time Small Dredge: Category 3 (Part-Time) vessel may elect this category for the
entire year if the vessel uses one dredge no larger than 10.5 ft. and with no more than five
people on board. This category is limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.

Part-Time Small Dredge: Category 4 (Occasional) vessel may elect this category for the
entire year if the vessel uses 1 dredge no larger than 10.5 ft. and with no more than five
people on board. This category is limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.
7*
Full-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is authorized to use bottom
trawl nets (gear code 310) to fish for scallops under a scallop DAS.
8*
Part-Time: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is authorized to use bottom
trawl nets (gear code 310) to fish for scallops under a scallop DAS.
9
Occasional: Authorized to use trawl nets: This category is authorized to use bottom
trawl nets (gear code 310) to fish for scallops under a scallop DAS.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
6*

Limited Access General Category (LAGC) Scallop permit categories: These permits may only
be issued to qualified vessels or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may
apply. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations. Owners of vessels issued an NGOM or
Incidental scallop permit shall have one opportunity each fishing year to request a change in its permit
category by submitting an application within 45 days of the effective date of the vessel's permit. After
that date, the vessel must remain in that permit category for the duration of the fishing year.
A*
B*

LAGC – Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ permit)
LAGC – Northern Gulf of Maine (NGOM permit)

C*

LAGC – Incidental Catch (Incidental permit)

* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
VMS Information
For further information on the Greater Atlantic Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Program,
please go to this link: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/vms/index.html.

Revised: November 23, 2016

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 Northeast Multispecies
“Regulated” species (NE multispecies requiring regulated mesh): Cod, haddock, yellowtail flounder,
pollock, redfish (ocean perch), winter flounder (blackback), American plaice (dab), witch flounder
(grey sole), windowpane flounder (sand dab), white hake, Atlantic halibut, and Atlantic wolffish.
Other NE multispecies: Silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), offshore hake, and ocean pout.
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. All permits issued will be valid
for the entire fishing year. A vessel owner has 45 days from the first effective date of his/her
permit within a permit year to make a change to the NE multispecies permit category. Further
restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
A* Day-at-Sea (DAS): This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Small Vessel Exemption (less than or equal to 30 feet): This category includes all gear
C
types except dredge gear.
Hook Gear: (Vessels in this category may not change category) This category is limited to
D* handlines (gear code 911), rod and reel (gear code 912), tub trawl (gear code 913) and
longlines (gear code 920) gear only.
Combination Vessels: This category includes all gear types except dredge gear and is only
E* applicable for vessels that have a limited access scallop permit. Vessels in this category may
not change category.
Large Mesh Individual DAS: Category A (Individual DAS) or E (Combination) vessels may
elect this category for the entire year provided the vessels meet the following requirements.
Category A DAS for vessels fishing under this permit category will be increased by 36%.
These vessels must fish with either gillnets or trawl nets having a minimum of 8.5-inch
F*
square or diamond mesh when fishing in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, or Southern New
England Regulated Mesh Areas, and 7.5-inch diamond or 8.0-inch square mesh when fishing
in the Mid-Atlantic Regulated Mesh Area. This category is limited to gear types/codes 120,
210, 220, 310, 320, 330 and 700 only.
Handgear A: This category is limited to rod and reel (gear code 912), handline (gear code
HA 911) or tub trawl (gear code 913) gear only. Vessels in this category may not change
** category.
* An operational VMS is required to be on board the vessel to fish for groundfish under a
NE multispecies DAS or on a sector trip.
** A Handgear A vessel in the common pool must declare its trips using the Interactive
Voice Response (IVR) system, unless it intends to fish in more than one broad stock area
(BSA) on a single trip, in which case, it would need a VMS unit to declare its trips.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Handgear B: This category includes rod and reel (gear code 912), handline (gear code
HB
911) or tub trawl (gear code 913) gear only.
Charter/Party: The vessel may possess and land multispecies in the EEZ when carrying
I
passengers for hire (See page 3, additional documents required). This category is limited
to rod and reel (gear code 912) and handline (gear code 911) gear only.
Scallop Multispecies Possession Limit: The vessel may possess and land up to 300 lb
of regulated species while fishing under a scallop DAS. Vessel must have a Limited
J
Access Scallop Permit (Categories 2 – 9) to qualify for this category. This
category includes all gear types.
Open Access Multispecies: The vessel may participate in an exempted fishing program
K
to fish for small-mesh multispecies such as silver hake (whiting), red hake (ling), or
offshore hake, among other species. This category includes all gear types.
 See page 3 for a list of Greater Atlantic Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: November 23, 2016

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 Monkfish
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may
apply to specific categories. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
A
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit. This category
includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they do not possess a limited access multispecies (with
the exception of a Handgear A) permit or a limited access scallop permit, and that are
B
less than 51 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) and do not qualify for a Category A permit.
This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
C
limited access scallop permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Vessels may elect this category if they possess a limited access multispecies permit or a
D
limited access scallop permit, and are less than 51 GRT and do not qualify for a Category
C permit. This category includes all gear types except dredge gear.
Offshore Fishery Program: Vessels may elect this category if they are eligible for
monkfish limited access permit categories A, B, C, or D and have an operational Vessel
Monitoring System (VMS) installed on the vessel. Monkfish permit category A, B, C, and
D vessels may opt into this program for an entire fishing year, which begins on May 1
F* and ends on April 30. The request to opt into the offshore fishery must be completed
within 45 days of the effective date of the monkfish permit. Vessels in this program are
restricted to fishing under a monkfish Days At Sea during the specified season of October
1–April 30 each year and within the Offshore Fishery Program Area. This category
includes all gear types except dredge gear.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
Limited Access Permit Categories for Vessels Fishing in the Southern Fishery
Management Area (SFMA) – Vessels issued a limited access Category H permit are restricted to
fishing under a monkfish DAS in the monkfish SFMA.
Vessels may elect this category if they were issued permits in this category in the previous
H fishing year and that did not qualify for a category G permit. This category includes all gear
types.
Area Declaration: Please note that vessels without an operational VMS unit fishing exclusively in
the Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) for monkfish must request a SFMA Exemption
Certificate in order to be exempt from the more restrictive management measures of the SFMA.
Contact the Permit Office at 978-282-8438. Vessels with an operational VMS unit must declare the
appropriate code to indicate they intend to fish exclusively in the NFMA.
Open Access Permit Categories: This permit may be issued to any vessel not issued a monkfish
limited access permit—to fish for, possess, or land monkfish. Further restrictions may apply to this
category. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Catch: Allows a vessel to possess and land a limited amount of monkfish,
E depending on fishing year, area fished, and gear fished. For specific limit amounts, contact
the Sustainable Fisheries Division at 978-281-9315. This category includes all gear types.
 See page 3 for a list of Greater Atlantic Fisheries gear types and their codes

Revised: November 23, 2016

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 Surfclam/Ocean Quahog/Maine Mahogany Quahog
Surfclam and ocean quahog vessels, as well as Maine mahogany quahog vessels, are required to
have an operational vessel monitoring system (VMS) on board their vessel. Maine mahogany
quahog permitted vessels are not required to install a VMS unit until they fish for, land, take,
possess, or transfer ocean quahogs under a limited access Maine mahogany quahog permit. For
more information on VMS requirements, call 978-281-9315.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1*
Surfclam: The vessel may fish for surfclams. This category is limited to dredge
(gear code 410) gear only. VMS required.
Ocean Quahog: The vessel may fish for ocean quahogs. This category is limited to
6*
dredge (gear code 410) gear only. VMS required.
To possess and land surfclams or ocean quahogs from the EEZ, an allocation of quota is required.
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Maine Mahogany Quahog: The vessel may harvest and land ocean quahogs without
7*
an allocation from the EEZ in the area north of 43° 50´N. latitude. This category is
limited to dredge (gear code 410) gear only.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
 Summer Flounder (Fluke)
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1 Summer Flounder Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess summer flounder in the EEZ while carrying
2
passengers for hire. This category includes all gear types.
 Scup (Porgy)
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1 Scup Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess scup in the EEZ while carrying passengers for
2
hire. This category includes all gear types.
 Black Sea Bass
Limited Access Permit Categories: This permit may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held it or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1

Black Sea Bass Commercial Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.

Revised: November 23, 2016

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 Black Sea Bass (continued)
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess black sea bass in the EEZ north of 35º 15.3´ N.
2
latitude while carrying passengers for hire. This category includes all gear types.

 Mid-Atlantic Forage Fish Species / Atlantic Chub Mackerel
To fish for, land or possess Mid-Atlantic forage species (see list below) and Atlantic chub
mackerel in or from Federal waters (EEZ) from New York through North Carolina, your
vessel must be issued any of the Greater Atlantic Region fishing vessel permits. Please
contact us at (978) 281-9315 if you have any questions about the regulations for forage
species.
Mid-Atlantic Forage Species include the following:







Anchovies
Argentines
Atlantic saury
Atlantic thread
herring
Cusk-eels
Greeneyes









Halfbeaks
Lanternfish
Pearlsides
Round herring
Sand lances
Scaled sardine
Silversides





Spanish sardine
Pelagic molluscs
Copepods, krill,
amphipods, and
other small
crustaceans

 Squid, Atlantic Mackerel, and Butterfish
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply
to specific categories. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1*
Longfin squid/Butterfish Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
5
Illex Squid Moratorium: This category includes all gear types.
T1* Atlantic Mackerel Tier 1: May fish commercially in the EEZ for unlimited amounts of
mackerel. This category includes all gear types.
T2* Atlantic Mackerel Tier 2: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 135,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types.
T3* Atlantic Mackerel Tier 3: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 100,000 lb of
mackerel per trip. This category includes all gear types. Vessels issued Tier 3 permits will be
limited to no more than 7% of the annual commercial mackerel quota.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Squid/Mackerel/Butterfish Charter/Party: May fish for or possess unlimited amounts
2 of Longfin or Illex squid, mackerel or butterfish in the EEZ while carrying passengers for
hire. This category includes all gear types.
Squid/Butterfish Incidental Catch: May fish commercially in the EEZ for up to 2,500 lb
3 of Longfin squid per trip, 10,000 lb of Illex squid per trip, or 600 lb of butterfish per trip.
This category includes all gear types.
Atlantic Mackerel Incidental Catch: May commercially fish for Atlantic mackerel in the
4
EEZ for up to 20,000 lb of mackerel. This category includes all gear types.
Note: Atlantic mackerel at-sea processing vessels must apply for a permit as a dealer/processor.

 Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl
Limited Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer
to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries Regulations.
Incidental Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Squid Trawl Permit: Allowed only for
1 vessels issued a valid Illex Squid Moratorium permit. Authorizes the limited retention of
incidentally-caught swordfish. This category only includes trawl gear.
 Spiny Dogfish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
General: May commercially fish for, possess, or land spiny dogfish caught in or from the
1
EEZ. This category includes all gear types.
 Atlantic Bluefish
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Commercial: May possess or harvest Atlantic bluefish from the EEZ. This category includes all
1
gear types.
Charter/Party: May fish for or possess Atlantic bluefish from the EEZ while carrying
2
passengers for hire. This category includes all gear types.
 Atlantic Herring
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to qualified vessels or to
approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
All Areas: Authorizes the harvest of herring in any management area, without being subject to
A* possession limits during the time when the sub-annual catch limit (ACL) in the defined
management area has not been reached. This category includes all gear types.
Areas 2/3: Authorizes the harvest of herring only in Areas 2 or 3, without being subject to
B* possession limits during the time when the sub-ACL in the defined management area has not
been reached. This category includes all gear types.
Incidental Catch: Authorizes the harvest of up to 55,000 lb of herring in any management
C* area during the time when the sub-ACL in the defined management area has not been reached,
with a limit of one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to
Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access: Authorizes the harvest of up to 6,600 lb of herring in any management area
D
during the time when the sub-ACL in these management areas has not been reached, with a limit
of one landing per calendar day. This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Areas 2/3: Authorizes a vessel to possess up to 20,000 lb of herring per trip,
limited to one landing per calendar day, in or from Herring Management Areas 2 and 3. Allowed
E* only for vessels issued a valid limited access mackerel permit but not a limited access herring
permit. A vessel may hold both the All Areas Open Access Herring Permit (Category D) and the
new Category E permit at the same time. This category includes all gear types.
* An approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is required as a condition of this permit.

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 Tilefish
Open Access Permit Categories: A vessel must fish under the authorization of an Individual Fishing
Quota Allocation permit to possess more than the incidental trip limit. Further restrictions may apply
to these categories. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
Open Access Commercial/Incidental: May possess or land tilefish in or from the EEZ, north of
the VA/NC border, up to 500 lb whole weight, or 458 lb head-on and gutted, per trip. In order for
1
any vessel to possess more than 500 lb of tilefish per trip, the vessel must also fish under the
authorization of an IFQ Allocation permit. This category includes all gear types.
Open Access Charter/Party: May fish for or possess tilefish in the EEZ, north of the VA/NC
2
border, while carrying passengers for hire. This category includes all gear types.
 Skate
Northeast Skate Complex (Skate) - The following species of skates comprise the NE skate complex
and are included under the Federal skate permit: Winter skate; barndoor skate; thorny skate; smooth
skate; little skate; clearnose skate; and rosette skate.
Open Access Permit Categories: Further restrictions may apply to this category. Refer to Greater
Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
1 General: May commercially fish for, possess, or land skate caught in or from the EEZ. This
category includes all gear types.
VMS Information
For further information on the Greater Atlantic Region Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) Program,
please go to this link: http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/vms/index.html.
 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have
previously held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. Further restrictions may apply to
this category. Refer to Greater Atlantic Fisheries Regulations.
B This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
C This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
Open Access Permit Categories: This permit may be issued to any vessel not issued a red crab
limited access permit—to fish for, possess, or land red crab in or from the EEZ.
May possess or land red crab in or from the EEZ up to 500 lb per trip. This category includes all
A
gear types.
 American Lobster
Limited Access Permit Categories: These permits may only be issued to vessels that have previously
held them or to approved replacements of such vessels. If eligible, you may select more than one
category. Note, if you designate more than one category, you will be subject to the most restrictive
management measures, including trap allocations, of all of the categories selected. A vessel owner has 45
days from the first effective date of his/her permit within a permit year to make a change to the American
Lobster permit category. Further restrictions may apply to specific categories. Refer to Greater Atlantic
Fisheries Regulations at 50 CFR 697.
Commercial Non-Trap: May harvest lobster in the EEZ. This category includes all gear types
1
except pots and traps. If you plan to fish with non-trap gear only, you are not required to elect
trap gear areas.
Charter/Party Non-Trap: May harvest lobster in the EEZ while carrying passengers for hire.
2
This category includes all gear types except pots and traps.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 1: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 1.
A1
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have Area1 trap gear
eligibility.

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A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
AOC

Commercial Trap Gear Area 2: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 2.
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area. Includes Area 2/3 overlap.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 3: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 3.
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area. Includes Area 2/3 overlap.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 4: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 4.
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 5: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 5.
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must have a valid historic
allocation to elect this area.
Commercial Trap Gear Area 6: May harvest lobster in Federal Lobster Management Area 6.
Vessel owner must possess a valid CT or NY state lobster license to be eligible for this category.
This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only.
Commercial Trap Gear Outer Cape Area: May harvest in Outer Cape Federal Lobster
Management Area. This category is limited to pots and traps (gear code 800) gear only. Must
have a valid historic allocation to elect this area.

--Public reporting burden for the collection of information on the initial vessel application is estimated
to average 45 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing
data sources, gathering and maintaining data needed, and completing and reviewing the
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or suggestions for reducing this
burden to: National Marine Fisheries Service, Permit Office, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester,
MA 01930. The Paperwork Reduction Act requires that potential respondents for a fishing vessel
permit be notified of certain information regarding their rights and the burden associated with
applying for Federal fisheries permits.
One of the regulatory steps taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service to carry out its
conservation and management objectives is the requirement of a permit for users of the resources.
All the fisheries included on this application require a permit to fish for or retain these species in or
from the EEZ. Section 303(b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Act specifically recognizes the need for permit issuance. The purpose and use of these permits are
to: (1) Register industry participants and fishing vessels; (2) list the characteristics of fishing
vessels; (3) exercise influence over compliance; (4) provide a mailing list for the dissemination of
important information to the industry; (5) register participants to be considered for limited access;
and (6) provide a pool of participants for data collection samples. Notwithstanding any other
provision of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a
penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
Control Number. Owner names, vessel characteristics, address, phone, and permit information will
be posted on a public NOAA Fisheries website or released upon request. All other data submitted
will be handled in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential
Fishery Statistics and Section 402(b) of the MSA.
OMB# 0648-0202

Expires: 8/31/2019

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United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service
Greater Atlantic Region Fisheries Office (GARFO)
55 Great Republic Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

February 10, 2016 

GARFO Vessel Permit Holders 
Your Vessel Trip Reporting and Logbook Requirements 
Reporting regulations require that the owner or operator of any vessel issued a Federal fishing permit 
by the Greater Atlantic Region must submit an accurate and timely VTR for each trip, regardless of area 
fished, species targeted or permit used.  These requirements also pertain to trips made in State waters 
fishing with State permits.  The only exception to this is for vessels that are issued only an American 
Lobster permit. 
As of August 26, 2015, we no longer require the submission of Did Not Fish (DNF) reports for the 
weeks or months in which you are inactive.  DNF reports for weeks and months prior to August 26, 
2015 are still required and may be submitted on the NMFS issued paper VTR or through our secure 
webpage, “Fish‐On‐Line” at www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/apps/login/login  
If your vessel is issued a permit from the Greater Atlantic Region and you are fishing outside of it (e.g. 
in the Gulf of Mexico or off the coast of Florida or on the High Seas for Tuna) you are required to 
submit a VTR to us regardless of where the fishing activity took place or the species targeted.  As stated 
above, the one exception to this is for vessels that are only permitted for American Lobster. 
If within a trip you fish in multiple chart areas, change gear or switch to a different mesh/ring size, a 
separate VTR must be completed for each area, gear or mesh combination. It is extremely important 
that the correct gear, species and chart area codes be used to record your fishing activity.  Incorrect or 
missing information impacts our processing of your VTR and can result in us having to return it to you 
for correction. 
Additional VTR information: 
• Weekly VTRs ‐ any vessel issued a Federal Northeast Multispecies, Surf Clam/Ocean Quahog, Atlantic
Mackerel, Squid & Butterfish or an Atlantic Herring permit, regardless of category (limited access, open 
access or Charter/Party), must submit VTRs on a weekly basis.  VTRs must be submitted by midnight 
of the Tuesday following the reporting week (Sunday through Saturday). 
• All other vessels, except those possessing the permits listed above, are required to submit their VTRs
on a monthly basis.  VTRs must be received or postmarked by the 15th day of the month following the 
month in which the trip occurred.  Contact the Vessel Trip Reporting office at (978) 281‐9246 for any 
VTR reporting requirement questions that you may have.  

• Vessels that only possess an American Lobster permit are not required to submit VTRs.
• If you need your confidential vessel PIN or cannot access Fish‐On‐Line please contact NMFS at
(978) 281‐ 9188. 
• If submitting paper reports, send the white original (NMFS Copy) to:
NMFS 
Vessel Trip Reporting Office 
55 Great Republic Drive 
Gloucester, MA 01930‐2276 
• Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in non‐renewal of fishing permits and
referral to the Office of Law Enforcement for appropriate action.  The timely, accurate reporting of 
your vessel's fishing activity on the VTR represents an integral part of the scientific information 
required to achieve the goal of sustainable fisheries. 
Please visit the NOAA Fisheries Service Greater Atlantic Regional Office (GARFO) online at 
www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps and click on “Vessel Reporting”. 
This guide contains a summary of your Vessel Trip Reporting (VTR) requirements.  For more 
comprehensive information please refer to the regulations at 50 CFR part 648.7 at  
http://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/regs/fr.html. 
Please feel free to contact the Vessel Trip Reporting office at 978‐281‐9246 for any VTR reporting 
requirement questions that you may have.