All vessels participating in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Vessel Monitoring System program are required to acquire a National Marine Fisheries Service-approved mobile transmitting unit to comply with the Vessel Monitoring System requirements. Previously, this action was only taken through the publication of a notice in the Federal Register. However, this rule will establish the type-approval standards, specifications, and procedures that vendors may reference to maintain type-approval for their products and/or services. This action will establish type-approval standards for the initial approval, subsequent assessments, and the procedures for rescinding the type-approval if the vendor fails to comply with the performance standards. This action is necessary to ensure Vessel Monitoring System vendors continue to meet minimum performance standards over the long term.