20.12.2003 Official Journal of the European Union L 333/17 COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 2244/2003 of 18 December 2003 laying down detailed provisions regarding satellite-based Vessel Monitoring Systems THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, (8)  In view of the adoption of these new provisions, it is Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploita- tion of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy (), and in particular Article 22(3) and Article 23(5) thereof, Whereas: (1) Pursuant to Article 22(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/ 2002, fishing vessels are prohibited from engaging in activities within the scope of the Common Fisheries Policy, unless they have installed on board a functioning system which allows detection and identification of the vessel by remote monitoring systems. (2) It is appropriate to provide that as from 1 January 2004, all fishing vessels exceeding 18 metres length overall, and as from 1 January 2005, all fishing vessels exceeding 15 metres length overall, should be subject to a satellite- based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). (3)  Fishing vessels which operate exclusively inside the base- lines of Member States should not be subject to that obligation since the impact of their activity on resources is insignificant. (4)  Pursuant to Article 23(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/ 2002, Member States are to set up the administrative and technical structure necessary for ensuring effective control, inspection and enforcement, including satellite based monitoring systems. (5)  Stricter VMS provisions create the potential to enhance significantly the efficiency and effectiveness of moni- toring, control and surveillance operations both at sea and on land. (6) It is appropriate to establish a transitional period for the application of the provisions referring to the communi- cation of the speed and course of the fishing vessel subject to certain conditions. (7 The VMS should apply in a similar way to Community fishing vessels and fishing vessels of third countries oper- ating in Community waters. () OJ L 358, 31.12.2002, p. 59. necessary to repeal Commission Regulation (EC) No 1489/97 of 29 July 1997 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 as regards satellite-based vessel monitoring systems (). (99 The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Fisheries and Aquaculture, HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 Subject matter This Regulation lays down detailed rules for the operation by Member States of a satellite-based Vessel Monitoring System (VMS), as provided for in Article 22(1)(b) and Article 23(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002. Article 2 Scope 1. This Regulation shall apply to: (a) fishing vessels exceeding 18 metres overall length, as from 1 January 2004; and (b) fishing vessels exceeding 15 metres overall length as from 1 January 2005. 2. This Regulation shall not apply to fishing vessels used exclusively for exploitation of aquaculture and operating exclu- sively inside the baselines of Member States. Article 3 Fisheries monitoring centres 1. Member States shall operate Fisheries Monitoring Centres (EMQ). () OJ L 202, 30.7.1997, p. 18. Regulation as last amended by Regu- lation (EC) No 2445/1999 (OJ L 298, 19.11.1999, p. 5).