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  **World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-07)\  ![](media/image1.png){width="1.9270833333333333in"
  Geneva, 22 October - 16 November 2007**          height="0.8125in"}

                                                   

                                                   

  **PLENARY MEETING**                              **Addendum 14 to Document 41-E**

                                                   **22 August 2007**

                                                   **Original: English**

  Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Administrations       

  COMMON proposals for the work of the conferencE  

  Agenda item 1.14                                 

                                                   
  ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------

1.14 to review the operational procedures and requirements of the Global
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and other related provisions
of the Radio Regulations, taking into account Resolutions **331
(Rev.WRC‑03)** and **342 (Rev.WRC‑2000)** and the continued transition
to the GMDSS, the experience since its introduction, and the needs of
all classes of ships

Introduction

Agenda item 1.14 considers a review of the regulatory provisions related
to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and legacy
distress and safety system. This agenda item is comprised of the
following two issues associated with Resolutions 331 and 342:

Issue A -- Transition to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
(GMDSS) (Resolution 331 (Rev.WRC-03))

Issue B -- New technologies to provide improved efficiency in the use of
the band 156-174 MHz by stations in the maritime mobile service
(Resolution 342 (Rev.WRC-2000)).

ITU-R studies have identified one method to satisfy this agenda item for
each issue. In addition, the CPM Report sets out suggested modifications
for regulatory provisions of the Radio Regulations related to this
agenda item on the basis of the identified method.

Taking the above into consideration, APT members propose modifications
to relevant regulatory provisions of the Radio Regulations below.

With regard to the frequency band 150.05-174 MHz, the following two
options are set out in the CPM Report. In the interests of protecting
VHF channel 70, APT members support Option 1.

Option 1 includes modification of the Table of Frequency Allocations,
suppression of footnote 5.227, and addition of footnotes 5.226bis and
5.AAA.

Option 2 includes modification of the Table of Frequency Allocations,
noting suppression of footnote 5.227, addition of footnote 5.AAA, and a
modification of footnote 5.226.

The texts below are the same as the texts in the CPM Report (5/1.14/5.1
and 5/1.14/5.2) except the following:

-- ASP/41A14/145

-- ASP/41A14/164

-- ASP/41A14/221

-- ASP/41A14/295

**SUP** ASP/41A14/130

APPENDIX 13 (Rev.WRC‑03)^\*^

Distress and safety communications (non-GMDSS)

(See Article **30**)

**Reasons:** The implementation of GMDSS was expected to lead to the
deletion of Appendix 13. Some provisions of Appendix 13 are still
applicable and need to be retained and moved to RR Articles 30, 31, 32
and 33.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/131

APPENDIX 19

Technical characteristics of emergency position-indicating radiobeacons\
operating on the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz

(See Appendix **13**, Part A5)

**Reasons:** The emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB)
operating on 2 182 kHz is no longer used. The regulatory provisions of
watch on 2 182 kHz are provided by a new resolution.

ARTICLE 5

Frequency allocations

Section IV -- Table of Frequency Allocations\
(See No. 2.1)

**MOD** ASP/41A14/132

**5.79A** When establishing coast stations in the NAVTEX service on the
frequencies 490 kHz, 518 kHz and 4 209.5 kHz, administrations are
strongly recommended to coordinate the operating characteristics in
accordance with the procedures of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) (see Resolution **339 (Rev.WRC-03)**). (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Resolution 339 is expected to be revised by WRC-07.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/133

**5.82** In the maritime mobile service, the frequency 490 kHz is, to be
used exclusively for the transmission by coast stations of navigational
and meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships, by means of
narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy. The conditions for use of the
frequency 490 kHz are prescribed in Articles **31** and **52**. In using
the band  415-495 kHz for the aeronautical radionavigation service,
administrations are requested to ensure that no harmful interference is
caused to the frequency 490 kHz.     (WRC-07)

**Reasons:** Resolution 331 is expected to be revised by WRC-07.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/134

**5.83** The frequency 500 kHz is an international distress and calling
frequency for Morse radiotelegraphy. The conditions for its use are
prescribed in Articles **31** and **52**.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/135

**5.84** The conditions for the use of the frequency 518 kHz by the
maritime mobile service are prescribed in Articles **31**
and **52**.     (WRC-07)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/136

**5.108** The carrier frequency 2 182 kHz is an international distress
and calling frequency for radiotelephony. The conditions for the use of
the band 2 173.5-2 190.5 kHz are prescribed in Articles **31**
and **52**.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/137

**5.111** The carrier frequencies 2 182 kHz, 3 023 kHz, 5 680 kHz, 8 364
kHz and the frequencies 121.5 MHz, 156.525 MHz,156.8 MHz and 243 MHz may
also be used, in accordance with the procedures in force for terrestrial
radiocom­munication services, for search and rescue operations concerning
manned space vehicles. The conditions for the use of the frequencies are
prescribed in Article **31**.

The same applies to the frequencies 10 003 kHz, 14 993 kHz and 19 993
kHz, but in each of these cases emissions must be confined in a band of
 3 kHz about the frequency.

**Reasons:** Channel 70 is added for use in search and rescue
operations, and to delete reference due to the suppression of Appendix
13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/138

**5.115** The carrier (reference) frequencies 3 023 kHz and 5 680 kHz
may also be used, in accordance with Article **31** by stations of the
maritime mobile service engaged in coordinated search and rescue
operations.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/139

**5.130** The conditions for the use of the carrier frequencies 4 125
kHz and 6 215 kHz are prescribed in Articles **31** and **52**.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/140

**5.145** The conditions for the use of the carrier frequencies 8 291
kHz, 12 290 kHz and 16 420 kHz are prescribed in Articles** 31**
and **52**.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/141

**5.199**

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/142

**5.200** In the band 117.975-136 MHz, the frequency 121.5 MHz is the
aeronautical emergency frequency and, where required, the frequency
123.1 MHz is the aeronautical frequency auxiliary to 121.5 MHz. Mobile
stations of the maritime mobile service may communicate on these
frequencies under the conditions laid down in Article **31**for distress
and safety purposes with stations of the aeronautical mobile service.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/143

148-223 MHz

+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| Allocation to        |                      |                       |
| services             |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| Region 1             | Region 2             | Region 3              |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| **150.05-153**       | **150.05-156.4875**  |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| FIXED                | FIXED                |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| MOBILE except        | MOBILE               |                       |
| aeronautical\        |                      |                       |
| mobile               |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| RADIO ASTRONOMY      |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| 5.149                |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| **153-154**          |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| FIXED                |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| MOBILE except        |                      |                       |
| aeronautical\        |                      |                       |
| mobile (R)           |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| Meteorological Aids  |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| **154-156.4875**     |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| FIXED                |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| MOBILE except        |                      |                       |
| aeronautical\        |                      |                       |
| mobile (R)           |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 5.226                | 5.225 5.226          |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| *                    |                      |                       |
| *156.4875-156.5625** |                      |                       |
| MARITIME MOBILE      |                      |                       |
| (distress and        |                      |                       |
| calling via DSC)     |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| MOD 5.111 MOD 5.226  |                      |                       |
| ADD 5.226*bis*       |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| *                    | *                    |                       |
| *156.5625-156.7625** | *156.5625-156.7625** |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| FIXED                | FIXED                |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| MOBILE except        | MOBILE               |                       |
| aeronautical\        |                      |                       |
| mobile (R)           |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 5.226                | 5.225 5.226          |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| *                    |                      |                       |
| *156.7625-156.8375** |                      |                       |
| MARITIME MOBILE      |                      |                       |
| (distress and        |                      |                       |
| calling)             |                      |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| 5.111 5.226          |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| **156.8375-174**     | **156.8375-174**     |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| FIXED                | FIXED                |                       |
|                      |                      |                       |
| MOBILE except        | MOBILE               |                       |
| aeronautical\        |                      |                       |
| mobile               |                      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+
| 5.226 5.229 ADD      | 5.226 5.230 5.231    |                       |
| 5.A14                | 5.232 ADD 5.A14      |                       |
+----------------------+----------------------+-----------------------+

**Reasons: The purpose of these modifications to the Table of Frequency
Allocations of RR Article 5 is to protect VHF channel 70.**

**MOD** ASP/41A14/144

**5.226** The frequency 156.8 MHz is the international distress, safety
and calling frequency for the maritime mobile VHF radiotelephone
service. The conditions for the use of this frequency are contained in
Article **31** and Appendix **18**.

The frequency 156.525 MHz is the international distress, safety and
calling frequency for the maritime mobile VHF radiotelephone service
using digital selective calling (DSC). The conditions for the use of
this frequency are contained in Articles **31** and **52**, and
Appendix **18**.

In the bands 156-156.4875 MHz,
156.5625-156.7625 MHz,156.8375-157.45 MHz, 160.6-160.975 MHz and
161.475-162.05 MHz, each administration shall give priority to the
maritime mobile service on only such frequencies as are assigned to
stations of the maritime mobile service by the administration (see
Articles **31** and **52**, and Appendix **18**).

Any use of frequencies in these bands by stations of other services to
which they are allocated should be avoided in areas where such use might
cause harmful interference to the maritime mobile VHF radiocommunication
service.

However, the frequency 156.8 MHz and the frequency bands in which
priority is given to the maritime mobile service may be used for
radiocommunications on inland waterways subject to agreement between
interested and affected administrations and taking into account current
frequency usage and existing agreements.

**Reasons:** The conditions for use of channel 16 are referred to in
Appendix 18. To delete reference is due to the suppression of Appendix
13. Also, the content of No. 5.227 is reflected in this provision for
the protection of Channel 70.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/145

**5.226*bis*** *Additional allocation:* in countries XXX, YYY, and ZZZ
the bands 156.4875-156.5125 MHz and 156.5375-156.5625 MHz are also
allocated to the fixed and land mobile services on a primary basis. The
use of these bands by the fixed and land mobile services shall not cause
harmful interference to nor claim protection from the maritime mobile
VHF radiocommunication service.

**Reasons:** To ensure the continuous use of the current fixed and land
mobile services in inland. The proposed modification intends the
protection of Channel 70 from these fixed or land mobile stations.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/146

**5.227**

**Reasons:** The provisions of VHF channel 70 are included in No. 5.226.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/147

**5.A14** The bands 161.9625-161.9875 MHz and 162.0125-162.0375 MHz are
also allocated to the mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) on a
secondary basis for the reception of the automatic identification system
(AIS) emissions.

**Reasons:** To achieve a long-distance AIS, it is necessary to receive
the AIS signal by the mobile-satellites (Earth-to-space) concerned.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/148

**5.256** The frequency 243 MHz is the frequency in this band for use by
survival craft stations and equipment used for survival purposes.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/149

**5.266** The use of the band 406-406.1 MHz by the mobile-satellite
service is limited to low power satellite emergency position-indicating
radiobeacons (see also Article **31**).

**MOD** ASP/41A14/150

**5.287** In the maritime mobile service, the frequencies 457.525 MHz,
457.550 MHz, 457.575 MHz, 467.525 MHz, 467.550 MHz and 467.575 MHz may
be used by on-board communication stations. Where needed, equipment
designed for 12.5 kHz channel spacing using also the additional
frequencies 457.5375 MHz, 457.5625 MHz, 467.5375 MHz and 467.5625 MHz
may be introduced for on-board communications. The use of these
frequencies in territorial waters may be subject to the national
regulations of the administration concerned. The characteristics of the
equipment used shall conform to those specified in
Recommendation ITU‑R M.1174.     (WRC-07)

ARTICLE 15

Interferences

Section I -- Interference from Radio Stations

**MOD** ASP/41A14/151

**15.8** § 4 Special consideration shall be given to avoiding
interference on distress and safety frequencies, those related to
distress and safety identified in Article **31** and those related to
safety and regularity of flight identified in Appendix
**27**.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

Section VI -- Procedure in a case of harmful interference

**MOD** ASP/41A14/152

**15.28** § 20 Recognizing that transmissions on distress and safety
frequencies and frequencies used for the safety and regularity of flight
(see Article **31** and Appendix **27**) require absolute international
protection and that the elimination of harmful interference to such
transmissions is imperative, administrations undertake to act
immediately when their attention is drawn to any such harmful
interference.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

ARTICLE 19

Identification of stations

Section III -- Formation of call signs

**MOD** ASP/41A14/153

**19.55** § 24 1)

-- two characters and two letters, *or*

-- two characters, two letters and one digit (other than the digits 0
or 1), *or*

-- two characters (provided that the second is a letter) followed by
four digits (other than the digits 0 or 1 in cases where they
immediately follow a letter), *or*

-- two characters and one letter followed by four digits (other than the
digits 0 or 1 in cases where they immediately follow a letter).

**Reasons:** The content of No. 19.56 is reflected in this provision.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/154

**19.56**

**Reasons:** Provision is reflected in No. 19.55.

Section IV -- Identification of stations using radiotelephony

**MOD** ASP/41A14/155

**19.76** 4) *Emergency position‑indicating radiobeacon stations*

When speech transmission is used:

-- the name and/or the call sign of the parent ship to which the
radiobeacon belongs.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

ARTICLE 30

General provisions

Section I -- Introduction

**MOD** ASP/41A14/156

**30.1** § 1 This Chapter contains the provisions for the operational
use of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS), whose
functional requirements, system elements and equipment carriage
requirements are set forth in the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended.

[This Chapter also contains provisions for initiating distress, urgency
and safety communications by means of radiotelephony on the frequency
156.8 MHz]{.underline} [(VHF channel 16).]{.underline}

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13, and
provisions allow non-DSC equipped ships to send distress calls, distress
relays and announcements of urgency and safety messages by
radiotelephony on VHF channel 16.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/157

**30.3** § 3 No provision of these Regulations prevents the use by
stations on board aircraft, ships engaged in search and rescue
operations, land stations, coast stations or coast earth stations, in
exceptional circumstances, of any means at their disposal to assist a
mobile station or a mobile earth station in distress (see also
Nos. **4.9** and **4.16**).

**Reasons:** The suitable modification of the intention of this
provision.

Section II -- Maritime provisions

**MOD** ASP/41A14/158

**30.4** § 4 The provisions specified in this Chapter are obligatory in
the maritime mobile service and the maritime mobile‑satellite service
for all stations using the frequencies and techniques prescribed for the
functions set out herein (see also No. **30.5**).

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

Section III -- Aeronautical provisions

**ADD** ASP/41A14/159

**30.11*bis ***§ 11*bis* Aircraft, when conducting search and rescue
operations are also permitted to operate DSC equipment on the VHF DSC
frequency 156.525 MHz, and AIS equipment on the AIS frequencies 161.975
MHz and 162.025 MHz.

**Reasons:** This addition allows the operation of VHF DSC and AIS
equipment on board SAR aircraft. This relates to WRC-07 Agenda item
1.16.

ARTICLE 31

Frequencies for the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)

Section I -- General

**MOD** ASP/41A14/160

**31.1** § 1 The frequencies to be used for the transmission of distress
and safety infor­mation under the GMDSS are contained in Appendix **15**.
In addition to the frequencies listed in Appendix **15**, ship stations
and coast stations should use other appropriate frequencies for the
transmission of safety messages and general radiocommunications to and
from shore-based radio systems or networks.

**Reasons:** Provision is revised to include the use of frequencies by
ship stations for safety message and general radiocommunications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/161

**31.2** § 2 Any emission causing harmful interference to distress and
safety communi­cations on any of the discrete frequencies identified in
Appendix **15** is prohibited.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

Section III -- Watchkeeping

**MOD** ASP/41A14/162

**31.17** § 8 1) Ship stations, where so equipped, shall, while at sea,
maintain an auto­matic digital selective calling watch on the appropriate
distress and safety calling frequencies in the frequency bands in which
they are operating. Ship stations, where so equipped, shall also
maintain watch on the appropriate frequencies for the automatic
reception of transmissions of meteorological and navigational warnings
and other urgent information to ships.

**Reasons:** To delete reference to the watchkeeping provisions of
Appendix 13 due to the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/163

**31.18** 2) Ship stations complying with the provisions of this Chapter
should, where practicable, maintain a watch on the frequency 156.800 MHz
(VHF channel 16).

**Reasons:** Provision allows non-DSC equipped ships to send distress
calls, distress relays and announcements of urgency and safety messages
by radiotelephony on VHF channel 16.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/164

ARTICLE 32

Operational procedures for distress communications in the global\
maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)

**Reasons:** The contents of Article 32 is concerned about distress
communications not safety communications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/165

**32.1** § 1 Distress communications rely on the use of terrestrial MF,
HF and VHF radiocommunications and communications using satellite
techniques. Distress communications shall have absolute priority over
all other transmissions.

**Reasons:** Reference to safety communications are removed throughout
the text of Article 32, since it is included in Article 33; this
provision provides the priority of distress communications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/166

**32.2** § 2 1) The distress alert (see No. **32.9**) shall be sent
through a satellite either with absolute priority in general
communication channels, on exclusive distress and safety frequencies
reserved for satellite EPIRBs in the Earth-to-space direction or on the
distress and safety frequencies designated in the MF, HF and VHF bands
(see Appendix **15**).

**Reasons:** Provision is modified to clarify the frequencies to be used
for distress alerting referring to Appendix 15, and also to allow the
distress frequencies to be used by non-DSC equipped ships.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/167

**32.4** § 3 All stations which receive a distress alert transmitted on
the distress and safety frequencies in the MF, HF and VHF bands shall
immediately cease any transmission capable of interfering with distress
traffic and prepare for subsequent distress traffic.

**Reasons:** The reference to digital selective calling is deleted to
include radiotelephony distress alerts in the MF, HF and VHF bands.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/168

**32.5** § 4 Calls using digital selective calling should use the
technical structure and content set forth in the most recent version of
Recommendations ITU-R M.493 and ITU-R M.541.

**Reasons:** ITU-R Recommendations are more specified.

Section II -- Distress alerting

**ADD** ASP/41A14/169

**32.10B** Administrations shall take practicable and necessary steps to
ensure the avoidance of false distress alerts, including those
transmitted inadvertently.

**Reasons:** Provision recognizes the high percentage of false distress
alerts from automated equipment as a continuing problem.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/170

**32.13** § 9 1) Ship-to-ship distress alerts are used to alert other
ships in the vicinity of the ship in distress and are based on the use
of digital selective calling in the VHF and MF bands. Additionally, the
HF band may be used.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification for the addition of Nos.
32.13A and 32.13B.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/171

**32.13A** 2) In order to attract attention from as many ship stations
as possible, ship stations equipped for making use of digital selective
calling procedures may transmit a radiotelephony distress call and
message on the frequency 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16) immediately
following the distress alert sent by digital selective calling on the
frequency 156.525 MHz (VHF channel 70).

**Reasons:** Provision is added to make attentions to the ships which
are not equipped with digital selective calling.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/172

**32.13B** 3) Ship stations not equipped for making use of the digital
selective calling procedures may initiate the distress communications by
transmitting a radiotelephony distress call and message on the frequency
156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16). The radiotelephone distress procedure
consists of the distress call and the distress message^ADD\ 5*bis*^.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/172A

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^5*bis*^ **32.13B.1**   It should be noted that there is a higher
probability of successful reception of a distress message if the
distress message is preceded by a DSC alert.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the initiation of distress
communications by radiotelephony.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/173

**32.13C** § 9A 1) The distress call sent on the frequency 156.8 MHz
(VHF channel 16) shall be given in the following form:

-- the distress signal MAYDAY, spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the vessel in distress, spoken three times;

-- the call sign or other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial alert has been sent by DSC).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the detailed methods of initiating
distress calls by radiotelephony.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/174

**32.13D** 2) The distress message which follows the distress call,
shall be given in the following form:

-- the distress signal MAYDAY;

-- the name of the vessel in distress;

-- the call sign or other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial alert has been sent by DSC);

-- the position given either as the latitude and longitude or with
respect to a known geographical location;

-- the nature of the distress;

-- the kind of assistance required;

-- any other useful information.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the detailed methods of initiating
distress communications by radiotelephony.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/175

**32.13E** § 9B Digital selective calling procedures use a combination
of automated functions and manual intervention to generate the
appropriate distress call format in the most recent version of
Recommendation ITU‑R M.541. The distress alert sent by digital selective
calling consists of one or more distress alert attempts in which a
message format is transmitted identifying the station in distress,
giving its last recorded position and, if entered, the nature of the
distress. At MF and HF, distress alert attempts may be sent as a single
frequency attempt or a multi-frequency attempt on up to six frequencies
within one minute. At VHF, only single frequency call attempts are used.
The distress alert will repeat automatically at random intervals, a few
minutes apart, until an acknowledgement sent by digital selective
calling is received.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure of digital selective
calling distress alert based on ITU‑R Recommendation M.541-9.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/176

**32.15** 2) The distress alert relay shall contain the identification
of the mobile unit in distress, its position and all other information
which might facilitate rescue.

B3 -- Transmission of a distress alert relay by a station not itself in
distress

**Reasons:** To clarify the meaning of plain language.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/177

**32.16** § 11 A station in the mobile or mobile-satellite service which
learns that a mobile unit is in distress (for example, by a radio call
or by observation) shall initiate and transmit a distress alert relay on
behalf of the mobile unit in distress once it has ascertained that any
of the following circumstances apply:

**Reasons:** To define more clearly the situations in which the distress
alert relay should be transmitted.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/178

**32.17** *a)* on receiving a distress call sent by radiotelephony on
the frequency 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16), which is not acknowledged by a
coast station or another vessel within 5 minutes (see also
No.** 32.29A)**;

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress alert
relay.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/179

**32.17A** *b)* on receiving a distress alert on an HF channel, which is
not acknowledged by a coast station within 5 minutes (see also
No.** 32.31**).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress alert
relay.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/180

**32.18** *c)* on knowing that the mobile unit in distress is otherwise
unable or incapable of participating in distress communications and the
master or other person responsible for the mobile unit not in distress
considers that further help is necessary.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress alert
relay.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/181

**32.19** § 12 1) The distress relay on behalf of a mobile unit in
distress shall be sent in a form appropriate to the circumstances using
either a MAYDAY relay by radiotelephony (see No.** 32.19E**), an
individually addressed distress relay call by digital selective calling
(see No.** 32.19B**) or a distress priority message through a ship earth
station.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the methods of transmitting distress
relay.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/182

**32.19A** 2) A station transmitting a distress alert relay in
accordance with Nos. **32.16** to **32.18** shall indicate that it is
not itself in distress.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress alert
relay.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/183

**32.19B** 3) A distress alert relay sent by digital selective calling
should use the call format, as found in the most recent version of
Recommendations ITU‑R M.493 and ITU‑R M.541 and preferably be addressed
to an individual coast station or rescue coordination
centre^ADD\ 5new1^.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/184

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^5new1^ **32.19B.1** Vessels making a distress relay call should ensure
that a suitable coast station or rescue coordination centre is informed
of any original distress communications.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress alert
relay.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/185

**32.19C** 4) However, a ship shall not transmit a distress relay alert
to all ships by digital selective calling on the VHF or MF distress
frequencies following receipt of a distress alert sent by digital
selective calling by the ship in distress.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/186

**32.19D** 5) When an aural watch is being maintained on shore and
reliable ship-to-shore communications can be established by
radiotelephony, a distress relay call shall be sent by radiotelephony
and addressed to the relevant coast station or rescue coordination
centre^ADD\ 5new2^ on the appropriate frequency.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/187

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^5new2^ **32.19D.1** Vessels making a distress relay call should ensure
that a suitable coast station or rescue coordination centre is informed
of any original distress communications.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/188

**32.19E** 6) The distress relay call sent by radiotelephony shall be
given in the following form:

-- the distress signal MAYDAY RELAY, spoken three times;

-- ALL STATIONS or coast station name spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the relaying station, spoken three times;

-- the call sign or other identification of the relaying station;

-- the MMSI (if the initial alert has been sent by DSC) of the relaying
station (the vessel not in distress).

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/189

**32.19F** 7) This call shall be followed by a distress message which
shall, as far as possible, repeat the information^ADD\ 5new3^ contained
in the original distress alert.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/190

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^5new3^ **32.19F.1** If the station in distress cannot be identified,
then it will be necessary to originate the distress message as well,
using, for example, terms such as "Unidentified trawler" or
"Unidentified helicopter" which refer to the mobile unit in distress.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress
message relay.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/191

**32.19G** 8) When no aural watch is being maintained on shore, or there
are other difficulties in establishing reliable ship-to-shore
communications by radiotelephony, an appropriate coast station or rescue
coordination centre may be contacted by sending an individual distress
relay call by digital selective calling addressed solely to that station
and using the appropriate call formats.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/192

**32.19H** 9) In the event of continued failure to contact a coast
station or rescue coordination centre directly then it may be
appropriate to send a MAYDAY relay by radiotelephony addressed to all
ships or to all ships in a certain geographical area. See also
No. **32.19C**.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to distress alert
relay.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/193

**32.21** § 13 1) Acknowledgement of receipt of a distress alert,
including a distress alert relay shall be made in the manner appropriate
to the method of transmission of the alert and within the time-scale
appropriate to the role of the station in receipt of the alert.
Acknowledgement by satellite shall be sent immediately.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/194

**32.21A** 2) When acknowledging receipt of a distress alert sent by
digital selective calling^ADD^ ^5new4^, the acknowledgement in the
terrestrial services shall be made by digital selective calling,
radiotelephony or narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy as appropriate
to the circumstances, on the associated distress and safety frequency in
the same band in which the distress alert was received, taking due
account of the directions given in the most recent versions of
Recommendations ITU‑R M.493 and ITU‑R M.541.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/195

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^5new4^ **32.21A.1** In order to ensure that no unnecessary delay occurs
before the shore based authorities become aware of a distress incident,
the acknowledgement by digital selective calling to a distress alert
sent by digital selective calling shall normally only be made by a coast
station or a rescue coordination centre, as an acknowledgement by
digital selective calling will cancel any further automated repetition
of the distress alert using digital selective calling.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/196

**32.21B** Acknowledgement by digital selective calling in receipt of a
distress alert sent by digital selective calling addressed to stations
in the maritime mobile services shall be addressed to the same station
as the distress alert^ADD^ ^5new5^.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/197

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^5new5^ **32.21B.1** In order to ensure that no unnecessary delay occurs
before the shore based authorities become aware of a distress incident,
the acknowledgement by digital selective calling to a distress alert
sent by digital selective calling shall normally only be made by a coast
station or rescue coordination centre, as an acknowledgement by digital
selective calling will cancel any further automated repetition of the
distress alert using digital selective calling.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/198

**32.22**

**Reasons:** Provision is reflected in No. 32.21.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/199

**32.23** § 15 1) When acknowledging by radiotelephony the receipt of a
distress alert from a ship station or a ship earth station, the
acknowledgement shall be given in the following form:

-- the distress signal MAYDAY;

-- the name followed by the call sign or the MMSI or other
identification of the station sending the distress message;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name and call sign or other identification of the station
acknowledging receipt;

-- the word RECEIVED;

-- the distress signal MAYDAY.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/200

**32.24** 2) When acknowledging by narrow-band direct printing
telegraphy the receipt of a distress alert from a ship station, the
acknowledgement shall be given in the following form:

-- the distress signal MAYDAY;

-- the call sign or other identification of the station sending the
distress alert;

-- the word DE;

-- the call sign or other identification of the station acknowledging
receipt of the distress alert;

-- the signal RRR;

-- the distress signal MAYDAY.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/201

**32.25**

**Reasons:** Provisions are covered by No. 32.26.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/202

**32.26** § 17 Coast stations and the appropriate coast earth stations
in receipt of distress alerts shall ensure that they are routed as soon
as possible to a rescue coordination centre. In addition receipt of a
distress alert is to be acknowledged as soon as possible by a coast
station, or by a rescue coordination centre via a coast station or an
appropriate coast earth station. A shore-to-ship distress alert relay
(see Nos. **32.14** and **32.15**) shall also be made when the method of
receipt warrants a broadcast alert to shipping or when the circumstances
of the distress incident indicate that further help is necessary.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/203

**32.27** § 18 A coast station using digital selective calling to
acknowledge a distress alert shall transmit the acknowledgement on the
distress calling frequency on which the alert was received and should
address it to all ships. The acknowledgement shall include the
identification of the ship whose distress alert is being acknowledged.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/204

**32.29** 2) In areas where reliable communications with one or more
coast stations are practicable, ship stations in receipt of a distress
alert from another vessel should defer acknowledgement for a short
interval so that a coast station may acknowledge receipt in the first
instance.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/205

**32.29A** 3) Ship stations in receipt of a distress call sent by
radiotelephony on the frequency 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16) shall, if the
call is not acknowledged by a coast station or another vessel within 5
minutes, acknowledge receipt to the vessel in distress and use any means
available to relay the distress alert to an appropriate coast station or
coast earth station (see also Nos. **32.16** to **32.19F**).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/206

**32.30** § 20 1) Ship stations operating in areas where reliable
communications with a coast station are not practicable which receive a
distress alert from a ship station which is, beyond doubt, in their
vicinity, shall, as soon as possible and if appropriately equipped,
acknowledge receipt to the vessel in distress and inform a rescue
coordination centre through a coast station or coast earth station (see
also Nos. **32.16** to **32.19H**).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/207

**32.31** 2) However, in order to avoid making unnecessary or confusing
transmissions in response a ship station receiving an HF distress alert
which may be at a considerable distance from the incident, shall not
acknowledge it but shall observe the provisions of Nos. **32.36** to
**32.38**, and shall, if the alert is not acknowledged by a coast
station within 5 minutes, relay the distress alert, but only to an
appropriate coast station or coast earth station (see also Nos.
**32.16** to **32.19H**).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/208

**32.32** § 21 A ship station acknowledging receipt of a distress alert
sent by digital selective calling should,in accordance with No.
**32.29** or No. **32.30**:

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/209

**32.33** *a)* in the first instance, acknowledge receipt of the alert
by using radiotelephony on the distress and safety traffic frequency in
the band used for the alert, taking into account any potential
instructions issued by a responding coast station;

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/210

**32.34A** § 21A However, unless instructed to do so by a coast station
or a rescue coordination centre, a ship station may only send an
acknowledgement by digital selective calling in the event that:

*a)* no acknowledgement by digital selective calling from a coast
station has been observed; and

*b)* no other communication by radiotelephony or narrow-band
direct-printing telegraphy to or from the vessel in distress has been
observed; and

*c)* at least 5 minutes have elapsed and the distress alert by digital
selective calling has been repeated (see No. **32.21A.1**).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt and
acknowledgement of distress alert. This is a regulation limiting the
transmission of digital selective calling distress acknowledgement by
ships in an appropriate way.

**(MOD)** ASP/41A14/211

**32.45** § 28 1) The rescue coordination centre responsible for
controlling a search and rescue operation shall also coordinate the
distress traffic relating to the incident or may appoint another station
to do so.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/212

**32.51** § 31 When distress traffic has ceased on frequencies which
have been used for distress traffic, the station controlling the search
and rescue operation shall initiate a message for transmission on these
frequencies indicating that distress traffic has finished.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification of modernization.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/213

**32.52** § 32 1) In radiotelephony, the message referred to in
No. **32.51** consists of:

-- the distress signal MAYDAY;

-- the call "ALL STATIONS", spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS ;

-- the name of the station sending the message, spoken three times;

-- the call sign or other identification of the station sending the
message;

-- the time of handing in of the message;

-- the MMSI (if the initial alert has been sent by DSC), the name and
the call sign of the mobile station which was in distress; and

-- the words SEELONCE FEENEE pronounced as the French words "silence
fini".

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/214

**32.53A** Cancellation of an inadvertent distress alert

A station transmitting an inadvertent distress alert shall cancel the
distress alert.

Immediately cancel the distress alert orally on the associated distress
and safety frequency in the same band on which the "distress alert" was
transmitted using the following procedure:

-- All Stations All Stations All Stations;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the vessel, spoken three times;

-- the call sign or other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial alert has been sent by DSC);

-- PLEASE CANCEL MY FALSE DISTRESS ALERT of time in UTC.

Monitor the same band on which the "distress alert" was transmitted and
respond to any communications concerning that distress alert as
appropriate.

If the initial alert has been sent by DSC, if the DSC equipment is
capable, initiate a SELF CANCELLATION.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the detailed methods for the
cancellation of distress alert.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/215

**32.63** 3) Locating signals may be transmitted in the following
frequency bands:

117.975-136 MHz;

156-174 MHz;

406-406.1 MHz; and

9 200-9 500 MHz.

**Reasons:** To delete the band 1 645.5-1 646.5 MHz due to the
discontinuance of the Inmarsat E service.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/216

**32.64**

**Reasons:** There is no need to describe the relevant recommendations.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/217

ARTICLE 33

Operational procedures for urgency and safety communications in\
the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)

Section I -- General

**(MOD)** ASP/41A14/218

**33.1** § 1 1) Urgency and safety communications include:

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/219

**33.7A** 2) Urgency communications shall have priority over all other
communications, except distress.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the order of priority of urgency
communications.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/220

**33.7B** 3) Safety communications shall have priority over all other
communications, except distress and urgency.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the order of priority of safety
communications.

Section II -- Urgency communications

**MOD** ASP/41A14/221

**33.8** § 2 1) In a terrestrial system, urgency communications consist
of an announcement, transmitted using digital selective calling or
radiotelephony, followed by the urgency message transmitted using
radiotelephony or narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy. The
announcement of the urgency message shall be made on one or more of the
distress and safety calling frequencies specified in Section I of
Article **31** using either digital selective calling techniques and the
urgency call format or, when appropriate, radiotelephony procedures and
the urgency signal. Calls using digital selective calling should use the
technical structure and content set forth in the most recent version of
Recommendations ITU-R M.493 and ITU-R M.541.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure for urgency and safety
communications by radiotelephony due to the suppression of Appendix 13.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/222

**33.8A** 2) Ship stations not equipped for making use of digital
selective calling procedures may announce an urgency message by
transmitting the urgency signal by radiotelephony on the frequency 156.8
MHz (channel 16)^32.8A.1^, while taking into account that other stations
outside VHF range may not receive the announcement.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure for urgency and safety
communications by radiotelephony.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/223

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**33.8A.1** It should be noted that there is a higher probability of
successful reception of an urgency message if it is announced by DSC.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure for urgency and safety
communications by radiotelephony.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/224

**33.8B** 3) In the maritime mobile service, urgency communications may
be addressed either to all stations or to a particular station. When
using digital selective calling techniques, the urgency announcement
shall indicate which frequency is to be used to send the subsequent
message and, in the case of a message to all stations, shall use the
"All Ships" format setting.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure for urgency and safety
communications.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/225

**33.8C** 4) Urgency communications from a coast station may also be
directed to a group of vessels or to vessels in a defined geographical
area.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure for urgency
communications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/226

**33.9** § 3 1) The urgency message shall be transmitted on one or more
of the distress and safety traffic frequencies specified in Section I of
Article **31**.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the transmission of urgency messages on
the distress and safety frequencies.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/227

**33.9A** 2) However, in the maritime mobile service, the message shall
be transmitted on a working frequency:

*a)* in the case of a long message or a medical call; or

*b)* in areas of heavy traffic when the message is being repeated.

An indication to this effect shall be included in the announcement.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the transmission of urgency messages on
the distress and safety frequencies.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/228

**33.9B** 3) In the maritime mobile-satellite service, a separate
announcement does not need to be made before sending the urgency
message. However, if available, the appropriate network priority access
settings should be used for sending the message.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the transmission of urgency messages on
the distress and safety frequencies.

**(MOD)** ASP/41A14/229

**33.11** § 5 1) The urgency call format and the urgency signal indicate
that the calling station has a very urgent message to transmit
concerning the safety of a mobile unit or a person.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/230

**33.11A** 2) Communications concerning medical advice may be preceded
by the urgency signal. Mobile stations requiring medical advice may
obtain it through any of the land stations shown in the List of
Radiodetermination and Special Service Stations.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the
transmission of urgency and safety messages.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/231

**33.11B** 3) Urgency communications to support search and rescue
operations need not be preceded by the urgency signal.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the
transmission of urgency messages.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/232

**33.12** § 6 1) The urgency call consists of:

-- the urgency signal PAN PAN, spoken three times;

-- the name of the called station or "all stations", spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the station transmitting the urgency message, spoken
three times;

-- the call sign or any other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial announcement has been sent by DSC).

Followed by the message or followed by the details of the channel to be
used for the message in the case where a working channel is to be used.

In radiotelephony, on the selected working frequency, the urgency call
and message consists of:

-- the urgency signal PAN PAN, spoken three times;

-- the name of the called station or "all stations", spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the station transmitting the urgency message, spoken
three times;

-- the call sign or any other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial announcement has been sent by DSC):

-- the text of the urgency message.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/233

**33.14** § 7 1) The urgency call format or urgency signal shall be sent
only on the authority of the ship, aircraft or other vehicle carrying
the mobile station or the mobile earth station.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the urgency
communications.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/234

**33.15A** § 7A 1) Ship stations in receipt of an urgency announcement
or call addressed to all stations shall not acknowledge.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the urgency
communications.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/235

**33.15B** 2) Ship stations in receipt of an urgency announcement or
call of an urgency message shall monitor the frequency or channel
indicated for the message for at least five minutes. If, at the end of
the five minute monitoring period, no urgency message has been received,
a coast station should, if possible, be notified of the missing message.
Thereafter, normal working may be resumed.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the urgency
communications.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/236

**33.15C** 3) Coast and ship stations which are in communication on
frequencies other than those used for the transmission of the urgency
signal or the subsequent message may continue their normal work without
interruption, provided that the urgency message is not addressed to them
nor broadcast to all stations.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the urgency
communications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/237

**33.16** § 8 The urgency cancellation consists of:

-- the urgency signal PAN PAN, spoken three times;

-- "all stations", spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the station transmitting the urgency message, spoken
three times;

-- the call sign or any other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial announcement has been sent by DSC):

-- PLEASE CANCEL MY URGENCY MESSAGE of time in UTC.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

Section III -- Medical transports

**MOD** ASP/41A14/238

**33.20** § 11 1) For the purpose of announcing and identifying medical
transports which are protected under the above-mentioned Conventions,
the procedure of Section II of Article** 31** is used. The urgency
signal shall be followed by the addition of the single word MEDICAL in
narrow-band direct-printing and by the addition of the single word
MAY-DEE-CAL pronounced as in French "médical", in radiotelephony.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification as a result of the review
of relevant provisions.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/239

**33.20A** 2) When using digital selective calling techniques, the
announcement on the appropriate Digital Selective Calling distress and
safety frequencies shall always use the following call format:

-- Format Specifier: "ALL SHIPS" on VHF, and geographical area on HF and
MF;

-- Category: "URGENCY";

-- Telecommand: "MEDICAL TRANSPORT".

**Reasons:** Provision provides the detailed methods related to the
distress and safety communications by digital selective calling.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/240

**33.20B** 3) Medical transports may use one or more of the distress and
safety traffic frequencies specified in Section I of Article **31** for
the purpose of self-identification and to establish communications. As
soon as practicable, communications shall be transferred to an
appropriate working frequency.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the urgency and
safety communications on the distress and safety frequencies.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/241

**33.21** § 12 The use of the signals described in Nos. **33.20** and
**33.20A** indicates that the message which follows concerns a protected
medical transport. The message shall convey the following data:

**Reasons:** Provision provides the detailed methods related to the
distress and safety communications.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/242

**33.28** and **33.29**

**Reasons:** The procedures for the medical message are described in the
adequate ITU-R Recommendation as a special case of an urgency message.

Section IV -- Safety communications

**MOD** ASP/41A14/243

**33.31** § 15 1) In a terrestrial system, safety communications consist
of an announcement, transmitted using digital selective calling or
radiotelephony, followed by the safety message transmitted using
radiotelephony or narrow-band direct printing telegraphy. The
announcement of the safety message shall be made on one or more of the
distress and safety calling frequencies specified in Section I of
Article **31** using either digital selective calling techniques and the
safety call format or radiotelephony procedures and the safety signal.

**Reasons:** Provisions provide the needed flexibility for discretion of
the coast station with regard to using the digital selective calling
safety announcement. This will reduce unnecessary digital selective
calling alerting.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/244

**33.31A** 2) However, in order to avoid unnecessary loading of the
distress and safety calling frequencies specified for use with digital
selective calling techniques:

*a)* safety messages transmitted by coast stations in accordance with a
predefined timetable should not be announced by digital selective
calling techniques;

*b)* the radiotelephony procedures for announcing the transmission of a
safety message should also be used when the message only concerns
vessels sailing in the immediate area.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Provisions provide the needed flexibility for discretion of
the coast station with regard to using the digital selective calling
safety announcement. This will reduce unnecessary digital selective
calling alerting.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/245

**33.31B** 3) In addition, ship stations not equipped for making use of
digital selective calling procedures may announce a safety message by
transmitting the safety signal by radiotelephony. In such cases the
announcement shall be made using the frequency 156.8 MHz (VHF channel
16), while taking into account that other stations outside VHF range may
not receive the announcement.

**Reasons:** Provisions provide the procedure of the transmission of
safety communications by radiotelephony.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/246

**33.31C** 4) In the maritime mobile service, safety messages shall
generally be addressed to all stations. In some cases, however, they may
be addressed to a particular station. When using digital selective
calling techniques, the safety announcement shall indicate which
frequency is to be used to send the subsequent message and, in the case
of a message to all stations, shall use the "All Ships" format setting.

**Reasons:** Provisions provide the procedure of the transmission of
safety communications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/247

**33.32** § 16 1) In the maritime mobile service, the safety message
shall, where practicable, be transmitted on a working frequency in the
same band(s) as used for the announcement. A suitable indication to this
effect shall be made at the end of the announcement. In the case that no
other option is practicable, the safety message may be sent by
radiotelephony on the frequency 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16).

**Reasons:** Provision provides the transmission of safety messages on
the distress and safety frequencies.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/248

**33.32A** 2) In the maritime mobile-satellite service, a separate
announcement does not need to be made before sending the safety message.
However, if available, the appropriate network priority access settings
should be used for sending the message.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the transmission of safety messages on
the distress and safety frequencies.

**(MOD)** ASP/41A14/249

**33.34** § 18 1) The safety call format or the safety signal indicates
that the calling station has an important navigational or meteorological
warning to transmit.

**Reasons:** This is an editorial modification.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/250

**33.34A** 2) Messages from ship stations containing information
concerning the presence of cyclones shall be transmitted, with the least
possible delay, to other mobile stations in the vicinity and to the
appropriate authorities through a coast station, or through a rescue
coordination centre via a coast station or an appropriate coast earth
station. These transmissions shall be preceded by the safety signal.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the
transmission of safety messages.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/251

**33.34B** 3) Messages from ship stations containing information on the
presence of dangerous ice, dangerous wrecks, or any other imminent
danger to marine navigation, shall be transmitted as soon as possible to
other ships in the vicinity, and to the appropriate authorities through
a coast station, or through a rescue coordination centre via a coast
station or an appropriate coast earth station. These transmissions shall
be preceded by the safety signal.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the
transmission of safety messages.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/252

**33.35** § 19 1) The complete safety call consists of:

-- the safety signal SÉCURITÉ, spoken three times;

-- the name of the called station or "all stations", spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the station transmitting the safety message, spoken three
times;

-- the call sign or any other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial announcement has been sent by DSC).

Followed by the safety message or followed by the details of the channel
to be used for the message in the case where a working channel is to be
used.

In radiotelephony, on the selected working frequency, the safety call
and message consists of:

-- the safety signal SÉCURITÉ, spoken three times;

-- the name of the called station or "all stations", spoken three times;

-- the words THIS IS;

-- the name of the station transmitting the safety message, spoken three
times;

-- the call sign or any other identification;

-- the MMSI (if the initial alert has been sent by DSC);

-- the text of the safety message.

**Reasons:** Insertion of the provisions which are needed to remain from
Appendix 13 suppressed.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/253

**33.38A** § 20*bis* 1) Ship stations in receipt of a safety
announcement using digital selective calling techniques and the "All
Ships" format setting, or otherwise addressed to all stations shall not
acknowledge.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt of
a safety message by digital selective calling.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/254

**33.38B** 2) Ship stations in receipt of an announcement of a safety
message shall monitor the frequency or channel indicated for the message
and shall listen until they are satisfied that the message is of no
concern to them. They shall not make any transmission likely to
interfere with the message.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the procedure related to the receipt of
a safety message.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/255

Section V -- Transmission of maritime safety information^MOD1^

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the modification of No. 33.V.1.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/256

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^1^ **33.V.1** Maritime safety information includes navigation and
meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and other urgent
messages pertaining to safety transmitted from coast stations or coast
earth stations.

**Reasons:** To modify the content of this provision due to the
suppression of Appendix 13.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/257

**33.39A** to **33.40**

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/258

Section VII -- Use of other frequencies for safety

**Reasons:** Reference to distress communications are removed throughout
the text of Article 33, since it is included in Article 32.

Section VII -- Use of other frequencies for distress and safety

**MOD** ASP/41A14/259

**33.53** § 28 Radiocommunications for safety purposes concerning ship
reporting communications, communications relating to the navigation,
movements and needs of ships and weather observation messages may be
conducted on any appropriate communications frequency, including those
used for public correspondence. In terrestrial systems, the bands
between 415 kHz and 535 kHz (see Article **52**), 1 606.5 kHz and 4 000
kHz (see Article **52**), 4 000 kHz and 27500 kHz (see Appendix **17**)
and 156 MHz and 174 MHz (see Appendix **18**) are used for this
function. In the maritime mobile-satellite service, frequencies in the
bands 1 530-1 544 MHz and 1 626.5-1 645.5 MHz are used for this function
as well as for distress alerting purposes (see No. **32.2**).

**Reasons:** To define more clearly the situations for the safety
communication.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/260

Section VIII -- Medical advice

**33.54** and **33.55**

**Reasons:** The contents of these provisions are reflected to the
adequate provisions of the RR.

ARTICLE 34

Alerting signals in the global maritime distress and safety system
(GMDSS)

Section I -- Emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) and\
satellite EPIRB signals

**MOD** ASP/41A14/261

**34.1** § 1 The emergency position-indicating radiobeacon signal
transmitted on 156.525 MHz and satellite EPIRB signals in the band
406-406.1 MHz shall be in accordance with relevant ITU-R
Recommendations, to include but not limited to Recommendation **604
(Rev.Mob-87)**.

**Reasons:** To delete the band 1 645.5-1 646.5 MHz due to the
discontinuance of the Inmarsat E service.

ARTICLE 41

Communications with stations in the maritime services

**MOD** ASP/41A14/262

**41.1** Stations on board aircraft may communicate, for purposes of
distress, and for public correspondence^1^, with stations of the
maritime mobile or maritime mobile-satellite services. For these
purposes, they shall conform to the relevant provisions of
Chapter **VII** and Chapter **IX**, Articles **51** (Section III), **53,
54, 55, 57** and **58** (see also Nos. **4.19, 4.20** and** 43.4**).

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

ARTICLE 47

Operator's certificates

Section I -- General provisions

**MOD** ASP/41A14/263

**47.18** § 5 Each administration may determine the conditions under
which personnel holding certificates may be granted certificates
specified in Nos. **47.20** to **47.23**.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

Section IV -- Qualifying service     (WRC‑03)

**SUP** ASP/41A14/264

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^1^ **47.IV.1**

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

ARTICLE 51

Conditions to be observed in the maritime services

Section I -- Maritime mobile service

**SUP** ASP/41A14/265

**51.8** to **51.23**

**Reasons:** Provisions relating to the Morse radiotelegraphy are no
longer applicable and not required.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/266

**51.53** *a)* send class J3E emissions on a carrier frequency of
2 182 kHz and receive class J3E emissions on a carrier frequency of
2 182 kHz, except for such apparatus as is referred to in No. **51.56**;

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/267

**51.58** § 23 All ship stations equipped with radiotelephony to work in
the authorized bands between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz and which do not
comply with the provisions of Chapter** VII** should be able to send and
receive on the carrier frequencies 4 125 kHz and 6 215 kHz. However, all
ship stations which comply with the provisions of Chapter** VII** shall
be able to send and receive on the carrier frequencies designated in
Article** 31** for distress and safety traffic by radiotelephony for the
frequency bands in which they are operating.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

Section III -- Stations on board aircraft communicating with stations
of\
the maritime mobile service and the maritime mobile-satellite service

**MOD** ASP/41A14/268

**51.79** 2) The frequency 156.3 MHz may be used by stations on board
aircraft for safety purposes. It may also be used for communication
between ship stations and stations on board aircraft engaged in
coordinated search and rescue operations (see Appendix **15**).

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/269

**51.80** 3) The frequency 156.8 MHz may be used by stations on board
aircraft for safety purposes only (see Appendix **15**).

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

ARTICLE 52

Special rules relating to the use of frequencies

**SUP** ASP/41A14/270

Section II -- Use of frequencies for Morse radiotelegraphy

***52.16*** A -- General

**Reasons:** Provisions relating to the Morse radiotelegraphy are no
longer applicable and not required.

**SUP** ASP/41A14/271

**52.17** to **52.93**

**Reasons:** Provisions relating to the Morse radiotelegraphy are no
longer applicable and not required.

Section III -- Use of frequencies for narrow-band direct-printing
telegraphy

**MOD** ASP/41A14/272

**52.101** 2) Narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy is forbidden in the
band 2 170-2 194 kHz except as provided for in Appendix **15.**

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

Section VI -- Use of frequencies for radiotelephony

**MOD** ASP/41A14/273

**52.183** § 86 1) Unless otherwise specified in the present Regulations
(see Nos. **51.53**, **52.188**, **52.189** and **52.199**), the class
of emission to be used in the bands between 1 606.5 kHz and 4 000 kHz
shall be J3E.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/274

**52.189** § 87 1) The frequency 2 182 kHz^2^ is an international
distress frequency for radiotelephony.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/275

**52.209** 2) The carrier frequencies 2 045 kHz and 2 048 kHz shall not
be used for working between stations of the same nationality^\*^.

**Reasons:** To clarify the meaning of plain language.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/276

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

^4^ **52.221.2** The carrier frequencies 4 125 kHz and 6 215 kHz are
also authorized for common use by coast and ship stations for
single-sideband radiotelephony on a simplex basis for call and reply
purposes, provided that the peak envelope power of such stations does
not exceed 1 kW. The use of these frequencies for working purposes is
not permitted (see also No. **52.221.1**).

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/277

**52.231** § 101 1) The frequency 156.8 MHz is the international
frequency for distress traffic and for calling by radiotelephony when
using frequencies in the authorized bands between 156 MHz and 174 MHz.
The class of emission to be used for radiotelephony on the frequency
156.8 MHz shall be G3E (as specified in Recommendation
ITU‑R M.489‑2).     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/278

**52.241A** 10) The frequency 156.525 MHz is the international distress,
safety and calling frequency for the maritime mobile VHF radiotelephone
service using digital selective calling (DSC) when using frequencies in
the authorized bands between 156 MHz and 174 MHz.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the protection of VHF channel 70
(156.525 MHz).

**ADD** ASP/41A14/279

**52.241B** 11) All emissions in the band 156.4875-156.5625 MHz capable
of causing harmful interference to the authorized transmissions of
stations of the maritime mobile service on 156.525 MHz are forbidden.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the protection of VHF channel 70
(156.525 MHz).

**ADD** ASP/41A14/280

**52.241C** 12) To facilitate the reception of distress calls and
distress traffic, all transmissions on 156.525 MHz shall be kept to a
minimum.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the protection of VHF channel 70
(156.525 MHz).

**MOD** ASP/41A14/281

**52.242** § 102 1) A coast station open to the international public
correspondence service should, during its hours of service, maintain
watch on its receiving frequency or frequencies indicated in the List of
Coast Stations.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

ARTICLE 57

Radiotelephony

**MOD** ASP/41A14/282

**57.1** § 1 The procedure detailed in Recommendation ITU‑R M.1171 shall
be applicable to radiotelephone stations, except in cases of distress,
urgency or safety.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/283

**57.8** § 4 Calling, and signals preparatory to traffic, shall not
exceed one minute when made on the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz or on
156.8 MHz, except in cases of distress, urgency or safety.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/284

APPENDIX 15 (Rev.WRC-07)

Frequencies for distress and safety communications for the Global\
Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

(See Article **31**)

The frequencies for distress and safety communications for the GMDSS are
given in Tables 15‑1 and 15-2 for frequencies below and above 30 MHz,
respectively.

TABLE 15-1

Frequencies below 30 MHz

TABLE 15-1 (*end *)

TABLE 15-2

Frequencies above 30 MHz (VHF/UHF)

TABLE 15-2 (*end *)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/285

APPENDIX 16 (Rev.WRC-07)

Documents with which stations on board ships\
and aircraft shall be provided

(See Articles **42** and **51**)

Section I -- Ship stations for which a Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS) installation is required by international
agreement

These stations shall be provided with:

1 the licence prescribed by Article **18**;

2 certificates of the operator or operators;

3 a log in which the following are recorded as they occur, together with
the time of the occurrence, unless administrations have adopted other
arrangements for recording all information which the log should contain:

*a)* a summary of communications relating to distress, urgency and
safety traffic;

*b)* a reference to important service incidents;

*c)* if the ship's rules permit, the position of the ship at least once
a day;

4 ITU Service Publications, in either printed or electronic format,
containing a List of MMSI stations and other operational information in
the Maritime Mobile Service (see Article **20**);

5 ITU Service Publications, in either printed or electronic format,
showing the details of coast stations and coast earth stations with
which communications are likely to be conducted and a list of coast
stations and coast earth stations providing navigational and
meteorological warnings and other urgent information for ships (see
Article **20**);

6 the relevant rules and procedures of radiocommunications, e.g. Manual
for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services
(paper or electronic format) (see Article **20**).

NOTE -- Administrations may, under appropriate circumstances exempt
ships from the carriage of the documents mentioned in items 4 to 6
above, or where equivalent publications with the same and similarly
updated content exist, notify the changed carrier requirement to the
Bureau which will make this publicly available.

Section II -- Other ship stations for which a radiotelephone
installation is required

These stations shall be provided with:

1 the licence prescribed by Article **18**;

2 certificates of the operator or operators;

3 a log or other arrangements which the administration may have adopted
for that purpose, in which a summary of communications related to
distress, urgency and safety traffic shall be recorded together with the
time of their occurrence;

4 ITU Service Publications, in either printed or electronic format,
showing the details of coast stations with which communications are
likely to be conducted and a list of coast stations and coast earth
stations providing navigational and meteorological warnings and other
urgent information for ships (see Article **20**);

5 the relevant rules and procedures of radiocommunications, e.g. Manual
for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services
(paper or electronic format) (see Article **20**).

NOTE -- Administrations may, under appropriate circumstances exempt
ships from the carriage of the documents mentioned in items 4 and 5
above, or where equivalent publications with the same and similarly
updated content exist, notify the changed carrier requirement to the
Bureau which will make this publicly available.

SectionIII -- Other ship stations

These stations shall be provided with:

1 the documents mentioned in items 1 and 2 of Section II;

2 the documents mentioned in items 4 and 5 of Section II, in accordance
with the requirements of the administrations concerned.

NOTE -- Administrations may, under appropriate circumstances exempt
ships from the carriage of the documents mentioned in item 2, or where
equivalent publications with the same and similarly updated content
exist, notify the changed carrier requirement to the Bureau which will
make this publicly available.

Section IV -- Stations on board aircraft

These stations shall be provided with:

1 the documents mentioned in items 1 and 2 of Section I;

2 a log, unless administrations have adopted other arrangements for
recording all information which the log should contain;

3 those published documents, in either printed or electronic format,
containing official information relating to stations which the aircraft
station may use for the execution of its service.

**Reasons:** This modification is to remove the requirement for ship
stations for which a Morse Radiotelegraph installation is required by
international agreement and to simplify the list of documents that GMDSS
vessels are required to carry.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/286

APPENDIX 17 (Rev.WRC-07)

Frequencies and channelling arrangements in the\
high-frequency bands for the maritime mobile service

(See Article **52**)

All references to Appendix **13** should be removed.

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/287

RESOLUTION 331 (Rev.WRC-07)

Transition to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2007),

noting

that all ships subject to the International Convention for the Safety of
Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, are required to be fitted for the
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS),

noting further

*a)* that a number of administrations have taken steps to implement the
GMDSS also for classes of vessels not subject to SOLAS, 1974, as
amended;

*b)* that an increasing number of vessels not subject to SOLAS, 1974, as
amended, are making use of the techniques and frequencies of the GMDSS
prescribed in Chapter **VII**;

*c)* that [this Conference has amended Chapter]{.underline}
**[VII]{.underline}** [to provide for maintaining interoperability
between ships fitted for the GMDSS and ships not yet fully equipped for
GMDSS]{.underline};

*d)* that there may be a need to maintain existing shore-based distress
and safety services for the reception of distress, urgency and safety
calling by voice on VHF channel 16 for some years after this Conference
so that vessels not subject to SOLAS, 1974, as amended and not yet using
the techniques and frequencies of the GMDSS will be able to attract
attention and obtain assistance from these services until such time as
they are able to participate in the GMDSS;

*e)* that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is of the view
that listening watch on VHF channel 16 by SOLAS ships, while at sea,
should be required and kept for the foreseeable future with a view to
providing:

-- a distress alerting and communication channel for non-SOLAS ships;
and

-- bridge-to-bridge communications;

*f)* that IMO has urged administrations to require all seagoing vessels
under national legislation, and encourage all vessels voluntarily
carrying VHF radio equipment to be fitted with facilities for
transmitting and receiving distress alerts by digital selective calling
(DSC) on VHF channel 70;

*g)* that the Radio Regulations require GMDSS ships to keep watch on the
appropriate DSC distress frequencies;

*h)* that separate provisions in the existing Radio Regulations
designate VHF channel 16 as the international channels for general
calling by radiotelephony;

*i)* that several administrations have established Vessel Traffic
Service (VTS) systems and require their vessels to keep watch on local
VTS channels;

*j)* that ships that are required by SOLAS to carry a radio station have
been equipped with DSC, and many vessels subject to national carriage
requirements are also being equipped with DSC, but the majority of
vessels that carry a radio station on a voluntary basis might not yet
have DSC equipment;

*k)* that similarly, many administrations have established distress and
safety service based on DSC watchkeeping, but the majority of port
stations, pilot stations and other operational coast stations might not
yet have been equipped with DSC facilities;

*l)* that provisions Nos. **52.190** to **52.192** and **52.232** to
**52.234** allow 2 182 kHz and channel 16 to be used for call and reply,

recognizing

*a)* that as indicated in *noting further a), b), f), j)* and *k),*
above, stations in the maritime mobile service are increasingly making
use of the frequencies and techniques of the GMDSS;

*b)* that this Conference has adopted provisions for distress, urgency
and safety calling by radiotelephony on VHF channel 16 and requiring
ships, where practicable, to maintain watch on VHF channel 16;

*c)* the need to maintain existing shore-based distress and safety
services for reception of distress, urgency and safety calling by voice
on VHF channel 16 for some years after this Conference so that vessels
not subject to SOLAS, 1974, as amended and not yet using the techniques
and frequencies of the GMDSS will be able to attract attention and
obtain assistance from these services until such time as they are able
to participate in the GMDSS;

*d)* the need indicated in *noting further d),* above, for maintaining
existing shore-based distress, urgency and safety services on VHF
channel 16,

resolves

1 to retain the provisions permitting use of VHF channel 16 and the
frequency 2 182 kHz for general voice-calling;

2 to urge all administrations to assist in enhancing safety at sea by:

-- encouraging all vessels to finalize the transition to the GMDSS as
soon as possible;

-- encouraging, where appropriate, establishment of suitable shore-based
facilities for GMDSS, either on an individual basis or in cooperation
with other relevant parties in the area;

-- encouraging all vessels carrying maritime VHF equipment to be fitted
with DSC on VHF channel 70 as soon as possible, taking into account the
relevant decisions of IMO;

-- encouraging vessels to limit their use of VHF channel 16 and the
frequency 2 182 kHz for calling to the minimum necessary, noting the
provisions of No. **52.239**;

3 that coast stations forming part of shore-based arrangements in the
area concerned for reception of distress calling by radiotelephony on
VHF channel 16 should maintain an efficient watch on VHF channel 16.
Such watch should be indicated in the List of Coast Stations;

4 that administrations may release their ship stations and coast
stations from the listening watch on VHF channel 16 [in respect of
distress, urgency and safety calling by voice, in accordance with
relevant decisions of IMO and ITU on aural watchkeeping requirements on
channel 16,]{.underline} taking into account [the GMDSS radio systems
available in the area concerned;]{.underline}

when doing so, administrations should:

-- inform IMO of their decisions and submit to IMO details on the area
concerned;

-- inform the Secretary-General on the necessary details for inclusion
in the List of Coast Stations,

instructs the ITU-R

to monitor the development and changes to the GMDSS, in particular:

-- watchkeeping requirements;

-- distress alerting;

-- carriage requirements,

and report to a future world radiocommunication conference on when
further rationalization of Chapter **VII** should be considered,

resolves further

that the Secretary-General should ensure that such arrangements and
details regarding the area concerned be indicated in relevant maritime
publications,

instructs the Secretary-General

to bring this Resolution to the attention of IMO, the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Association of
Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities.

**Reasons:** This modification is consequent upon the changes of
Articles 30-33.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/288

RESOLUTION 18 (Rev.WRC-07)

Relating to the procedure for identifying and announcing the position
of\
ships and aircraft of States not parties to an armed conflict[^1]

The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2007),

considering

*a)* that ships and aircraft encounter considerable risk in the vicinity
of an area of armed conflict;

*b)* that for the safety of life and property it is desirable for ships
and aircraft of States not parties to an armed conflict to be able to
identify themselves and announce their position in such circumstances;

*c)* that radiocommunication offers such ships and aircraft a rapid
means of self-identification and providing location information prior to
their entering areas of armed conflict and during their passage through
the areas;

*d)* that it is considered desirable to provide a supplementary signal
and procedure for use, in accordance with customary practice, in the
area of armed conflict by ships and aircraft of States representing
themselves as not parties to an armed conflict;

resolves

1 that the frequencies for urgency signal and messages specified in the
Radio Regulations may be used by ships and aircraft of States not
parties to an armed conflict for self-identification and establishing
communications. The transmission will consist of the urgency or safety
signals, as appropriate, described in Article **33** followed by the
addition of the single group \"NNN\" in radiotelegraphy and by the
addition of the single word "NEUTRAL" pronounced as in French "neutral"
in radiotelephony. As soon as practicable, communications shall be
transferred to an appropriate working frequency;

2 that the use of the signal as described in the preceding paragraph
indicates that the message which follows concerns a ship or aircraft of
a State not party to an armed conflict. The message shall convey at
least the following data:

*a)* call sign or other recognized means of identification of such ship
or aircraft;

*b)* position of such ship or aircraft;

*c)* number and type of such ships or aircraft;

*d)* intended route;

*e)* estimated time en route and of departure and arrival, as
appropriate;

*f)* any other information, such as flight altitude, radio frequencies
guarded, languages and secondary surveillance radar modes and codes;

3 that the provisions of Article **33** relating to urgency and safety
transmissions, and medical transports shall apply as appropriate to the
use of the urgency and safety signals, respectively, by such ship or
aircraft;

4 that the identification and location of ships of a State not party to
an armed conflict may be effected by means of appropriate standard
maritime radar transponders. The identification and location of aircraft
of a State not party to an armed conflict may be effected by the use of
the secondary surveillance radar (SSR) system in accordance with
procedures to be recommended by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO);

5 that the use of the signals described above would not confer or imply
recognition of any rights or duties of a State not party to an armed
conflict or a party to the conflict, except as may be recognized by
common agreement between the parties to the conflict and a non-party;

6 to encourage parties to a conflict to enter into such agreements,

requests the Secretary-General

to communicate the contents of this Resolution to the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) and ICAO for such action as they may
consider appropriate,

requests ITU‑R

to recommend an appropriate signal in the digital selective calling
system for use in the maritime mobile service and other appropriate
information as necessary.

**Reasons:** This modification is consequent upon the suppression of
Appendix 13.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/289

Resolution \[ASP/ai1.14/1-2 182 kHz\] (WRC-07)

Distress and safety radiotelephony procedures for 2 182 kHz

The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2007),

noting

*a)* that all ships subject to the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, are required to be
fitted for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS);

*b)* that some vessels not subject to SOLAS, 1974, as amended, may not
be making use of the techniques and frequencies of the GMDSS prescribed
in Chapter **VII** and may wish to continue using radiotelephony
procedures for distress and safety communications on 2 182 kHz until
such time as they are able to participate in the GMDSS;

*c)* that some administrations may have a need to maintain shore-based
radiotelephony distress and safety services on 2 182 kHz so that vessels
not subject to SOLAS, 1974, as amended and not yet using the techniques
and frequencies of the GMDSS will be able to obtain assistance from
these services until such time as they are able to participate in the
GMDSS,

considering

*a)* that there needs to be some recognized guidance, for the use of
radiotelephony on\
2 182 kHz for distress and safety communications,

resolves

1 that ships, when in distress or when engaged in urgency or
safety-related communications on 2 182 kHz, use the radiotelephony
procedures contained in the Annex to this Resolution;

2 that coast stations, in order to maintain communication with non-GMDSS
ships in distress or engaged in urgency or safety-related communications
on 2 182 kHz, use the radiotelephony procedures contained in the Annex
to this Resolution.

ANNEX TO RESOLUTION \[ASP/ai1.14/1-2 182 kHz\] (WRC-07)

Distress and safety radiotelephony procedures for 2 182 kHz

Part A1 -- General

§ 1 The frequencies and techniques specified in this Resolution may be
used in the maritime mobile service for stations[^2] not required by
national or international regulation to fit GMDSS equipment and for
communications between those stations and aircraft. However, stations of
the maritime mobile service, when additionally fitted with any of the
equipment used by stations operating in conformity with the provisions
specified in Chapter** VII**, should, when using that equipment, comply
with the appropriate provisions of that Chapter.

§ 2 1) No provision of these Regulations prevents the use by a mobile
station or mobile earth station in distress of any means at its disposal
to attract attention, make known its position, and obtain help.

2\) No provision of these Regulations prevents the use by stations on
board aircraft or ships engaged in search and rescue operations, in
exceptional circumstances, of any means at their disposal to assist a
mobile station or mobile earth station in distress.

3\) No provision of these Regulations prevents the use by a land station
or coast earth station, in exceptional circumstances, of any means at
its disposal to assist a mobile station or mobile earth station in
distress (see also No.** 4.16**).

§ 3 In cases of distress, urgency or safety, transmissions by
radiotelephony should be made slowly and distinctly, each word being
clearly pronounced to facilitate transcription.

§ 4 The abbreviations and signals of Recommendation ITU‑R M.1172 and the
Phonetic Alphabet and Figure Code in Appendix** 14** should be used
where applicable[^3].

§ 5 Distress, urgency and safety transmissions may also be made using
digital selective calling and satellite techniques and/or
direct-printing telegraphy, in accordance with the provisions specified
in Chapter **VII** and relevant ITU-R Recommendations.

§ 6 Mobile stations[^4] of the maritime mobile service may communicate,
for safety purposes, with stations of the aeronautical mobile service.
Such communications shall normally be made on the frequencies
authorized, and under the conditions specified, in Section I of Part A2
(see also § 2 1)).

§ 6A Mobile stations of the aeronautical mobile service may communicate,
for distress and safety purposes, with stations of the maritime mobile
service in conformity with the provisions of this Resolution.

§ 7 Any aircraft required by national or international regulations to
communicate for distress, urgency or safety purposes with stations of
the maritime mobile service shall be capable of transmitting and
receiving class J3E emissions when using the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz
or 4 125 kHz.

Part A2 -- Frequencies for distress and safety

Section I -- Availability of frequencies

A -- 2 182 kHz

§ 1 1) The carrier frequency 2 182 kHz is an international distress
frequency for radiotelephony; it may be used by ship, aircraft and
survival craft stations when requesting assistance from the maritime
services. It is used for distress calls and distress traffic, for the
urgency signal and urgency messages and for the safety signal. Safety
messages should be transmitted, when practicable, on a working frequency
after a preliminary announcement on 2 182 kHz. The class of emission to
be used for radiotelephony on the frequency 2 182 kHz shall be J3E.
Distress traffic on 2 182 kHz following the reception of a distress call
using digital selective calling should take into account that some
shipping in the vicinity may not be able to receive this traffic.

2\) If a distress message on the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz has not
been acknowledged, the distress call and message may be transmitted
again on a carrier frequency of 4 125 kHz or 6 215 kHz, as appropriate.

3\) However, ship stations and aircraft which can transmit neither on
the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz nor on the carrier frequencies 4 125 kHz
or 6 215 kHz, may use any other available frequency on which attention
might be attracted.

4\) Coast stations using the carrier frequency 2 182 kHz for distress
purposes and to send navigational warnings may transmit an audible alarm
signal[^5] of a short duration for the purpose of attracting attention
to the message which follows.

B -- 4 125 kHz

§ 2 1) The carrier frequency 4 125 kHz is used to supplement the carrier
frequency 2 182 kHz for distress and safety purposes and for call and
reply. This frequency is also used for distress and safety traffic by
radiotelephony.

2\) The carrier frequency 4 125 kHz may be used by aircraft to
communicate with stations of the maritime mobile service for distress
and safety purposes, including search and rescue.

C -- 6 215 kHz

§ 3 The carrier frequency 6 215 kHz is used to supplement the carrier
frequency 2 182 kHz for distress and safety purposes and for call and
reply. This frequency is also used for distress and safety traffic by
radiotelephony.

Section II -- Protection of distress and safety frequencies

A -- General

§ 4 1) Test transmissions on any of the distress and safety frequencies
described above shall be kept to a minimum and, wherever practicable, be
carried out on artificial antennas or with reduced power.

§ 5 Before transmitting on any of the frequencies identified for
distress and safety communications, a station shall listen on the
frequency concerned to make sure that no distress transmission is being
sent (see Recommendation ITU-R M.1171). This does not apply to stations
in distress.

B -- 2 182 kHz

§ 6 1) Except for transmissions authorized on the carrier frequency
2 182 kHz and on the frequencies 2 174.5 kHz, 2 177 kHz, 2 187.5 kHz and
2 189.5 kHz, all transmissions on the frequencies between 2 173.5 kHz
and 2 190.5 kHz are forbidden (see also Appendix **15**).

2\) To facilitate the reception of distress calls, all transmissions on
2 182 kHz should be kept to a minimum.

Section III -- Watch on distress frequencies

A -- 2 182 kHz

§ 7 1) Coast stations may maintain a watch on the carrier frequency
2 182 kHz if so directed by the Administration. Such watch should be
indicated in the List of Coast Stations.

2\) Ship stations not fitted with equipment compatible with the GMDSS
are encouraged to keep the maximum watch practicable on the carrier
frequency 2 182 kHz.

B -- 4 125 kHz, 6 215 kHz

§ 8 1) Coast stations may maintain additional watch, as permitted, on
the carrier frequencies 4 125 kHz and 6 215 kHz. Such watch, if
maintained, should be indicated in the List of Coast Stations.

Part A3 -- Distress communications

Section I -- General

§ 1 The distress call shall have absolute priority over all other
transmissions. All stations which hear it shall immediately cease any
transmission capable of interfering with the distress traffic, and shall
continue to listen on the frequency used for the emission of the
distress call. This call shall not be addressed to a particular station
and acknowledgement of receipt shall not be given until the distress
message which follows is sent.

§ 2 The RT procedures for distress communications are found in Article
**32**.

Part A4 -- URGENCY and safety COMMUNICATIONS

**Section I -- Urgency signal and messages**

§ 1 The RT procedures for urgency and safety communications are found in
Article **33**.

Section II -- Safety signal and messages

§ 2 In radiotelephony, the safety signal consists of the word SÉCURITÉ
pronounced clearly in French. The safety signal shall be repeated three
(3) times before the call.

§ 3 1) The safety signal indicates that the station is about to transmit
a message containing an important navigational or an important
meteorological warning.

2\) The safety signal and call shall be sent on one or more of the
international distress frequencies (2 182 kHz) or on any other frequency
which may be used in case of distress (see also No. 33.32).

3\) The safety message which follows the call should be sent on a
working frequency. A suitable announcement to this effect shall be made
at the end of the call.

4\) In the maritime mobile service, safety messages shall generally be
addressed to all stations. In some cases, they may be addressed to a
particular station.

§ 4 § 4 All stations hearing the safety signal shall listen to the
safety message until they are satisfied that the message is of no
concern to them. They shall not make any transmission likely to
interfere with the message.

**Reasons:** This resolution is to support radiotelephony on 2 182 kHz
due to the suppression of Appendix 13.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/290

APPENDIX 18 (Rev.WRC-07)

Table of transmitting frequencies in the VHF\
maritime mobile band

(See Article **52**)

**Reasons:** Consequential change of the following modifications.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/291

NOTE A -- For assistance in understanding the Table, see Notes *a)* to
*q)* below.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** This modification is consequent upon the modified note of
this Appendix.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/292

NOTE B -- The Table below defines the channel numbering for conventional
maritime VHF based on 25 kHz channel spacing and use of several duplex
channels but allows also the use of 12.5 kHz channel spacing. The
channel numbering for 12.5 kHz channels and the conversion of
two-frequency channels for single-frequency operation shall be in
accordance with Recommendation ITU‑R M.1084-4 Annex 4, Tables 1 and 3.

**Reasons:** This modification is to accomplish the practical
introduction so 12.5 kHz channelling and splitting duplex channels into
simplex are described in detail in Recommendation\
ITU-R M.1084-4.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/293

  ------------ -------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -----------------
  Channel\     Notes    Transmitting\             Inter-ship   Port                      Public\
  designator            frequencies\                           operations\               corres-pondence
                        (MHz)                                  and ship                  
                                                               movement                  

                        From\           From                   Single        Two         
                        ships           shore                  frequency     frequency   

  60           *m), o)* 156.025         160.625                              x           x

  01           *m), o)* 156.050         160.650                              x           x

  61           *m), o)* 156.075         160.675                x             x           x

  02           *m), o)* 156.100         160.700                x             x           x

  62           *m), o)* 156.125         160.725                x             x           x

  03           *m), o)* 156.150         160.750                x             x           x

  63           *m), o)* 156.175         160.775                x             x           x

  04           *m), o)* 156.200         160.800                x             x           x

  64           *m), o)* 156.225         160.825                x             x           x

  05           *m), o)* 156.250         160.850                x             x           x

  65           *m), o)* 156.275         160.875                x             x           x

  06           *f)*     156.300                   x                                      

  66           *m), o)* 156.325         160.925                              x           x

  07           *m), o)* 156.350         160.950                              x           x

  67           *h)*     156.375         156.375   x            x                         

  08                    156.400                   x                                      

  68                    156.425         156.425                x                         

  09           *i)*     156.450         156.450   x            x                         

  69                    156.475         156.475   x            x                         

  10           *h), q)* 156.500         156.500   x            x                         

  70           *f),*    156.525         156.525   Digital                                
               *j)*                               selective                              
                                                  calling for                            
                                                  distress,                              
                                                  safety and                             
                                                  calling                                

  11           *q)*     156.550         156.550                x                         

  71                    156.575         156.575                x                         

  12                    156.600         156.600                x                         

  72           *i)*     156.625                   x                                      

  13           *k)*     156.650         156.650   x            x                         

  73           *h), i)* 156.675         156.675   x            x                         

  14                    156.700         156.700                x                         

  74                    156.725         156.725                x                         

  15           *g)*     156.750         156.750   x            x                         

  75           *n)*     156.775         156.775                x                         
  ------------ -------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -----------------

  ------------ -------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -----------------
  Channel\     Notes    Transmitting\             Inter-ship   Port                      Public
  designator            frequencies\                           operations\               corres-pondence
                        (MHz)                                  and ship                  
                                                               movement                  

                        From\           From                   Single        Two         
                        ships           shore                  frequency     frequency   

  16           *f)*     156.800         156.800   DISTRESS,                              
                                                  SAFETY AND                             
                                                  CALLING                                

  76           *n)*     156.825         156.825                x                         

  17           *g)*     156.850         156.850   x            x                         

  77                    156.875                   x                                      

  18           *m)*     156.900         161.500                x             x           x

  78           *m)*     156.925         161.525                              x           x

  19           *m)*     156.950         161.550                              x           x

  79           *m)*     156.975         161.575                              x           x

  20           *m)*     157.000         161.600                              x           x

  80           *m)*     157.025         161.625                              x           x

  21           *m)*     157.050         161.650                              x           x

  81           *m)*     157.075         161.675                              x           x

  22           *m)*     157.100         161.700                x             x           x

  82           *m), o)* 157.125         161.725                x             x           x

  23           *m), o)* 157.150         161.750                x             x           x

  83           *m), o)* 157.175         161.775                x             x           x

  24           *m), o)* 157.200         161.800                x             x           x

  84           *m), o)* 157.225         161.825                x             x           x

  25           *m), o)* 157.250         161.850                x             x           x

  85           *m), o)* 157.275         161.875                x             x           x

  26           *m), o)* 157.300         161.900                x             x           x

  86           *m), o)* 157.325         161.925                x             x           x

  27                    157.350         161.950                              x           x

  87                    157.375         157.375                x                         

  28                    157.400         162.000                              x           x

  88                    157.425         157.425                x                         

  AIS 1        *l), p), 161.975         161.975                                          
               f)*                                                                       

  AIS 2        *l), p), 162.025         162.025                                          
               f)*                                                                       
  ------------ -------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -----------------

**Reasons:** These modifications are for the conversion of duplex
channels into simplex channels and to allow the use of VHF maritime
mobile channels by aircraft at search and rescue operations.

**Notes referring to the Table**

*General notes*

**MOD** ASP/41A14/294

*e)* Administrations may apply 12.5 kHz channel interleaving on a
non-interference basis to 25 kHz channels, in accordance with the most
recent version of Recommendation ITU‑R M.1084, provided:

-- it shall not affect the 25 kHz channels of the present Appendix
maritime mobile distress and safety frequencies, especially the channels
06, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 70, nor the technical characteristics set forth
in Recommendation ITU-R M.489-2 for those channels;

-- implementation of 12.5 kHz channel interleaving and consequential
national requirements shall be subject to prior agreement between the
implementing administrations and administrations whose ship stations or
services may be affected.

**Reasons:** This modification is to accomplish the practical
introduction so 12.5 kHz channelling and splitting duplex channels into
simplex are described in detail in Recommendation\
ITU-R M.1084-4.

*Specific notes*

**MOD** ASP/41A14/295

*f)* The frequencies 156.300 MHz (channel 06), 156.525 MHz (channel 70),
156.800 MHz (channel 16), 161.975 MHz (AIS 1) and 162.025 MHz (AIS 2)
may also be used by aircraft stations for the purpose of search and
rescue operations and other safety-related communication.

**Reasons:** This modification is to make channels 16 and 70 and the AIS
channels available for use by search and rescue aircraft. The word
"stations" is added after the word "aircraft" for clarification.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/296

*l)* These channels (AIS 1 and AIS 2) are used for an automatic
identification system capable of providing worldwide operation in
accordance with ITU‑R Recommendations, unless other frequencies are
designated on a regional basis for this purpose.

**Reasons:** The modification is due to the implementation of the AIS.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/297

*m)* These channels may be operated as single frequency channels,
subject to prior agreement between interested and affected
administrations.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** The modification requires prior agreement to use the
channels as single frequency channels.

**MOD** ASP/41A14/298

*o)* These channels may be used to provide bands for new technologies,
subject to prior agreement between interested and affected
administrations. Stations using these channels or bands for new
technologies shall not cause harmful interference to, and shall not
claim protection from, other stations operating in accordance with
Article **5**.     (WRC‑07)

**Reasons:** The modification allows for future introduction of the new
digital communications.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/299

*p)* Additionally, AIS 1 and AIS 2 may be used by the maritime
mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) for the reception of AIS
transmissions from ships.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the satellite detection of AIS channels.

**ADD** ASP/41A14/300

*q)* When using these channels (10 and 11), all precautions should be
taken to avoid harmful interference to channel 70.

**Reasons:** Provision provides the protection of VHF channel 70.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[^1]: ^1^ WRC-97 made editorial amendments to this Resolution.

[^2]: ^1^ The term "Rescue Coordination Centre" as defined in the
    International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (1979) refers
    to a unit responsible for promoting the efficient organization of
    search and rescue services and for coordinating the conduct of
    search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region.

[^3]: ^2^ The use of the Standard Marine Communication Phrases and,
    where language difficulties exist, the International Code of
    Signals, both published by the International Maritime Organization,
    is also recommended.

[^4]: ^3^ Mobile stations communicating with the stations of the
    aeronautical mobile (R) service in bands allocated to the
    aeronautical mobile (R) service shall conform to the provisions of
    the regulations which relate to that service and, as appropriate,
    any special arrangements between the governments concerned by which
    the aeronautical mobile (R) service is regulated.

[^5]: ^4^ Alarm signals may consist of transmissions of sinusoidal audio
    frequency tones 1 300 Hz, 2 200 Hz, or both. Different tone
    generation patterns may be used to signal the type of message which
    follows, and an alarm signal ending in a 10-second continuous tone
    could be used to identify a transmission by a coast station.