# UNITED STATES

# PRELIMINARY VIEWS ON WRC-07

**Agenda Item 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;

**ISSUE:** Per Resolution **331,** the transition to the GMDSS has not
been completed by a large number of administrations**.** This transition
requires the eventual modification of Appendix **13**, to include its
possible deletion, and replacement by a suitable recommendation covering
vessels subject to the radio regulations that are not required to be
GMDSS equipped. However, until the transition is complete, provisions of
Appendix **13** are still applicable and need to be retained, and
possibly rewritten for non-SOLAS vessels that will not be under the
purview the regulations of GMDSS. Also, as GMDSS is becoming the new
worldwide distress alerting system there are applicable lessons learned
and changes to incorporate in Chapter VII, IX, and other portions of the
Radio Regulations. Resolution **342** calls for the review of Appendix
**18**, with the goal of accommodating new VHF technology in the 156-174
MHz band. WRC-2003 modified Appendix **18**, including the addition of
note *o)*, to permit the possible use, on a voluntary basis, of various
channels or bands created by the conversion of some duplex channels to
simplex channels, for the initial testing and the possible future
introduction of new technologies. The challenge before WP 8B is to
identify world wide interoperable digital technology that is adaptable
to the maritime mobile service. ITU-R WP 8B plans to evaluate the future
uses of the currently designated Public Correspondence VHF Channels for
other maritime related use, in view of the worldwide decline of VHF
public correspondence services.

**Background**: The reasons for this agenda item are to ensure that
GMDSS requirements and procedures are current, administrations continue
the transition from legacy non-GMDSS distress and safety systems, and
ensure that the International Radio Regulations continue to accommodate
the needs of those that have not made the transition to the GMDSS. This
agenda item will continue to provide worldwide maritime safety system
coordination to promote Safety-of-Life at sea in conjunction with
International Maritime Organization (IMO) circulars and directives. This
agenda item also promotes the efficient use of the VHF maritime band and
accommodates new VHF technology in this band. Many administrations and
regional groups will support changes to Appendix **18**.

**U.S. VIEW:** The United States believes that the distress and safety
communications, non-GMDSS, should be revised to accommodate
interoperability with GMDSS. In particular, Chapter VII of the Radio
Regulations should be revised. This interoperability is required to
maintain Safety-of-Life at sea until the maritime community has fully
transitioned to the GMDSS standard. In accordance with IMO
recommendations, GMDSS ships continue to keep continuous guard on VHF
channel 16 (156.8 MHz) with a view to maintaining communications between
SOLAS and Non-SOLAS ships. The United States maintains that all vessels
are encouraged to make use of the GMDSS as soon as possible. The IMO has
authorized the discontinuance of a 2182 KHz guard for SOLAS vessels. The
United States, in recognition of its continuing domestic requirements
regarding non-SOLAS vessels outside of VHF range, will maintain a 2182
kHz guard for the foreseeable future.

With regard to the use of new technologies for the maritime mobile
service in the band 156-174 MHz and the consequential revision of
Appendix **18** to reflect new technologies, the United States supports
and is implementing port and coastal systems in accordance with
Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-1 for Automatic Identification System (AIS).
The further introduction of digital systems into this band should be
based on adopting suitably modified land mobile technology into a
worldwide interoperable standard. Appendix **18** should also be
modified to reflect the current diminished demand for public
correspondence coast stations. (June 2004)