Title 47—Telecommunication--Volume 1
PART 80—STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES
§ 80.913   Radiotelephone receivers.
(a) If a medium frequency radiotelephone installation is provided, the receiver must be capable of effective reception of J3E emissions, be connected to the antenna system specified by § 80.923, and be preset to, and capable of accurate and convenient selection of, the frequencies 2182 kHz, 2638 kHz, and the receiving frequency(s) of public coast stations serving the area in which the vessel is navigated.
(b) If a single sideband radiotelephone installation is provided, the receiver must be capable of reception of H3E and J3E emissions on 2182 kHz and J3E emission on any receiving frequency authorized pursuant to § 80.909 of this part.
(c) If a very high frequency radiotelephone installation is provided, the receiver used for maintaining the watch required by § 80.303 must be capable of effective reception of G3E emission, be connected to the antenna system specified by § 80.923 and be preset to, and capable of selection of, the frequencies 156.300 MHz, 156.800 MHz, and the receiving frequency(s) of public coast stations serving the area in which the vessel is navigated.
(d) One or more loudspeakers must be provided to permit reception on 2182 kHz or 156.800 MHz at the principal operating position and at any other place where listening is performed.
(e) Any receiver provided as a part of the radiotelephone installation must have a sensitivity of at least 50 microvolts in the case of MF equipment, and 1 microvolt in the case of HF or VHF equipment.
(f) The receiver required in paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this section must be capable of efficient operation when energized by the main source of energy. When a reserve source of energy is required pursuant to § 80.905 or § 80.917 of this part, the receiver must also be capable of efficient operation when energized by the reserve source of energy.
(g) The sensitivity of a receiver is the strength in microvolts of a signal, modulated 30 percent at 400 Hertz, required at the receiver input to produce an audio output of 50 milliwatts to the loudspeaker with a signal-to-noise ratio of at least 6 decibels. Evidence of a manufacturer's rating or a demonstration of the sensitivity of a required receiver computed on this basis must be furnished upon request of the Commission.
§ 80.915   Main power supply.
(a) There must be readily available for use under normal load conditions a main power supply sufficient to simultaneously energize the radiotelephone transmitter at its required antenna power, and the required receiver. Under this load condition the potential of the main power supply at the power input terminals of the radiotelephone installation must not deviate from its rated potential by more than 10 percent on vessels completed on or after March 1, 1957, nor by more than 15 percent on vessels completed before that date.
(b) When the main power supply consists of batteries, they must be installed as high above the bilge as practicable, secured against shifting with motion of the vessel, and accessible with not less than 26 cm (10 in.) head room.
(c) Means must be provided for adequately charging any batteries used as a main power supply. There must be a device which gives a continuous indication of the rate and polarity of the charging current during charging.
§ 80.917   Reserve power supply.
(a) Any small passenger vessel the keel of which was laid after March 1, 1957, must have a reserve power supply located on the same deck as the main wheel house or at least one deck above the vessel's main deck, unless the main power supply is so situated, if—
(1) The vessel is of more than 100 gross tons; or
(2) Beginning March 25, 2009:
(i) The vessel carries more than 150 passengers or has overnight accommodations for more than 49 persons; or
(ii) The vessel operates on the high seas or more than three miles from shore on Great Lakes voyages.
(b) The reserve power supply must be independent of the ship's propulsion and of any other electrical system, and be sufficient to simulataneously energize the radiotelephone transmitter at its required output power, and the receiver. The reserve power supply must be available for use at all times.
(c) When the reserve power supply consists of batteries, they must be installed as high above the bilge as practicable, secured against shifting with motion of the vessel, and accessible with not less than 26 cm (10 in.) head room.
(d) The reserve power supply must be located as near the required transmitter and receiver as practicable.
(e) All reserve power supply circuits must be protected from overloads.
(f) Means must be provided for charging any storage batteries used as a reserve power supply for the required radiotelephone installation. There must be a device which will give continuous indication of the rate and polarity of the charging current during charging.
(g) The cooling system of each internal combustion engine used as a part of the reserve power supply must be adequately treated to prevent freezing or overheating consistent with the season and route to be travelled by the particular vessel involved.
(h) Beginning January 2, 2013, any small passenger vessel that does not carry a reserve power supply must carry at least one VHF handheld radiotelephone.
§ 80.919   Required capacity.
If either the main or reserve power supply includes batteries, these batteries must have sufficient reserve capacity to permit proper operation of the required transmitter and receiver for at least 3 hours under normal working conditions.
§ 80.921   Proof of capacity.
(a) When directed by a representative of the Commission the vessel must prove by demonstration as prescribed in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this section, that the requirements of § 80.919 are met.
(b) Proof of the ability of a storage battery used as a main or reserve power supply to operate over the 3-hour period established by a discharge test over the prescribed period of time, when supplying power at the voltage required for an electrical loss as prescribed by paragraph (d) of this section.
(c) When the required power supply consists of an engine-driven generator, proof of the adequacy of the engine fuel supply to operate the unit over the 3-hour period of time may be established by using as a basis the fuel consumption during a 1 hour period when supplying power, at the voltage required for operating an electrical load as prescribed by paragraph (d) of this section.
(d) In determining the required electrical load the following formula must be used:
(1) One-half of the current of the required transmitter at its rated output power; plus
(2) Current of the required receiver; plus
(3) Current of electric light, if required by § 80.925; plus
(4) The sum of the current of all other loads the reserve power supply may provide in time of emergency.
(e) At the conclusion of the test specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, no part of the main or reserve power supply must have an excessive temperature rise, nor must the specific gravity or voltage of any storage battery be below the 90 percent discharge point.
§ 80.923   Antenna system.
An antenna must be provided in accordance with the applicable requirements of § 80.81 of this part which is as efficient as practicable for the transmission and reception of radio waves. The construction and installation of this antenna must insure proper emergency operation.
§ 80.925   Electric light.
(a) If the vessel is navigated at night an electric light or dial lights which clearly illuminate the operating controls must be installed to provide illumination of the operating controls at the principal operating position.
(b) The electric light must be energized from the main power supply and, if a reserve power supply for the radiotelephone installation is required, from the reserve power supply.
§ 80.927   Antenna radio frequency indicator.
The transmitter must be equipped with a device which provides visual indication whenever the transmitter is supplying power to the antenna.
§ 80.929   Nameplate.
A durable nameplate must be mounted on the required radiotelephone equipment. When the transmitter and receiver comprise a single unit, one nameplate is sufficient. The nameplate must show the name of the manufacturer and the type or model number.
§ 80.931   Test of radiotelephone installation.
Unless normal use of the radiotelephone installation demonstrates that the equipment is in proper operating condition, a test communication on a required frequency in the 1605 to 27500 kHz band or the 156 to 162 MHz band must be made by a qualified operator each day the vessel is navigated. If the equipment is not in proper operating condition, the master must be promptly notified.
§ 80.933   General small passenger vessel exemptions.
(a) Subject U.S. vessels less than 50 gross tons which are navigated not more than 300 meters (1,000 feet) from the nearest land at mean low tide are exempt from the provisions of title III, part III of the Communications Act.
(b) All U.S. passenger vessels of less than 100 gross tons, not subject to the radio provisions of the Safety Convention, are exempt from the radiotelegraph provisions of Part II of Title III of the Communications Act, provided that the vessels are equipped with a radiotelephone installation fully complying with subpart S of this part.
(c) These exemptions may be terminated at any time without hearing, if in the Commission's discretion, the need for such action arises.
§ 80.935   Station clock.
Each station subject to this subpart must have a working clock or timepiece readily available to the operator.
§ 80.951   Applicability.
The rules in this subpart apply to vessels of all countries when navigated on the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are defined as all waters of Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron (including Georgian Bay), Michigan, Superior, their connecting and tributary waters and the River St. Lawrence as far east as the lower exit of the St. Lambert Lock at Montreal in the Province of Quebec, Canada, but do not include any connecting and tributary waters except the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River and the Welland Canal. A vessel that falls into a category specified in paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section and is not excepted by paragraph (d) or (e) of this section must comply with this subpart while navigated on the Great Lakes.
(a) Every vessel 20 meters (65 feet) or over in length (measured from end to end over the deck, exclusive of sheer).
(b) Every vessel engaged in towing another vessel or floating object, except:
(1) Where the maximum length of the towing vessel, measured from end to end over the deck exclusive of sheer, is less than 8 meters (26 feet) and the length or breadth of the tow, exclusive of the towing line, is less than 20 meters (65 feet);
(2) Where the vessel towed complies with this subpart;
(3) Where the towing vessel and tow are located within a booming ground (an area in which logs are confined); or
(4) Where the tow has been undertaken in an emergency and neither the towing vessel nor the tow can comply with this part
(c) Any vessel carrying more than six passengers for hire.
(d) The requirements of this subpart do not apply to:
(1) Ships of war and troop ships;
(2) Vessels owned and operated by any national government and not engaged in trade.
(e) The Commission may if it considers that the conditions of the voyage or voyages affecting safety (including but not necessarily limited to the regularity, frequency and nature of the voyages, or other circumstances) are such as to render full application of the rules of this subpart unreasonable or unnecessary, exempt partially, conditionally or completely, any individual vessel for one or more voyages or for any period of time not exceeding one year.
§ 80.953   Inspection and certification.
(a) Each U.S. flag vessel subject to this subpart must have an inspection of the required radiotelephone installation at least once every 48 months. This inspection must be made while the vessel is in active service or within not more than one month before the date on which it is placed in service.
(b) An inspection and certification of a ship subject to this subpart must be made by a technician holding one of the following: a General Radiotelephone Operator License, a GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, a Radiotelegraph Operator License, a Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, or a First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate. Additionally, the technician must not be the vessel's owner, operator, master, or an employee of any of them. The results of the inspection must be recorded in the ship's radiotelephone log and include:
(1) The date the inspection was conducted;
(2) The date by which the next inspection needs to be completed;
(3) The inspector's printed name, address, class of FCC license (including the serial number);
(4) The results of the inspection, including any repairs made; and
(5) The inspector's signed and dated certification that the vessel meets the requirements contained in this subpart and the Bridge-to-Bridge Act contained in subpart U of this part and has successfully passed the inspection.
(c) The vessel owner, operator, or ship's master must certify that the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this section was satisfactory.
(d) The ship's radiotelephone logs containing entries certifying that a Great Lakes safety inspection has been conducted must be retained on board and available for inspection until the next radio inspection.
§ 80.955   Radiotelephone installation.
(a) Each U.S. flag vessel of less than 38 meters (124 feet) in length while subject to this subpart must have a radiotelephone meeting the provisions of this subpart in addition to the other rules in this part governing ship stations using telephony.
(b) Each U.S. flag vessel of 38 meters (124 feet) or more in length while subject to this subpart must have a minimum of two VHF radiotelephone installations in operating condition meeting the provisions of this subpart. The second VHF installation must be electrically separate from the first VHF installation. However, both may be connected to the main power supply provided one installation can be operated from a separate power supply located as high as practicable on the vessel.
(c) This paragraph does not require or prohibit the use of other frequencies for use by the same “radiotelephone installation” for communication authorized by this part.
§ 80.956   Required frequencies and uses.
(a) Each VHF radiotelephone installation must be capable of transmitting and receiving G3E emission as follows:
(1) Channel 16—156.800 MHz—Distress, Safety and Calling; and
(2) Channel 6—156.300 MHz—Primary intership.
(b) The radiotelephone station must have additional frequencies as follows:
(1) Those ship movement frequencies appropriate to the vessel's area of operation: Channel 11—156.550 MHz, Channel 12—156.600 MHz, or Channel 14—156.700 MHz.
(2) The navigational bridge-to-bridge frequency, 156.650 MHz (channel 13).
(3) Such other frequencies as required for the vessel's service.
(4) One channel for receiving marine navigational warnings for the area of operation.
(c) Every radiotelephone station must include one or more transmitters, one or more receivers, one or more sources of energy and associated antennas and control equipment. The radiotelephone station, exclusive of the antennas and source of energy, must be located as high as practicable on the vessel, preferably on the bridge, and protected from water, temperature, and electrical and mechanical noise.
§ 80.957   Principal operating position.
(a) The principal operating position of the radiotelephone installation must be on the bridge, convenient to the conning position.
(b) When the radiotelephone station is not located on the bridge, operational control of the equipment must be provided at the location of the radiotelephone station and at the bridge operating position. Complete control of the equipment at the bridge operating position must be provided.
§ 80.959   Radiotelephone transmitter.
(a) The transmitter must be capable of transmission of G3E emission on the required frequencies.
(b) The transmitter must deliver a carrier power of between 10 watts and 25 watts into 50 ohms nominal resistance when operated with its rated supply voltage. The transmitter must be capable of readily reducing the carrier power to one watt or less.
(c) To demonstrate the capability of the transmitter, measurements of primary supply voltage and transmitter output power must be made with the equipment operating on the vessel's main power supply, as follows:
(1) The primary supply voltage measured at the power input terminals to the transmitter terminated in a matching artificial load, must be measured at the end of 10 minutes of continuous operation of the transmitter at its rated power output.
(2) The primary supply voltage, measured in accordance with the procedures of this paragraph, must be not less than 11.5 volts.
(3) The transmitter at full output power measured in accordance with the procedure of this paragraph must not be less than 10 watts.
§ 80.961   Radiotelephone receiver.
(a) The receiver must be capable of reception of G3E emission on the required frequencies.
(b) The receiver must have a sensitivity of at least 2 microvolts across 50 ohms for a 20 decibel signal-to-noise ratio.
§ 80.963   Main power supply.
(a) A main power supply must be available at all times while the vessel is subject to the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Means must be provided for charging any batteries used as a source of energy. A device which during charging of the batteries gives a continuous indication of charging current must be provided.
§ 80.965   Reserve power supply.
(a) Each passenger vessel of more than 100 gross tons and each cargo vessel of more than 300 gross tons must be provided with a reserve power supply independent of the vessel's normal electrical system and capable of energizing the radiotelephone installation and illuminating the operating controls at the principal operating position for at least 2 continuous hours under normal operating conditions. When meeting this 2-hour requirement, such reserve power supply must be located on the bridge level or at least one deck above the vessel's main deck.
(b) Instead of the independent power supply specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the vessel may be provided with an auxiliary radiotelephone installation having a power source independent of the vessel's normal electrical system. Any such installation must comply with §§ 80.955, 80.956, 80.957, 80.959, 80.961, 80.969 and 80.971, as well as the general technical standards contained in this part. Additionally, the power supply for any such auxiliary radiotelephone must be a “reserve power supply” for the purposes of paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of this section.
(c) Means must be provided for adequately charging any batteries used as a reserve power supply for the required radiotelephone installation. A device must be provided which, during charging of the batteries, gives a continuous indication of charging.
(d) The reserve power supply must be available within one minute.
(e) The station licensee, when directed by the Commission, must prove by demonstration as prescribed in paragraphs (e)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section that the reserve power supply is capable of meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section as follows:
(1) When the reserve power supply includes a battery, proof of the ability of the battery to operate continuously for the required time must be established by a discharge test over the required time, when supplying power at the voltage required for normal operation to an electric load as prescribed by paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(2) When the reserve power supply includes an engine driven generator, proof of the adequacy of the engine fuel supply to operate the unit continuously for the required time may be established by using as a basis the fuel consumption during a continuous period of one hour when supplying power, at the voltage required for normal operation, to an electrical load as prescribed by paragraph (e)(3) of this section.
(3) For the purposes of determining the electrical load to be supplied, the following formula must be used:
(i) One-half of the current of the radiotelephone while transmitting at its rated output, plus one-half the current while not transmitting; plus
(ii) Current of the required receiver; plus
(iii) Current of the source of illumination provided for the operating controls prescribed by § 80.969; plus
(iv) The sum of the currents of all other loads to which the reserve power supply may provide power in time of emergency or distress.
(4) At the conclusion of the test specified in paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this section, no part of the reserve power supply must have excessive temperature rise, nor must the specific gravity or voltage of any battery be below the 90 percent discharge point.
§ 80.967   Antenna system.
The antenna must be omnidirectional, vertically polarized and located as high as practicable on the masts or superstructure of the vessel.
§ 80.969   Illumination of operating controls.
(a) The radiotelephone must have dial lights which illuminate the operating controls at the principal operating position.
(b) Instead of dial lights, a light from an electric lamp may be provided to illuminate the operating controls of the radiotelephone at the principal operating position. If a reserve power supply is required, arrangements must permit the use of that power supply for illumination within one minute.
§ 80.971   Test of radiotelephone installation.
At least once during each calendar day a vessel subject to this subpart must test communications on 156.800 MHz to demonstrate that the radiotelephone installation is in proper operating condition unless the normal daily use of the equipment demonstrates that this installation is in proper operating condition. If equipment is not in operating condition, the master must have it restored to effective operation as soon as possible.
§ 80.1001   Applicability.
The Bridge-to-Bridge Act and the regulations of this part apply to the following vessels in the navigable waters of the United States:
(a) Every power-driven vessel of 20 meters or over in length while navigating;
(b) Every vessel of 100 gross tons and upward carrying one or more passengers for hire while navigating;
(c) Every towing vessel of 7.8 meters (26 feet) or over in length, measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer, while navigating; and
(d) Every dredge and floating plant engaged, in or near a channel or fairway, in operations likely to restrict or affect navigation of other vessels. An unmanned or intermittently manned floating plant under the control of a dredge shall not be required to have a separate radiotelephone capability.
§ 80.1003   Station required.
Vessels subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Act must have a radiotelephone installation to enable the vessel to participate in navigational communications. This radiotelephone installation must be continuously associated with the ship even though a portable installation is used. Foreign vessels coming into U.S. waters where a bridge-to-bridge station is required may fulfill this requirement by use of portable equipment brought a board by the pilot. Non portable equipment, when used, must be arranged to facilitate repair. The equipment must be protected against vibration, moisture, temperature and excessive currents and voltages.
§ 80.1005   Inspection of station.
The bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone station will be inspected on vessels subject to regular inspections pursuant to the requirements of Parts II and III of Title III of the Communications Act, the Safety Convention, or subpart T of this part at the time of the regular inspection. If after such inspection, the Commission determines that the Bridge-to-Bridge Act, the rules of the Commission and the station license are met, an endorsement will be made on the appropriate document. The validity of the endorsement will run concurrently with the period of the regular inspection. Each vessel must carry a certificate with a valid endorsement while subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Act. All other bridge-to-bridge stations will be inspected from time-to-time. An inspection of the bridge-to-bridge station on a vessel subject to subpart T of this part must normally be made at the same time as the inspection required under subpart T of this part and must be conducted by a technician holding one of the following: a General Radiotelephone Operator License, a GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, a Radiotelegraph Operator License, a Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, or a First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate. Additionally, the technician must not be the vessel's owner, operator, master, or an employee of any of them. Ships subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Act may, in lieu of an endorsed certificate, certify compliance in the station log required by section 80.409(f).
§ 80.1007   Bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone installation.
Use of the bridge-to-bridge transmitter must be restricted to the master or person in charge of the vessel, or the person designated by the master or person in charge to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel. Communications must be of a navigational nature exclusively.
§ 80.1009   Principal operator and operating position.
The principal operating position of the bridge-to-bridge station must be the vessel's navigational bridge or, in the case of dredges, its main control station. If the radiotelephone installation can be operated from any location other than the principal operating position, the principal operating position must be able to take full control of the installation.
§ 80.1011   Transmitter.
(a) The bridge-to-bridge transmitter must be capable of transmission of G3E emission on the navigational frequency 156.650 MHz (Channel 13) and the Coast Guard liaison frequency 157.100 MHz (Channel 22A). Additionally, the bridge-to-bridge transmitter must be capable of transmission of G3E emission on the navigational frequency of 156.375 MHz (Channel 67) while transiting any of the following waters:
(1) The lower Mississippi River from the territorial sea boundary, and within either the Southwest Pass safety fairway or the South Pass safety fairway specified in § 166.200 of the U.S. Coast Guard's Rules, 33 CFR 166.200, to mile 242.4 AHP (Above Head of Passes) near Baton Rouge;
(2) The Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet from the territorial sea boundary, and within the Mississippi River-Gulf outlet Safety Fairway specified in § 166.200 of the U.S. Coast Guard's Rules, 33 CFR 166.200, to that channel's junction with the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal; and
(3) The full length of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal from its junction with the Mississippi River to that canal's entry to Lake Pontchartrain at the New Seabrook vehicular bridge.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 80.1013   Receiver.
The bridge-to-bridge receiver must be capable of reception of G3E emission on the navigational frequency 156.650 MHz (Channel 13) and the Coast Guard liaison frequency 157.100 MHz (Channel 22A). In addition, the bridge-to-bridge receiver must be capable of reception of G3E emission on the navigational frequency of 156.375 MHz (Channel 67) while transiting in the waters of the lower Mississippi River as described in §§ 80.1011 (a)(1), (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this part.
§ 80.1015   Power supply.
(a) There must be readily available for use under normal load conditions, a power supply sufficient to simultaneously energize the bridge-to-bridge transmitter at its required antenna power, and the bridge-to-bridge receiver. Under this load condition the voltage of the power supply at the power input terminals of the bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone installation must not deviate from its rated voltage by more than 10 percent on vessels completed on or after March 1, 1957, nor by more than 15 percent on vessels completed before that date.
(b) When the power supply for a nonportable bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone installation consists of or includes batteries, they must be installed as high above the bilge as practicable, secured against shifting with motion of the vessel, and accessible with not less than 26 cm (10 in.) head room.
(c) Means must be provided for adequately charging any rechargeable batteries used in the vessel's bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone installation. There must be provided a device which will give a continuous indication of the charging current during charging.
§ 80.1017   Antenna system.
(a) An antenna must be provided for nonportable bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone installations which is nondirectional and vertically polarized. The construction and installation of this antenna must insure proper operation in time of an emergency.
(b) In cases where portable bridge-to-bridge equipment is permanently associated with a vessel, the equipment must be provided with a connector for an external antenna of a type capable of meeting requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and § 80.71. The vessel must be equipped with an external antenna meeting requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and § 80.71, capable of use with the portable equipment during a normal listening watch.
§ 80.1019   Antenna radio frequency indicator.
Each nonportable bridge-to-bridge transmitter must be equipped, at each point of control, with a carrier operated device which will provide continuous visual indication when the transmitter is supplying power to the antenna transmission line or, in lieu thereof, a pilot lamp or meter which will provide continuous visual indication when the transmitter control circuits have been placed in a condition to activate the transmitter.
§ 80.1021   Nameplate.
A durable nameplate must be mounted on the required radiotelephone or be an integral part of it. When the transmitter and receiver comprise a single unit, one nameplate is sufficient. The nameplate must show at least the name of the manufacturer and the type or model number.
§ 80.1023   Test of radiotelephone installation.
Unless normal use of the required radiotelephone installation demonstrates that the equipment is in proper operating condition, a test communication for this purpose must be made by a qualified operator each day the vessel is navigated. If the equipment is not in proper operating condition, the master must be promptly notified. The master must have it restored to effective operating condition as soon as possible.
§ 80.1051   Scope.
This subpart describes the technical and performance requirements for EPIRB stations.
§ 80.1053   Prohibition on certification, manufacture, importation, sale or use of Class A, Class B, Class S, and INMARSAT-E EPIRBs.
The manufacture, importation, sale or use of Class A, Class B, Class S, or INMARSAT-E EPIRBs is prohibited. New Class A, Class B, Class S, or INMARSAT-E EPIRBs will no longer be certified by the Commission.
§§ 80.1055-80.1059   [Reserved]
§ 80.1061   Special requirements for 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB stations.
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph (b) of this section, 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs must meet all the technical and performance standards contained in RTCM 11000 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), and must also comply with the standards specified in § 80.1101(c)(5). Beginning January 17, 2018, all new applications for certification of 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs must demonstrate compliance with the requirements of RTCM 11000. 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs that do not meet the requirements of RTCM 11000 shall not be manufactured, imported, or sold in the United States beginning January 17, 2020. Operation of 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs that do not meet the requirements of RTCM 11000 shall be prohibited on vessels subject to 47 CFR subparts R, S, or W beginning January 17, 2023. Existing 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs that do not meet the requirements of RTCM 11000 must be operated as certified.
(b) The 406.0-406.1 EPIRB must contain as an integral part a “homing” beacon operating only on 121.500 MHz that meets all the requirements described in the RTCM Recommended Standards document described in paragraph (a) of this section. The 121.500 MHz “homing” beacon must have a continuous duty cycle that may be interrupted during the transmission of the 406.0-406.1 MHz signal only. Additionally, at least 30 percent of the total power emitted during any transmission cycle must be contained within plus or minus 30 Hz of the carrier frequency.
(c) Prior to submitting a certification application for a 406.0-406.1 MHz radiobeacon, the radiobeacon must be certified by a test facility recognized by one of the COSPAS-SARSAT Partners that the equipment satisfies the design characteristics associated with the measurement methods incorporated in RTCM Standard 11000 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7). Additionally, the radiobeacon must be subjected to the environmental and operational tests associated with the test procedures described in Appendix A of RTCM Standard 11000, by a test facility accepted by the U.S. Coast Guard for this purpose. Information regarding accepted test facilities may be obtained from Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20593-7126, http://cgmix.uscg.mil/EQLabs/EQLabsSearch.aspx.
(1) After a 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB has been certified by the recognized test facilities the following information must be submitted in duplicate to typeapproval@uscg.mil or the Commandant (CG-ENF-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509:
(i) The name of the manufacturer or grantee and model number of the EPIRB;
(ii) Copies of the certificate and test data obtained from the test facility recognized by a COSPAS/SARSAT Partner showing that the radiobeacon complies with the COSPAS-SARSAT design characteristics associated with the measurement methods incorporated in RTCM 11000;
(iii) Copies of the test report and test data obtained from the test facility recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard showing that the radiobeacon complies with the U.S. Coast Guard environmental and operational characteristics associated with the measurement methods described in Appendix A of the RTCM Recommended Standards; and
(iv) Instruction manuals associated with the radiobeacon, description of the test characteristics of the readiobeacon including assembly drawings, electrical schematics, description of parts list, specifications of materials and the manufacturer's quality assurance program.
(2) After reviewing the information described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section the U.S. Coast Guard will issue a letter stating whether the radiobeacon satisfies all RTCM Recommended Standards.
(d) A certification application for a 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB must also contain a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard letter that states the radiobeacon satisfies all RTCM Recommended Standards, a copy of the technical test data, and the instruction manual(s).
(e) An identification code, recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Program Manager for the 406.0-406.1 MHz COSPAS/SARSAT satellite system, must be programmed in each EPIRB unit to establish a unique identification for each EPIRB station. With each marketable EPIRB unit, the manufacturer or grantee must include a postage pre-paid registration card printed with the EPIRB identification code addressed to: NOAA/SARSAT Beacon Registration, NSOF, E/SPO53, 1315 East West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910-9684. The registration card must request the owner's name, address, telephone number, type of ship, alternate emergency contact and other information as required by NOAA. The registration card must also contain information regarding the availability to register the EPIRB at NOAA's online web-based registration database at: http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov. In addition, the following statement must be included: “WARNING—failure to register this EPIRB with NOAA before installation could result in a monetary forfeiture being issued to the owner.”
(f) To enhance protection of life and property it is mandatory that each 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB be registered with NOAA before installation and that information be kept up-to-date. Therefore, in addition to the identification plate or label requirements contained in §§ 2.925 and 2.926 of this chapter, each 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB must be provided on the outside with a clearly discernible permanent plate or label containing the following statement: “The owner of this 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB must register the NOAA identification code contained on this label with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) whose address is: NOAA/SARSAT Beacon Registration, NSOF, E/SPO53, 1315 East West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910-9684.” Vessel owners shall advise NOAA in writing upon change of vessel or EPIRB ownership, transfer of EPIRB to another vessel, or any other change in registration information. NOAA will provide registrants with proof of registration and change of registration postcards.
(g) For 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs whose identification code can be changed after manufacture, the identification code shown on the plate or label must be easily replaceable using commonly available tools.
§ 80.1065   Applicability.
(a) The regulations contained within this subpart apply to all passenger ships regardless of size and cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards.
(b) The requirements of this subpart do not modify the requirements for ships navigated on the Great Lakes or small passenger boats. The requirements contained in subpart T of this part continue to apply. The requirements contained in part III of title III of the Communications Act continue to apply (see subpart S of this part).
(c) No provision in this subpart is intended to prevent the use by any ship, survival craft, or person in distress, of any means at their disposal to attract attention, make known their position and obtain help.
§ 80.1067   Inspection of station.
(a) Ships must have the required equipment inspected at least once every 12 months by an FCC-licensed technician holding a GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License. If the ship passes the inspection the technician will issue a Safety Certificate. Safety Certificates may be obtained from the Commission's National Call Center at 1-888-CALL FCC (1-888-225-5322). The effective date of the ship Safety Certificate is the date the station is found to be in compliance or not later than one business day later. The FCC-licensed technician must use the latest FCC Information Bulletin, How to Conduct a GMDSS Inspection, which may be obtained at http://www.fcc.gov .
(b) Certificates issued in accordance with the Safety Convention must be posted in a prominent and accessible place on the ship.
§ 80.1069   Maritime sea areas.
(a) For the purpose of this subpart, a ship's area of operation is defined as follows:
(1) Sea area A1. An area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available as defined by the International Maritime Organization.
(2) Sea area A2. An area, excluding sea area A1, within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available as defined by the International Maritime Organization.
(3) Sea area A3. An area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the coverage of an INMARSAT geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available.
(4) Sea area A4. An area outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3.
(b) Maritime sea areas are delineated in the International Maritime Organization Publication GMDSS Master Plan of Shore-Based Facilities. The Master Plan can be purchased from the International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom.
§ 80.1071   Exemptions.
(a) In certain circumstances, partial or conditional exemptions may be granted to individual ships from the requirements of §§ 80.1085, 80.1087, 80.1089, 80.1091, and 80.1093 provided: such ships comply with the functional requirements of § 80.1081 and a showing is made that such an exemption will not have a material effect upon the general efficiency of the service for the safety of all ships.
(b) An exemption may be granted under paragraph (a) of this section only:
(1) If the conditions affecting safety are such as to render the full application of §§ 80.1085, 80.1087, 80.1089, 80.1091, and 80.1093 unreasonable or unnecessary or otherwise not in the public interest;
(2) In exceptional circumstances, for a single voyage outside the sea area or sea areas for which the ship is equipped.
(c) All fishing vessels of 300 gross tons and upward are exempt from subpart W requirements applicable for carriage of VHF-DSC and MF-DSC equipment until one year after the USCG establishes GMDSS coast facilities for Sea Areas A1 and A2, if the following provisions are met:
(1) The ship is equipped with:
(i) A VHF radiotelephone installation.
(ii) A MF or HF radiotelephone installation.
(iii) A Category 1, 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB meeting the requirements of § 80.1061;
(iv) A NAVTEX receiver meeting the requirements of § 80.1101(c)(1);
(v) Survival craft equipment meeting the requirements of § 80.1095;
(vi) A Search and Rescue Transponder meeting the requirements of § 80.1101(c)(6); and
(2) The ship remains within coverage of a VHF coast station and maintains a continuous watch on VHF Channel 16; or
(3) The vessel remains within coverage of an MF coast station and maintains a continuous watch on 2182 kHz and VHF Channel 16.
§ 80.1073   Radio operator requirements for ship stations.
(a) Ships must carry at least two persons holding GMDSS Radio Operator's Licenses as specified in § 13.7 of this chapter for distress and safety radiocommunications purposes. The GMDSS Radio Operator's License qualifies personnel as a GMDSS radio operator for the purposes of operating a GMDSS radio installation, including basic equipment adjustments as denoted in the knowledge requirements specified in § 13.203 of this chapter.
(1) A qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents, except if the vessel operates exclusively within twenty nautical miles of shore, in which case a qualified restricted radio operator may be so designated.
(2) A second qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated as backup for distress and safety radiocommunications, except if the vessel operates exclusively within twenty nautical miles of shore, in which case a qualified restricted GMDSS radio operator may be so designated.
(b) A qualified GMDSS radio operator, and a qualified backup, as specified in paragraph (a) of this section must be:
(1) Available to act as the dedicated radio operator in cases of distress as described in § 80.1109(a);
(2) Designated to perform as part of normal routine each of the applicable communications described in § 80.1109(b);
(3) Responsible for selecting HF DSC guard channels and receiving scheduled maritime safety information broadcasts;
(4) Designated to perform communications described in § 80.1109(c);
(5) Responsible for ensuring that the watches required by § 80.1123 are properly maintained; and
(6) Responsible for ensuring that the ship's navigation position is entered into all installed DSC equipment, either automatically through a connected or integral navigation receiver, or manually at least every four hours when the ship is underway.
§ 80.1074   Radio maintenance personnel for at-sea maintenance.
(a) Ships that elect the at-sea option for maintenance of GMDSS equipment (see § 80.1105) must carry at least one person who qualifies as a GMDSS radio maintainer, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, for the maintenance and repair of equipment specified in this subpart. This person may be, but need not be, the person designated as GMDSS radio operator as specified in § 80.1073.
(b) The following licenses qualify personnel as GMDSS radio maintainers to perform at-sea maintenance of equipment specified in this subpart. For the purposes of this subpart, no order is intended by this listing or the alphanumeric designator.
(1) DM: GMDSS Maintainer's License;
(2) DB: GMDSS Operator's/Maintainer's License.
(c) While at sea, all adjustments of radio installations, servicing, or maintenance of such installations that may affect the proper operation of the GMDSS station must be performed by, or under the immediate supervision and responsibility of, a qualified GMDSS radio maintainer as specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) The GMDSS radio maintainer must possess the knowledge covering the requirements set forth in IMO Assembly on Training for Radio Personnel (GMDSS), Annex 5 and IMO Assembly on Radio Maintenance Guidelines for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System related to Sea Areas A3 and A4.
§ 80.1075   Radio records.
A record must be kept, as required by the Radio Regulations and § 80.409 (a), (b) and (e), of all incidents connected with the radiocommunication service which appear to be of importance to safety of life at sea.
§ 80.1077   Frequencies.
The following table describes the frequencies used in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System:
1 Frequency 156.525 MHz can be used for ship-to-ship alerting and, if within sea area A1, for ship-to-shore alerting.
2 For ships equipped with MF/HF equipment, there is a watch requirement on 2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz, and one other frequency.
3 Frequency 2187.5 kHz can be used for ship-to-ship alerting and, if within sea area A2, for ship-to-shore alerting.
4 Frequency 156.8 MHz may also be used by aircraft for safety purposes only.
5 Frequency 121.5 MHz may be used by ships for aeronautical distress and urgency purposes.
6 The priority of use for ship-aircraft communications is 4125 kHz, then 3023 kHz. Additionally, frequencies 123.1 MHz, 3023 kHz and 5680 kHz can be used by land stations engaged in coordinated search and rescue operations.
7 The international NAVTEX frequency 518 kHz is the primary frequency for receiving maritime safety information. The other frequencies are used only to augment the coverage or information provided on 518 kHz.
8 [Reserved]
9 [Reserved]
10 In addition to EPIRBs, 1544-1545 MHz can be used for narrowband distress and safety operations and 1645.5-1646.5 MHz can be used for relay of distress alerts between satellites. Feeder links for satellite communications are assigned from the fixed satellite service, see 47 CFR § 2.106.
11 [Reserved]
§ 80.1081   Functional requirements.
Ships, while at sea, must be capable:
(a) Except as provided in §§ 80.1087(a)(1) and 80.1091(a)(4)(iii), of transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radiocommunication service;
(b) Of receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts;
(c) Of transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts;
(d) Of transmitting and receiving search and rescue co-ordinating communications;
(e) Of transmitting and receiving on-scene communications;
(f) Of transmitting and receiving signals for locating;
(g) Of transmitting and receiving maritime safety information;
(h) Of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications to and from shore-based radio sytsems or networks; and
(i) Of transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications.
§ 80.1083   Ship radio installations.
(a) Ships must be provided with radio installations capable of complying with the functional requirements prescribed by § 80.1081 throughout its intended voyage and, unless exempted under § 80.1071, complying with the requirements of § 80.1085 and, as appropriate for the sea area of areas through which it will pass during its intended voyage, the requirements of either § 80.1087, § 80.1089, § 80.1091, or § 80.1093.
(b) The radio installation must:
(1) Be so located that no harmful interference of mechanical, electrical or other origin affects its proper use, and so as to ensure electromagnetic compatibility and avoidance of harmful interaction with other equipment and systems;
(2) Be so located as to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety and operational availability;
(3) Be protected against harmful effects of water, extremes of temperature and other adverse environmental conditions;
(4) Be provided with reliable, permanently arranged electrical lighting, independent of the main and emergency sources of electrical power, for the adequate illumination of the radio controls for operating the radio installation; and
(5) Be clearly marked with the call sign, the ship station identity and other codes as applicable for the use of the radio installation.
(c) Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels required for navigational safety must be immediately available on the navigating bridge convenient to the conning position and, where necessary, facilities should be available to permit radiocommunications from the wings of the navigating bridge. Portable VHF equipment may be used to meet the latter provision.
(d) Shipborne Integrated Radiocommunication System (IRCS) may be utilized to integrate all GMDSS equipment into a standard operator's console. Such installation must be certified in accordance with § 80.1103 and meet the requirements of IMO Resolution A.811(19) (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7).
(e) In passenger ships, a distress panel shall be installed at the conning position. This panel shall contain either one single button which, when pressed, initiates a distress alert using all radiocommunications installations required on board for that purpose or one button for each individual installation. The panel shall clearly and visually indicate whenever any button or buttons have been pressed. Means shall be provided to prevent inadvertent activation of the button or buttons. If the satellite EPIRB is used as the secondary means of distress alerting and is not remotely activated, it shall be acceptable to have an additional EPIRB installed in the wheelhouse near the conning position.
(f) In passenger ships, information on the ship's position shall be continuously and automatically provided to all relevant radiocommunications equipment to be included in the initial distress alert when the button or buttons on the distress panel is pressed.
(g) In passenger ships, a distress alarm panel shall be installed at the conning position. The distress alarm panel shall provide visual and aural indication of any distress alert or alerts received on board and shall also indicate through which radiocommunication service the distress alerts have been received.
§ 80.1085   Ship radio equipment—General.
This section contains the general equipment requirements for all ships subject to this subpart.
(a) Ships must be provided with:
(1) A VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving:
(i) DSC on the frequency 156.525 MHz (channel 70), and it must be able to initiate the transmission of distress alerts on channel 70 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated; and
(ii) Radiotelephony on the frequencies 156.300 MHz (channel 6), 156.650 MHz (channel 13), and 156.800 MHz (channel 16);
(2) A dedicated, non-scanning radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on VHF channel 70 which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section;
(3) A radar transponder capable of operating in the 9 GHz band or an AIS-SART, which must be stowed so that it is easily utilized (this device may be one of those required by § 80.1095(b) for a survival craft);
(4) A receiver capable of receiving international NAVTEX service broadcasts;
(5) If the ship is engaged on voyages in any area of INMARSAT coverage in which an international NAVTEX service is not provided, a radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the INMARSAT enhanced group calling system, i.e., SafetyNet, (this requirement does not apply to ships engaged exclusively on voyages in areas where an HF direct-printing telegraphy maritime safety information service, as identified by the IMO GMDSS Master Plan Publication, is provided and the ship is fitted with equipment capable of receiving such service); and
(6) A satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB) which must be:
(i) Capable of transmitting a distress alert through the polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406.0-406.1 MHz band (406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB); and
(ii) Installed in an easily accessible position, ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft, capable of floating free if the ship sinks and of being automatically activated when afloat, and capable of being activated manually.
(iii) Examined and tested annually in accordance with the IMO standard, IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1040 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7). See § 80.1105(k).
(b) Ships must carry either the most recent edition of the IMO publication entitled GMDSS Master Plan of Shore-Based Facilities, the U.S. NGA Publication 117, or the Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volume 5 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. Notice of new editions will be published on the Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Web page under “Marine Services” and information will be provided about obtaining the new document.
(c) All GMDSS equipment capable of transmitting an automatic distress alert which includes position of the ship must have either an integral navigation receiver or capability of being connected to an external navigation receiver. If an external navigation receiver is installed, it shall be connected to all of the alerting devices referred to in paragraph (a) of this section. If there is no navigation receiver, the position must be entered manually for each alerting device at least once every 4 hours (at the change of the navigation watch).
(d) Every passenger ship shall be provided with means for two-way on-scene radiocommunications for search and rescue purposes using the aeronautical frequencies 121.5 and 123.1 MHz from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.
§ 80.1087   Ship radio equipment—Sea area A1.
This section contains the additional equipment requirements for ships that remain within sea area A1 at all times.
(a) In addition to meeting the requirements of § 80.1085, ships engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area A1 must be provided with a radio installation capable of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts from the position from which the ship is normally navigated, operating either:
(1) On VHF using DSC; or
(2) Through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406.0-406.1 MHz (this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB required by § 80.1085(a)(6), either by installing the EPIRB close to, or by allowing remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated); or
(3) On MF using DSC if the ship is engaged on voyages within coverage of MF coast stations equipped with DSC; or
(4) On HF using DSC; or
(5) Through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service if within INMARSAT coverage. This requirement may be fulfilled by an INMARSAT ship earth station capable of two way communication.
(b) The VHF radio installation, required by § 80.1085(a)(1), must also be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony.
§ 80.1089   Ship radio equipment—Sea areas A1 and A2.
This section contains the additional equipment requirements for ships that remain within sea areas A1 or A2 at all times. Ships fitting in accordance with this section satisfy the sea area A1 requirements denoted in § 80.1087.
(a) In addition to meeting the requirements of § 80.1085, ships engaged on voyages beyond sea area A1, but remaining within sea area A2, must be provided with:
(1) An MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on the frequencies:
(i) 2187.5 kHz using DSC; and
(ii) 2182 kHz using radiotelephony;
(2) A radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2187.5 kHz which may be separate from or combined with, that required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section; and
(3) Means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service other than MF operating either:
(i) Through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406.0-406.1 MHz (this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB required by § 80.1085(a)(6), either by installing the EPIRB close to, or by allowing remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated); or
(ii) On HF using DSC; or
(iii) Through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service if within INMARSAT coverage; this requirement may be fulfilled by an INMARSAT ship earth station.
(b) It must be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) of this section from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.
(c) Ships subject to this section must be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy by either:
(1) A radio installation operating on working frequencies in the bands between 1605-4000 kHz or between 4000-27500 kHz (this requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability to the equipment required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section); or
(2) An INMARSAT ship earth station.
§ 80.1091   Ship radio equipment—Sea areas A1, A2, and A3.
This section contains the additional equipment requirements for ships that remain within sea areas A1, A2, or A3 at all times. Ships fitting in accordance with this section satisfy the requirements denoted in § 80.1087 or § 80.1089 for sea-areas A1 and A2. Ships fitting in accordance to this section have the option to comply with either the requirements of paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.
(a) In addition to meeting the requirements of § 80.1085, ships subject to this section must be provided with:
(1) An INMARSAT ship earth station capable of:
(i) Transmitting and receiving distress and safety data communications;
(ii) Initiating and receiving distress priority calls;
(iii) Maintaining watch for shore-to-ship distress alert, including those directed to specifically defined geographical areas;
(iv) Transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications, using either radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy; and
(2) An MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on the frequencies:
(i) 2187.5 kHz using DSC; and
(ii) 2182 kHz using radiotelephony; and
(3) A radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2187.5 kHz which may be separate from or combined with that required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section; and
(4) Means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service operating either:
(i) Through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406.0-406.1 MHz (this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB required by § 80.1085(a)(6), either by installing the EPIRB close to, or by allowing remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated); or
(ii) On HF using DSC: or
(iii) Through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service, by an additional ship earth station.
For ships subject to this subpart, sailing only in domestic waters, alternative satellite system fitting may be considered. However, the satellite system fitted must comply with all features of the INMARSAT system for its intended function. These are shown in IMO Resolution A.801(19) and in IMO Resolution A.1001(25) (both incorporated by reference, see § 80.7). In any case, the alternative satellite system must provide continuous coverage for all sea areas in which the ship intends to sail.
(b) In addition to meeting the requirements of § 80.1085, ships subject to this section must be provided with:
(1) An MF/HF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving on all distress and safety frequencies in the bands between 1605-27500 kHz using DSC, radiotelephony, and narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy; and
(2) Equipment capable of maintaining DSC watch on 2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz and on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz, or 16804.5 kHz although it must be possible to select any of these DSC distress and safety frequencies at any time (this equipment may be separate from, or combined with, the equipment required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section); and
(3) Means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radiocommunication service other than HF operating either:
(i) Through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406.0-406.1 MHz (this requirement may be fulfilled by the 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB required by § 80.1085(a)(6), either by installing the 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB close to, or by allowing remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated); or
(ii) Through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service (this requirement may be fulfilled by an INMARSAT ship earth station).
(4) In addition, ships must be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy by an MF/HF radio installation operating on working frequencies in the bands between 1605-4000 kHz and between 4000-27500 kHz (this requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability to the equipment required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section).
(c) It must be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(4), (b)(1), and (b)(3) of this section from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.
§ 80.1093   Ship radio equipment—Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.
This section contains the additional equipment requirements for ships that sail in all sea areas, i.e., sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. Ships fitting in accordance with this section satisfy the requirements denoted in §§ 80.1087, 80.1089, and 80.1091 for sea areas A1, A2, and A3.
(a) In addition to meeting the requirements of § 80.1085 of this part, ships engaged on voyages in all sea areas must be provided with the radio installations and equipment required by § 80.1091(b), except that the equipment required by § 80.1091(b)(3)(ii) and § 80.1091(b)(3)(iii) cannot be accepted as an alternative to that required by § 80.1091(b)(3)(i), which must always be provided.
(b) Ships engaged on voyages in all sea areas also must comply with the requirements of § 80.1091(c).
§ 80.1095   Survival craft equipment.
(a) At least three two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus must be provided on every passenger ship and on every cargo ship of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards. At least two two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus must be provided on every cargo ship of between 300-500 tons gross tonnage. Portable two-way VHF radiotelephones must be stowed in such locations that they can be rapidly placed in any survival craft other than life rafts required by Regulation III/26.1.4 of the SOLAS Convention. (The SOLAS Convention can be purchased from International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications, International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom; telephone 011 44 71 735 7611, www.imo.org. ) Alternatively, survival craft may be fitted with a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone installation. Two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus, portable or fixed, must conform to performance standards as specified in § 80.1101.
(b) At least one radar transponder or AIS-SART (collectively, “search and rescue locating devices”) must be carried on each side of every passenger ship and every cargo ship of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards. At least one search and rescue locating device must be carried on every cargo ship of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage. Such search and rescue locating devices must conform to performance standards as specified in § 80.233 for AIS-SARTs or § 80.1101 for radar transponders. The search and rescue locating devices must be stowed in such locations that they can be rapidly placed in any survival craft other than liferafts required on cargo ships in forward and aft areas (see Regulation III/26.1.4 of the SOLAS Convention). Alternatively, one search and rescue locating device must be stowed in each survival craft other than those required by Regulation III/26.1.4 of the SOLAS Convention. One of these search and rescue locating devices may be the search and rescue locating device required by § 80.1085(a)(3).
(c) Survival craft equipment must be tested at intervals not to exceed twelve months. For batteries used for survival craft equipment, the month and year of its manufacture must be permanently marked on the battery. Also, the month and year upon which 50 percent of its useful life will expire must be permanently marked on both the battery and the outside of the transmitter. Batteries must be replaced if 50 percent of their useful life has expired or if the transmitter has been used in an emergency situation.
§ 80.1099   Ship sources of energy.
(a) There must be available at all times, while the ship is at sea, a supply of electrical energy sufficient to operate the radio installations and to charge any batteries used as part of a reserve source of energy for the radio installations.
(b) A reserve source of energy to supply radio installations must be provided on every ship for the purpose of conducting distress and safety radiocommunications, in the event of failure of the ship's main and emergency sources of electrical power. The reserve sources of energy must be capable of simultaneously operating the VHF radio installation required by § 80.1085(a)(1) and, as appropriate for the sea area or sea areas for which the ship is equipped, either the MF radio installation required by § 80.1089(a)(1), the MF/HF radio installation required by § 80.1091(a)(2)(i) or § 80.1093(a), or the INMARSAT ship earth station required by § 80.1091(a)(1) and any of the additional loads mentioned in paragraphs (d), (e) and (h) of this section for a period of at least:
(1) One hour, on ships constructed on or after February 1, 1995;
(2) One hour, on ships constructed before February 1, 1995, if the emergency source of electrical power complies fully with all relevant requirements of SOLAS, Chapter II-1, Regulation 42 or 43 (as amended); or
(3) Six hours, on ships constructed before February 1, 1995, and on cargo ships of less than 500 tons gross tonnage, if the emergency source of electrical power is not provided or does not comply fully with all relevant requirements of SOLAS, Chapter II-1, Regulation 42 or 43 (as amended).
(c) The reserve sources of energy need not supply independent HF and MF radio installations at the same time. The reserve sources of energy must be independent of the propelling power of the ship and the ship's electrical system.
(d) Where, in addition to the VHF radio installation, two or more of the other radio installations, referred to in paragraph (b) of this section, can be connected to the reserve sources of energy, they must be capable of simultaneously supplying, for one hour, as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the VHF radio installation and;
(1) All other radio installations which can be connected to the reserve sources of energy at the same time; or
(2) Whichever of the other radio installations will consume the most power, if only one of the other radio installations can be connected to the reserve sources of energy at the same time as the VHF radio installation.
(e) The reserve sources of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required by § 80.1083(b)(4).
(f) Where a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery or batteries:
(1) A means of automatically charging such batteries must be provided which must be capable of recharging them to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours; and
(2) Battery charge levels should be checked at intervals of 30 days or less with equipment turned ON and the battery charger turned OFF. Portable equipment with primary batteries such as EPIRBs and SARTs should be checked at the same intervals using methods recommended by the manufacturer. The results of battery checks should be recorded in the radio log.
(g) The accumulator batteries which provide a reserve source of energy must be installed to ensure: The highest degree of service, a reasonable lifetime, reasonable safety; that the battery temperatures remain within the manufacturer's specifications whether under charge or idle; and that when fully charged, the batteries will provide at least the minimum required hours of operation under all weather conditions.
(h) If an uninterrupted input of information from the ship's navigational or other equipment to a radio installation required by this subpart (including the navigational receiver referred to in SOLAS Chapter IV, Regulation 18) is needed to ensure its proper performance, means must be provided to ensure the continuous supply of such information in the event of failure of the ship's main or emergency source of electrical power.
(i) An uninterruptible power supply or other means of ensuring a continuous supply of electrical power, within equipment tolerances, shall be provided to all GMDSS equipment that could be affected by normal variations and interruptions of ship's power.
§ 80.1101   Performance standards.
(a) The abbreviations used in this section are as follows:
(1) International Maritime Organization (IMO).
(2) International Telecommunication Union—Telecommunication Standardization Bureau (ITU-T) (Standards formerly designated as CCITT are now designated as ITU-T.)
(3) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
(4) International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
(5) International Telecommunication Union—Radiocommunication Bureau (ITU-R) (Standards formerly designated as CCIR are now designated as ITU-R.)
(b) All equipment specified in this subpart must meet the general requirements for shipboard equipment in conformity with performance specifications listed in this paragraph, which are incorporated by reference. ( See § 80.7).
(1) IMO Resolution A.694(17), as revised by IMO Resolution MSC.149(77)
(2) ITU-T E.161.
(3) ITU-T E.164.1.
(4) IEC 60092-101.
(5) IEC 60533.
(6) IEC 60945.
(7) ISO Standard 3791.
(c) The equipment specified in this subpart must also conform to the appropriate performance standards listed in paragraphs (c)(1) through (12) of this section, which are incorporated by reference ( see § 80.7), and must be tested in accordance with the applicable IEC testing standards listed in paragraph (c)(13) of this section, which are also incorporated by reference. ( See § 80.7).
(1) NAVTEX receivers:
(i) IMO Resolution A.525(13), as revised by IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Resolution MSC.148(77).
(ii) ITU-R M.540-2.
(2) VHF radio equipment:
(i) IMO Resolution A.803(19), as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.68(68).
(ii) ITU-R M.493-13.
(iii) ITU-R M.541-9.
(3) MF radio equipment:
(i) IMO Resolution A.804(19), as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.68(68).
(ii) ITU-R M.493-13.
(iii) ITU-R M.541-9.
(4) MF/HF radio equipment:
(i) IMO Resolution A.806(19), as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.68(68).
(ii) ITU-R M.493-13.
(iii) ITU-R M.541-9.
(iv) IMO Resolution A.700(17).
(5) 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs:
(i) IMO Resolution A.810(19), as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.56(66) and IMO Resolution MSC.120(74).
(ii) IMO Resolution A.662(16).
(iii) ITU-R M.633-3.
(iv) The 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs must also comply with § 80.1061.
(6) 9 GHz radar transponders:
(i) IMO Resolution A.802(19), as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.247(83).
(ii) ITU-R M.628-4.
(7) Two-Way VHF radiotelephone:
(i) IMO Resolution A.809(19), as revised by IMO Resolution MSC.149(77).
(ii) IMO Resolution MSC.80(70).
(8) INMARSAT Ship Earth Station Capable of Two-Way Communications: IMO Resolution A.808(19).
(9) INMARSAT-C SES: IMO Resolution A.807(19), as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.68(68).
(10) INMARSAT EGC: IMO Resolution A.664(16).
(11) Shipboard radar:
(i) IEC 60945.
(ii) IEC 62388 Edition 1.0 (2007-12).
(iii) IMO Resolution A.694(17).
(iv) IMO Resolution MSC.191(79).
(v) IMO Resolution MSC.192(79).
(vi) ITU-R M.1177-3.
(12) Automatic Identification Systems (AIS):
(i) ITU-R M.1371-3.
(ii) IMO Resolution MSC.74(69).
(iii) IEC 61162-1.
(iv) IEC 61993-2 .
(13) Standards for testing GMDSS equipment:
(i) IEC 61097-1.
(ii) IEC 61097-3.
(iii) IEC 61097-4.
(iv) IEC 61097-6.
(v) IEC 61097-7.
(vi) IEC 61097-8.
(vii) IEC 61097-9.
(viii) IEC 61097-10.
(ix) IEC 61097-12.
(x) IEC 61097-13.
§ 80.1103   Equipment authorization.
(a) All equipment specified in § 80.1101 must be certified in accordance with subpart J of part 2 of this chapter specifically for GMDSS use, except for equipment used in the INMARSAT space segment which must be type-approved by INMARSAT and are subject to Supplier's Declaration of Conformity pursuant to the procedures in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter specifically for GMDSS use. The technical parameters of the equipment must conform to the performance standards as specified in § 80.1101. For emergency position-indicating radiobeacons operating on 406.0-406.1 MHz (406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs) that were authorized prior to April 15, 1992, and meet the requirements of § 80.1101, the manufacturer may attest by letter that the equipment (indicate FCC ID#) meets the requirements of § 80.1101 and request that it be denoted as approved for GMDSS use.
(b) Applicants for certification must submit with their applications measurement data sufficiently complete to ensure compliance with the technical parameters. The application must include the items listed in 47 CFR 2.1033. Additional measurement data or information may be requested depending upon the equipment. For items not listed in § 2.1033 of this chapter, the applicant must attest that the equipment complies with performance standards as specified in § 80.1101 and, where applicable, that measurements have been made that demonstrate the necessary compliance. Submission of representative data demonstrating compliance is not required unless requested by the Commission.
(c) Applicants using Supplier's Declaration of Conformity must attest that the equipment complies with performance standards as specified in § 80.1101 and, where applicable, that measurements have been made that demonstrate the necessary compliance. Submission of representative data demonstrating compliance is not required unless requested by the Commission. An application must include the items listed in §§ 2.931 and 2.938 of this chapter and a copy of the type-approval certification indicating that equipment meets GMDSS standards and includes all peripheral equipment associated with the specific unit under review.
The verification procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment previously authorized under subpart J of part 2 of this chapter may remain in use. See § 2.950 of this chapter.
(d) Submission of a sample unit is not required unless specifically requested by the Commission.
(e) In addition to the requirements in part 2 of this chapter, equipment specified in § 80.1101 shall be labeled as follows: “This device complies with the GMDSS provisions of part 80 of the FCC rules.” Such a label is not required for emergency position-indicating radiobeacons operating on 406.0-406.1 MHz (406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRBs) that were authorized prior to April 15, 1992.
§ 80.1105   Maintenance requirements.
(a) Equipment must be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration or readjustment. Where applicable, equipment must be constructed and installed so that it is readily accessible for inspection and on-board maintenance purposes. Adequate information must be provided to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained (see IMO Resolution A.569(14)).
(b) Radio equipment required by this subpart must be maintained to provide the availability of the functional requirements specified in § 80.1081 and to meet the performance standards specified in § 80.1101.
(c) On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A1 and A2, the availability must be ensured by duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance, or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, or a combination of these.
(d) On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A3 and A4, the availability must be ensured by using a combination of at least two of the following methods: duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance, or at-sea electronic maintenance capability.
(e) Irrespective of the maintenance methods used, a ship must not depart from any port unless and until the ship is capable of performing all distress and safety functions as specified in § 80.1081.
(f) Irrespective of the maintenance methods used, all manufacturers' instruction manuals and maintenance manuals for each piece of equipment required and installed must be available on-board ship. Adequate tools, spare parts, and test equipment appropriate to the methods used by the ship as recommended by the manufacturer should be provided. The manuals, tools, spare parts, and test equipment, as applicable, should be readily accessible.
(g) If the duplication of equipment maintenance method is used, the following radio installations, in addition to other equipment requirements specified in this subpart, must be available on-board ships for their sea areas as applicable. Equipment carried in accordance with this paragraph must comply with §§ 80.1101 and 80.1103. Additionally, each radio installation must be connected to a separate antenna and be installed and be ready for immediate operation.
(1) Ships, equipped in accordance with § 80.1087 for sea area A1, must carry a VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of § 80.1085(a)(1).
(2) Ships, equipped in accordance with § 80.1089 for sea areas A1 and A2, must carry a VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of § 80.1085(a)(1) and an MF radio installation complying with the requirements of § 80.1089(a)(1) and being able to fully comply with watch requirements as specified in § 80.1123(a)(2). The MF radio installation installed for duplication must also comply with the requirements § 80.1089(c).
(3) Ships, equipped in accordance with § 80.1091 for sea areas A1, A2, and A3, must carry a VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of § 80.1085(a)(1) and either an MF/HF radio installation complying with the requirements of § 80.1091(b)(1) and being able to fully comply with watch requirements as specified in § 80.1123(a)(2) or an INMARSAT ship earth station complying with the requirements of § 80.1091(a)(1). The MF/HF radio installation or the INMARSAT ship earth station installed for duplication must also comply with the requirements § 80.1091(c).
(4) Ships, equipped in accordance with § 80.1093 for sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4, must carry a VHF radio installation complying with the requirement of § 80.1085(a)(1) and an MF/HF radio installation complying with the requirements of § 80.1091(b)(1) and being able to fully comply with watch requirements as specified in § 80.1123(a)(2). The MF/HF radio installation installed for duplication must also comply with the requirements § 80.1091(c).
(h) The radio installations specified in paragraph (g) of this section (referred as “duplicated equipment”), in addition to the appropriate radio equipment specified in § 80.1099 (referred as “basic equipment”), must be connected to the reserve sources of energy required by § 80.1099. The capacity of the reserve sources of energy should be sufficient to operate the particular installation ( i.e., the basic equipment or the duplicated equipment) with the highest power consumption, for the appropriate period specified in § 80.1099. However, the arrangement for the reserve sources of energy must be such that a single fault in this arrangement cannot affect both the basic and the duplicated equipment.
(i) If the shore-based maintenance method is used, the following requirements apply.
(1) Maintenance services must be completed and performance verified and noted in the ship's record before departure from the first port of call entered after any failure occurs.
(2) Each GMDSS equipment must be tested and performance verified and the results noted in the ship's record before departure from every port. To accomplish this, each ship shall carry a performance checkoff sheet listing each GMDSS equipment carried on a mandatory basis.
(j) If the at-sea maintenance method is used, the following requirements apply.
(1) Adequate additional technical documentation, tools, test equipment, and spare parts must be carried on-board ship to enable a qualified maintainer as specified in § 80.1074 to perform tests and localize and repair faults in the radio equipment.
(2) Only persons that comply with the requirements of § 80.1074 may perform at-sea maintenance on radio installations required by this subpart.
(k) Satellite EPIRBs shall be tested at intervals not exceeding 12 months for all aspects of operational efficiency with particular emphasis on frequency stability, signal strength and coding. The test may be conducted on board the ship or at an approved testing or servicing station.
§ 80.1107   Test of radiotelephone station.
Unless the normal use of the required radiotelephone station demonstrates that the equipment is operating, a test communication on a required or working frequency must be made each day the ship is navigated. When this test is performed by a person other than the master and the equipment is found to be defective, the master must be promptly notified.
§ 80.1109   Distress, urgency, and safety communications.
(a) Distress traffic consists of all messages relating to the immediate assistance required by the ship in distress, including search and rescue communications and on-scene communications. Distress traffic must as far as possible be on the frequencies contained in § 80.1077.
(b) Urgency and safety communications include: navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information; ship-to-ship safety navigation communications; ship reporting communications; support communications for search and rescue operations; other urgency and safety messages and communications relating to the navigation, movements and needs of ships and weather observation messages destined for an official meteorological service.
(c) Intership navigation safety communications are those VHF radiotelephone communications conducted between ships for the purpose of contributing to the safe movement of ships. The frequency 156.650 MHz is used for intership navigation safety communications (see § 80.1077).
§ 80.1111   Distress alerting.
(a) The transmission of a distress alert indicates that a mobile unit or person is in distress and requires immediate assistance. The distress alert is a digital selective call using a distress call format in bands used for terrestrial radiocommunication or a distress message format, which is relayed through space stations.
(b) The distress alert must be sent through a satellite either with absolute priority in general communication channels or on exclusive distress and safety frequencies or, alternatively, on the distress and safety frequencies in the MF, HF, and VHF bands using digital selective calling.
(c) The distress alert must be sent only on the authority of the person responsible for the ship, aircraft or other vehicle carrying the mobile station or the mobile earth station.
(d) All stations which receive a distress alert transmitted by digital selective calling must immediately cease any transmission capable of interfering with distress traffic and must continue watch on the digital selective call distress calling channel until the call has been acknowledged to determine if a coast station acknowledges the call using digital selective calling. Additionally, the station receiving the distress alert must set watch on the associated distress traffic frequency for five minutes to determine if distress traffic takes place. The ship can acknowledge the call using voice or narrowband direct printing as appropriate on this channel to the ship or to the rescue authority.
§ 80.1113   Transmission of a distress alert.
(a) The distress alert must identify the station in distress and its position. The distress alert may also contain information regarding the nature of the distress, the type of assistance required, the course and speed of the mobile unit, the time that this information was recorded and any other information which might facilitate rescue.
(b) The format of distress calls and distress messages must be in accordance with ITU-R M.493-13 and ITU-R M.541-9 (both incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), as specified in § 80.1101.
(c) Ship-to-shore distress alerts are used to alert Rescue Coordination Centers via coast stations or coast earth stations that a ship is in distress. These alerts are based on the use of transmissions via satellites (from a ship earth station or a satellite EPIRB) and terrestrial services (from ship stations and EPIRBs).
(d) 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. The HF bands should not be used to notify ships in the vicinity unless no response is received within five minutes on VHF or MF.
(e) Shore-to-ship distress alert relays are used by a station or Rescue Coordination Center to relay information about a ship in distress to, as appropriate, all ships, a selected group of ships, or a specific ship by satellite and/or terrestrial means. The distress alert relay must contain the identification of the mobile unit in distress, its position and all other information which might facilitate rescue.
§ 80.1114   False distress alerts.
The provisions of §§ 80.334 and 80.335 apply to false distress alerts.
§ 80.1115   Transmission of a distress alert by a station not itself in distress.
(a) A station in the mobile or mobile-satellite service which learns that a mobile unit is in distress must initiate and transmit a distress alert relay in any of the following cases:
(1) When the mobile unit in distress is not itself in a position to transmit the distress alert; or
(2) When the master or person responsible for the mobile unit not in distress or the person responsible for the land station determines that further help is necessary.
(b) A station transmitting a distress alert relay in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section or § 80.1121(c) must indicate that it is not itself in distress.
§ 80.1117   Procedure for receipt and acknowledgement of distress alerts.
(a) Normally, distress calls received using digital selective calling are only acknowledged using a DSC acknowledgement by a coast station. Ships should delay any acknowledgement in order to give sufficient time for a coast station to acknowledge the call. In cases where no acknowledgement has been heard and no distress traffic has been heard, the ship should transmit a distress alert relay to the coast station. Upon advice from the Rescue Coordination Center, the ship may transmit a DSC acknowledgement call to stop it from being repeated. Acknowledgement by digital selective calling of receipt of a distress alert in the terrestrial services must comply with ITU-R M.541-9 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7).
(b) Acknowledgement through a satellite of receipt of a distress alert from a ship earth station must be sent immediately (see § 80.1119).
(c) Acknowledgement by radiotelephony of receipt of a distress alert from a ship station or a ship earth station must be given in the following form:
(1) The distress signal MAYDAY;
(2) The call sign or other identification of the station sending the distress message, spoken three times;
(3) The words THIS IS (or DE spoken as DELTA ECHO in case of language difficulties);
(4) The call sign or other identification of the station acknowledging receipt, spoken three times;
(5) The word RECEIVED (or RRR spoken as ROMEO ROMEO ROMEO in case of language difficulties);
(6) The distress signal MAYDAY.
(d) The acknowledgement by direct-printing telegraphy of receipt of a distress alert from a ship station must be given in the following form:
(1) The distress signal MAYDAY;
(2) The call sign or other identification of the station sending the distress alert;
(3) The word DE;
(4) The call sign or other identification of the station acknowledging receipt of the distress alert;
(5) The signal RRR;
(6) The distress signal MAYDAY.
(e) The acknowledgement by direct-printing telegraphy of receipt of a distress alert from a ship earth station must be given by the coast earth station receiving the distress alert by retransmitting the ship station identity of the ship transmitting the distress alert.
§ 80.1119   Receipt and acknowledgement of distress alerts by coast stations and coast earth stations.
(a) Coast stations that receive a distress alert should defer acknowledgement for a short interval so that receipt may be acknowledged by a Rescue Coordination Center. Where an acknowledgement is not forthcoming within 3 minutes, the coast station in receipt of distress alerts must ensure that they are routed to a Rescue Coordination Center as soon as possible. Coast stations must provide assistance for distress communications when requested to do so by the U.S. Coast Guard. (This subpart does not specify any radio watches for coast stations.)
(b) Coast earth stations in receipt of distress alerts must ensure that they are routed as soon as possible to a Rescue Coordination Center. Coast earth stations must relay, as soon as possible, an acknowledgement of a distress alert from a Rescue Coordination Center.
(c) Certain messages must be carried without charge, regardless of the means by which they are transmitted:
(1) Distress alert messages;
(2) Search and rescue coordination messages;
(3) Medical assistance messages where an imminent danger to life is present, or
(4) Urgent meteorological or navigational danger messages passed in the ship-to-shore direction.
§ 80.1121   Receipt and acknowledgement of distress alerts by ship stations and ship earth stations.
(a) Ship or ship earth stations that receive a distress alert must, as soon as possible, inform the master or person responsible for the ship of the contents of the distress alert.
(b) For VHF and MF, ships in receipt of a distress alert shall not transmit a distress alert relay, but should listen on the distress traffic channel for 5 minutes and, if appropriate, acknowledge the alert by radiotelephony to the ship in distress and inform the coast station and/or Rescue Coordination Center. Distress alert relays to “all ships” on these bands may only be sent by a ship who has knowledge that another ship in distress is not itself able to transmit the distress alert, and the Master of the ship considers that further help is necessary.
(c) For HF, ships in receipt of a distress alert shall listen on the distress traffic channel for 5 minutes. If no distress communications are heard and if the call is not acknowledged by a coast station, the ship shall transmit a distress relay on HF to the coast radio station and inform the Rescue Coordination Center. Distress alert relays to “all Ships” on HF may only be sent by a ship who has knowledge that another ship in distress is not itself able to transmit the distress alert, and the Master of the ship considers that further help is necessary.
(d) In cases where distress alert continues to be received from the same source, the ship may, after consultation with the Rescue Coordination Center, transmit a DSC acknowledgment to terminate the call.
(e) A ship station in receipt of a shore-to-ship distress alert relay (see § 80.1113(e)) should establish communication as directed and render such assistance as required and appropriate.
§ 80.1123   Watch requirements for ship stations.
(a) While at sea, all ships must maintain a continuous watch:
(1) On VHF DSC channel 70, if the ship is fitted with a VHF radio installation in accordance with § 80.1085(a)(2);
(2) On the distress and safety DSC frequency 2187.5 kHz, if the ship is fitted with an MF radio installation in accordance with § 80.1089(a)(2) or § 80.1091(a)(3);
(3) On the distress and safety DSC frequencies 2187.5 kHz and 8414.5 kHz also on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz, or 16804.5 kHz appropriate to the time of day and the geographical position of the ship, if the ship is fitted with an MF/HF radio installation in accordance with § 80.1091(a)(2)(ii) or § 80.1093(a) of this part (this watch may be kept by means of a scanning receiver limited to six distress and safety DSC frequencies); and
(4) For satellite shore-to-ship distress alert, if the ship is fitted with an INMARSAT ship earth station in accordance with § 80.1091(a)(1).
(b) While at sea, all ships must maintain radio watches for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the ship is navigating.
(c) Every ship while at sea must maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF Channel 16. This watch must be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated or at a position which is continuously manned.
(d) On receipt of a distress alert transmitted by use of digital selective calling techniques, ship stations must set watch on the radiotelephone distress and safety traffic frequency associated with the distress and safety calling frequency on which the distress alert was received.
(e) Ship stations with narrow-band direct printing equipment must set watch on the narrow-band direct-printing frequency associated with the distress alert signal if it indicates that narrow-band direct-printing is to be used for subsequent distress communications. If practicable, they should additionally set watch on the radiotelephone frequency associated with the distress alert frequency.
§ 80.1125   Search and rescue coordinating communications.
(a) The distress signal consists of the word MAYDAY, pronounced in radiotelephony as the French expression “M'aider”. For distress traffic by radiotelephony, when establishing communications, calls must be prefixed by the distress signal MAYDAY.
(b) Error correction techniques, in accordance with ITU-R M.625-3 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), as specified in § 80.1101, must be used for distress traffic by direct-printing telegraphy. All messages must be preceded by at least one carriage return, a line feed signal, a letter shift signal and the distress signal MAYDAY.
(c) Distress communications by direct-printing telegraphy should be in the ARQ mode when ships are communicating directly to the Coast Guard or other coast stations on channels which they normally guard. Other distress communications, including those on simplex channels provided for that purpose, should be in the broadcast forward error correction mode. The ARQ mode may subsequently be used when it is advantageous to do so.
(d) The Rescue Coordination Center responsible for controlling a search and rescue operation will also coordinate the distress traffic relating to the incident or may appoint another station to do so.
(e) The Rescue Coordination Center coordinating distress traffic, the unit coordinating search and rescue operations, or the coast station involved may impose silence on stations which interfere with that traffic. This instruction may be addressed to all stations or to one station only, according to circumstances. In either case, the following will be used:
(1) In radiotelephony, the signal SEELONCE MAYDAY, pronounced as the French expression “silence, m'aider”;
(2) In narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy normally using forward-error correcting mode, the signal SILENCE MAYDAY. However, the ARQ mode may be used when it is advantageous to do so.
(f) Until they receive the message indicating that normal working may be resumed (see paragraph (h) of this section), all stations which are aware of the distress traffic, and which are not taking part in it, and which are not in distress, are forbidden to transmit on the frequencies in which the distress traffic is taking place.
(g) Stations following distress traffic that are able to continue normal service may do so when the distress traffic is well established and on condition that it observes the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section and that it does not interfere with distress traffic.
(h) When distress traffic has ceased on frequencies which have been used for distress traffic, the Rescue Coordination Center controlling a search and rescue operation must initiate a message for transmission on these frequencies indicating that distress traffic has finished.
(i) In radiotelephony, the message referred to in paragraph (h) of this section consists of:
(1) The distress signal MAYDAY;
(2) The call “Hello all stations” or CQ (spoken as CHARLIE QUEBEC) spoken three times;
(3) The words THIS IS (or DE spoken as DELTA ECHO in the case of language difficulties);
(4) The call sign or other identification of the station sending the message;
(5) The time when the distress situation has ceased;
(6) The name and call sign of the mobile station which was in distress;
(7) The words SEELONCE FEENEE pronounced as the French words “silence fini”
(j) In direct-printing telegraphy, the message referred to in paragraph (h) of this section consists of:
(1) The distress signal MAYDAY;
(2) The call CQ;
(3) The word DE;
(4) The call sign or other identification of the station sending the message;
(5) The time when distress situation has ceased;
(6) The name and call sign of the mobile station which was in distress; and
(7) The words SILENCE FINI.
§ 80.1127   On-scene communications.
(a) On-scene communications are those between mobile unit in distress and assisting mobile units, and between the mobile units and unit coordinating search and rescue operations.
(b) Control of on-scene communications is the responsibility of the unit coordinating search and rescue operations. Simplex communications must be used so that all on-scene mobile stations may share relevant information concerning the distress incident. If direct-printing telegraphy is used, it must be in the forward error-correcting mode in accordance with ITU-R Recommendation M.625-3, with Annex, as specified in § 80.1101.
(c) The preferred frequencies in radiotelephony for on-scene communications are 156.8 MHz and 2182 kHz. The frequency 2174.5 kHz may also be used for ship-to-ship on-scene communications using narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy in the forward error correcting mode in accordance with ITU-R M.625-3 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), as specified in § 80.1101.
(d) In addition to 156.8 MHz and 2182 kHz, the frequencies 3023 kHz, 4125 kHz, 5680 kHz, 123.1 MHz and 156.3 MHz may be used for ship-to-aircraft on-scene communications.
(e) The selection or designation of on-scene frequencies is the responsibility of the unit coordinating search and rescue operations. Normally, once an on-scene frequency is established, a continuous aural or teleprinter watch is maintained by all participating on-scene mobile units on the selected frequency.
§ 80.1129   Locating and homing signals.
(a) Locating signals are radio transmissions intended to facilitate the finding of a mobile unit in distress or the location of survivors. These signals include those transmitted by searching units and those transmitted by the mobile unit in distress, by survival craft, by float-free EPIRBS, by satellite EPRIBs, and by search and rescue radar transponders to assist the searching units.
(b) Homing signals are those locating signals which are transmitted by mobile units in distress, or by survival craft, for the purpose of providing searching units with a signal that can be used to determine the bearing to the transmitting stations.
(c) Locating signals may be transmitted in the following frequency bands: 117.975-136 MHz, 121.5 MHz, 156-174 MHz, 406-406.1 MHz, and 9200-9500 MHz.
(d) The 9 GHz locating signals must be in accordance with ITU-R M.628-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), as specified in § 80.1101.
§ 80.1131   Transmissions of urgency communications.
(a) In a terrestrial system the announcement of the urgency message must be made on one or more of the distress and safety calling frequencies specified in § 80.1077 using digital selective calling and the urgency call format. A separate announcement need not be made if the urgency message is to be transmitted through the maritime mobile-satellite service.
(b) The urgency signal and message must be transmitted on one or more of the distress and safety traffic frequencies specified in § 80.1077, or via the maritime mobile-satellite service or on other frequencies used for this purpose.
(c) The urgency signal consists of the words PAN PAN. In radiotelephony each word of the group must be pronounced as the French word “panne”.
(d) 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.
(e) In radiotelephony, the urgency message must be preceded by the urgency signal, repeated three times, and the identification of the transmitting station.
(f) In narrow-band direct-printing, the urgency message must be preceded by the urgency signal and the identification of the transmitting station.
(g) The urgency call format or urgency signal must be sent only on the authority of the master or the person responsible for the mobile unit carrying the mobile station or mobile earth station.
(h) The urgency call format or the urgency signal may be transmitted by a land station or a coast earth station with the approval of the responsible authority.
(i) When an urgency message which calls for action by the stations receiving the message has been transmitted, the station responsible for its transmission must cancel it as soon as it knows that action is no longer necessary.
(j) Error correction techniques, in accordance with ITU-R M.625-3 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), as specified in § 80.1101, must be used for urgency messages by direct-printing telegraphy. All messages must be preceded by at least one carriage return, a line feed signal, a letter shift signal, and the urgency signal PAN PAN.
(k) Urgency communications by direct-printing telegraphy should be in the ARQ mode when communicating directly to the Coast Guard or other coast stations on channels which they normally guard. Other distress communications, including those on simplex channels provided for that purpose, should be in the broadcast forward error correction mode. The ARQ mode may subsequently be used when it is advantageous to do so.
§ 80.1133   Transmission of safety communications.
(a) In a terrestrial system the announcement of the safety message must be made on one or more of the distress and safety calling frequencies specified in § 80.1077 using digital selective calling techniques. A separate announcement need not be made if the message is to be transmitted through the maritime mobile-satellite service.
(b) The safety signal and message must normally be transmitted on one or more of the distress and safety traffic frequencies specified in § 80.1077, or via the maritime mobile satellite service or on other frequencies used for this purpose.
(c) The safety signal consists of the word SECURITE. In radiotelephony, it is pronounced as in French.
(d) The safety call format or the safety signal indicates that the calling station has an important navigational or meteorological warning to transmit.
(e) In radiotelephony, the safety message must be preceded by the safety signal, repeated three times, and the identification of the transmitting station.
(f) In narrow-band direct-printing, the safety message must be preceded by the safety signal and the identification of the transmitting station.
(g) Error correction techniques, in accordance with ITU-R M.625-3 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7), as specified in § 80.1101, must be used for safety messages by direct-printing telegraphy. All messages must be preceded by at least one carriage return, a line feed signal, a letter shift signal, and the safety signal SECURITE.
(h) Safety communications by direct-printing telegraphy should be in the ARQ mode when communicating directly to the Coast Guard or other coast stations on channels which they normally guard. Other distress communications, including those on simplex channels provided for that purpose, should be in the broadcast forward error correction mode. The ARQ mode may subsequently be used when it is advantageous to do so.
§ 80.1135   Transmission of maritime safety information.
(a) The operational details of the stations transmitting maritime safety information in accordance with this section are indicated in the ITU List of Radiodetermination and Special Service Stations and the IMO Master Plan of Shore-Based Facilities.
(b) The mode and format of the transmissions mentioned in this section is in accordance with ITU-R M.540-2 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7) as specified in § 80.1101.
(c) Maritime safety information is transmitted by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy with forward error correction using the frequency 518 kHz in accordance with the international NAVTEX system (see § 80.1077).
(d) The frequency 490 kHz may be used, after full implementation of the GMDSS, for the transmission of maritime safety information by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy with forward error correction (see § 80.1077).
(e) Internationally, the frequency 4209.5 kHz is used for NAVTEX-type transmissions by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy with forward error correction (see § 80.1077).
(f) Maritime safety information is transmitted by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy with forward error correction using the frequencies 4210 kHz, 6314 kHz, 8416.5 kHz, 12579 kHz, 16806.5 kHz, 19680.5, 22376 kHz, and 26100.5 kHz (see § 80.1077).
(g) Maritime safety information is transmitted via satellite in the maritime mobile-satellite service using the band 1530-1545 MHz (see § 80.1077).
§ 80.1151   Voluntary radio operations.
Voluntary ships must meet the rules applicable to the particular mode of operation as contained in the following subparts of this part and as modified by § 80.1153:
§ 80.1153   Station log and radio watches.
(a) Licensees of voluntary ships are not required to maintain radio station logs.
(b) When a ship radio station of a voluntary ship is being operated, the appropriate general purpose watches must be maintained in accordance with §§ 80.147 and 80.310.
§ 80.1155   Radioprinter.
Radioprinter operations provide record communications between authorized maritime mobile stations.
(a) Supplementary eligibility requirements. Ships must be less than 1600 gross tons.
(b) Scope of communication. (1) Ship radioprinter communications may be conducted with an associated private coast station.
(2) Ships authorized to communicate by radioprinter with a common private coast station may also conduct intership radioprinter operations.
(3) Only those communications which are associated with the business and operational needs of the ship are authorized.
(c) Assignment and use of frequencies. (1) Frequencies for radioprinter operations are shared by several radio services including the maritime mobile service.
(2) Ship stations must conduct radioprinter operations only on frequencies assigned to their associated private coast station for that purpose.
(d) Authorization procedure. The authorization procedure for ship station radioprinter operations is as follows:
(1) The associated private coast station must submit an application for specific radioprinter frequencies and provide the names of ships to be served.
(2) When the private coast station receives a radioprinter license, it must provide copies of their license to all ships with which they are authorized to conduct radioprinter operations. The private coast station license copy must be kept as part of the ship station license.
(3) Any addition or deletion of ships must be notified to the Commission by letter.
§ 80.1157   Facsimile.
Facsimile is a form of telegraphy for the transmission and receipt of fixed images. Ships must use facsimile techniques only with authorized public coast stations.
§ 80.1159   Narrow-band direct-printing (NB-DP).
NB-DP is a form of telegraphy for the transmission and receipt of direct printing public correspondence. Ships must use NB-DP techniques only with authorized public coast stations.
§ 80.1161   Emergency position indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB).
EPIRB transmissions must be used only under emergency conditions. The various classes of EPIRB's are described in subpart V of this part.
§ 80.1165   Assignment and use of frequencies.
Frequencies for general radiotelephone purposes are available to ships in three radio frequency bands. Use of specific frequencies must meet the Commission's rules concerning the scope of service and the class of station with which communications are intended. The three frequency bands are:
(a) 156-158 MHz (VHF/FM Radiotelephone). Certain frequencies within this band are public correspondence frequencies and they must be used as working channels when communicating with public coast stations. Other working frequencies within the band are categorized by type of communications for which use is authorized when communicating with a private coast station or between ships. Subpart H of this part lists the frequencies and types of communications for which they are available.
(b) 1600-4000 kHz (SSB Radiotelephone). Specific frequencies within this band are authorized for single sideband (SSB) communications with public and private coast stations or between ships. The specific frequencies are listed in subpart H of this part.
(c) 4000-23000 kHz (SSB Radiotelephone). Specific frequencies within this band are authorized for SSB communications with public and private coast stations. The specific frequencies are listed in subpart H of this part.
§ 80.1169   [Reserved]
§ 80.1171   Assignment and use of frequencies.
(a) The frequencies assignable to AMTS stations are listed in § 80.385(a). These frequencies are assignable to ship and coast stations for voice, facsimile and radioteletypewriter communications.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 80.1175   Scope of communications of on-board stations.
(a) On-board stations communicate:
(1) With other units of the same station for operational communications on the ship.
(2) With on-board stations of another ship or shore facility to aid in oil pollution prevention during the transfer of 250 or more barrels of oil.
(3) With other units of the same station in the immediate vicinity of the ship for operational communications related to docking, life boat and emergency drills or in the maneuvering of cargo barges and lighters.
(b) An on-board station may communicate with a station in the Business Radio Service operating on the same frequency when the vessel on which the on-board station is installed is alongside the dock or cargo handling facility.
§ 80.1177   Assignment and use of frequencies.
On-board frequencies are assignable only to ship stations. When an on-board repeater is used, paired frequencies must be used. On-board repeater frequencies must be used for single frequency simplex operations. On-board frequencies are listed in subpart H.
§ 80.1179   On-board repeater limitations.
When an on-board repeater is used, the following limitations must be met:
(a) The on-board repeater antenna must be located no higher than 3 meters (10 feet) above the vessel's highest working deck.
(b) Each on-board repeater must have a timer that deactivates the transmitter if the carrier remains on for more than 3 minutes.
§ 80.1181   Station identification.
(a) On-board stations must identify when:
(1) The vessel is within 32 km (20 miles) of any coastline; or
(2) The communications are likely to be received aboard another vessel.
(b) Identification, when required, must be:
(1) Transmitted at the beginning and the end of a series of communications. Whenever communications are sustained for a period exceeding 15 minutes, station identification must be transmitted at intervals not exceeding 15 minutes.
(2) In English and must include the name of the vessel, followed by a number or name designating the respective mobile unit, for example: “S.S. United States Mobile One, this is Mobile Two.”
§ 80.1183   Remote control for maneuvering or navigation.
(a) An on-board station may be used for remote control of maneuvering or navigation control systems aboard the same ship or, where that ship is towing a second ship, aboard the towed ship.
(b) The remote control system transmissions must contain a synchronization signal and a message signal composed of a documentation number group, a company control group, an actuation instruction group, and a termination of transmission group.
(1) The synchronization signal must be the control character “SYN”, transmitted twice.
(2) The message signal is composed of the following groups:
(i) The documentation number group must be transmitted once and be the ship's U.S. Coast Guard documentation number or, if the ship is not documented, the call sign of the on-board station.
(ii) The company control group, composed of three letters taken from AAA through ZZZ, which must be transmitted one time.
(iiii) The actuation instruction group, composed of two letters taken from AA through ZZ, which must be transmitted one time.
(iv) The termination of transmission group, composed of the control character “EM”, which must be transmitted twice.
(c) The receiving system must:
(1) Reject any actuation instruction until it recognizes and accepts the company control group.
(2) Reject any company control group until it recognizes and accepts the documentation number group.
(d) The emission employed must be G2D. The provisions applicable to G3E emission are also applicable to G2D emission.
(e) The binary information must be applied to the carrier as frequency-shift keying (FSK) of the standard tones 1070 and 1270 Hz. “0” (low) must correspond to 1070 Hz and “1” (high) must correspond to 1270 Hz. The signalling rate must be 300 bits per second.
(f) The alphabet employed must be the United States of America Standard Code for Information Interchange (USASCII), contained in the United States of America Standards Institute publication USAS X3.4-1968.
(1) The bit sequence must be least significant bit first to most significant bit (bit 1 through 7), consecutively.
(2) The character structure must consist of 8 bits (seven bits plus one character parity bit) having equal time intervals.
(3) “Odd” parity is required.
§ 80.1185   Supplemental eligibility for mobile-satellite stations.
Stations in the maritime mobile-satellite service must meet the eligibility requirements contained in this section.
(a) A station license for a ship earth station may be issued to:
(1) The owner or operator of a ship.
(2) A corporation proposing to furnish a nonprofit radio communication service to its parent corporation, to another subsidiary of the same parent, or to its own subsidiary, where the party to be served is the owner or operator of the ship aboard which the ship earth station is to be installed and operated.
(b) A station license for a portable ship earth station may be issued to the owner or operator of portable earth station equipment proposing to furnish satellite communication services on board more than one ship or fixed offshore platform located in the marine environment.
§ 80.1187   Scope of communication.
Ship earth stations must be used for telecommunications related to the business or operation of ships and for public correspondence of persons on board. Portable ship earth stations are authorized to meet the business, operational and public correspondence telecommunication needs of fixed offshore platforms located in the marine environment as well as ships. The types of emission are determined by the INMARSAT organization.
§ 80.1189   Portable ship earth stations.
(a) Portable ship earth stations are authorized to operate on board more than one ship. Portable ship earth stations are also authorized to be operated on board fixed offshore platforms located in international or United States domestic waters.
(b) Portable ship earth stations must meet the rule requirements of ship earth stations with the exeception of eligibility.
(c) Where the license of the portable ship earth station is not the owner of the ship or fixed platform on which the station is located, the station must be operated with the permission of the owner or operator of the ship or fixed platform.
§ 80.1201   Special provisions for cable-repair ship stations.
(a) A ship station may be authorized to use radio channels in the 285-315 kHz band in Region 1 and 285-325 kHz in any other region for cable repair radiodetermination purposes under the following conditions:
(1) The radio transmitting equipment attached to the cable-marker buoy associated with the ship station must be described in the station application;
(2) The call sign used for the transmitter operating under the provisions of this section is the call sign of the ship station followed by the letters “BT” and the identifying number of the buoy.
(3) The buoy transmitter must be continuously monitored by a licensed radiotelegraph operator on board the cable repair ship station; and
(4) The transmitter must operate under the provisions in § 80.375(b).
§ 80.1251   Maritime communications subject to competitive bidding.
Mutually exclusive initial applications for VPCSA licenses and AMTS coast station licenses are subject to competitive bidding. The general competitive bidding procedures set forth in part 1, subpart Q of this chapter will apply unless otherwise provided in this part.
§ 80.1252   Designated entities.
(a) This section addresses certain issues concerning designated entities in maritime communications services subject to competitive bidding.
(b) Eligibility for small business provisions. (1) A small business is an entity that, together with its affiliates and controlling interests, has average gross revenues not to exceed $15 million for the preceding three years.
(2) A very small business is an entity that, together with its affiliates and controlling interests, has average gross revenues not to exceed $3 million for the preceding three years.
(3) [Reserved]
(4) A consortium of small businesses (or a consortium of very small businesses) is a conglomerate organization formed as a joint venture between or among mutually independent business firms, each of which individually satisfies the definition in paragraph (b)(1) of this section (or each of which individually satisfies the definition in paragraph (b)(2) of this section). Where an applicant or licensee is a consortium of small businesses (or very small businesses), the gross revenues of each small business (or very small business) shall not be aggregated.
(c) A winning bidder that qualifies as a small business, as defined in § 80.1252(b)(1), or consortium of small businesses may use the bidding credit specified in § 1.2110(f)(2)(ii) of this chapter. A winning bidder that qualifies as a very small business, as defined in § 80.1252(b(2), or consortium of very small businesses may use the bidding credit specified in § 1.2110(f)(2)(i) of this chapter.
(d) A winning bidder that qualifies as a small business or a consortium of small businesses as defined in § 80.1252(b)(1) or § 80.1252(b)(5) of this subpart may use the bidding credit specified in § 1.2110(e)(2)(ii) of this chapter. A winning bidder that qualifies as a very small business or a consortium of very small businesses as defined in § 80.1252(b)(2) or § 80.1252(b)(5) of this subpart may use the bidding credit specified in § 1.2110(e)(2)(i) of this chapter.