The Assembly,
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.954(23) – Proper use of VHF Channels at Sea – (Adopted on 5 December 2003) - The Assembly,

The Assembly,

 RECALLING Article 15(j) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Assembly in relation to regulations and guidelines concerning maritime safety,

 RECOGNIZING that proper use of VHF radiocommunication channels contributes to safety of life at sea and efficiency of navigation,

 RECOGNIZING ALSO that misuse of VHF radiocommunication channels may cause serious interference with essential communications and might cause potential dangers to safety at sea,

 CONSIDERING that the risk of misuse of VHF radiocommunication channels is more likely when VHF equipment is operated by persons not trained in its proper use,

 RECALLING that the Radio Regulationsfootnote require that the service of every ship radio-telephone station should be controlled by an operator holding a certificate issued or recognized by the Government concerned,

 RECALLING ALSO that, for the certification of masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a navigational watch, the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended in 1995, requires knowledge of procedures used in radiotelephone communications and the ability to use radiotelephones, in particular with respect to distress, urgency, safety and navigational messages,

 HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendation made by the Maritime Safety Committee at its seventy-fifth session,

  1. ADOPTS the Guidelines on the use of VHF at sea as set out in the annex to the present resolution;

  2. INVITES Governments to ensure that all persons on board controlling the operation of VHF equipment have knowledge of the procedures used in radiotelephone communications and the ability to use radiotelephones, in particular with respect to distress, urgency, safety and navigational messages;

  3. INVITES ALSO Governments to bring the annexed Guidelines to the attention of all concerned;

  4. INVITES FURTHER Governments to take appropriate action to ensure that VHF channels are used correctly;

  5. AUTHORIZES the Maritime Safety Committee to keep these Guidelines under review and amend them as appropriate;

  6. REVOKES resolution A.474 (XII).

Parent topic: IMO Resolution A.954(23) – Proper use of VHF Channels at Sea – (Adopted on 5 December 2003)
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