Part 4-3 – Principles to be observed in keeping a radio watch
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40

Part 4-3 – Principles to be observed in keeping a radio watch

General provisions

84 Administrations shall direct the attention of companies, masters and radio watchkeeping personnel to comply with the following provisions to ensure that an adequate safety radio watch is maintained while a ship is at sea. In complying with this Code, account shall be taken of the Radio Regulations.

Watch arrangements

85 In deciding the arrangements for the radio watch, the master of every seagoing ship shall:

  • .1 ensure that the radio watch is maintained in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention;

  • .2 ensure that the primary duties for radio watchkeeping are not adversely affected by attending to radio traffic not relevant to the safe movement of the ship and safety of navigation; and

  • .3 take into account the radio equipment fitted on board and its operational status.

Performing the radio watch

86 The radio operator performing radio watchkeeping duties shall:

  • .1 ensure that watch is maintained on the frequencies specified in the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention; and

  • .2 while on duty, regularly check the operation of the radio equipment and its sources of energy and report to the master any observed failure of this equipment.

  87 The requirements of the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention on keeping a radiotelegraph or radio log, as appropriate, shall be complied with.

  88 The maintenance of radio records, in compliance with the requirements of the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention, is the responsibility of the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents. The following shall be recorded, together with the times at which they occur:

  • .1 a summary of distress, urgency and safety radiocommunications;

  • .2 important incidents relating to the radio service;

  • .3 where appropriate, the position of the ship at least once per day; and

  • .4 a summary of the condition of the radio equipment, including its sources of energy.

  89 The radio records shall be kept at the distress communications operating position, and shall be made available:

  • .1 for inspection by the master; and

  • .2 for inspection by any authorized official of the Administration and by any duly authorized officer exercising control under article X of the Convention.

Parent topic: Part 4 – Watchkeeping at Sea
Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.