Chapter 16 - Radio

16.1 Radio Communications: The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

(1) Each vessel shall carry sufficient radio equipment to perform the following distress and safety communications functions throughout its intended voyage:

• (a) transmitting ship to shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radio communication service;

• (b) receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts;

• (c) transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts;

• (d) transmitting and receiving search and rescue co-ordinating communications;

• (e) transmitting and receiving on-scene communications;

• (f) transmitting and receiving signals for locating by radar;

• (g) transmitting and receiving maritime safety information; and

• (h) transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications.

(2) Existing vessels may comply with the version of the Code that was applicable at the time of keel laying. However, it is strongly recommended that such vessels comply with the requirements to carry the radio equipment according to the area of operation as specified in Table 16.1.

16.2 Radio Installations

(1) Table 16.1 illustrates the minimum radio installations which shall be carried by new vessels and on vessels subject to major conversion. This fulfils the distress and safety communication functions for voyages in Sea Areas A1, A2, A3 and A4.

Table 16.1

Notes:

• 1 If the vessel is sailing in an area where an international NAVTEX service is not provided then the NAVTEX receiver shall be supplemented by an additional means of receiving MSI transmissions such as the Inmarsat enhanced group calling system.

• 2 Incorporating direct-printing telegraphy or an alternative means of receiving MSI transmissions in the Sea Areas in which the vessel is operating.

• The requirements for the carriage of two way radiotelephone sets, EPIRBs and SARTs are given in Section 13, Table 13.1. EPIRBs for vessels operating in Sea Area A4 shall be capable of operating through the polar orbiting satellite service in the 406 MHz band.

16.3 Operational Performance

(1) All radio communication equipment required by this section shall be of a type which is approved by the relevant authority.

16.4 Installation

(1) All radio installations shall:

• (a) be so located to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety and operational availability;

• (b) be protected against the harmful effects of water, extremes of temperature and other adverse environmental conditions;

• (c) be clearly marked with the call sign, the vessel station identity and any other codes applicable to the use of the radio installation.

16.5 Sources of Energy

(1) Vessels less than 300GT shall have sufficient reserve energy supply to operate the radio installations for a minimum of 3 hours in addition to the emergency supply.

(2) Vessels of 300GT and over but less than 500GT NOT meeting the emergency source of electrical energy requirements of SOLAS II-1/43, shall have sufficient reserve energy supply to operate the radio installations for a minimum of 6 hours in addition to the emergency supply.

(3) All vessels of 300GT and over meeting the emergency requirements of SOLAS II-1/43 shall have a one hour reserve supply.

(4) When a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery, a means of automatically charging such batteries shall be provided, which is capable of recharging them to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours which shall include a visual and audible charger failure device.

(5) The siting and installation of accumulator batteries shall ensure the highest degree of service and safety.

16.6 Watches

(1) A vessel, while at sea, shall maintain a continuous watch:

• (a) where practicable, on VHF Channel 16;

• (b) where practicable, on VHF Channel 13;

• (c) on VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC), on Channel 70;

• (d) if fitted with a MF/HF radiotelephone, on distress and safety DSC frequency 2187.5kHz;

• (e) for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if fitted, with a radio facility for reception of marine safety information by the INMARSAT enhanced group calling system; and

• (f) for broadcasts of marine safety information on the appropriate frequency or frequencies, on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the vessel is navigating; normally using the international NAVTEX service or INMARSAT’s enhanced group calling facility. (Further information may be obtained from the Admiralty List of Radio Signals volume 5.)

16.7 Radio Personnel

(1) A vessel shall carry at least one person qualified for distress and safety radiocommunication purposes, who shall hold a certificate of competence acceptable to the relevant authority.

16.8 Availability of Equipment

(1) On vessels of 300GT and over the availability of radio installations shall be ensured by:

• (a) Duplication of Equipment

  • Or

• (b) Shore-based maintenance

  • Or

• (c) At sea electronic maintenance capability.

16.9 Radio records

(1) A record shall be kept, to the satisfaction of the Administration and as required by the Radio Regulations, of all incidents connected with the radiocommunication service which appear to be of importance to safety of life at sea.

16.10 Additional Equivalence Considerations

(1) None