Circular
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Circular

 1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 104th session (4 to 8 October 2021), approved this circular, taking into account the recommendation of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue at its eighth session (19 to 23 April 2021). The guidance in this circular recognizes that incompatibility may exist between VHF radiocommunication equipment installed on ships and on shore, and the revised frequencies and channelling arrangements for the maritime VHF bands as contained in appendix 18 to the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) – Edition 2020.

2 This circular replaces MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.2, which addressed both MF/HF radiocommunication equipment that is capable of operating narrow band direct-printing (NBDP) and VHF radiocommunication equipment. Since NBDP radiocommunication equipment will no longer be required under forthcoming amendments to SOLAS chapter IV, that equipment is not addressed in this circular.

3 The ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences in 2012, 2015 and 2019 made extensive changes to appendix 18 of the RR. While these changes do not affect the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), they do affect the use of other frequencies used for VHF meteorological, navigational and urgent marine information broadcasts, port operations and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). According to the Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of communication and digital selective calling (resolution A.803(19), as amended), VHF radiocommunication equipment should comply with the RR.

4 The Guidance on procedures for updating shipborne navigation and communication equipment (MSC.1/Circ.1389) notes that updates to application software and firmware to meet changes in IMO and ITU regulatory requirements are needed.

5 To ensure GMDSS communication capability and the availability of appropriate GMDSS radiocommunication equipment, and without prejudice to the arrangements contained in appendix 18 of the RR, VHF radiocommunication equipment should be updated so that following the first radio survey after 1 January 2024, at the earliest, it meets the arrangements which will be in force by then.

6 Member States are invited to bring this information to the attention of the appropriate national authorities and all other parties concerned.

Parent topic: MSC.1/Circular.1460/Rev.3 – Guidance on the Validity of Radiocommunications Equipment Installed and Used on Ships – (18 October 2021)
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