AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFEAT SEA, 1974 CONCERNING RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL MARITIME DIS-TRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM

AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFEAT SEA, 1974 CONCERNING RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL MARITIME DIS-TRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM [Adopted on 9 November 1988 by the Conference of Contracting Go-vernments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,1974 on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System] Whole document TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS PART B SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATES Amendment to Regulation 7 Surveys of passenger ships Amendment to Regulation 8 Surveys of life-saving appliance and other equipment of cargo ships Replacement of Regulation 9 Surveys of radio installations of cargo ships Amendment to Regulation 10 Surveys of hull, machinery and equipment of cargo ships Amendment to Regulation 12 Issue of certificates Amendment to Regulation 14 Duration of certificates CHAPTER II-1 CONSTRUCTION-SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY, MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS PART D ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS Amendment to Regulation 42 Emergency source of electrical power in passenger ships Amendment to Regulation 43 Emergency source of electrical power in cargo ships CHAPTER III LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES AND ARRANGEMENTS Amendment to Regulation 1 Application Amendment to Regulation 6 Communications Amendment to Regulation 10 Manning of survival craft and supervision Amendment to Regulation 38 General requirements for liferafts Amendment to Regulation 41 General requirements for lifeboats Amendment to Regulation 42 Partially enclosed lifeboats CHAPTER IV RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS (Replacement) PART A GENERAL 1 Application 2 Terms and definitions 3 Exemptions 4 Functional requirements PART B UNDERTAKING BY CONTRACTING GOVERNMENTS 5 Provision of radiocommunication services PART C SHIP REQUIREMENTS 6 Radio installations 7 Radio equipment-General 8 Radio equipment-Sea area A1 9 Radio equipment-Sea area A1 and A2 10 Radio equipment-Sea area A1, A2 and A3 11 Radio equipment-Sea area A1, A2, A3 and A4 12 Watches 13 Sources of energy 14 Performance standards 15 Maintenance requirements 16 Radio personnel 17 Radio records CHAPTER V SAFETY OF NAVIGATION Amendment to Regulation 12 Shipborne navigational equipment Replacement of Regulation 14 Aids to navigation Replacement of Regulation 21 International Code of Signals AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1974 CONCERNING RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM [Adopted on 9 November 1988 by the Conference of Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System] CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS PART B SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATES Regulation 7 Surveys of passenger ships In the second sentence of paragraphs (b) (i) and (b) (ii) the words "radio installation, radiotelegraph installations in motor lifeboats, portable radio apparatus for survival craft, lifesaving appliances, fire protection, fire detecting and extinguishing appliances, radar, echo-sounding device, gyro-compass, pilot ladders, mechanical pilot hoists and other equipment" are replaced by the words "radio installations including those used in life-saving appliances, fire protection, fire safety systems and appliances, life-saving appliances and arrangements, Shipborne navigational equipment, nautical publications, means of embarkation for pilots and other equipment".

Regulation 8 Surveys of life-saving appliances and other equipmentof cargo ships In the first sentence the words "The life-saving appliances, except a radiotelegraph installation in a motor lifeboat or a portable apparatus for survival craft, the echo-sounding device, the gyro compass and the fire-extinguishing appliances of cargo ships" are replaced by "The life-saving appliances and arrangements (except radio installations), the Shipborne navigational equipment and the fire safety systems and appliances of cargo ships of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards".

In the second sentence the words "the pilot ladders, mechanical pilot hoists," are replaced by the words "means of embarkation of pilots, nautical publications".

Regulation 9 Surveys of radio installations of cargo ships The existing title of the regulation is replaced by: "Surveys of radio installations of cargo ships" The existing text is replaced by: "The radio installations of cargo ships, including those used in life-saving appliances, to which Chapters III and IV apply, shall be subject to initial and subsequent surveys as provided for passenger ships in regulation 7 of this Chapter." Regulation 10 Surveys of hull, machinery and equipment of cargoships The existing words, "Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificates or Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelephony Certificates" are replaced by "or Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificates".

Regulation 12 Issue of certificates In paragraph (a) the existing text of subparagraphs (iv) and (v) is replaced by: "(iv) A certificate called a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate shall be issued to a cargo ship which complies with the requirements of Chapter IV and any other relevant requirements of the present regulations.

(v) The Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate, referred to in subparagraphs (i), (iii) and (iv), shall be supplemented by a Record of Equipment adopted by the Conference of Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, 1988, by resolution 2 as it may be amended." In paragraph (a) (vii) the existing words "Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificates, Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelephony Certificates" are replaced by "Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificates".

Existing paragraph (b) is replaced by: "(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the present Convention, any certificate which is issued under, and in accordance with, the provisions of the Convention and which is current on 1 February 1992 shall remain valid until it expires." Regulation 14 Duration of certificates In paragraph (b) the existing words "Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate or a Cargo Ship Safety Radiotelephony Certificate" are replaced by "Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate".

CHAPTER II-1 CONSTRUCTION-SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY, ACHINERY ANDELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS PART D ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS Regulation 42 Emergency source of electrical power in passengerships The existing text of subparagraph 2.2 is replaced by the following: "2.2 For a period of 36 hours: .1 the navigation lights and other lights required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force; and .2 on ships constructed on or after 1 February 1995, the VHF radio installation required by regulation IV/7.1.1 and IV/7.1.2; and, if applicable: .2.1 the MF radio installation required by regulations IV/9.1.1, IV/9.1.2, IV/10. 1.2 and IV/10.1.3; .2.2 the ship earth station required by regulation IV/10.1.1; and .2.3 the MF/HF radio installation required by regulations IV/10.2.1, IV/10.2.2 and IV/11.1." In paragraph 2.3.2 the existing words "the navigational aids" are replaced by "the Shipborne navigational equipment".

The existing text of paragraph 4.1.1 is replaced by the following: ".1 the lighting required by paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2.1;" Regulation 43 Emergency source of electrical power in cargo ships The existing text of subparagraph 2.3 is replaced by the following: "2.3 For a period of 18 hours: .1 the navigation lights and other lights required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in force; .2 on ships constructed on or after 1 February 1995 the VHF radio installation required by regulation IV/7.1.1 and IV/7.1.2; and, if applicable: .2.1 the MF radio installation required by regulations IV/9.1.1, IV/9.1.2, IV/10.1. 2 and IV/10.1.3" .2.2 the ship earth station required by regulation IV/10.1.2; and .2.3 the MF/HF installation required by regulations IV/10.2.1, IV/10.2.2 and IV/ 11.1." In paragraph 2.4.2 the existing words "the navigational aids" are replaced by "the Shipborne navigational equipment".

In paragraph 4.1, the existing words "the lighting required by paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3" are replaced by the following: "the lighting required by paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.1".

CHAPTER III LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES AND ARRANGEMENTS Regulation 1 Application The existing texts of paragraphs 5 and 6 are replaced by: "5 With respect to ships constructed before 1 July 1986, the requirements of regulations 8, 9, 10, 18, 21.3, 21.4, 25, 26.3, 27.2, 27.3 and 30.2.7 and, to the extent prescribed therein, regulation 19 shall apply.

6 With respect to ships constructed before 1 February 1992, regulation 6.2, shall apply not later than 1 February 1995." Regulation 6 Communications The existing text of paragraph 1 is replaced by: "1 Paragraph 2 applies to all passenger ships and to all cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards. With respect to ships constructed before 1 February 1992, paragraph 2 shall apply not later than 1 February 1995. However, ships other than cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage which do not comply with paragraph 2 shall comply with all applicable requirements * of Chapter III of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 in force prior to 1 February 1992." [* Regulations III/6.2.3 and 6.2.4 and as applicable regulations III/6.2.1, 6.2.2, 10.6, 38.3.2, 41.7.8 and 42.5 in force prior to 1 February 1992 (1983 SOLAS amendments). See also resolution 4 of the 1988 GMDSS Conference.] The existing text of paragraph 2 is replaced by: "2 Radio life-saving appliances 2.1 Two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus 2.1.1 At least three two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall 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 shall be provided on every cargo ship of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage. Such apparatus shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. ** If a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus is fitted in a survival craft it shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.

[** Reference is made to the performance standards for survival craft two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.605 (15).] 2.1.2 Two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus provided on board ships prior to 1 February 1992 and not complying fully with the performance standards adopted by the Organization may be accepted by the Administration until 1 February 1999 provided the Administration is satisfied that they are compatible with approved two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus.

2.2 Radar transponders At least one radar transponder shall be carried on each side of every passenger ship and of every cargo ship of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards. At least one radar transponder shall be carried on every cargo ship of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage. Such radar transponders shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. * The radar transponders ** shall be stowed in such locations that they can be rapidly placed in any survival craft other than the liferaft or liferafts required by regulation 26.1.4. Alternatively one radar transponder shall be stowed in each survival craft other than those required by Regulation 26.1.4." [* Reference is made to the performance standards for survival craft radar transponders for use in search and rescue operations, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.604 (15).] [** One of these radar transponders may be the radar transponder required by Regulation IV/7.1.3.] Regulation 10 Manning of survival craft and supervision The existing paragraph 6 is revoked.

The existing paragraphs 7 and 8 are renumbered as paragraphs 6 and 7 respectively.

Regulation 38 General requirements for liferafts The existing paragraph 3.2 is revoked.

The existing paragraph 3.3 is renumbered as paragraph 3.2.

The existing text of paragraph 5.1.14 is replaced by: ".14 an efficient radar reflector, unless a survival craft radar transponder is stowed in the liferaft." Regulation 41 General requirements for lifeboats The existing text of paragraph 7.8 is replaced by: "7.8 Every lifeboat which is fitted with a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus with an antenna which is separately mounted shall be provided with arrangements for siting and securing the antenna effectively in its operating position." The existing text of paragraph 8.30 is replaced by: ".30 an efficient radar reflector, unless a survival craft radar transponder is stowed in the lifeboat." Regulation 42 Partially enclosed lifeboats The existing text of paragraph 5 is replaced by: "5 if a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus is fitted in the lifeboat, it shall be installed in a cabin large enough to accommodate both the equipment and the person using it. No separate cabin is required if the construction of the lifeboat provides a sheltered space to the satisfaction of the Administration." CHAPTER IV RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS The existing text of Chapter IV is replaced by the following: PART A GENERAL Regulation 1 Application 1 This chapter applies to all ships to which the present regulations apply and to cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards.

2 This Chapter does not apply to ships to which the present regulations would otherwise apply while such ships are being navigated within the Great Lakes of North America and their connecting and tributary waters as far east as the lower exit of the St. Lambert Lock at Montreal in the Province of Quebec, Canada. * [* Such ships are subject to special requirements relative to radio for safety purposes, as contained in the relevant agreement between Canada and the United States of America.] 3 For the purpose of this chapter: .1 the expression ships constructed means "ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction"; .2 the expression a similar stage of construction means the stage at which: .2.1 construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; and .2.2 assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less.

4 Every ship shall comply with regulations 7.1.4 (NAVTEX) and 7.1.6 (satellite EPIRB) not later than 1 August 1993.

5 Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4, the Administration shall ensure that every ship constructed before 1 February 1995: .1 during the period between 1 February 1992 and 1 February 1999: .1.1 either complies with all applicable requirements of this chapter; or .1.2 complies with all applicable requirements of chapter IV of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 in force prior to 1 February 1992; and .2 after 1 February 1999, complies with all the applicable requirements of this chapter.

6 Every ship constructed on or after 1 February 1995 shall comply with all the applicable requirements of this chapter.

7 No provision in this chapter shall 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.

Regulation 2 Terms and definitions 1 For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings defined below: .1 Bridge-to-bridge communications means safety communications between ships from the position from which the ships are normally navigated.

.2 Continuous watch means that the radio watch concerned shall not be interrupted other than for brief intervals when the ship's receiving capability is impaired or blocked by its own communications or when the facilities are under periodical maintenance or checks.

.3 Digital selective calling (DSC) means a technique using digital codes which enables a radio station to establish contact with, and transfer information to, another station or group of stations, and complying with the relevant recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR).

.4 Direct-printing telegraphy means automated telegraphy techniques which comply with the relevant recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR).

.5 General radiocommunications means operational and public correspondence traffic, other than distress, urgency and safety messages, conducted by radio.

.6 INMARSAT means the Organization established by the convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) adopted on 3 September 1976.

.7 International NAVTEX Service means the co-ordinated broadcast and automatic reception on 518 kHz of maritime safety information by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy using the English language.* [* Reference is made to the NAVTEX manual approved by the Organization.] .8 Locating means the finding of ships, aircraft, units or persons in distress.

.9 Maritime safety information means navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and other urgent safety related messages broadcast to ships.

.10 Polar orbiting satellite service means a service which is based on polar orbiting satellites which receive and relay distress alerts from satellite EPIRBs and which provides their position.

.11 Radio Regulations means the Radio Regulations annexed to, or regarded as being annexed to, the most recent International Telecommunication Convention which is in force at any time.

.12 Sea area A1 means an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting in available, as may be defined by a Contracting Government.** [** Reference is made to the recommendation on the provision of radiocommunication services for the global maritime distress and safety system (Assembly resolution A.659 (16)).] .13 Sea area A2 means 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 may be defined by a Contracting Government.* [* Reference is made to the recommendation on the provision of radiocommunication services for the global maritime distress and safety system (Assembly resolution A.659 (16)).] .14 Sea area A3 means an area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the coverage of an INMARSAT geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available.

.15 Sea area A4 means an area outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3.

2 All other terms and abbreviations which are used in this chapter and which are defined in the Radio Regulations shall have the meanings as defined in those Regulations.

Regulation 3 Exemptions 1 The Contracting Governments consider it highly desirable not to deviate from the requirements of this chapter; nevertheless the Administration may grant partial or conditional exemptions to individual ships from the requirements of regulations 7 to 11 provided: .1 such ships comply with the functional requirements of regulation 4; and .2 the Administration has taken into account the effect such exemptions may have upon the general efficiency of the service for the safety of all ships.

2 An exemption may be granted under paragraph 1 only: .1 if the conditions affecting safety are such as to render the full application of regulations 7 to 11 unreasonable or unnecessary; .2 in exceptional circumstances, for a single voyage outside the sea area or sea areas for which the ship is equipped; or .3 prior to 1 February 1999, when the ship will be taken permanently out of service within two years of a date prescribed by regulation 1 for the application of a requirement of this chapter.

3 Each Administration shall submit to the Organization, as soon as possible after the first of January in each year, a report showing all exemptions granted under paragraphs 1 and 2 during the previous calendar year and giving the reasons for granting such exemptions.

Regulation 4 Functional requirements 1 Every ship, while at sea, shall be capable: .1 except as provided in regulations 8.1.1 and 10.1.4.3, of transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radiocommunication service; .2 of receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts; .3 of transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts; .4 of transmitting and receiving search and rescue co-ordinating communications; .5 of transmitting and receiving on-scene communications; .6 of transmitting and, as required by regulation V/12(g) and (h), receiving signals for locating; ** [** Reference is made to resolution A.614 (15) on carriage of radar operating in the frequency band 9,300-9,500 MHz adopted by the fifteenth Assembly.] .7 of transmitting and receiving*** maritime safety information; [*** It should be noted that ships may have a need for reception of certain maritime safety information while in port.] .8 of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications to and from shore-based radio systems or networks subject to regulation 15.8; and .9 of transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications.

PART B UNDERTAKINGS BY CONTRACTING GOVERNMENTS* [* 1 Each Contracting Government is not required to provide all radiocommunication services.

2 The requirements should be specified for shore-based facilities to cover the various sea areas.] Regulation 5 Provision of radiocommunication services 1 Each Contracting Government undertakes to make available, as it deems practical and necessary either individually or in co-operation with other Contracting Governments, appropriate shore-based facilities for space and terrestrial radiocommunication services having due regard to the recommendations of the Organization.** These services are: [** Reference is made to the recommendation on the provision of radiocommunication services for the global maritime distress and safety system (Assembly resolution A.659 (16)).] .1 a radiocommunication service utilizing geostationary satellites in the Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service; .2 a radiocommunication service utilizing polar orbiting satellites in the Mobile-Satellite Service; .3 the Maritime Mobile Service in the bands between 156 MHz and 174 MHz; .4 the Maritime Mobile Service in the bands between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz; and .5 the Maritime Mobile Service in the bands between 415 kHz and 535 kHz and between 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz.

2 Each Contracting Government undertakes to provide the Organization with pertinent information concerning the shore-based facilities in the Maritime Mobile Service, Mobile-Satellite Service and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service, established for sea areas which it has designated off its coasts.

PART C SHIP REQUIREMENTS Regulation 6 Radio installations 1 Every ship shall be provided with radio installations capable of complying with the functional requirements prescribed by regulation 4 throughout its intended voyage and, unless exempted under regulation 3, complying with the requirements of regulation 7 and, as appropriate for the sea area or areas through which it will pass during its intended voyage, the requirements of either regulation 8, 9, 10 or 11.

2 Every radio installation shall: .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.

3 Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels, required for navigational safety, shall 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.

Regulation 7 Radio equipment-General 1 Every ship shall be provided with: .1 a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving: .1.1 DSC * on the frequency 156.525 MHz (channel 70). It shall be possible to initiate the transmission of distress alerts on channel 70 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated; ** and [* Digital selective calling (DSC) for all ships and HF direct-printing telegraphy (NBDP) carriage requirements for ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and over but less than 1,600 tons gross tonnage are subject to review in accordance with resolution A.606 (15)-Review and evaluation of the GMDSS. Unless otherwise specified this footnote applies to all DSC and NBDP requirements prescribed in the Convention.] [** Certain ships may be exempted from this requirement (see regulation 9.4)] .1.2 radiotelephony on the frequencies 156.300 MHz (channel 6), 156.650 MHz (channel 13) and 156.800 MHz (channel (16); .2 a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on VHF channel 70 which may be separate from, or combined with, the required by subparagraph .1.1; *** [*** Certain ships may be exempted from this requirement (see.] .3 a radar transponder capable of operating in the 9 GHz band, which: .3.1 shall be so stowed that it can be easily utilized; and .3.2 may be one of those required by regulation III/6.2.2 for a survival craft; .4 a receiver capable of receiving international NAVTEX service broadcasts if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area in which an international NAVTEX service is provided; .5 a radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the INMARSAT enhanced group calling system if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area of INMARSAT coverage but in which an international NAVTEX service is not provided. However, ships engaged exclusively on voyages in areas where an HF direct-printing telegraphy**** maritime safety information service is provided and fitted with equipment capable of receiving such service, may be exempt from this requirement; [**** Digital selective calling (DSC) for all ships and HF direct-printing telegraphy (NBDP) carriage requirements for ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and over but less than 1,600 tons gross tonnage are subject to review in accordance with resolution A. 606(15) - Review and evaluation of the GMDSS. Unless otherwise specified this footnote applies to all DSC and NBDP requirements prescribed in the Convention.] [**** Reference is made to the recommendation on promulgation of maritime safety information, to be developed by the Organization (see MSC 55/25, annex 8).] .6 subject to the provisions of regulation 8.3, a satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB) which shall be: .6.1 capable of transmitting a distress alert either through the polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band or, if the ship is engaged only on voyages within INMARSAT coverage, through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service operating in the 1.6 GHz band; * [* Subject to the availability of appropriate receiving and processing ground facilities for each ocean region covered by INMARSAT satellites.] .6.2 installed in an easily accessible position; .6.3 ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft; .6.4 capable of floating free if the ship sinks and of being automatically activated when afloat; and .6.5 capable of being activated manually.

2 Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee, every ship shall, in addition, be fitted with a radio installation consisting of a radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver capable of operating on 2,182 kHz.

3 Until 1 February 1999, every ship shall, unless the ship is engaged on voyages in sea area A1 only, be fitted with a device for generating the radiotelephone alarm signal on the frequency 2,182 kHz.

4 The Administration may exempt ships constructed on or after 1 February 1997 from the requirements prescribed by paragraphs 2 and 3.

Regulation 8 Radio equipment-Sea area A1 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyage exclusively in sea area A1 shall 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; this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB prescribed by paragraph 3, either by installing the EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .2 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .3 if the ship is engaged on voyages within coverage of MF coast stations equipped with DSC, on MF using DSC; or .4 on HF using DSC; or .5 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by: .5.1 an INMARSAT ship earth station; ** or [** This requirement can be met by INMARSAT ship earth stations capable of two-way communications, such as Standard-A or Standard-C ship earth stations. Unless otherwise specified, this footnote applies to all requirements for an INMARSAT ship earth station prescribed by this Chapter.] .5.2 the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

2 The VHF radio installation, required by regulation 7.1.1, shall also be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony.

3 Ships engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area A1 may carry, in lieu of the satellite EPIRB required by regulation 7.1.6, an EPIRB which shall be: .1 capable of transmitting a distress alert using DSC on VHF channel 70 and providing for locating by means of a radar transponder operating in the 9 GHz band; .2 installed in an easily accessible position; .3 ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft; .4 capable of floating free if the ship sinks and being automatically activated when afloat; and .5 capable of being activated manually.

Regulation 9 Radio equipment-Sea areas A1 and A2 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea area A1, but remaining within sea area A2, shall be provided with: .1 an MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on the frequencies: .1.1 2,187.5 kHz using DSC; and .1.2 2,182 kHz using radiotelephony; .2 a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2,187.5 kHz which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by subparagraph .1.1; and .3 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service other than MF operating either: .3.1 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .3.2 on HF using DSC; or .3.3 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by: .3.3.1 the equipment specified in paragraph 3.2; or .3.3.2 the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

2 It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in paragraphs 1.1 and 1.3 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

3 The ship shall, in addition, 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 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz or between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz.

This requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability in the equipment required by paragraph 1.1; or .2 an INMARSAT ship earth station.

4 The Administration may exempt ship constructed before 1 February 1997, which are engaged exclusively on voyages within sea area A2, from the requirements of regulations 7.1. 1.1 and 7.1.2 provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 10 Radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2 and A3 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1 and A2, but remaining within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 2, be provided with: .1 an INMARSAT ship earth station capable of: .1.1 transmitting and receiving distress and safety communications using direct-printing telegraphy; .1.2 initiating and receiving distress priority calls; .1.3 maintaining watch for shore-to-ship distress alerts, including those directed to specifically defined geographical areas; .1.4 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: .2.1 2,187.5 kHz using DSC; and .2.2 2,182 kHz using radiotelephony; and .3 a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2,187.5 kHz which may be separate from or combined with that required by subparagraph .2.1; and .4 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service operating either: .4.1 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .4.2 on HF using DSC; or .4.3 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service, by an additional ship earth station or by the satellite EPIRB required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; 2 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1 and A2, but remaining within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 1, be provided with: .1 an MF/HF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on all distress and safety frequencies in the bands between 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz and between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz: .1.1 using DSC; .1.2 using radiotelephony; and .1.3 using direct-printing telegraphy; and .2 equipment capable of maintaining DSC watch on 2,187.5 kHz, 8,414.5 kHz and on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4,207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12,577 kHz or 16,804.5 kHz; at any time, it shall be possible to select any of these DSC distress and safety frequencies.

This equipment may be separate from, or combined with, the equipment required by subparagraph .1; and .3 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radiocommunication service other than HF operating either: .3.1 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB, close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .3.2 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by: .3.2.1 an INMARSAT ship earth station; or .3.2.2 the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; and .4 in addition, ships shall 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 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz and between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz. This requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability in the equipment required by subparagraph .1.

3 It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in subparagraphs 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.3 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

4 The Administration may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on voyages within sea areas A2 and A3, from the requirements of regulations 7.1.1.1 and 7.1.2 provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 11 Radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, ships engaged on voyages in all sea areas shall be provided with the radio installations and equipment required by regulation 10.2, except that the equipment required by regulation 10.2.3.2 shall not be accepted as an alternative to that required by regulation 10.2.3.1, which shall always be provided. In addition, ships engaged on voyages in all sea areas shall comply with the requirements of regulation 10.3.

2 The Administration may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on voyages within sea areas A2, A3 and A4, from the requirements of regulations 7.1.1.1 and 7.1.2 provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 12 Watches 1 Every ship, while at sea, shall maintain a continuous watch: .1 on VHF DSC channel 70, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 7.1.2, is fitted with a VHF radio installation; .2 on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2,187.5 kHz, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 9.1.2 or 10.1.3, is fitted with an MF radio installation; .3 on the distress and safety DSC frequencies 2,187.5 kHz and 8,414.5 kHz and also on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4,207.5 kHz, 6,312 kHz, 12,577 kHz or 16,804.5 kHz, appropriate to the time of day and the geographical position of the ship, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 10.2.2 or 11.1, is fitted with an MF/HF radio installation. This watch may be kept by means of a scanning receiver; .4 for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if he ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 10.1.1, is fitted with an INMARSAT ship earth station.

2 Every ship, while at sea, shall maintain a radio watch for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the appropriate frequency of frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the ship is navigating.

3 Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee, every ship while at sea shall maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

4 Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee, every ship required to carry a radiotelephone watch receiver shall maintain, while at sea, a continuous watch on the radiotelephone distress frequency 2,182 kHz. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 13 Sources of energy 1 There shall 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 or sources of energy for the radio installations.

2 A reserve source or sources of energy shall be provided on every ship, to supply radio installations, 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 source or sources of energy shall be capable of simultaneously operating the VHF radio installation required by regulation 7.1.1 and, as appropriate for the sea area or sea areas for which the ship is equipped, either the MF radio installation required by regulation 9.1.1, the MF/HF radio installation required by regulation 10.2.1 or 11.1, or the INMARSAT ship earth station required by regulation 10.1.1 and any of the additional loads mentioned in paragraphs 4, 5 and 8 for a period of at least: .1 one hour, on ships constructed on or after 1 February 1995; * ------------------- [* Note by the compilor of this volume: Reference is made to the following MSC/Circ.583: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS REGULATIONS IV/13.2.1 to 13.2.3 Recommendation on reserve source of energy 1 At its sixtieth session (6 to 10 April 1992), the Maritime Safety Committee approved, with a view to their adoption at its sixty-first session, proposed amendments to SOLAS Regulations IV/13.2.1 to 13.2.3, given at annex, being of the opinion that these were unintentional oversights when the Organization was preparing and adopting the 1988 SOLAS Amendments for the GMDSS.

2 Pending adoption of the proposed amendments, the Committee recommended that Member Governments require cargo ships between 300 and 500 tons gross tonnage, to which the amendments apply, to be provided with a reserve source of energy capable of providing for the operation of the equipment required by Regulation IV/13.2 for a period of at least six hours.

ANNEX Replace the existing text of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 by: ".1 one hour on ships provided with an emergency source of electrical power, if such source of power complies fully with all relevant provisions of Regulation II-1/42 or 43, including the supply of such power to the radio installations; and .2 six hours on ships not provided with an emergency source of electrical power complying fully with all relevant provisions of Regulation II-1/42 or 43, including the supply of such power to the radio installations."] ------------------- .2 one hour, on ships constructed before 1 February 1995, if the emergency source of electrical power complies fully with all relevant requirements of regulation II-1/42 or 43 including the requirements to supply the radio installation; ** and [** For guidance, the following formula is recommended for determining the electrical load to be supplied by the reserve source of energy for each radio installation required for distress conditions: 1/2 of the current consumption necessary for transmission + the current consumption necessary for reception + current consumption of any additional loads.] .3 six hours, on ships constructed before 1 February 1995, if the emergency source of electrical power is not provided or does not comply fully with all relevant requirements of regulation II-1/42 or 43 including the requirements to supply the radio installations.** [** For guidance, the following formula is recommended for determining the electrical load to be supplied by the reserve source of energy for each radio installation required for distress conditions: 1/2 of the current consumption necessary for transmission + the current consumption necessary for reception + current consumption of any additional loads.] The reserve source or sources of energy need not supply independent HF and MF radio installations at the same time.

3 The reserve source or sources of energy shall be independent of the propelling power of the ship and the ship's electrical system.

4 Where, in addition to the VHF radio installation, two or more of the other radio installations, referred to in paragraph 2, can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy, they shall be capable of simultaneously supplying, for the period specified as appropriate, in paragraph 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3, the VHF radio installation and: .1 all other radio installations which can be connected to the reserve source or 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 source or sources of energy at the same time as the VHF radio installation.

5 The reserve source or sources of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required by regulation 6.2.4.

6 Where a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery or batteries: .1 a means of automatically charging such batteries shall be provided which shall be capable of recharging them to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours; and .2 the capacity of the battery or batteries shall be checked, using an appropriate method, *** at intervals not exceeding 12 months, when the ship is not at sea.

[*** One method of checking the capacity of an accumulator battery is to fully discharge and recharge the battery, using normal operating current and period (e.g. 10 hours). Assessment of the charge condition can be made at any time, but it should be done without significant discharge of the battery when the ship is at sea.] 7 The siting and installation of accumulator batteries which provide a reserve source of energy shall be such as to ensure: .1 the highest degree of service; .2 a reasonable lifetime; .3 reasonable safety; .4 that battery temperatures remain within the manufacturer's specifications whether under charge or idle; and .5 that when fully charged, the batteries will provide at least the minimum required hours of operation under all weather conditions.

8 If an uninterrupted input of information from the ship's navigational or other equipment to a radio installation required by this chapter is needed to ensure its proper performance, means shall 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.

Regulation 14 Performance standards 1 All equipment to which this chapter applies shall be of a type approved by the Administration. Subject to paragraph 2, such equipment shall conform to appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.* [* Reference is made to the following performance standards adopted by the Organization by the resolutions indicated: .1 Narrow-band direct-printing telegraph equipment for the reception of navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships (Assembly resolution A.525 (13)).

.2 General requirements for Shipborne radio equipment forming part of the future global maritime distress and safety system (Assembly resolution A.569 (14)).

.3 Ship earth stations capable of two-way communications (Assembly resolution A.608 (15)).

.4 Shipborne VHF radio installation capable of voice communication and digital selective calling (Assembly resolution A. 609 (15)).

.5 Shipborne MF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling (Assembly resolution A. 610 (15)).

.6 Shipborne MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communication, narrow-band direct printing and digital selective calling (Assembly resolution A.613 (15)).

.7 Float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons operating on 406 MHz (Assembly resolution A.611 (15)).

.8 Survival craft radar transponders for use in search and rescue operations (Assembly resolution A.604 (15)).

.9 Float-free VHF emergency position-indicating radio beacons (Assembly resolution A.612 (15)).

.10 INMARSAT standard-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications (Assembly resolution A.663 (16)).

.11 Enhanced group call equipment (Assembly resolution A.664 (16)).

.12 Float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons operating through the geostationary INMARSAT satellite system on 1.6 GHz (Assembly resolution A.661 (16)).

.13 Float-free release and activation arrangements for emergency radio equipment (Assembly resolution A.662 (16)).] 2 Equipment installed prior to the dates or application by prescribed regulation 1 may be exempted from full compliance with the appropriate performance standards at the discretion of the Administration, provided that the equipment is compatible with equipment complying with the performance standards, having due regard to the criteria which the Organization may adopt in connection with such standards.

Regulation 15 Maintenance requirements 1 Equipment shall be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration or readjustment.

2 Where applicable, equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection and on-board maintenance purposes.

3 Adequate information shall be provided to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained, tanking into account the recommendations of the Organization.* [* Reference is made to the recommendation of general requirements for Shipborne radio equipment forming part of the future global maritime distress and safety system (resolution A.569 (14)).] 4 Adequate tools and spares shall be provided to enable the equipment to be maintained.

5 The Administration shall ensure that radio equipment required by this chapter is maintained to provide the availability of the functional requirements specified in regulation 4 and to meet the recommended performance standards of such equipment.

6 On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A1 and A2, the availability shall be ensured by using such methods as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, or a combination of these, as may be approved by the Administration.

7 On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a combination of at least two methods such as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, as may be approved by the Administration, taking into account the recommendations of the Organization.

8 While all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain the equipment in efficient working order to ensure compliance with all the functional requirements specified in regulation 4, malfunction of the equipment for providing the general radiocommunications required by regulation 4.8 shall not be considered as making a ship unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the ship in ports where repair facilities are not readily available, provided the ship is capable of performing all distress and safety functions.

Regulation 16 Radio personnel Every ship shall carry personnel qualified for distress and safety radiocommunication purposes to the satisfaction of the Administration. The personnel shall be holders of certificates specified in the Radio Regulations as appropriate, any one of whom shall be designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents.

Regulation 17 Radio records 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." CHAPTER V SAFETY OF NAVIGATION Regulation 12 Shipborne navigational equipment The existing text of paragraph (g) is replaced by: "(g) ships of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 1 September 1984 and ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 September 1984 shall be fitted with a radar installation. From 1 February 1995, the radar installation shall be capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band. In addition, after 1 February 1995, passenger ships irrespective of size and cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards when engaged on international voyages, shall be fitted with a radar installation capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band. Passenger ships of less than 500 tons gross tonnage and cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage may be exempted from compliance with the requirements of paragraph (r) at the discretion of the Administration, provided that the equipment is fully compatible with the radar transponder for search and rescue." The existing text of paragraph (h) is replaced by: "(h) Ships of 10,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards shall be fitted with two radar installations, each capable of being operated independently of the other. From 1 February 1995, at least one of the radar installations shall be capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band." The existing text of paragraph (p) is replaced by: "(p) When engaged on international voyages, ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards shall be fitted with a radio direction-finding apparatus. The Administration may exempt a ship from this requirement if it considers it unreasonable or unnecessary for such apparatus to be carried or if the ship is provided with other radionavigation equipment suitable for use throughout its intended voyages.

The existing text of paragraph (q) is replaced by: "(q) Until 1 February 1999, ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 25 may 1980 and before 1 February 1995, when engaged on international voyages, shall be fitted with radio equipment for homing on the radiotelephone distress frequency." Regulation 14 Aids to navigation The existing text is replaced by: "The contracting Governments undertake to arrange for the establishment and maintenance of such aids to navigation as, in their opinion, the volume of traffic justifies and the degree of risk requires, and to arrange for information relating to these aids to be made available to all concerned." Regulation 21 International Code of Signals The existing text of regulation 21 is replaced by: "All ships which, in accordance with the present Convention, are required to carry radio installations shall carry the International Code of Signals. This publication shall also be carried by any other ship which, in the opinion of the Administration, has a need to use it." .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.

3 Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels, required for navigational safety, shall 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.

Regulation 7 Radio equipment-General 1 Every ship shall be provided with: .1 a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving: .1.1 DSC * on the frequency 156.525 MHz (channel 70). It shall be possible to initiate the transmission of distress alerts on channel 70 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated; ** and [* Digital selective calling (DSC) for all ships and HF direct-printing telegraphy (NBDP) carriage requirements for ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and over but less than 1,600 tons gross tonnage are subject to review in accordance with resolution A.606 (15)-Review and evaluation of the GMDSS. Unless otherwise specified this footnote applies to all DSC and NBDP requirements prescribed in the Convention.] [** Certain ships may be exempted from this requirement (see regulation 9.4)] .1.2 radiotelephony on the frequencies 156.300 MHz (channel 6), 156.650 MHz (channel 13) and 156.800 MHz (channel (16); .2 a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on VHF channel 70 which may be separate from, or combined with, the required by subparagraph .1.1; *** [*** Certain ships may be exempted from this requirement (see.] .3 a radar transponder capable of operating in the 9 GHz band, which: .3.1 shall be so stowed that it can be easily utilized; and .3.2 may be one of those required by regulation III/6.2.2 for a survival craft; .4 a receiver capable of receiving international NAVTEX service broadcasts if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area in which an international NAVTEX service is provided; .5 a radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the INMARSAT enhanced group calling system if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area of INMARSAT coverage but in which an international NAVTEX service is not provided. However, ships engaged exclusively on voyages in areas where an HF direct-printing telegraphy**** maritime safety information service is provided and fitted with equipment capable of receiving such service, may be exempt from this requirement; [**** Digital selective calling (DSC) for all ships and HF direct-printing telegraphy (NBDP) carriage requirements for ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and over but less than 1,600 tons gross tonnage are subject to review in accordance with resolution A. 606(15) - Review and evaluation of the GMDSS. Unless otherwise specified this footnote applies to all DSC and NBDP requirements prescribed in the Convention.] [**** Reference is made to the recommendation on promulgation of maritime safety information, to be developed by the Organization (see MSC 55/25, annex 8).] .6 subject to the provisions of regulation 8.3, a satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB) which shall be: .6.1 capable of transmitting a distress alert either through the polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band or, if the ship is engaged only on voyages within INMARSAT coverage, through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service operating in the 1.6 GHz band; * [* Subject to the availability of appropriate receiving and processing ground facilities for each ocean region covered by INMARSAT satellites.] .6.2 installed in an easily accessible position; .6.3 ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft; .6.4 capable of floating free if the ship sinks and of being automatically activated when afloat; and .6.5 capable of being activated manually.

2 Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee, every ship shall, in addition, be fitted with a radio installation consisting of a radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver capable of operating on 2,182 kHz.

3 Until 1 February 1999, every ship shall, unless the ship is engaged on voyages in sea area A1 only, be fitted with a device for generating the radiotelephone alarm signal on the frequency 2,182 kHz.

4 The Administration may exempt ships constructed on or after 1 February 1997 from the requirements prescribed by paragraphs 2 and 3.

Regulation 8 Radio equipment-Sea area A1 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyage exclusively in sea area A1 shall 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; this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB prescribed by paragraph 3, either by installing the EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .2 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .3 if the ship is engaged on voyages within coverage of MF coast stations equipped with DSC, on MF using DSC; or .4 on HF using DSC; or .5 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by: .5.1 an INMARSAT ship earth station; ** or [** This requirement can be met by INMARSAT ship earth stations capable of two-way communications, such as Standard-A or Standard-C ship earth stations. Unless otherwise specified, this footnote applies to all requirements for an INMARSAT ship earth station prescribed by this Chapter.] .5.2 the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

2 The VHF radio installation, required by regulation 7.1.1, shall also be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony.

3 Ships engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area A1 may carry, in lieu of the satellite EPIRB required by regulation 7.1.6, an EPIRB which shall be: .1 capable of transmitting a distress alert using DSC on VHF channel 70 and providing for locating by means of a radar transponder operating in the 9 GHz band; .2 installed in an easily accessible position; .3 ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft; .4 capable of floating free if the ship sinks and being automatically activated when afloat; and .5 capable of being activated manually.

Regulation 9 Radio equipment-Sea areas A1 and A2 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea area A1, but remaining within sea area A2, shall be provided with: .1 an MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on the frequencies: .1.1 2,187.5 kHz using DSC; and .1.2 2,182 kHz using radiotelephony; .2 a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2,187.5 kHz which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by subparagraph .1.1; and .3 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service other than MF operating either: .3.1 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .3.2 on HF using DSC; or .3.3 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by: .3.3.1 the equipment specified in paragraph 3.2; or .3.3.2 the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

2 It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in paragraphs 1.1 and 1.3 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

3 The ship shall, in addition, 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 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz or between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz.

This requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability in the equipment required by paragraph 1.1; or .2 an INMARSAT ship earth station.

4 The Administration may exempt ship constructed before 1 February 1997, which are engaged exclusively on voyages within sea area A2, from the requirements of regulations 7.1. 1.1 and 7.1.2 provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 10 Radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2 and A3 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1 and A2, but remaining within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 2, be provided with: .1 an INMARSAT ship earth station capable of: .1.1 transmitting and receiving distress and safety communications using direct-printing telegraphy; .1.2 initiating and receiving distress priority calls; .1.3 maintaining watch for shore-to-ship distress alerts, including those directed to specifically defined geographical areas; .1.4 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: .2.1 2,187.5 kHz using DSC; and .2.2 2,182 kHz using radiotelephony; and .3 a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2,187.5 kHz which may be separate from or combined with that required by subparagraph .2.1; and .4 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service operating either: .4.1 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .4.2 on HF using DSC; or .4.3 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service, by an additional ship earth station or by the satellite EPIRB required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; 2 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1 and A2, but remaining within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 1, be provided with: .1 an MF/HF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on all distress and safety frequencies in the bands between 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz and between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz: .1.1 using DSC; .1.2 using radiotelephony; and .1.3 using direct-printing telegraphy; and .2 equipment capable of maintaining DSC watch on 2,187.5 kHz, 8,414.5 kHz and on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4,207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12,577 kHz or 16,804.5 kHz; at any time, it shall be possible to select any of these DSC distress and safety frequencies.

This equipment may be separate from, or combined with, the equipment required by subparagraph .1; and .3 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radiocommunication service other than HF operating either: .3.1 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB, close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or .3.2 through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by: .3.2.1 an INMARSAT ship earth station; or .3.2.2 the satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; and .4 in addition, ships shall 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 1,605 kHz and 4,000 kHz and between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz. This requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability in the equipment required by subparagraph .1.

3 It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in subparagraphs 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1 and 2.3 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

4 The Administration may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on voyages within sea areas A2 and A3, from the requirements of regulations 7.1.1.1 and 7.1.2 provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 11 Radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, ships engaged on voyages in all sea areas shall be provided with the radio installations and equipment required by regulation 10.2, except that the equipment required by regulation 10.2.3.2 shall not be accepted as an alternative to that required by regulation 10.2.3.1, which shall always be provided. In addition, ships engaged on voyages in all sea areas shall comply with the requirements of regulation 10.3.

2 The Administration may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on voyages within sea areas A2, A3 and A4, from the requirements of regulations 7.1.1.1 and 7.1.2 provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 12 Watches 1 Every ship, while at sea, shall maintain a continuous watch: .1 on VHF DSC channel 70, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 7.1.2, is fitted with a VHF radio installation; .2 on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2,187.5 kHz, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 9.1.2 or 10.1.3, is fitted with an MF radio installation; .3 on the distress and safety DSC frequencies 2,187.5 kHz and 8,414.5 kHz and also on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4,207.5 kHz, 6,312 kHz, 12,577 kHz or 16,804.5 kHz, appropriate to the time of day and the geographical position of the ship, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 10.2.2 or 11.1, is fitted with an MF/HF radio installation. This watch may be kept by means of a scanning receiver; .4 for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if he ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 10.1.1, is fitted with an INMARSAT ship earth station.

2 Every ship, while at sea, shall maintain a radio watch for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the appropriate frequency of frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the ship is navigating.

3 Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee, every ship while at sea shall maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

4 Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee, every ship required to carry a radiotelephone watch receiver shall maintain, while at sea, a continuous watch on the radiotelephone distress frequency 2,182 kHz. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Regulation 13 Sources of energy 1 There shall 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 or sources of energy for the radio installations.

2 A reserve source or sources of energy shall be provided on every ship, to supply radio installations, 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 source or sources of energy shall be capable of simultaneously operating the VHF radio installation required by regulation 7.1.1 and, as appropriate for the sea area or sea areas for which the ship is equipped, either the MF radio installation required by regulation 9.1.1, the MF/HF radio installation required by regulation 10.2.1 or 11.1, or the INMARSAT ship earth station required by regulation 10.1.1 and any of the additional loads mentioned in paragraphs 4, 5 and 8 for a period of at least: .1 one hour, on ships constructed on or after 1 February 1995; * ------------------- [* Note by the compilor of this volume: Reference is made to the following MSC/Circ.583: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS REGULATIONS IV/13.2.1 to 13.2.3 Recommendation on reserve source of energy 1 At its sixtieth session (6 to 10 April 1992), the Maritime Safety Committee approved, with a view to their adoption at its sixty-first session, proposed amendments to SOLAS Regulations IV/13.2.1 to 13.2.3, given at annex, being of the opinion that these were unintentional oversights when the Organization was preparing and adopting the 1988 SOLAS Amendments for the GMDSS.

2 Pending adoption of the proposed amendments, the Committee recommended that Member Governments require cargo ships between 300 and 500 tons gross tonnage, to which the amendments apply, to be provided with a reserve source of energy capable of providing for the operation of the equipment required by Regulation IV/13.2 for a period of at least six hours.

ANNEX Replace the existing text of paragraphs 2.1 to 2.3 by: ".1 one hour on ships provided with an emergency source of electrical power, if such source of power complies fully with all relevant provisions of Regulation II-1/42 or 43, including the supply of such power to the radio installations; and .2 six hours on ships not provided with an emergency source of electrical power complying fully with all relevant provisions of Regulation II-1/42 or 43, including the supply of such power to the radio installations."] ------------------- .2 one hour, on ships constructed before 1 February 1995, if the emergency source of electrical power complies fully with all relevant requirements of regulation II-1/42 or 43 including the requirements to supply the radio installation; ** and [** For guidance, the following formula is recommended for determining the electrical load to be supplied by the reserve source of energy for each radio installation required for distress conditions: 1/2 of the current consumption necessary for transmission + the current consumption necessary for reception + current consumption of any additional loads.] .3 six hours, on ships constructed before 1 February 1995, if the emergency source of electrical power is not provided or does not comply fully with all relevant requirements of regulation II-1/42 or 43 including the requirements to supply the radio installations.** [** For guidance, the following formula is recommended for determining the electrical load to be supplied by the reserve source of energy for each radio installation required for distress conditions: 1/2 of the current consumption necessary for transmission + the current consumption necessary for reception + current consumption of any additional loads.] The reserve source or sources of energy need not supply independent HF and MF radio installations at the same time.

3 The reserve source or sources of energy shall be independent of the propelling power of the ship and the ship's electrical system.

4 Where, in addition to the VHF radio installation, two or more of the other radio installations, referred to in paragraph 2, can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy, they shall be capable of simultaneously supplying, for the period specified as appropriate, in paragraph 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3, the VHF radio installation and: .1 all other radio installations which can be connected to the reserve source or 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 source or sources of energy at the same time as the VHF radio installation.

5 The reserve source or sources of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required by regulation 6.2.4.

6 Where a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery or batteries: .1 a means of automatically charging such batteries shall be provided which shall be capable of recharging them to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours; and .2 the capacity of the battery or batteries shall be checked, using an appropriate method, *** at intervals not exceeding 12 months, when the ship is not at sea.

[*** One method of checking the capacity of an accumulator battery is to fully discharge and recharge the battery, using normal operating current and period (e.g. 10 hours). Assessment of the charge condition can be made at any time, but it should be done without significant discharge of the battery when the ship is at sea.] 7 The siting and installation of accumulator batteries which provide a reserve source of energy shall be such as to ensure: .1 the highest degree of service; .2 a reasonable lifetime; .3 reasonable safety; .4 that battery temperatures remain within the manufacturer's specifications whether under charge or idle; and .5 that when fully charged, the batteries will provide at least the minimum required hours of operation under all weather conditions.

8 If an uninterrupted input of information from the ship's navigational or other equipment to a radio installation required by this chapter is needed to ensure its proper performance, means shall 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.

Regulation 14 Performance standards 1 All equipment to which this chapter applies shall be of a type approved by the Administration. Subject to paragraph 2, such equipment shall conform to appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.* [* Reference is made to the following performance standards adopted by the Organization by the resolutions indicated: .1 Narrow-band direct-printing telegraph equipment for the reception of navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships (Assembly resolution A.525 (13)).

.2 General requirements for Shipborne radio equipment forming part of the future global maritime distress and safety system (Assembly resolution A.569 (14)).

.3 Ship earth stations capable of two-way communications (Assembly resolution A.608 (15)).

.4 Shipborne VHF radio installation capable of voice communication and digital selective calling (Assembly resolution A. 609 (15)).

.5 Shipborne MF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling (Assembly resolution A. 610 (15)).

.6 Shipborne MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communication, narrow-band direct printing and digital selective calling (Assembly resolution A.613 (15)).

.7 Float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons operating on 406 MHz (Assembly resolution A.611 (15)).

.8 Survival craft radar transponders for use in search and rescue operations (Assembly resolution A.604 (15)).

.9 Float-free VHF emergency position-indicating radio beacons (Assembly resolution A.612 (15)).

.10 INMARSAT standard-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications (Assembly resolution A.663 (16)).

.11 Enhanced group call equipment (Assembly resolution A.664 (16)).

.12 Float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons operating through the geostationary INMARSAT satellite system on 1.6 GHz (Assembly resolution A.661 (16)).

.13 Float-free release and activation arrangements for emergency radio equipment (Assembly resolution A.662 (16)).] 2 Equipment installed prior to the dates or application by prescribed regulation 1 may be exempted from full compliance with the appropriate performance standards at the discretion of the Administration, provided that the equipment is compatible with equipment complying with the performance standards, having due regard to the criteria which the Organization may adopt in connection with such standards.

Regulation 15 Maintenance requirements 1 Equipment shall be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration or readjustment.

2 Where applicable, equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection and on-board maintenance purposes.

3 Adequate information shall be provided to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained, tanking into account the recommendations of the Organization.* [* Reference is made to the recommendation of general requirements for Shipborne radio equipment forming part of the future global maritime distress and safety system (resolution A.569 (14)).] 4 Adequate tools and spares shall be provided to enable the equipment to be maintained.

5 The Administration shall ensure that radio equipment required by this chapter is maintained to provide the availability of the functional requirements specified in regulation 4 and to meet the recommended performance standards of such equipment.

6 On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A1 and A2, the availability shall be ensured by using such methods as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, or a combination of these, as may be approved by the Administration.

7 On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a combination of at least two methods such as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, as may be approved by the Administration, taking into account the recommendations of the Organization.

8 While all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain the equipment in efficient working order to ensure compliance with all the functional requirements specified in regulation 4, malfunction of the equipment for providing the general radiocommunications required by regulation 4.8 shall not be considered as making a ship unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the ship in ports where repair facilities are not readily available, provided the ship is capable of performing all distress and safety functions.

Regulation 16 Radio personnel Every ship shall carry personnel qualified for distress and safety radiocommunication purposes to the satisfaction of the Administration. The personnel shall be holders of certificates specified in the Radio Regulations as appropriate, any one of whom shall be designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents.

Regulation 17 Radio records 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." CHAPTER V SAFETY OF NAVIGATION Regulation 12 Shipborne navigational equipment The existing text of paragraph (g) is replaced by: "(g) ships of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 1 September 1984 and ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 September 1984 shall be fitted with a radar installation. From 1 February 1995, the radar installation shall be capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band. In addition, after 1 February 1995, passenger ships irrespective of size and cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards when engaged on international voyages, shall be fitted with a radar installation capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band. Passenger ships of less than 500 tons gross tonnage and cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage may be exempted from compliance with the requirements of paragraph (r) at the discretion of the Administration, provided that the equipment is fully compatible with the radar transponder for search and rescue." The existing text of paragraph (h) is replaced by: "(h) Ships of 10,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards shall be fitted with two radar installations, each capable of being operated independently of the other. From 1 February 1995, at least one of the radar installations shall be capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band." The existing text of paragraph (p) is replaced by: "(p) When engaged on international voyages, ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards shall be fitted with a radio direction-finding apparatus. The Administration may exempt a ship from this requirement if it considers it unreasonable or unnecessary for such apparatus to be carried or if the ship is provided with other radionavigation equipment suitable for use throughout its intended voyages.

The existing text of paragraph (q) is replaced by: "(q) Until 1 February 1999, ships of 1,600 tons gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 25 may 1980 and before 1 February 1995, when engaged on international voyages, shall be fitted with radio equipment for homing on the radiotelephone distress frequency." Regulation 14 Aids to navigation The existing text is replaced by: "The contracting Governments undertake to arrange for the establishment and maintenance of such aids to navigation as, in their opinion, the volume of traffic justifies and the degree of risk requires, and to arrange for information relating to these aids to be made available to all concerned." Regulation 21 International Code of Signals The existing text of regulation 21 is replaced by: "All ships which, in accordance with the present Convention, are required to carry radio installations shall carry the International Code of Signals. This publication shall also be carried by any other ship which, in the opinion of the Administration, has a need to use it."