Maritime Communications, 60102-60106 [E6-16832]

Agencies

• FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 197 (Thursday, October 12, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60102-60106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16832]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 80

[WT Docket No. 04-344; FCC 06-108]


Maritime Communications

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) requests additional comment on issues pertaining to 
maritime Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). AIS is an important 
tool for enhancing maritime safety and homeland security. Having 
determined in the Report and Order in this proceeding that VHF maritime 
Channels 87B and 88B should be allocated for exclusive AIS use, in 
keeping with the international allocation of those channels for AIS, 
the Commission now seeks comment on whether the designation of those 
channels for ASIS should be effective throughout the Nation or, as the 
Commission initially proposed, only in the nine maritime VHF public 
coast (VPC) service areas (VPCSAs). The Commission asks commenters to 
consider, in this regard, the United States Coast Guard's plans to 
develop satellite AIS tracking capabilities. Second, the Commission 
requests comment on equipment standards and other issues pertaining to 
AIS base stations. Finally, the Commission requests comment on a 
proposed standard for authorizing Class B AIS devices.

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 13, 2006, and reply 
comments are due on or before November 27, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by WT Docket No. 04-344; 
FCC 06-108, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Federal Communications Commission's Web Site: https://
www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request 
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language 
interpreters, CART, etc.) by e-mail: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone 202-418-
0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432.
    For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Tobias, Jeff.Tobias@FCC.gov, 
Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Division, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau, (202) 418-0680, or TTY (202) 418-7233.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Federal 
Communications Commission's Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(FNPRM) in WT Docket No. 04-344, FCC 06-108, adopted on July 20, 2006, 
and released on July 24, 2006. The full text of this document is 
available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in 
the FCC Reference Center, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. 
The complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy 
contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street, SW., Room 
CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: 
https://www.fcc.gov. Alternative formats are available to persons with 
disabilities by sending an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-
418-0432 (tty).
    1. The Commission tentatively concluded in the Notice of Proposed 
Rule Making in this proceeding (AIS NPRM) that Channel 87B should be 
designated for exclusive AIS use only in the nine maritime VPCSAs. The 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and 
other commenters disagree, arguing that the designation of Channel 87B 
for AIS should apply throughout the Nation, including the inland VPCSAs 
as well as the maritime VPCSAs. Although the proponents of a nationwide 
designation offer several considerations in support of their position, 
NTIA and ORBCOMM, Inc. have emphasized that satellite AIS capabilities 
may be developed, and that the effectiveness of satellite AIS depends 
to a great deal on the establishment of a truly nationwide AIS channel 
designation. The possibility of satellite AIS was not discussed in the 
AIS NPRM, however, and was not introduced into the record of this 
proceeding until NTIA filed comments, and ORBCOMM, Inc. reply comments, 
addressing the issue. The Commission therefore believes that it would 
be beneficial to obtain further information regarding satellite AIS 
before deciding this important and complex issue. The Commission 
requests, in particular, that interested parties provide technical and 
operational information regarding satellite AIS, including its 
susceptibility to interference from terrestrial stations, and discuss 
the public interest costs and benefits of satellite AIS. Commenters 
should also address whether satellite AIS can function adequately 
without a nationwide designation of Channel 87B for AIS.
    2. In addition to providing information specifically with respect 
to satellite AIS, interested parties are again invited to address the 
larger issue of whether the designation of Channel 87B for AIS should 
be limited to the maritime VPCSAs or should cover the entire Nation, 
whether or not satellite AIS proves feasible. The Commission would 
especially welcome input on this issue from licensees of inland VPCSAs. 
In addition, the Commission requests further comment on the potential 
benefits of terrestrial AIS in inland areas. The Commission also 
requests that commenters provide more information on the extent to 
which vessels on navigable waterways in the inland VPCSAs may benefit 
from AIS on the one hand, and VPC services, including maritime public 
correspondence services, on the other.
    3. As the Commission noted in the AIS NPRM, two duplex channels in 
each inland VPCSA are set aside for public safety use. These channels 
are designated for interoperability operations in the inland VPCSAs. 
The Commission's Universal Licensing

[[Page 60103]]

System database indicates that only two public safety entities are 
licensed for these channels. The Commission has designated other 
spectrum in the VHF and other bands, for interoperability operations. 
The Commission therefore seeks comment on whether, in the event it 
designates Channel 87B for exclusive AIS use nationwide, it would be 
appropriate to redesignate any of these set-aside channels for VPC use 
in order to avoid a negative impact on inland VPCSA licensees.
    4. NTIA observes that the International Electrotechnical Commission 
(IEC) is in the process of developing AIS base station equipment 
standards, and says that the Commission should address issues 
concerning the authorization, coordination, and operation of AIS base 
stations. The Commission agrees, and does not believe it necessary to 
defer requesting comment on these questions until the IEC completes its 
work. Requesting comment at this stage will permit the Commission to 
more expeditiously amend its rules following the development of the IEC 
standards, either to incorporate the IEC standards, promulgate 
different standards, or take other appropriate action. In addition, it 
may be possible to crystallize some of the relevant issues even before 
the IEC publishes its AIS base station standards. The Commission 
accordingly requests comment on standards and procedures for 
authorizing AIS base station equipment. The Commission also requests 
comment on what, if any, rules it should adopt for the licensing and 
use of AIS base stations, including, for example, license eligibility 
criteria, an appropriate license term, and whether AIS base station 
licenses should be assignable. With respect to operational issues, 
commenters should address, for example, limits on permissible 
communications, and whether AIS base stations should be permitted to 
operate on a for-profit basis.
    5. NTIA notes that low-cost, Class B AIS devices are being 
developed for vessels not covered by a mandatory carriage requirement 
under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Class 
B AIS devices are intended to provide a less expensive alternative to 
Class A AIS equipment, while still providing vessel information 
critical to maritime safety and security. In standardizing AIS, the ITU 
Radiocommunications Sector Recommendation 1371-1, ``Technical 
characteristics for a universal shipborne Automatic Identification 
System (AIS) using SOTDMA (Self-Organizing Time Division).''
    6. ``Multiple Access in the VHF maritime mobile band,'' provides 
for a Class B AIS device. The Commission notes, moreover, that the IEC 
recently adopted and published an international standard, IEC 62287-1, 
that sets forth requirements and test procedures for Class B AIS 
equipment. During the development of this Class B AIS standard, 
concerns arose regarding the potential impact on the operation of the 
AIS network from widespread deployment of Class B AIS devices that are 
not compatible with the Class A devices used on SOLAS ships, AIS base 
stations, and AIS-equipped Aids to Navigation. To resolve these 
concerns, a network access technology was developed that allows large 
numbers of Class B-fitted vessels to coexist with Class A-fitted 
vessels with negligible detrimental effect on the AIS network. This new 
technology, known as Carrier Sense TDMA (CS or CSTDMA), requires that 
the Class B CS AIS device ``listen'' to the AIS network, and then 
determine that the network is free of competing traffic before 
transmitting. This ``polite'' operation of Class B CS AIS devices 
minimizes the probability of their causing interference to Class A 
devices and other AIS network operations.
    7. The Commission believes that accommodating Class B devices under 
its rules will advance the goal of ensuring that AIS is deployed 
widely, quickly, reliably, cost-effectively, and in a manner that will 
maximize its capabilities. Class B AIS devices can significantly 
enhance the overall effectiveness of AIS at a low cost. In addition, 
the IEC 62287-1 international standard appears to adequately protect 
the overall AIS network. The Commission tentatively concludes, 
therefore, that it should amend its part 80 rules to incorporate by 
reference the IEC 62287-1 standard and provide for the certification of 
Class B AIS equipment that complies with that standard. The Commission 
believes this action will promote the domestic public interest by 
facilitating the sale, installation and use of internationally 
interoperable Class B AIS devices in the United States. It invites 
comment on this proposal generally, and, more specifically, on the 
merits of proposed new Sec.  80.231.
    8. In addition, the Commission requests comment on the measures, if 
any, that it might take to ensure the accuracy of AIS data transmitted 
via Class B AIS devices. Class B AIS devices broadcast such user-
programmed information as Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) 
number, vessel name, vessel type, call sign and dimension of the ship 
and reference point for reported position. They also broadcast such 
dynamic information as true heading, speed over ground and course over 
ground. Ships, vessel traffic systems and others often make navigation 
decisions based upon the accuracy of the information received. The 
Commission seeks comments regarding means which could be employed to 
ensure that user-programmed as well as dynamic data on AIS units used 
on non-compulsory ships is accurate.

I. Procedural Matters

A. Ex Parte Rules--Permit-But-Disclose Proceeding

    9. This is a permit-but-disclose notice and comment rulemaking 
proceeding. Ex parte presentations are permitted, except during the 
Sunshine Agenda period, provided they are disclosed as provided in the 
Commission's rules.

B. Comment Dates

    10. Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's 
rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments on or 
before November 13, 2006 and reply comments on or before November 27, 
2006. All filings related to this Further Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making should refer to WT Docket No. 04-344.
    11. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment 
Filing System (ECFS), the Federal Government's eRulemaking Portal, or 
by filing paper copies. See Electronic Filing of Documents in 
Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).
    12. Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by 
accessing the ECFS: https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Filers should follow 
the instructions provided on the Web site for submitting comments.
    13. For ECFS filers, if multiple docket or rulemaking numbers 
appear in the caption of this proceeding, filers must transmit one 
electronic copy of the comments for each docket or rulemaking number 
referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, filers 
should include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, 
and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit 
an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions, 
filers should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the following 
words in the body of the message, ``get form.'' A sample form and 
directions will be sent in response.
    14. Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and 
four

[[Page 60104]]

copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number 
appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers must submit two 
additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number.
    15. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by 
commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. 
Postal Service mail (although we continue to experience delays in 
receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). All filings must be addressed to 
the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal 
Communications Commission.
    16. The Commission's contractor will receive hand-delivered or 
messenger-delivered paper filings for the Commission's Secretary at 236 
Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002. The filing 
hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All hand deliveries must be 
held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must be 
disposed of before entering the building.
    17. Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton 
Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
    18. U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail 
should be addressed to 445 12th Street, SW., Washington DC 20554.
    19. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, 
Marlene H. Dortch, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications 
Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. Parties shall 
also serve one copy with the Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy 
and Printing, Inc. (BCPI), Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-
B402, Washington, DC 20554, (202) 488-5300, or via e-mail to 
fcc@bcpiweb.com.
    20. Availability of documents. The public may view the documents 
filed in this proceeding during regular business hours in the FCC 
Reference Information Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 
12th Street, SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554, and on the 
Commission's Internet Home Page: https://www.fcc.gov. Copies of comments 
and reply comments are also available through the Commission's 
duplicating contractor: Best Copy and Printing, Inc. (BCPI), Portals 
II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone 
1-800-378-3160, or via e-mail at the following e-mail address: https://
www.bcpiweb.com. To request materials in accessible formats for people 
with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio 
format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & 
Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 
(tty).

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    21. The action contained herein has been analyzed with respect to 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and found to impose no new or 
modified reporting or recordkeeping requirements or burdens to the 
public, including businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
    22. Specifically, in the FNPRM, the Commission proposes to 
establish requirements for the certification of Class B AIS devices. If 
adopted, the proposed rule would require, among other things, that 
applicants for certification submit specified information, including 
copies of test reports and test data, to the United States Coast Guard 
prior to filing their applications with the Commission, and that they 
include with their applications to the Commission copies of letters 
from the United States Coast Guard stating that the device in question 
satisfies all of the requirements of the pertinent international 
standard, IEC 62287-1, ``Maritime navigation and radio communication 
equipment and systems--Class B shipborne equipment of the automatic 
identification system--Part 1: Carrier-sense time division multiple 
access (CSTDMA) techniques,'' 2006 (IEC 62287-1). The Commission does 
not believe that the requirement to submit this information would 
impose a significant increased administrative burden on businesses with 
fewer than 25 employees, primarily because such businesses would need 
to submit the same or similar information in order to obtain 
certification for Class B AIS devices under international requirements. 
By incorporating the international standard into the Commission's 
rules, rather than establishing a different standard, the Commission's 
proposed rule would avoid subjecting businesses to disparate equipment 
certification requirements for Class B AIS devices. In addition, 
whatever burden the Commission's proposed rule might impose on 
businesses with fewer than 25 employees is more than justified by the 
underlying purpose of the rule, which to ensure that Class B devices 
operate effectively and safely, and are interoperable with other AIS 
devices. Given the important role AIS is to play in promoting homeland 
security and maritime safety, the public interest in establishing rules 
for the certification of Class B AIS devices outweighs the minimal 
burden it might impose on businesses with fewer than 25 employees.

II. Supplemental Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    23. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) as amended, 
the Commission has prepared this present supplemental Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities of the 
policies and rules proposed in this Further Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making in WT Docket No. 04-344 (FNPRM). Written public comments are 
requested on this IRFA. Comments must be identified as responses to the 
IRFA and must be filed by the deadlines for comments on the FNPRM as 
provided in paragraph 74 of the item. The Commission will send a copy 
of the FNPRM, including the IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of 
the Small Business Administration. In addition, the FNPRM and IRFA (or 
summaries thereof) will be published in the Federal Register.

Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules

    24. In the FNPRM, the Commission contemplates rules changes 
involving three issues. First, with the objective of ensuring that AIS 
operations are implemented in an effective and efficient manner without 
imposing unnecessary restrictions on a VPC operations, the Commission 
requests comment as to whether there is a need to revisit the issue of 
the appropriate geographic scope of the AIS set-aside, i.e., whether it 
should be nationwide or limited to the nine maritime VPCSAs. The 
Commission seeks comment, in particular, on whether and how the 
potential development of satellite AIS should weigh in that decision. 
Second, with the objective of ensuring that AIS base stations operate 
in a manner consonant with the overall goals and purposes of AIS, the 
Commission requests comment on equipment certification, licensing, and 
other issues pertaining to AIS base stations. The Commission notes, in 
this regard, that AIS base stations are a critical component of the AIS 
network, and that there is an apparent need for some regulation of AIS 
base stations just as there is a need for some regulation of AIS ship 
stations. Finally, with the objective of accommodating Class B as well 
as Class A AIS devices, the Commission requests comment on the 
Commission's proposal to incorporate by reference IEC 62287-1, 
``Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems--
Class B

[[Page 60105]]

shipborne equipment of the automatic identification system--Part 1: 
Carrier-sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques,'' 2006 
(IEC 62287-1), as the standard for certifying Class B AIS devices under 
part 80 of the Commission's rules.

Legal Basis for Proposed Rules

    25. The proposed action is authorized under sections 1, 4(i), 302, 
303(f) and (r), and 332 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 
47 U.S.C. 1, 154(i), 302, 303(f) and (r), and 332.

Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities To Which the 
Proposed Rules Will Apply

    26. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of and, where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted. The RFA defines the term 
``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the terms ``small 
business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small governmental 
jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small business'' has the same 
meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the Small Business 
Act.. A small business concern is one which: (1) Is independently owned 
and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) 
satisfies any additional criteria established by the Small Business 
Administration (SBA).
    27. Small businesses in the aviation and marine radio services use 
a very high frequency (VHF) marine or aircraft radio and, as 
appropriate, an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (and/or 
radar) or an emergency locator transmitter. The Commission has not 
developed a small business size standard specifically applicable to 
these small businesses. For purposes of this analysis, the Commission 
uses the SBA small business size standard for the category ``Cellular 
and Other Wireless Telecommunications,'' which is 1,500 or fewer 
employees. Between December 3, 1998 and December 14, 1998, the 
Commission held an auction of 42 VHF Public Coast (VPC) licenses in the 
157.1875-157.4500 MHz (ship transmit) and 161.775-162.0125 MHz (coast 
transmit) bands. For purposes of the auction, the Commission defined a 
``small'' business as an entity that, together with controlling 
interests and affiliates, has average gross revenues for the preceding 
three years not to exceed fifteen million dollars. In addition, a 
``very small'' business is one that, together with controlling 
interests and affiliates, has average gross revenues for the preceding 
three years not to exceed three million dollars. There are 
approximately 10,672 licensees in the Marine Coast Service, and the 
Commission estimates that almost all of them qualify as ``small'' 
businesses under the above special small business size standards.

Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    28. There are no projected reporting, recordkeeping or other 
compliance requirements.

Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small Entities, 
and Significant Alternatives Considered

    29. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant, 
specifically small business, alternatives that it has considered in 
reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four 
alternatives (among others): ``(1) The establishment of differing 
compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into 
account the resources available to small entities; (2) the 
clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance or 
reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; (3) the use 
of performance rather than design standards; and (4) an exemption from 
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities.''
    30. In the FNPRM, the Commission asks that interested parties, and 
in particular inland VPCSA licensees, provide information on the 
potential impact on inland VPCSA licensees of designating Channel 87B 
for AIS use exclusively throughout the Nation. To the extent that 
commenters foresee such an impact, they are invited to suggest 
alternatives that would minimize or eliminate any adverse effect on 
small entities. For example, commenters may suggest that inland VPCSA 
licensees be accorded treatment similar to that which we are providing 
to site-based incumbent licensees, permitting them to continue to 
operate on Channel 87B on a shared basis with AIS for the remainder of 
their current license terms, but with no opportunity for renewal of the 
licenses. Commenters may also address the possibility of migrating such 
licensees to different channels if such were available.
    31. In the FNPRM, the Commission also invites comment on rules to 
govern AIS base stations, including certification standards for AIS 
base station equipment. In the absence of specific proposals, we invite 
interested parties to consider generally whether any special measures 
should be adopted in the AIS base station rules to prevent a 
significant adverse impact on small entities. Parties providing such 
comments should also address the extent to which they believe small 
entities may seek to become AIS base station licensees.
    32. Finally, the Commission requests comment in the FNPRM on its 
proposal to incorporate by reference IEC 62287-1, ``Maritime navigation 
and radio communication equipment and systems--Class B shipborne 
equipment of the automatic identification system--Part 1: Carrier-sense 
time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques,'' 2006 (IEC 62287-
1), as the standard for certifying Class B AIS devices under part 80 of 
the Commission's rules. The Commission believes that incorporating by 
reference the international standard for Class B AIS devices will 
reduce costs to manufacturers by eliminating the possible need to 
design devices to two potentially conflicting standards, and will 
reduce costs to users of the devices both from a pass-through of 
manufacturers' cost savings and by eliminating the possible need to fit 
their vessels with more than one Class B AIS device if they travel 
outside U.S. territorial waters, i.e., removing the need to carry one 
Class B AIS device to function within U.S. territorial waters, and 
another Class B AIS device to function in international waters or other 
nations' territorial waters. The Commission notes, in addition, that 
Class B AIS devices are intended generally for use on vessels that are 
not required by law to carry AIS devices. Since carriage of Class B AIS 
devices is voluntary, the establishment of standards for certifying 
such devices should not impose a new compliance burden on vessel 
operators. However, to the extent that any commenters believe that he 
establishment of equipment certification standards for Class B AIS 
devices may impose a significant new compliance burden on any small 
entities, the Commission invites them to suggest alternative or 
complementary approaches that may reduce or eliminate that burden, 
including, but not limited to, the establishment of less rigorous 
standards, or the provision of exemptions or grandfathering protection 
for small entities.

Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the 
Proposed Rules

    33. None.

III. Ordering Clauses

    34. Pursuant to Sections 4(i), 303(r), and 403 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 303(r) and 
403, this Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making is adopted.

[[Page 60106]]

    35. It is further ordered that pursuant to the applicable 
procedures set forth in Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's 
Rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments on the 
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on or before November 13, 2006 
and reply comments on or before November 27, 2006.
    36. It is further ordered that the Commission's Consumer 
Information Bureau, Reference Information Center, shall send a copy of 
the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and the IRFA, to the Chief 
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 80

    Communications, Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.

Proposed Rule Changes

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR part 80 as follows:

PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, 48 Stat. 1066, 
1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, unless 
otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, 
as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609; 3 UST 3450, 3 UST 4726, 12 
UST 2377.

    2. Section 80.231 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  80.231  Technical Requirements for Class B Automatic 
Identification System (AIS) equipment.

    (a) Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment must 
meet the technical requirements of the International Electrotechnical 
Commission (IEC) 62287-1 International Standard, ``Maritime navigation 
and radio communication equipment and systems--Class B shipborne 
equipment of the Automatic Identification System--Part 1: Carrier -
sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques,'' 2006. The 
Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by 
reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 
of these standards can be inspected at the Federal Communications 
Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC (Reference Information 
Center) or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). 
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030 or, go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_
of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. IEC publications can be 
purchased from the International Electro-technical Commission, 3 Rue de 
Varembe, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, or from the American National 
Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036, 
telephone (212) 642-4900.
    (b) Prior to submitting a certification application for a Class B 
AIS device, the following information must be submitted in duplicate to 
the Commandant (G-PSE), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 2nd Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20593-0001:
    (1) The name of the manufacturer or grantee and the model number of 
the AIS device;
    (2) Copies of the test report and test data obtained from the test 
facility showing that the device complies with the environmental and 
operational requirements identified in IEC 62287-1.
    (c) After reviewing the information described in paragraph (b) of 
this section, the U.S. Coast Guard will issue a letter stating whether 
the AIS device satisfies all of the requirements specified in IEC 
62287-1.
    (d) A certification application for an AIS device submitted to the 
Commission must contain a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard letter stating 
that the device satisfies all of the requirements specified in IEC 
62287-1, a copy of the technical test data, and the instruction 
manual(s).
    3. Section 80.275 is amended by revising the section heading and 
paragraph (a) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  80.275  Technical Requirements for Class A Automatic 
Identification System (AIS) equipment.

    (a) Prior to submitting a certification application for a Class A 
AIS device, the following information must be submitted in duplicate to 
the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 2nd Street, SW., 
Washington DC 20593-0001:
* * * * *
    4. Section 80.1101 is amended by adding paragraph (c)(12)(vi) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  80.1101  Performance standards.

    (c) * * *
    (12) * * *
    (vi) with respect to Class B AIS devices only, IEC 62287-1 
International Standard, ``Maritime navigation and radio communication 
equipment and systems--Class B shipborne equipment of the Automatic 
Identification System--Part 1: Carrier--sense time division multiple 
access (CSTDMA) techniques,'' 2006.
* * * * *
 [FR Doc. E6-16832 Filed 10-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P