Maritime Communications, 67604-67618 [2011-27587]

Agencies

• FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 2, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67604-67618]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27587]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 2 and 80

[WT Docket No. 00-48; FCC 10-110]


Maritime Communications

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission or FCC) addresses a number of issues pertaining to the 
Maritime Radio Services that were raised in the Third Further Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (Third FNPRM), and amends its rules accordingly. 
The decisions adopted by the Commission herein advance the key 
objectives underlying this proceeding, which are to promote maritime 
safety, maximize effective and efficient use of the spectrum available 
for maritime communications, accommodate technological innovation, 
avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens, maintain consistency with 
international maritime standards to the extent consistent with the 
United States public interest, and regulate the Maritime Radio Services 
in a manner that advances our nation's homeland security.

DATES: Effective January 3, 2012. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of January 3, 2012.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Tobias, Jeff.Tobias@FCC.gov, 
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, (202) 418-1617, or TTY (202) 418-
7233.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Federal 
Communications Commission's Fourth Report and Order and Second 
Memorandum Opinion and Order (Fourth R&O) in WT Docket No. 00-48, FCC 
10-110, adopted on June 7, 2010, and released on June 10, 2010. 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 email to 
fcc504@fcc.gov or by calling the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau 
at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (tty).
    1. The WT Docket No. 00-48 rulemaking proceeding was established to 
develop rules for domestic implementation of the Global Maritime 
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), a ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship 
distress communications system using satellite and digital selective 
calling (DSC) technology. The Commission takes the following 
significant actions in the Fourth R&O in WT Docket No. 00-48: (1) 
Prohibits the certification, manufacture, importation, sale, 
installation, or continued use of INMARSAT-E emergency position 
indicating radiobeacons (EPIRBs); (2) concludes that VHF-DSC handheld 
radiotelephones should include integrated Global Positioning System 
(GPS) capability, but defers adopting such a requirement until the 
Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) completes work 
on GPS performance standards; (3) requires that any small passenger 
vessel that does not have a reserve power supply carry at least one VHF 
handheld marine radio transceiver; (4) declines at this time to provide 
additional spectrum for ship station facsimile communications or to 
permit the transmission of data on maritime voice channels; (5) 
eliminates the limits on the number of frequencies that can be assigned 
to a private coast station or marine utility station; (6) revises the 
part 80 rules to incorporate by reference the latest international 
standards for radar and other equipment; and (7) clarifies that vessels 
subject to GMDSS requirements are required to test their radiotelephone 
equipment on a daily basis.

I. Procedural Matters

A. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis

    2. This document does not contain proposed information 
collection(s) subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new 
or modified ``information collection burden for small business concerns 
with fewer than 25 employees,'' pursuant to the Small Business 
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(4).

B. Report to Congress

    3. The Commission will send a copy of this Fourth R&O in a report 
to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to the 
Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).

C. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    4. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (RFA), an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was 
incorporated in the Third FNPRM, at 71 FR 65448, November 8, 2006. The 
Commission sought written public comment on the proposals in the Third 
FNPRM, including comment on the IRFA. This present Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) conforms to the RFA.
Need for, and Objectives of, the Report and Order
    5. The rules adopted in the Fourth R&O are intended to promote 
maritime safety, maximize effective and efficient use of the spectrum 
available for maritime communications, accommodate technological 
innovation, avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens, maintain consistency 
with international maritime standards to the extent consistent with the 
United States public interest, and regulate the Maritime Radio Services 
in a manner that advances our nation's homeland security. Specifically, 
in the Fourth R&O, the Commission (1) prohibits the certification, 
manufacture, importation, installation, or continued use of INMARSAT-E 
emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRBs); (2) concludes that 
VHF-DSC handheld radiotelephones should include integrated Global 
Positioning System (GPS) capability, but defers adopting such a 
requirement until the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services 
(RTCM) completes work on GPS performance standards; (3) requires 
carriage of at least one VHF handheld radio transceiver on all small 
passenger vessels that do not carry a reserve power supply; (4) 
declines to take any immediate action to provide additional spectrum 
for ship station facsimile communications or to permit the transmission 
of data on maritime voice channels; (5) removes limits on the number of 
frequencies that can be assigned to a private coast station or marine 
utility station; (6) revises the part 80 rules to incorporate by 
reference the latest international standards for radar and other 
equipment; and (7) clarifies that vessels subject to the GMDSS 
requirements are required to test their radiotelephone equipment on a 
daily basis.

[[Page 67605]]

Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in Response to 
the IRFA
    6. No comments were submitted specifically in response to the IRFA. 
The Commission nonetheless considered the potential economic impact on 
small entities of the rules discussed in the IRFA, and has considered 
alternatives that would reduce the potential economic impact on small 
entities of the rules adopted herein, regardless of whether the 
potential economic impact was discussed in any comments.
Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which Rules 
Will Apply
    7. 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).
    8. Small businesses in the aviation and marine radio services use a 
marine very high frequency (VHF), medium frequency (MF), or high 
frequency (HF) radio, any type of emergency position indicating radio 
beacon (EPIRB) and/or radar, an aircraft radio, and/or any type of 
emergency locator transmitter (ELT). The Commission has not developed a 
definition of small entities specifically applicable to these small 
businesses. For purposes of this FRFA, therefore, the applicable 
definition of small entity is the definition under the SBA rules 
applicable to wireless telecommunications. Pursuant to this definition, 
a ``small entity'' for purposes of the ship station licensees, public 
coast station licensees, or other marine radio users that may be 
affected by these rules, is any entity employing 1,500 of fewer 
persons. 13 CFR 121.201 (NAICS Code 517212).
    9. Nationwide, there are a total of approximately 29.6 million 
small businesses, according to the SBA. A ``small organization'' is 
generally ``any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned 
and operated and is not dominant in its field.'' Nationwide, as of 
2002, there were approximately 1.6 million small organizations. The 
term ``small governmental jurisdiction'' is defined generally as 
``governments of cities, towns, townships, villages, school districts, 
or special districts, with a population of less than fifty thousand.'' 
Census Bureau data for 2002 indicate that there were 87,525 local 
governmental jurisdictions in the United States. We estimate that, of 
this total, 84,377 entities were ``small governmental jurisdictions.'' 
Thus, we estimate that most governmental jurisdictions are small.
    10. Wireless Service Providers. Since 2007, the Census Bureau has 
placed wireless firms within the broad, economic census category of 
Wireless Telecommunications Categories (Except Satellite). Prior to 
that time, such firms were within the now-superseded categories of 
``Paging'' and ``Cellular and Other Wireless Telecommunications.'' 
Under the present and prior categories, the SBA has deemed a wireless 
business to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees. Because Census 
Bureau data are not yet available for the new category, we will 
estimate small business prevalence using the prior categories and 
associated data. For the category of Paging, data for 2002 show that 
there were 807 firms that operated for the entire year. Of this total, 
804 firms had employment of 999 or fewer employees, and three firms had 
employment of 1,000 employees or more. For the category of Cellular and 
Other Wireless Telecommunications, data for 2002 show that there were 
1,397 firms that operated for the entire year. Of this total, 1,378 
firms had employment of 999 or fewer employees, and 19 firms had 
employment of 1,000 employees or more. Thus, we estimate that the 
majority of wireless firms are small.
    11. Aviation and Marine Services. 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 Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite), 
which is 1,500 or fewer employees. Most applicants for recreational 
licenses are individuals. Approximately 581,000 ship station licensees 
and 131,000 aircraft station licensees operate domestically and are not 
subject to the radio carriage requirements of any statute or treaty. 
For purposes of our evaluations in this analysis, we estimate that 
there are up to approximately 712,000 licensees that are small 
businesses (or individuals) under the SBA standard. In addition, 
between December 3, 1998 and December 14, 1998, the Commission held an 
auction of 42 VHF Public Coast 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 $15 
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 $3 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.
    12. Marine Radio Equipment Manufacturers. Some of the rules adopted 
herein may also affect small businesses that manufacture marine radio 
equipment. The Commission has not developed a definition of small 
entities applicable to marine radio equipment manufacturers. Therefore, 
the applicable definition is that for Wireless Communications Equipment 
Manufacturers. The Census Bureau defines this category as follows: 
``This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in 
manufacturing radio and television broadcast and wireless 
communications equipment. Examples of products made by these 
establishments are: Transmitting and receiving antennas, cable 
television equipment, GPS equipment, pagers, cellular phones, mobile 
communications equipment, and radio and television studio and 
broadcasting equipment.'' The SBA has developed a small business size 
standard for Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless 
Communications Equipment Manufacturing, which is: All such firms having 
750 or fewer employees. According to Census Bureau data for 2002, there 
were a total of 1,041 establishments in this category that operated for 
the entire year. Of this total, 1,010 had employment of under 500, and 
an additional 13 had employment of 500 to 999. Thus, under this size 
standard, the majority of firms can be considered small.

[[Page 67606]]

Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance 
Requirements for Small Entities
    13. In the Fourth R&O, the Commission adopts two rule amendments 
that could potentially have a direct, significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. First, the Commission amends 
Sec.  80.917 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 80.917, to require 
carriage of at least one VHF handheld marine radio by any small 
passenger vessel that does not carry a reserve power supply. This 
requirement could affect small entities that own or operate small 
passenger vessels which do not carry a reserve power supply, either in 
compliance with a pre-existing Commission requirement or voluntarily. 
Second, the Commission amends Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101 of the 
Commission's rules, 47 CFR 80.273 and 80.1101, to incorporate by 
reference the currently applicable international standards for marine 
radar and other equipment. This could affect small entities that 
manufacture or use such equipment.
    14. In the IRFA accompanying the Third FNPRM, the Commission 
specifically identified each of the above rule amendments as 
potentially affecting reporting, recordkeeping and other compliance 
requirements, and specifically requested comment on the economic impact 
of these changes.
Steps Taken To Minimize the Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered
    15. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant 
alternatives that it has considered in developing its 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 and reporting requirements under the rule for such 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 
such small entities.''
    16. Although the Commission received no comments specifically 
addressed to the IRFA for the Third FNPRM, the Commission considered 
all comments to the Third FNPRM addressing the impact of any proposed 
change on small entities and all suggestions for alternative measures 
that would have a less significant impact on small entities. Moreover, 
even where the Commission received no comments of this nature with 
regard to a particular new requirement, the Commission considered the 
potential impact of the requirement on small entities, and considered 
alternatives. As noted above, the Commission has identified two new 
requirements that may affect reporting, recordkeeping and other 
compliance requirements for small entities. The Commission discusses 
both of these new requirements adopted in the Fourth R&O, and relevant 
alternatives, below.
    17. In determining to require the carriage of a VHF handheld radio 
transceiver on all small passenger vessels that do not carry a reserve 
power supply, the Commission found that such a requirement, which was 
supported by all commenters who addressed it, would enhance the safety 
of passengers and crew on such vessels by providing a means of 
communicating with search and rescue personnel in the event that an 
emergency situation, such as an on-board fire or the taking on of 
water, disrupts or disables the main power supply. The Commission also 
determined that there is no basis to exempt any class of small 
passenger vessel from the requirement to carry either a reserve power 
supply or at least one VHF handheld marine radio transceiver, or to 
otherwise take additional action to minimize the compliance costs of 
this requirement. In the IRFA accompanying the Third FNPRM, the 
Commission said that its ``understanding [was] that such handheld radio 
equipment can be purchased for under fifty dollars at retail, making it 
a far less expensive proposition for small vessel owners and operators 
than would expanding the reserve power supply requirement to all small 
passenger vessels, regardless of size.'' The Commission also said that, 
``[n]otwithstanding the relative inexpensiveness of VHF handheld marine 
radios, and the important safety benefits that would accrue from 
imposing such a carriage requirement, we request that interested 
parties * * * address whether the costs of such a requirement would 
outweigh the safety benefits, and * * * suggest any alternatives, 
exemptions or phased-in implementation schedules that the Commission 
might adopt to reduce the compliance burden of such a requirement on 
small entities.'' No commenter has suggested that the Commission was 
incorrect in estimating the retail cost of VHF handheld marine radio 
transceivers as under fifty dollars. In fact, no commenter has 
suggested that the compliance costs of this new requirement would be 
onerous. Indeed, coupled with the Commission's earlier determination in 
the Third Report and Order in this proceeding, 73 FR 4475 (Jan. 25, 
2008), regarding the appropriate scope of the reserve power supply 
requirement, the Commission believes that its action here benefits the 
small passenger vessel owners and operators that are subject to this 
new requirement to carry a VHF handheld marine radio transceiver 
insofar as it accords them a significantly less-costly alternative to 
carriage of a reserve power supply in order to meet their obligation to 
passengers and crew to have a means of maintaining communication with 
search and rescue personnel in the event of a disruption to the main 
power supply during a distress situation. The Commission is requiring 
compliance with the requirement for carriage of a VHF handheld marine 
radio transceiver (or a reserve power supply for those small passenger 
vessels that elect to install a reserve power supply voluntarily as an 
alternative) within one year after the effective date of this rule 
amendment, in keeping with the one-year transition period the 
Commission adopted in the Third Report and Order with respect to the 
reserve power supply requirement.
    18. The Commission also has carefully considered the impact on 
small entities of its decision to incorporate by reference in Part 80 
the currently applicable international standards for radar and other 
maritime equipment. In the IRFA accompanying the Third FNPRM, the 
Commission stated:

    We seek comment on the impact of such a revision on radar 
equipment manufacturers and on the owners and operators of vessels 
required to be fitted with radar equipment. Given that we 
contemplate amending our rules only to reflect the most up-to-date 
international standards for ship radar equipment, we question 
whether such an amendment would impose any new compliance burden on 
small entities, since they may already be required to, or have 
decided it is prudent to, manufacture and use equipment that 
conforms to those international standards. To the extent such an 
amendment would be deemed to create a new compliance burden, we ask 
interested parties whether and how that burden can be eliminated or 
mitigated for small entities, both small manufacturers and small 
owners and operators of vessels fitted with radar equipment. 
Commenters should consider the possibility of retaining the existing 
part 80 radar standards, incorporating by reference only some of the 
newer international radar standards, exempting certain entities from 
the requirement to comply with the newer international radar 
standards, and/or providing transition periods before compliance is 
required (so that, e.g., radar equipment can still be certified 
based on

[[Page 67607]]

compliance with the current standards for a specified period of 
time) and grandfathering protection (to permit the continued 
manufacture, sale, importation, and use of radar equipment certified 
under the old standards, either for a specified period of years or 
indefinitely). Commenters are also invited to suggest alternatives 
other than those discussed here.

    19. No commenter opposed this proposed rule amendment, and no 
commenter suggested that there was any need for the Commission to carve 
out any special provisions for small entities. In fact, nothing in the 
record suggests that these requirements will impose significant 
compliance costs on any entity. Instead, it appears that, although the 
incorporation by reference of the international standards will impose 
new part 80 requirements on certain vessels which have not been subject 
to Commission radar or other equipment standards to date, such vessels 
would have to meet the international radar and other equipment 
requirements when operating in international waters, irrespective of 
the part 80 rules, so the incorporation by reference of the 
international standards should not create a new compliance burden on 
the owners and operators of those vessels. Indeed, the commenters 
addressing this issue believe that the adoption of the international 
standards for domestic use will actually benefit manufacturers and 
users of the subject equipment because they will need to meet only a 
single set of standards, irrespective of where they operate. The 
absence of any comments opposing the incorporation by reference of any 
of these standards, or seeking relief for any small entities that may 
be newly subject to a requirement to comply with any of the standards, 
lends credence to the view that this rule change will not be burdensome 
to either vessel owners and operators or to manufacturers of equipment, 
whether or not they are small entities. In addition, we have accorded 
considerable flexibility to users of marine radar equipment, including 
small entities, by grandfathering all certified radar equipment 
installed prior to the effective date of these rule amendments, for the 
remainder of its useful life.

F. Report to Congress

    20. The Commission will send a copy of the Fourth R&O in WT Docket 
No. 00-48, including the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, in a 
report to be sent to Congress and the Congressional Budget Office 
pursuant to the Congressional Review Act. In addition, the Commission 
will send a copy of the Fourth R&O in WT Docket No. 00-48, including 
the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy of the SBA. A copy of the Fourth R&O in WT Docket No. 00-48 
and the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (or summaries thereof) 
will also be published in the Federal Register.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Parts 2 and 80

    Communications equipment, Incorporation by reference, Radio, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.

Rule Changes

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission amends 47 CFR parts 2 and 80 as follows:

PART 2--FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL 
RULES AND REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, and 336, unless otherwise 
noted.


0
2. Section 2.1093 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  2.1093  Radiofrequency radiation exposure evaluation: Portable 
devices.

* * * * *
    (c) Portable devices that operate in the Cellular Radiotelephone 
Service, the Personal Communications Service (PCS), the Satellite 
Communications Services, the General Wireless Communications Service, 
the Wireless Communications Service, the Maritime Services, the 
Specialized Mobile Radio Service, the 4.9 GHz Band Service, the 
Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) and the Medical Implant 
Communications Service (MICS), authorized under subpart H of part 22 of 
this chapter, parts 24, 25, 26, 27, 80 (ship earth station devices 
only) and 90 of this chapter, subparts H and I of part 95 of this 
chapter, and unlicensed personal communication service, unlicensed NII 
devices and millimeter wave devices authorized under subparts D and E, 
Sec. Sec.  15.253, 15.255 and 15.257 of this chapter are subject to 
routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment 
authorization or use. All other portable transmitting devices are 
categorically excluded from routine environmental evaluation for RF 
exposure prior to equipment authorization or use, except as specified 
in Sec. Sec.  1.1307(c) and 1.1307(d) of this chapter. Applications for 
equipment authorization of portable transmitting devices subject to 
routine environmental evaluation must contain a statement confirming 
compliance with the limits specified in paragraph (d) of this section 
as part of their application. Technical information showing the basis 
for this statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
* * * * *

PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES

0
3. 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.


0
4. Section 80.5 is amended by revising the definition of Digital 
selective calling (DSC), Navigable waters, and On-board communication 
station to read as follows:


Sec.  80.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Digital selective calling (DSC). A synchronous system developed by 
the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication (ITU-R) 
Sector, used to establish contact with a station or group of stations 
automatically by means of radio. The operational and technical 
characteristics of this system are contained in ITU-R M.493-13 and ITU-
R M.541-9 (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7) (see subpart 
W of this part.)
* * * * *
    Navigable waters. This term, as used in reference to waters of the 
United States, its territories and possessions, means the waters 
shoreward of the baseline of its territorial sea and internal waters as 
contained in 33 CFR 2.36.
* * * * *
    On-board communication station. A low-powered mobile station in the 
maritime mobile service intended for use for internal communications on 
board a ship, or between a ship and its lifeboats and life-rafts during 
lifeboat drills or operations, or for communication within a group of 
vessels being towed or pushed, as well as for line handling and mooring 
instructions.
* * * * *


0
5. Add Sec.  80.7 to subpart A to read as follows:

[[Page 67608]]

Sec.  80.7  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that 
specified in this section, the Federal Communications Commission must 
publish notice of the change in the Federal Register and the material 
must be available to the public. All approved material is available for 
inspection 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. Also it is 
available for inspection at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 
12th Street, SW., Washington, DC (Reference Information Center), and is 
available from the sources listed below.
    (b) The International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4 Albert 
Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom; https://www.imo.org; Tel. 
+44 (0)20 7735 7611; Fax +44 (0)20 7587 3210; email: info@imo.org.
    (1) IMO Resolution A.525(13) (``IMO Resolution A.525(13)''), 
``Performance Standards for Narrow-band Direct Printing Telegraph 
Equipment for the Reception of Navigational and Meteorological Warnings 
and Urgent Information to Ships,'' including Annex, adopted 17 November 
1983, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.905 and 80.1101.
    (2) IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Resolution MSC.148(77) 
(``IMO Resolution MSC.148(77)''), ``Adoption of the Revised Performance 
Standards for Narrow-band Direct Printing Telegraph Equipment for the 
Reception of Navigational and Meteorological Warnings and Urgent 
Information to Ships (NAVTEX),'' adopted on 3 June 2003, IBR approved 
for Sec. Sec.  80.905 and 80.1101.
    (3) IMO Assembly Resolution A.662(16) (``IMO Resolution 
A.662(16)''), ``Performance Standards for Float-free Release and 
Activation Arrangements for Emergency Radio Equipment,'' adopted 19 
October 1989, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (4) IMO Assembly Resolution A.664(16) (``IMO Resolution 
A.664(16)''), ``Performance Standards for Enhanced Group Call 
Equipment,'' adopted 19 October 1989, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (5) IMO Resolution A.694(17) (``IMO Resolution A.694(17)''), 
``Recommendation on General Requirements for Shipborne Radio Equipment 
Forming part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) 
and for Electronic Navigational Aids,'' adopted 6 November 1991, IBR 
approved for Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101.
    (6) IMO Resolution MSC.149(77) (``IMO Resolution MSC.149(77)''), 
``Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for Survival Craft Two-
Way VHF Radiotelephone Apparatus,'' adopted on 3 June 2003, IBR 
approved for Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101.
    (7) IMO Assembly Resolution A.700(17), (``IMO Resolution 
A.700(17)''), ``Performance Standards for Narrow-band Direct-printing 
Telegraph Equipment for the Reception of Navigational and 
Meteorological Warnings and Urgent Information to Ships (MSI) by HF,'' 
adopted 6 November 1991, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (8) IMO Assembly Resolution A.801(19) Appendix 13, Annex 5 (``IMO 
Resolution A.801(19)''), ``Criteria for Use When Providing Inmarsat 
Shore-Based Facilities for Use in the GMDSS,'' adopted 23 November 
1995, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1091.
    (9) IMO Assembly Resolution A.802(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.802(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Survival Craft Radar 
Transponders for Use in Search and Rescue Operations,'' with Annex, 
adopted 23 November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (10) IMO Resolution MSC.247(83) (``IMO Resolution MSC.247(83)''), 
``Adoption of Amendments to Performance Standards for Survival Craft 
Radar Transponders for Use in Search and Rescue Operations,'' adopted 
on 8 October 2007, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (11) IMO Assembly Resolution A.803(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.803(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Shipborne VHF Radio 
Installations Capable of Voice Communication and Digital Selective 
Calling,'' with Annex, adopted 23 November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1101.
    (12) IMO Resolution MSC.68(68) (``IMO Resolution MSC.68(68)''), 
``Adoption of Amendments to Performance Standards for Shipborne 
Radiocommunications Equipment,'' adopted on 6 June 1997, IBR approved 
for Sec.  80.1101.
    (13) IMO Assembly Resolution A.804(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.804(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Shipborne MF Radio 
Installations Capable of Voice Communication and Digital Selective 
Calling,'' with Annex, adopted 23 November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1101.
    (14) IMO Assembly Resolution A.806(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.806(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Shipborne MF/HF Radio 
Installations Capable of Voice Communication, Narrow-Band Direct 
Printing and Digital Selective Calling,'' with Annex, adopted 23 
November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (15) IMO Assembly Resolution A.807(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.807(19)''), ``Performance Standards for INMARSAT-C Ship Earth 
Stations Capable of Transmitting and Receiving Direct-Printing 
Communications,'' with Annex, adopted 23 November 1995, IBR approved 
for Sec.  80.1101.
    (16) IMO Assembly Resolution A.808(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.808(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Ship Earth Stations Capable 
of Two-Way Communications,'' with Annex, adopted 23 November 1995, IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (17) IMO Assembly Resolution A.809(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.809(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Survival Craft Two-Way VHF 
Radiotelephone Apparatus,'' including Annexes 1 and 2, adopted 23 
November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (18) IMO Assembly Resolution A.810(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.810(19)''), ``Performance Standards for Float-free Satellite 
Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) Operating on 406 
MHz,'' with Annex, adopted 23 November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1101.
    (19) IMO Resolution MSC.56(66) (``IMO Resolution MSC.56(66)''), 
``Adoption of Amendments to Recommendations on Performance Standards 
for Float-free Satellite Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacons 
(EPIRBs) Operating on 406 MHz,'' adopted on 3 June 1996, IBR approved 
for Sec.  80.1101.
    (20) IMO Resolution MSC.120(74) (``IMO Resolution MSC.120(74)''), 
``Adoption of Amendments to Performance Standards for Float-free 
Satellite Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) 
Operating on 406 MHz,'' adopted on 31 May 2001, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1101.
    (21) IMO Assembly Resolution A.811(19) (``IMO Resolution 
A.811(19)''), ``Performance Standards for a Shipborne Integrated 
Radiocommunication System (IRCS) When Used in the GMDSS,'' with Annex, 
adopted 23 November 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1083.
    (22) IMO Assembly Resolution A.1001(25) (``IMO Resolution 
A.1001(25)''), ``Criteria for the Provision of Mobile Satellite 
Communication Systems in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System 
(GMDSS),'' with

[[Page 67609]]

Annex, adopted 29 November 2007, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1091.
    (23) IMO Resolution MSC.74(69) (``IMO Resolution MSC.74(69)''), 
``Adoption of New and Amended Performance Standards, Annex 3 
Recommendation on Performance Standards for an Universal Shipborne 
Automatic Identification System (AIS),'' adopted 12 May 1998, IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (24) IMO Resolution MSC.80(70) (``IMO Resolution MSC.80(70)''), 
``Adoption of New Performance Standards for Radiocommunication 
Equipment,'' with Annexes, adopted 8 December 1998, IBR approved for 
Sec.  80.1101.
    (25) IMO Resolution MSC.191(79) (``IMO Resolution MSC.191(79)''), 
``Performance Standards for the Presentation of Navigation-Related 
Information on Shipborne Navigational Displays,'' adopted 6 December 
2004, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101.
    (26) IMO Resolution MSC.192(79) (``IMO Resolution MSC.192(79)''), 
``Revised Recommendation on Performance Standards for Radar 
Equipment,'' adopted 6 December 2004, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  
80.273 and 80.1101.
    (27) IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1040 (``IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1040''), 
``Guidelines on annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs'' adopted 28 
May 2002, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1085.
    (c) The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Place des 
Nations, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland; www.itu.int; Voice: +41 22 
730 5111; Fax: +41 22 733 7256; email: itumail@itu.int.
    (1) ITU-R Recommendation M.476-5 (``ITU-R M.476-5''), ``Direct-
Printing Telegraph Equipment in the Maritime Mobile Service,'' with 
Annex, 1995, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.219 and 80.225.
    (2) ITU-R Recommendation M.492-6 (``ITU-R M.492-6''), ``Operational 
Procedures for the use of Direct-Printing Telegraph Equipment in the 
Maritime Mobile Service,'' with Annex, 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.142.
    (3) ITU-R Recommendation M.493-13, (``ITU-R M.493-13''), ``Digital 
Selective-calling System for Use in the Maritime Mobile Service,'' with 
Annexes 1, 2, 3, and 4 (10/2009), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.5, 
80.179, 80.225, 80.1101, and 80.1113.
    (4) ITU-R Recommendation M.540-2 (``ITU-R M.540-2''), ``Operational 
and Technical Characteristics for an Automated Direct-printing 
Telegraph System for Promulgation of Navigational and Meteorological 
Warnings and Urgent Information to Ships,'' including Annexes, 1990, 
IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.905, 80.1101, and 80.1135.
    (5) ITU-R Recommendation M.541-9 (``ITU-R M.541-9'') ``Operational 
Procedures for the Use of Digital Selective-Calling Equipment in the 
Maritime Mobile Service,'' with Annexes 1 through 5, 2004, IBR approved 
for Sec. Sec.  80.5, 80.103, 80.179, 80.225, 80.359, 80.1101, 80.1113, 
and 80.1117.
    (6) ITU-R Recommendation M.625-3 (``ITU-R M.625-3''), ``Direct-
Printing Telegraph Equipment Employing Automatic Identification in the 
Maritime Mobile Service,'' with Annex, 1995, IBR approved for 
Sec. Sec.  80.219, 80.225, 80.1125, 80.1127, 80.1131, and 80.1133.
    (7) ITU-R Recommendation M.628-4 (``ITU-R M.628-4''), ``Technical 
Characteristics for Search and Rescue Radar Transponders,'' with 
Annexes, 2006, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.1101 and 80.1129.
    (8) ITU-R Recommendation M.633-3 (``ITU-R M.633-3''), 
``Transmission characteristics of a satellite emergency position-
indicating radiobeacon (satellite EPIRB) system operating through a low 
polar-orbiting satellite system in the 406 MHz band,'' 2004, IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (9) ITU-R Recommendation M.824-3 (``ITU-R M.824-3''), ``Technical 
Parameters of Radar Beacons (RACONS),'' with Annexes, 2007, IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.605.
    (10) ITU-R Recommendation M.1177-3 (``ITU-R M.1177-3''), 
``Techniques for measurement of unwanted emissions of radar systems,'' 
June 2003, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101.
    (11) ITU-R Recommendation M.1371-3 (``ITU-R M.1371-3''), 
``Technical characteristics for a universal shipborne automatic 
identification system using time division multiple access in the VHF 
maritime mobile band,'' with Annexes, 2007, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1101.
    (12) ITU-T Recommendation E.161 (``ITU-T E.161''), ``Series E: 
Overall Network Operation, Telephone Service, Service Operation and 
Human Factors: International Operation-Numbering Plan of the 
International Telephone Service: Arrangement of Digits, Letters and 
Symbols on Telephones and Other Devices that Can Be Used for Gaining 
Access to a Telephone Network'' (02/2001), IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1101.
    (13) ITU-T Recommendation E.164.1 (``ITU-T E.164.1''), ``Series E: 
Overall Network Operation, Telephone Service, Service Operation and 
Human Factors: International Operation--Numbering Plan of the 
International Telephone Service: Criteria and Procedures for the 
Reservation, Assignment, and Reclamation of E.164 Country Codes and 
Associated Identification Codes (ICs)'' (09/2008), IBR approved for 
Sec.  80.1101.
    (d) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 Rue de 
Varembe, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland; www.iec.ch; phone: +41 22 919 
02 11; fax: +41 22 919 03 00; email: info@iec.ch. (IEC publications can 
also be purchased from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 
through its NSSN operation (www.nssn.org), at Customer Service, 
American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York NY 
10036, telephone (212) 642-4900.)
    (1) IEC 60092-101:1994+A1:1995 (``IEC 60092-101''), Edition 4.1, 
2002-08, ``Electrical installations in ships--Part 101: Definitions and 
general requirements,'' IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (2) IEC 60533:1999(E) (``IEC 60533''), Second edition, 1999-11, 
``Electrical and electronic installations in ships--Electromagnetic 
compatibility,'' IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (3) IEC 60945:2002 (``IEC 60945''), Fourth edition, 2002-08, 
``Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems-
General requirements-Methods of testing and required test results,'' 
with Annexes, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101.
    (4) IEC 61097-1:2007(E) (``IEC 61097-1''), Second edition, 2007-06, 
``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 1: Radar 
transponder--Marine search and rescue (SART)--Operational and 
performance requirements, methods of testing and required test 
results,'' with Annexes, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (5) IEC 1097-3:1994 (``IEC 61097-3''), First edition, 1994-06, 
``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 3: Digital 
selective calling (DSC) equipment--Operational and performance 
requirements, methods of testing and required testing results,'' with 
Annexes, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (6) IEC 61097-4 (``IEC 61097-4''), Edition 2.0, 2007-10, ``Global 
maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 4: INMARSAT-C ship 
earth station and INMARSAT enhanced group call (EGC) equipment--
Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and 
required test results,'' IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (7) IEC 61097-6:2005(E) (``IEC 61097-6''), Second edition, 2005-12, 
``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 6: 
Narrowband direct-printing telegraph equipment for the reception of 
navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent

[[Page 67610]]

information to ships (NAVTEX),'' IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (8) IEC 1097-7:1996 (``IEC 61097-7''), First edition, 1996-10, 
``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 7: Shipborne 
VHF radiotelephone transmitter and receiver--Operational and 
performance requirements, methods of testing and required test 
results,'' IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (9) IEC 61097-8:1998(E) (``IEC 61097-8''), First edition, 1998-09, 
``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 8: Shipborne 
watchkeeping receivers for the reception of digital selective calling 
(DSC) in the maritime MF, MF/HF, and VHF bands--Operational and 
Performance Requirements, Methods of Testing and Required Test 
Results,'' with Annexes, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (10) IEC 61097-9:1997(E) (``IEC 61097-9''), First edition, 1997-12, 
``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 9: Shipborne 
transmitters and receivers for use in the MF and HF bands suitable for 
telephony, digital selective calling (DSC) and narrow band direct 
printing (NBDP)--Operational and performance requirements, methods of 
testing and required test results,'' with Annexes, IBR approved for 
Sec.  80.1101.
    (11) IEC 61097-10:1999(E) (``IEC 61097-10''), First edition, 1999-
06, ``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 10: 
INMARSAT-B ship earth station equipment--Operational and performance 
requirements, methods of testing and required test results,'' with 
Annexes, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (12) IEC 1097-12:1996(E) (``IEC 61097-12''), First edition, 1996-
11, ``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 12: 
Survival craft portable two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus--
Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and 
required test results,'' IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (13) IEC 61097-13:2003(E) (``IEC 61097-13''), First edition, 2003-
05, ``Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)--Part 13: 
INMARSAT F77 ship earth station equipment--Operational and performance 
requirements, methods of testing and required test results,'' IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (14) IEC 61162-1:2007(E) (``IEC 61162-1''), Third edition, 2007-04, 
``Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems--
Digital interfaces--Part 1: Single talker and multiple listeners,'' IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (15) IEC 61993-2:2001(E) (``IEC 61993-2''), First edition, 2001-12, 
``Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems--
Automatic identification systems (AIS)--Part 2: Class A shipborne 
equipment of the universal automatic identification system (AIS)--
Operational and performance requirements, methods of test and required 
test results,'' with Annexes, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (16) IEC 62238:2003(E) (``IEC 62238''), First edition, 2003-03, 
``Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems--VHF 
radiotelephone equipment incorporating Class ``D'' Digital Selective 
Calling (DSC)--Methods of testing and required test results,'' IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.225.
    (17) IEC 62252:2004(E) (``IEC 62252''), First edition, 2004-07, 
``Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems--
Radar for craft not in compliance with IMO SOLAS Chapter V--Performance 
requirements, methods of test and required test results,'' IBR approved 
for Sec.  80.273.
    (18) IEC 62287-1:2006(E) (``IEC 62287-1''), First edition, 2006-03, 
``Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems-
Class B shipborne equipment of the Automatic Identification System-Part 
1: Carrier-sense time division multiple access (CSTDMA) techniques,'' 
IBR approved for Sec.  80.231.
    (19) IEC 62388 (``IEC 62388''), Edition 1.0, 2007-12, ``Maritime 
navigation and radiocommunication equipment and systems-Shipborne 
radar-Performance requirements, methods of testing and required test 
results,'' IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  80.273 and 80.1101.
    (e) The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, 
ch. De la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland; 
www.iso.org; Tel.: +41 22 749 01 11; Fax: +41 22 733 34 30; email: 
central&iso.org. (ISO publications can also be purchased from the 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) through its NSSN operation 
(www.nssn.org), at Customer Service, American National Standards 
Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York NY 10036, telephone (212) 642-
4900.)
    (1) ISO Standard 3791 (``ISO Standard 3791''), ``Office Machines 
and Data Processing Equipment--Keyboard Layouts for Numeric 
Applications,'' First Edition 1976(E), IBR approved for Sec.  80.1101.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (f) The Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM), 
1800 N. Kent Street, Suite 1060, Arlington, VA 22209; www.rtcm.org; 
telephone (703) 527-2000; email pubs@rtcm.org.
    (1) RTCM Paper 56-95/SC101-STD (``RTCM Paper 56-95/SC101-STD''), 
``RTCM Recommended Minimum Standards for Digital Selective Calling 
(DSC) Equipment Providing Minimum Distress and Safety Capability,'' 
Version 1.0, August 10, 1995, IBR approved for Sec.  80.225.
    (2) RTCM 11000.2 (``RTCM 11000.2''), RTCM paper 77-2002/SC110-STD, 
``RTCM Standard 11000.2 for 406 MHz Satellite Emergency Position-
Indicating Radiobeacons (EPIRBs),'' Version 2.1, June 20, 2002, IBR 
approved for Sec.  80.1061.
    (3) RTCM 11020.1 (``RTCM 11020.1''), RTCM Paper 222-2009-SC110-
STD), ``RTCM Standard 11020.0, Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS) Using 
the Cospas-Sarsat System,'' October 9, 2009, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.277.
    (g) COSPAS-SARSAT--International Satellite System for Search and 
Rescue, 700 de la Gauchetiere West, Suite 2450, Montreal, Quebec H3B 5 
M2, Canada, telephone +1-(514) 954-6761, www.cospas-sarsat.org.
    (1) COSPAS-SARSAT Standard C/S T.001 (``COSPAS-SARSAT Standard C/S 
T.001''), ``Specification for COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacons,'' 
Issue 3--Revision 10, October 2009, IBR approved for Sec.  80.1061.
    (2) COSPAS-SARSAT Standard C/S T.007 (``COSPAS-SARSAT Standard C/S 
T.007''), ``COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz Distress Beacon Type Approval 
Standard,'' Issue 4--Revision 4, October 2009, IBR approved for Sec.  
80.1061.

0
6. Section 80.15 is amended by revising paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.15  Eligibility for station license.

* * * * *
    (e) A 406.0-406.1 MHz EPIRB may be used by any ship required by 
U.S. Coast Guard regulations to carry an EPIRB or by any ship that is 
equipped with a VHF ship radio station.
* * * * *

0
7. Section 80.103 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) and 
removing paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  80.103  Digital selective calling (DSC) operating procedures.

    (a) Operating procedures for the use of DSC equipment in the 
maritime mobile service are as contained in ITU-R M.541-9 (incorporated 
by reference, see Sec.  80.7), and subpart W of this part.
* * * * *
    (c) DSC acknowledgment of DSC distress and safety calls must be 
made by designated coast stations and such acknowledgment must be in 
accordance with procedures contained in ITU-R M.541-9 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  80.7). Nondesignated public and

[[Page 67611]]

private coast stations must follow the guidance provided for ship 
stations in ITU-R M.541-9 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7), 
with respect to DSC ``Acknowledgment of distress calls'' and ``Distress 
relays.'' (See subpart W of this part.)
* * * * *

0
8. Section 80.142 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.142  Ships using radiotelegraphy.

* * * * *
    (b) NB-DP operating procedure. The operation of NB-DP equipment in 
the maritime mobile service must be in accordance with the operating 
procedures contained in ITU-R M.492-6 (incorporated by reference, see 
Sec.  80.7).
* * * * *

0
9. Section 80.148 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  80.148  Watch on 156.8 MHz (Channel 16).

* * * * *
    (a) Where a ship station is operating only with handheld bridge-to-
bridge VHF radio equipment under Sec.  80.143(c) of this part; or
    (b) For vessels subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Act and 
participating in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system when the watch 
is maintained on both the bridge-to-bridge frequency and a separately 
assigned VTS frequency.

0
10. Section 80.151 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.151  Classification of operator licenses and endorsements.

* * * * *
    (b) The following licenses are issued by the Commission. The 
international classification of each license, if different from the 
license name, is given in parentheses. The listed alphanumeric 
designators are the codes by which the licenses are identified in the 
Commission's Universal Licensing System.
    (1) RR. Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (radiotelephone 
operator's restricted certificate).
    (2) RL. Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit-Limited Use.
    (3) MP. Marine Radio Operator Permit (radiotelephone operator's 
restricted certificate).
    (4) PG. General Radiotelephone Operator License (radiotelephone 
operator's general certificate).
    (5) DO. GMDSS Radio Operator's License (General Operator's 
Certificate).
    (6) RG. Restricted GMDSS Radio Operator's License (Restricted 
Operator's Certificate).
    (7) DM. GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License.
    (8) DB. GMDSS Radio Operator/Maintainer License.
    (9) T3. Third Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate 
(radiotelegraph operator's special certificate).
    (10) T2. Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.
    (11) T1. First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate.
* * * * *

0
11. Revise Sec.  80.165 to read as follows:


Sec.  80.165  Operator requirements for voluntary stations.

                        Minimum Operator License
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ship Morse telegraph..............................  T2.
Ship direct-printing telegraph....................  MP.
Ship telephone, with or without DSC, more than 250  PG.
 watts carrier power or 1,000 watts peak envelope
 power.
Ship telephone, with or without DSC, not more than  MP.
 250 watts carrier power or 1,000 watts peak
 envelope power.
Ship telephone, with or without DSC, not more than  ....................
 100 watts carrier power or 400 watts peak
 envelope power.
    Above 30 MHz..................................  None.\1\
    Below 30 MHz..................................  RP.
    Ship earth station............................  RP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ RP required for compulsory ships and international voyages.


0
12. Section 80.179 is amended by revising paragraph (e)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.179  Unattended operation.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) The equipment must be using DSC in accordance with ITU-R M.493-
13 and ITU-R M.541-9 (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7), 
as modified by this section.
* * * * *


Sec.  80.205  [Amended]

0
13. Section 80.205 is amended by removing and reserving footnote 13 
from the table in paragraph (a).


Sec.  80.207  [Amended]

0
14. Section 80.207 is amended by removing and reserving footnote 13 
from the table in paragraph (d).


Sec.  80.209  [Amended]

0
15. Section 80.209 is amended by removing and reserving footnote 6 from 
the table in paragraph (a).
* * * * *

0
16. Section 80.219 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  80.219  Special requirements for narrow-band direct-printing (NB-
DP) equipment.

    NB-DP and data transmission equipment installed in ship and coast 
stations before October 1, 1990, that operates on the frequencies in 
the 4,000-27,500 kHz bands must be capable of operation in accordance 
with the technical requirements of either ITU-R M.476-5 or ITU-R M.625-
3 (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7), and may be used 
indefinitely. Equipment installed on or after October 1, 1990, must be 
capable of operation in accordance with the technical requirements of 
ITU-R M.625-3, 1995 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7). NB-DP 
and data transmission equipment are additionally permitted to utilize 
any modulation, so long as emissions are within the limits set forth in 
Sec.  80.211(f) and the equipment is also capable of operation in 
accordance with ITU-R M.625-3 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
80.7).

0
17. Section 80.225 is amended by revising the introductory text and 
paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), (a)(2), (a)(3) and (c)(2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.225  Requirements for selective calling equipment.

    This section specifies the requirements for voluntary digital 
selective calling (DSC) equipment and selective calling equipment 
installed in ship and coast stations, and incorporates by reference 
ITU-R M.476-5; ITU-R M.493-13; ITU-R M.541-9; ITU-R M.625-3; RTCM Paper 
56-95/SC101-STD; and IEC 62238 (all incorporated by reference, see 
Sec.  80.7).
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (i) RTCM Paper 56-95/SC101-STD and ITU-R M.493-13 (both 
incorporated

[[Page 67612]]

by reference, see Sec.  80.7) (including only equipment classes A, B, 
D, and E); or
    (ii) ITU-R M.493-13 and, in the case of Class D DSC equipment only, 
IEC 62238 (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7).
    (2) Beginning March 25, 2009, the Commission will not accept new 
applications (but will continue to process then-pending applications) 
for certification of non-portable DSC equipment that does not meet the 
requirements of ITU-R M.493-13 and, in the case of Class D DSC 
equipment only, IEC 62238 (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
80.7).
    (3) Beginning March 25, 2012, the Commission will not accept new 
applications (but will continue to process then-pending applications) 
for certification of handheld, portable DSC equipment that does not 
meet the requirements of ITU-R M.493-13 and, in the case of Class D DSC 
equipment only, IEC 62238 (both incorporated by reference, see Sec.  
80.7).
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Equipment used to perform a selective calling function during 
narrow-band direct-printing (NB-DP) operations in accordance with ITU-R 
M.476-5 or ITU-R M.625-3 or ITU-R M.493-13 (all incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  80.7), and
* * * * *

0
18. Section 80.231 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


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

    (a) Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment must 
meet the technical requirements of IEC 62287-1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  80.7).
* * * * *

0
19. Section 80.251 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.251  Scope.

    (a) This subpart gives the general technical requirements for 
certification of equipment used on compulsory ships. Such equipment 
includes automatic-alarm-signal keying devices, survival craft radio 
equipment, radar equipment and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) 
equipment.
* * * * *

0
20. Section 80.271 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.271  Technical requirements for portable survival craft 
radiotelephone transceivers.

    (a) * * *
    (2) The receiver must comply with the requirements in part 15, 
subpart B of this chapter and must have a sensitivity of not more than 
2 microvolts;
* * * * *

0
21. Section 80.273 is amended by revising the section heading and 
paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  80.273  Radar standards.

    (a) Radar installations on board ships that are required by the 
Safety Convention or the U.S. Coast Guard to be equipped with radar 
must comply with the following standards (all incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  80.7):
    (1) IEC 60945;
    (2) IEC 62388;
    (3) IMO Resolution A.694(17), as revised by IMO Resolution 
MSC.149(77);
    (4) IMO Resolution MSC.191(79);
    (5) IMO Resolution MSC.192(79); and
    (6) ITU-R M.1177-3.
    (b) Radar equipment installed on voluntarily equipped vessels must 
comply with IEC 62252 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  80.7).
* * * * *

0
22. Section 80.277 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) and removing 
and reserving paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  80.277  Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

    (a) * * *
    (1) Equipment that complies with RTCM 11020.1 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  80.7); or
* * * * *

0
23. Section 80.305 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.305  Watch requirements of the Communications Act and the 
Safety Convention.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) If it is not carrying MF-DSC radio equipment, keep a continuous 
watch on 2182 kHz in the room from which the vessel is normally steered 
while at sea, whenever such station is not being used for authorized 
traffic. Such watch must be maintained by at least one officer or 
crewmember who may perform other duties relating to the operation or 
navigation of the vessel, provided such other duties do not interfere 
with the watch.
* * * * *

0
24. Revise Sec.  80.310 to read as follows:


Sec.  80.310  Watch required by voluntary vessels.

    Voluntary vessels not equipped with DSC must maintain a watch on 
2182 kHz and on 156.800 MHz (Channel 16) whenever the vessel is 
underway and the radio is not being used to communicate. Noncommercial 
vessels, such as recreational boats, may alternatively maintain a watch 
on 156.450 MHz (Channel 9) in lieu of VHF Channel 16 for call and reply 
purposes. Voluntary vessels equipped with VHF-DSC equipment must 
maintain a watch on 2182 kHz and on either 156.525 MHz (Channel 70) or 
VHF Channel 16 aurally whenever the vessel is underway and the radio is 
not being used to communicate. Voluntary vessels equipped with MF-HF 
DSC equipment must have the radio turned on and set to an appropriate 
DSC distress calling channel or one of the radiotelephone distress 
channels whenever the vessel is underway and the radio is not being 
used to communicate. Voluntary vessels equipped with a GMDSS-approved 
Inmarsat system must have the unit turned on and set to receive calls 
whenever the vessel is underway and the radio is not being used to 
communicate.


0
25. Section 80.359 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.359  Frequencies for digital selective calling (DSC).

* * * * *
    (b) Distress and safety calling. The frequencies 2187.5 kHz, 4207.5 
kHz, 6312.0 kHz, 8414.5 kHz, 12577.0 kHz, 16804.5 kHz and 156.525 MHz 
may be used for DSC by coast and ship stations on a simplex basis for 
distress and safety purposes, and may also be used for routine ship-to-
ship communications provided that priority is accorded to distress and 
safety communications. The provisions and procedures for distress and 
safety calling are contained in ITU-R M.541-9 (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  80.7), and Sec.  80.103(c).
* * * * *

0
26. Section 80.371 is amended by revising the second entry in the Coast 
transmit column of the table in paragraph (a) from ``[sup1]12514.0'' to 
``[sup1]2514.0'' and revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  80.371  Public correspondence frequencies.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *

[[Page 67613]]



            Working Frequency Pairs in the 2000-4000 kHz Band
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Carrier frequency (kHz)
             Region              ---------------------------------------
                                     Ship transmit      Coast transmit
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
 
                                              2118.0          \1\ 2514.0
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Unlimited hours of use from December 15 to April 1 and day only from
  April 1 to December 15. Harmful interference must not be caused to any
  station in the Great Lakes region.

* * * * *
    (e) Canada/U.S.A. channeling arrangement frequencies. The VHF 
frequencies assignable to ship and coast stations in the State of 
Washington and their usage limitations pursuant to the Canada/U.S.A. 
channeling arrangement are described in subpart B of this part.


0
27. Section 80.373 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) introductory 
text, (b)(3), (b)(6), (f), and (g)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  80.373  Private communications frequencies.

* * * * *
    (b) Frequencies in the 2000-27500 kHz band for intership safety and 
other communications. This paragraph describes the geographic areas of 
operation and the frequencies and limitations in the band available for 
assignment for intership safety and operational simplex radiotelephone 
communications.
* * * * *
    (3)