r

Handbook for
Marine Radio
Communication
Fifth Edition

By

Graham D. Lees
and
William G. Williamson

. informa
LONDON
2009
Contents

I
Page
v
Preface
About the authors
vii
ID:
List of figures
List of acronyms and abbreviations xxi
XXVII
Glossary of terms and definitions

CHAPTER 1 GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS) 1

1.1 GMDSS: overview 1

1.1.1 Search and Rescue Regions (SRRs) 1
1.1.2 IAMSAR manual 2
1.2 GMDSS sea areas 2
1.3 GMDSS terminology 3
·4
1.4 GMDSS implementation
1.5 Shipboard equipment for GMDSS 4
1.5.1 Position updating 6
1.5.2 Implementation of SOLAS Regulations for passenger ships 6
1.5.3 EPIRBs on fishing vessels 8
1.5.4 Recommended GMDSS equipment for small craft 9
1.6 Minimum GMDSS personnel requirements for ship's stations and MESs 9
1. 7 Role of the maritime rescue coordination centre (MRCC) 10
1. 7.1 SARNET 11
1. 7.2 Registration database for GMDSS 11
1.8 GMDSS master plan 12
1.9 Availability and maintenance of GMDSS equipment: terminology 12
1.10 Availability and serviceability of GMDSS equipment 13
1.10.1 Requirements for ensuring availability 13
1.10.2 Duplication of equipment for ensuring availability 13
1.10.3 Shore-based maintenance for ensuring availability 14
1.10.4 At-sea maintenance for ensuring availability 14
1.10.5 Acceptable combinations (or equivalent) 14
1.11 Availability of GMDSS equipment: further requirements 15
1.12 False distress alerts 15
1.12.1 Action to be taken by owners, masters and skippers 16
1.13 False distress alerts: reporting procedures 16
1.13.1 Other problems: misuse of DSC acknowledgement 17
1.13.2 GMDSS equipment and operator competency 18

CHAPTER 2 DISTRESS, URGENCY AND SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS 19

Part I: Operational procedures for distress and urgency and safety communication in GMDSS
2.1 General operational procedures 19
2.1.1 Authority of the Master 19
2.2 Distress alerting 19
2.2.1 Radiotelephony distress call 20
2.2.2 Radiotelephony distress message 20
2.2.3 Radiotelex distress message 21
2.3 Shore-to-ship distress alert relay 21
2.4 Distress alert by a station not itself in distress 21
2.4.1 Radiotelephony distress relay 21
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 Contents

2.5 Acknowledgement of receipt of distress alerts 22

I" 2.5.1 General information 22
.1 2.5.2 Satellite service 22
i 2.5.3 DSC
22
i:
2.5.4 Ships' reactions on receipt of a distress alert 23
2.6 Acknowledgement by radiotelephony and radio telex
i 23
l 2.6.1 Radiotelephony 23
1I 2.6.2 Radiotelex 23
I
2.7 Acknowledging receipt of distress alerts by coast stations or LES 24
;i:1 2.7.1 Satellite service 24
2.7.2 DSC
I1I11 24
2.8 Acknowledging receipt of distress alerts by ship stations or MES
1111 24
11 2.9 Preparations for handling distress traffic 25
I1I 2.10 Distress traffic 25
I!il 2.11 Imposing silence li
25 ,I
2.12 Resumption of normal working
lili
25
2.13 False distress alert sent by DSC 11
lill 26
1;1 2.14 On-scene communications 26
2.15 On-scene coordinator 11
11III 27 11
Ili l
2.16 Search and rescue situation reports (SITREPs)
j

27 " I1
2.17 Shore-to ship distress communications with MRCC : JI
Ilill 28
2.18 Locating and homing signals '
28
11I1 2.19 Changing for distress communication j
.1 29
I'll 2.20 Operational procedures for urgency messages in the GMDSS
I! 29
1'1
2.21 Opera~ional procedures for safety messages in the GMDSS 31 I
I] 2.22 Medical transports ,I
33 I
2.23 Inter-ship safety of navigation communication 34
2.24 Medical advice: general information 34 ,

2.25 MEDEVAC: general information I1

35
2.25.1 MEDEVAC: information to be furnished to MRCC 36 i]
2.25.2 Radiocommunication with helicopters 36
2.26 Medical advice via Inmarsat I1
37
2.27 Medical assistance via Inmarsat
2.28 37 I1
Medical advice via UK coastguard stations 37
2.29 Medical assistance via UK coastguard stations
2.30 38 1.1

Identification of neutral ships or .aircraft in war zones 38

2.31 Piracy and armed robbery at sea: use of radio II
39 I
2.31.1 Radio procedures 39 II
2.31.2 Radio watch-keeping and responses 40
111I 2.31.3 Standard message formats 41
i
2.31.4 Secreted VHF transceiver 41 I
,11I, 2.31.5 Automatic identification system (ArS) 41 I
'II
!II 2.31.6 Piracy Reporting Centre 41
,!'I 2.31. 7 Initial message: piracy attack/armed robbery report i
42 I

,1['1 2.31.8 Piracy/armed robbery attack/suspicious act report 42 I

,II!I 2.31.9 Reporting incidents 42
I:,
2.31.10 Acts of piracy and armed robbery allegedly committed against ships reported 'I
I,
"I
by member states or international organisations in consultative status
,
2.32 43
I,ll' The ship security alert system (SSAS) 43
!II Part 11: Use of frequencies for distress, urgency and safety
2.33 GMDSS: general provisions
44
2.34 Distress frequencies
44
2.35 Aeronautical frequencies
I' 45
'I: 2.36 GMDSS: VHF channel usage
46
! 2.37 Satellite service
46
2.38 Survival craft and GMDSS
46
2.39 Distress and safety communications: protection of frequencies
47
2.40 GMDSS: general watch-keeping arrangements
47
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CHAPTER 3 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) 49

3.1 DSC: introduction 49

3.2 DSC digital coding 50
Part I: DSC distress, urgency and safety alerting
3.3 Distres~ alerting by DSC: general information 50
3.4 DSC distress alerts 51
3.5 Format of DSC distress alert acknowledgement by coast stations 52
3.6 Acknowledgement of received DSC distress alert by ship stations 53
3.7 Distress traffic 53
3.8 Rebroadcast of distress information by coast stations 53
3.9 HF distress alerting 54
3.10 DSC urgency alerts 54
3.11 Urgency messages and DSC 54
3.11.1 Reception of urgency alert by DSC 55
3.12 DSC safety alerts 55
3.12.1 Reception of safety alerts by DSC 55
3.13 DSC watch-keeping arrangements 55
3.14 DSC scanning receivers 56
3.15 UK distress and safety watch-keeping arrangements 56
3.15.1 HF DSC watch-keeping arrangements 56
3.16 Distress procedure using DSC and RT on VHF 58
3.17 Distress procedure using DSC and RT on MF 58
3.18 Distress procedure using DSC and RT on HF 59
3.19 Ship-to-ship distress alerting in sea Areas A3 or A4 60
Part 11: Routine DSC calling procedure
3.20 Conditions relating to DSC equipment 61
3.21 DSC: use of frequencies 61
3.22 MF DSC: bands between 415 kHz and 526.5 kHz 61
3.23 Bands between 1 606.5 kHz and 4 000 kHz 62
3.24 High frequency (HF) DSC: bands between 4 000 kHz and 27500 kHz 63
3.25 VHF DSC: bands between 156 MHz and 174 MHz 64
3.26 DSC Regulations: method of calling 65
3.27 DSC Regulations: acknowledgement of routine calls 66
3.28 DSC shore-to-ship calls 66
3.29 Ship receives DSC call from a coast station 67
3.30 Routine ship-to-shore DSC calls 67
3.31 DSC watch-keeping: routine calls 68
3.32 DSC routine calls for automatic connection 68
3.33 DSC testing 69
3.34 DSC: European testing arrangements 69

CHAPTER 4 SAFETY-RELATED EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES 71

4.1 Emergency position indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB): introduction 71
4.2 COSPAS-SARSAT: introduction 71
4.3 COSPAS-SARSAT: coverage modes 73
4.4 COSPAS-SARSAT: 406 MHz beacons 75
4.5 COSPAS-SARSAT: general information 75
4.6 COSPAS-SARSAT: MCCs 76
4.7 COSPAS-SARSAT: satellite information 76
4.8 COSPAS-SARSAT: termination of satellite alerting service on 121.5 MHz 76
4.9 EPIRBs: routine maintenance and checks 77
4.10 EPIRBs: further maintenance requirements 77
4.10.1 EPIRBs: guidelines for shore-based maintenance providers for satellite EPIRBs 77
e

4.10.2 EPIRBs: guidelines on annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs 79

4.10.3 Clarification on EPIRB maintenance and testing 80
4.11 EPIRB registration 80
4.12 Search and rescue transponders (SARTs) 82

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 Contents

4.12.1 SART signals at close range 82

4.12.2 Factors that increase the visibility of a SART 83
4.13 AlS SARTs 83
4.14 SARTs: tests and checks 84
4.15 Maritime safety information (MSI) , 84
4.16 NAVTEX 86
4.17 Enhanced group call (EGC) 87
ii 4.17.1 Setting up EGC receiver
! ' I~ I 88
4.18 MSI in UK waters 88
'11
4.19 Worldwide navigational warning service (WWNWS) 88
III 4.20 Portable hand-held survival craft VHF transceivers 90

11
I
"

CHAPTER 5 SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS 93 I:~

'I ,I
I1 i:
5.1 Master's authority 93 ,Iji
5.2 I'
I
,,1
The Inmarsat organisation 93 j
5.3 Satellite frequencies 97 I
i!11
I!: 5.4 Land earth stations 97 I
:1,
I' 5.5 Antenna alignment 97
I, 5.6 Inmarsat mobile numbers (IMN) 97 '. 1
5.7 Multiple identity of a single MES 98
;1
5.8 Inmarsat priority indicators :;1
98 ).
5.9 Inmarsat-F (Fleet) system 98 "I

III 5.10 Fleet 77 services 99 ~ I,

;;~
I'
5.11 Fleet LES access codes 99 ::1

I" 5.12 Fleet 77 distress procedures 99

'fj'" 5.13 Fleet 55 system and services 100
'I1
5.14 Fleet 33 system and services 100
II!i 5.15 Fleet broadband system and services 100
I!' 11
5.16 FleetPhone system and services 101
5.17 Inmarsat-B system 101 11
5.18 Inmarsat-B services 101
5.19 Inmarsat-B and Inmarsat-M LES access codes 102 11

~
5.20 Inmarsat-B telex distress message generator (DMG) 102
5.21 Inmarsat-B distress transmission procedure 103
5.22 Inmarsat-C system 103
,',I 5.23 Inmarsat-C services 104 I1
1
'1 5.24 Inmarsat-C LES access codes 104 11

5.25 Inmarsat-C distress alerting 105 ij

'l I"
5.26 Inmarsat-C distress priority message 106 :1
5.27 Inmarsat-C special codes for urgency and safety !,
106
11': I
5.28 Inmarsat-C logging on 106 IJ
II,i 5.29 Inmarsat-C logging off 107 II
5.30 Inmarsat-C communications 107 I
I
5.31 Inmarsat-C message addresses 107
IIII 5.32 1
Inmarsat-C two-digit service codes 108
1, 5.33 Inmarsat-C non-delivery notification codes 108 I
I
5.34 Inmarsat mini-C system 109 I
5.35 Inmarsat-M system and services 109
5.36 Inmarsat-M LES access codes 110
5.37 Inmarsat-M distress, urgency and safety alerting, 110
5.38 Inmarsat mini-M system and services 110
5.39 Inmarsat urgency arid safety procedures 110
5.40 Inmarsat telephony two-digit codes 111
5.41 Telephone calls via Inmarsat 112
11
" I 5.42 Telephone calls to another MES 113 I
5.43 Single network access code (SNAC) 113 I
5.44 Telephone calls to ships fitted with VHFIMFIHF RT equipment 113 :1

l
xii
I
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J,
k .1
 Contents

Charges for Inmarsat telephone calls 114

5. 45 . I 114
5. 46 Data communications VIa nmarsat
Data network identification codes (DNICs) 114
5. 47
5.48 Facsimile via Inmarsat 114
5.49 Telex via Inmarsat 114
5.50 Inmarsat telex two-digit codes 115
5.51 Telex answerbacks 116
5.52 Telex calls via Inmarsat-B 116
5.53 Telex dialling 117
5.54 Format of radiotelegrams, AMVER and medical messages 118
5.55 Telex and greetings telex letters 119
5.56 Terminating Inroarsat telex calls 119
5.57 Inmarsat telex calls to another MES 119
5.58 Inmarsat telex ocean region codes 120
5.59 Inmarsat telex calls to ships fitted with MFIHF equipment 120
5.60 Inmarsat telex service fault codes 120
5.61 Iridium satellite system 120
5.62 Iridium services 122
5.63 Iridium OpenPort 122

CHAPTER 6 RADIO TELEX 123

6.1 Avoidance of interference 123

6.2 Telex modes of emission 123
6.2.1 Bands between 415 kHz and 535 kHz 123
6.2.2 Bands between 1 605 kHz-4 000 kHz and 4 000 kHz-27 500 kHz 123
6.3 Telex communication between two stations 123
6.4 Telex broadcasts to more than one receiving station 123
6.5 Telex public correspondence 124
6.6 Selcall numbers 124
6.7 Manual telex calling procedures 124
6.7.1 Ship-to-shore telex calling 124
6.7.2 Shore-to-ship telex calling 124
6.7.3 Telex inter-ship communications 124
6.8 Automatic telex calling procedures 125
6.8.1 Ship-to-shore automatic calling 125
6.8.2 Shore-to-ship automatic calling 125
6.9 Telex transmission format 125
6.10 Telex message format 125
6.11 FEC operation mode 125
6.12 Acknowledgement of FEC messages 126
6.13 Telex frequencies 126
6.14 Telex distress frequencies 126
6.15 Protection of frequencies 127
6.16 Test transmissions 127
6.17 Telex answerback 127 -
6.18 Modes of telex operation 127
6.18.1 ARQ 127
6.18.2 FEC 127
6.18.3 SELFEC 128
6.18.4 Direct 128
6.19 Procedure for initiating a radio telex circuit to a coast station 128
6.20 Traffic lists on telex 128
6.21 Telex commands as used in the automatic radio telex system 128
6.22 Telex advice codes as used in the automatic radio telex system 130
6.23 Charges for telex calls . 131

xiii
 ii'
"I

Contents

CHAPTER 7 RADIOTELEPHONY (RT) 133

Part I: General RT procedure in the maritime mobile service
7.1 RT: general procedures 133
7.2 The use of VHF at sea 133
7.2.1 VHF communication technique 133
7.2.2 VHF communication procedure 135
7.2.3 Standard messages 136
7.3 RT: station identification 136
7.3.1 Coast stations 136
7.3.2 Ship stations 136
7.4 Simplex and duplex 137
7.5 Ship-to-shore RT procedures 137
7.6 Preliminary RT operations 137
7.7 RT calls from ships 137
11
1
7.8 RT calls from coast stations 137
, '
7.9 RT traffic lists 138
"I
7.10 Order of working 138
1111!1 7.11 Repetition of calls 138
7.12 RT call and reply 138
li ,
7.13 Frequency to be used for call and reply 139
7.13.1 Bands between 1 605 kHz and 4000 kHz 139
7.13.2 Bands between 4000 kHz and 27500 kHz 140
7.13.3 VHF band (156-174 MHz) 140
7.14 Indication of the frequency to be used for traffic 140
7.14.1 Bands between 1 605 kHz and 4000 kHz 140
7.14.2 Bands between 4 000 kHz and 27500 kHz 141
7.14.3 VHF band (156-174 MHz) 141
7.15 Agreeing the frequency to be used for traffic 141
7.16 Reception difficulties 141
7.17 Sending traffic 142
7.18 Establishment of RT calls 142
7.19 Transmission of radiotelegrams by RT 142
7.20 Procedural words 142
7.21 Acknowledgement of receipt 143
7.22 Duration and control of working . 143
7.23 RT tests 143
7.24 Establishing RT calls using DSC 144
7.25 On board communications 144
7.26 Pilot service: calling procedure 144
7.27 Port operations and ship movement services 145

Part II: Maritime RT bands: use of frequencies

7.28 RT: introduction 145
7.28.1 Nomenclature of frequency bands used in radiocommunication 145
7.28.2 SSB designation 145
7.29 Bands between 1 606.5 kHz and 4 000 kHz 146
7.29.1 Mode of emission of stations 146
7.29.2 Use of 2 182 kHz 146
7.30 MF RT working frequencies in Region 1 146
7.30.1 MF ship-to-shore and inter-ship working frequencies 146
7.30.2 MF inter-ship working frequencies 147
7.31 Bands between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz 147
7.31.1 Mode of emission of stations 147
7.31.2 Call and reply 147
!!i 7.31.3 Traffic 148
7.31.4 HF transmission frequencies for simplex operation 148
7.32 VHF bands between 156 MHz and 174 MHz 148
7.32.1 Call and reply 148

xiv
 Contents

7.32.2 Watch 149

7.32.3 Ch.13 VHF Watch 149

CHAPTER 8 GENERAL REGULATIONS 151

Radio Regulations 151

8.1
Breach of Radio Regulations 151
8.2
Infringements of the Radio Regulations 151
8.3
Ofcorn 151
8.4
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) 152
8.5
Avoidance of interference 152
8.6
8.7 Master's authority 152
8.8 Radio secrecy 153
8.9 Ship radio licence 153
8.10 Inspection and survey of ship radio and ship earth stations 154
8.11 Radio documentation 156
8.12 Documents to be carried on UK ships 156
8.13 Admiralty Lists of Radio Signals (ALRS) 157
8.14 M-Notices 158
8.15 ITU documents 158
8.16 Radio watch 160
8.17 Radio logbooks 160
8.18 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and dates used for radio communications 162
8.19 Radio time signals 163
8.20 Test transmissions 163
8.21 Routine testing of GMDSS equipment 163
8.22 Control of working 164
8.23 Order of priority of communications 165
8.24 Closure of ship radio stations 165
8.25 Identification of stations 165
8.26 Telex selective call (Selcall) numbers 167
8.27 Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) 167
8.28 Classes of emission 168
8.29 Radio transmissions by ships on UK inland waterways and in UK harbours 170
8.30 Broadcasting from mobile stations 170
8.31 Amateur radio stations aboard UK ships 170
8.32 Hours of service of coast stations and land earth stations 171
8.33 Technical requirements of radio apparatus 171
8.34 Sources of energy for radio equipment 171
8.35 Radio battery capacity 172
8.36 Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) 172
8.37 Automatic battery chargers 173
8.38 Electrical interference 173
8.39 Tools and spare parts 174
8.40 Generals requirements for radio installations 174
8.41 Emergency lighting for radio equipment 174
8.42 Voluntary radio equipment 175
8.43 Servicing radio and associated electronic equipment 175

CHAPTER 9 RADIO TRAFFIC 177

9.1 Radiotelephone traffic 177
9.2 Telephone credit card calls 178
9.3 Priority of radiotelephone calls 178
9.4 Charges for radio communications using the terrestrial services 178
9.5 Special charging arrangements 178
9.6 Charges for radiotelephone calls 179
9.6.1 Operator connected calls 179
 Contents

9.6.2 Special charges 179

!.II 9.7 Refunds for calls 180
"

9.8 Radiotelegram service 180

9.9 Radiotelegram characters 180
9.10 Classes for radiotelegram admitted 181
9.11 Radiotelegram addresses 181
9.12 Urgent radiotelegrams 182
9.13 Poste restante or telegraphie restant address 182
9.14 Paid service indicators 182
9.15 Word count in radiotelegrams 182
9.16 Radiotelegram format 183
9.17 Maritime radio accounting 184
9.17.1 Accounting Authority Identification Code (AAIC) 184
9.17.2 Providing AAIC information to coast stations 184
9.18 Service messages 184
,ill 9.19 Non-delivery of telegrams 185
9.20 Cancelling a telegram at sender's request 185
il l :1 9.21 Service advices 185
9.22 Meteorological (OBS) messages 186
;111111
9.23 Radiomaritime letters 186
il ! 9.24 Radiotelexogram 186
I' 9.24.1 Radiotelexogram: information supplied to the land station by the calling party 187
"i! 9.25 Radiotelex service 187
I:!
~ I, 9.26 Telex message layout 187
I'll 9.26.1 General 187
,I,
il 9.26.2 Telex message format 187
, II 9.26.3 Sending fractions 188
t 9.26.4 Sending percentages 188
lil 9.26.5 Repetition of important groups 188
I !,i 9.26.6 Starting a new line 188
, ,I
9.26.7 Correction of errors 188
9.26.8 Cancelling a telex m!')ssage 189
!I'I;:I 9.26.9 Precautions to be observed when preparing perforated tape 189
',1'1"
9.26.10 Non-standardised telex characters 189
I:!I 9.27 Radio telex letters (RTL) 189
'il'I,l 9.28 TR information supplied to shore stations 190
9.29 Monetary unit 190
,!I!,:,
9.30 Ship reporting systems 190
I,
'11
9.31 AMVER messages 190
:; 9.32 Vessel monitoring system for fishing vessels 191
li 9.33 Radiocommunication between British merchant ships and HM warships 191
I,!
!I."
1,1
'I!II CHAPTER 10 METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES 193
il!,I,

'11:1 10.1 Introduction 193

l'li 10.2 NAVTEX 193
: " 1,1"

1:llj 10.2.1 European NAVTEX service: MSI transmission data (North Atlantic - East) 193
""I 10.3 Weather information via enhanced group call (EGC) 194
!'I 10.4 North Atlantic: METAREA 1 broadcasts 194
i)li! 10.5 Meteorological Information from HMCG stations 195
10.6 Gale warnings 195
':1
II
10.7 Winter forecasts for fishing fleets 195
10.8 Marinecall 197
10.9 METFAX 197
10.9.1 Other Met Office services 198
10.10 Weather routeing services 198
10.11 Reporting weather information 198
10.12 Voluntary observing ship (VOS) programme 198

xvi
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cHAPTER 11 ELECTRONIC POSITION-FIXING SYSTEMS 199

Updating position in GMDSS radio equipment 199
11.1
11.2 Global positioning system (GPS) 199
11.3 Global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) 200
11.4 Galileo navigation system 200
11.5 Integrated GPS and GLONASS 201
11.6 Differential GPS (DGPS) and satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) 201
11.6.1 Differential GPS (DGPS) 201
11.6.2 Satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) 202
11.7 Loran-C 202
11.8 Integrated Loran-C and satellite navigation systems 205
11.9 VHF direction-finding service 205
11.10 Radar beacons (Racons and Ramarks) 208
11.11 Automatic identification system (AIS) 208
11.12 UK automatic ship identification and reporting system 209
11.13 Long-range identification and tracking system (LRIT) 209

CHAPTER 12 CERTIFICATION 213

12.1 Certification for personnel of ship stations and MESs 213
12.2 Categories of certificates for ship station and MES operators on GMDSS ships 213
12.3 Conditions for the issue of operators' certificates 213
12.4 Certificates of competency and service qualifications of radio personnel 214
12.5 Additional knowledge/training requirements for RT operators and Radio Officers 215
12.6 Minimum certification requirements according to vessel type 216
12.7 The Association of Marine Electronic and Radio Colleges (AMERC) 216
12.7.1 Regional Examination Centres (RECs) 217
12.8 GMDSS examination structure in the UK 217
12.8.1 GMDSS examination appeals procedure 218
12.9 CEPT GMDSS General Operator's Certificate: outline examination syllabus 218
12.10 CEPT GMDSS General Operator's Certificate: detailed examination syllabus 219
12.11 ROC examination structure 224
12.11.1 Conduct ofROC GMDSS examination and appeals procedure 225
12.12 CEPT GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate: outline examination syllabus 225
12.13 CEPT GMDSS Restricted Operator's Certificate: detailed examination syllabus 225
12.14 Radio certification for non-SOLAS vessels: general information 228
12.14.1 Long Range Certificate (LRC) 229
12.14.2 Short Range Certificate (SRC) 229
12.15 LRC: examination structure 229
12.15.1 LRC satellite module: examination structure 230
12.15.2 LRC GMDSS examination appeals procedure 230
12.16 CEPT Long Range Certificate (LRC): outline examination syllabus 230
12.17 CEPT Long Range Certificate (LRC): detailed examination syllabus 231
12.18 LRC, Satellite module: syllabus 234
12.19 CEPT Short Range Certificate (SRC): outline examination syllabus 235
12.20 CEPT Short Range Certificate (SRC): detailed examination syllabus 235
12.21 UK Operator's certificates and Authorities to Operate 238
12.22 List of AMERC Regional Examination Centres: UK 239
12.22.1 List of AMERC Regional Examination Centres: overseas 240
12.23 MNTB ETO Certificate: proposed syllabus 241
12.24 Electronic Navigational Equipment Maintenance Certificate (ENEM) 244
12.25 GMDSSIENEM Maintenance Certificates: proposed examination structure 245
12.25.1 GMDSSIENEM Maintenance Certificates: entry requirements 245

xvii
 Contents

APPENDICES
1 IMO Guidelines for the Avoidance of False Distress Alerts 249
2 United Kingdom and Irish Rescue Centre Contact Details 255
3 Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary 261
,
4 International Morse Code Signals and Phonetic Alphabet 289
5 International Telephone Dialling Codes 293
II,I 6 International Telex Dialling Codes 297
I, "
7 Allocation of Maritime Identification Digit (MID) Series 301
ill!'1
11
8 GMDSS Distress, Urgency and Safety Frequencies 311
9 List of Websites 313
11,1'1: 10 International Call Sign Series 315
11 Code of Safe Working Practice (COSWP) 321
12 List of MCA Authorised Persons for the Survey of Radio Installations on Passenger
"Ii
Ships, Fishing Vessels and Unclassed Cargo Vessels 323
13 ITU MF RT Ship-to-Shore Working Channels 325
'1,11
'I
Index
'f 327
lilll
I ,I
'11
'I'

il
Ill;
, ,
! I
il
Ilit
;'1

I1'
II1I

'1,

xviii
Index

[References are to section number. References to Appendices are to App. 1, App. 2 etc]

GMDSS == Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

VHF == Very High Frequency
HF == High Frequency
MF == Medium Frequency

AAIC (Accounting Authority Identification Code), Alerts (distress)

9.17-9.17.2 acknowledgement of receipt, 2.5-2.8
Accidental activation coast stations, by, 2.7-2.7.2
distress alerts, 1.13 DSC (Digital Selective Calling), 2.5.3
Accidental transmission land earth station (LES), by, 2.7.1
distress alerts, 1.13, 3.3 mobile earth station (MES), by, 2.8
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts, radiotelephony, 2.6.1
3.3 radiotelex, 2.6.2
Accounting Authority Identification Code (AAIC), Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC), by, 2.7.1
9.17-9.17.2 satellite service, 2.5.2
Acknowledgement of calls ship stations, by, 2.8
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine calls DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
bands between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 3.23 and see DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
generally, 3.27 distress alerts
HF,3.23 acknowledgements, 3.5-3.6
MF,3.23 distress alert relay, 3.8-3.9
radiotelephony, 7.21 distress traffic, 3.7
transmission method, 3.28 generally, 2.5.3, 3.3-3.4
very high frequency, 3.25 sending on HF, 3.9-3.10
Acknowledgement of distress alerts summary, 3.16-3.18
coast stations, by, 2.7-2.7.2 urgency and safety calls, 3.12
DSC (Digital Selective Calling), 2.5-2.8 watch-keeping, 3.13-3.15
coast stations, by, 3.5 <
radiotelephony message, 2.6.1
ship stations, by, 3.6 radiotelex message, 2.6.2
land earth station (LES), by, 2.7.1 shore-to-ship relay, 2.3
mobile earth station (MES), by, 2.8 <station not in distress, by, 2.4-2.4.1
radiotelephony, 2.6.1 Amateur radio stations
radiotelex, 2.6.2 Radio Regulations, 8.31
Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC), by, 2.7.1 AMERC (Association of Marine Electronic and
satellite service, 2.5.2 Radio Colleges)
ship stations, by, 2.8 address, 12.4
Acknowledgment of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) generally, 12.6
distress alerts, 2.5-2.8 AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel
coast stations, format by, 3.5 Rescue)
ship stations, by, 3.6 radio traffic, 9.31
Admiralty Lists satellite communications, 5.54
radio signals, 8.13 Answerbacks
Advice codes radio telex, 6.17
radio telex, 6.22 telex via Inmarsat, 5.51
Aeronautical frequencies Apparatus
passenger vessels, 1.5.2 technical requirements, 8.33
use of 121.5 MHz, 2.35 Armed robbery attack alerts
VHF radio, 1.5.2 after attack reports, 2.31.9
After attack reports handheld Iridium telephones, 2.31.4
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.9 increase in attacks, 2.31
Aircraft in war zones, identification of neutral, initial message, 2.31.7
2.30 radio personnel, 2.31.1
AIRS (Automatic Identification and Reporting radio watch-keeping, 2.31.2
System) report, 2.31.7
electronic position fixing, 11.12 Reporting Centre, 2.31.6
AIS (Automatic Identification System) secreted VHF receiver, 2.31.4
electronic position fixing, 11.11 standard message formats, 2.31.3
piracy, 2.31.5 suspicious act report, 2.31.8

327
Index

ARQ (Automated Repetition Request) mode Certification of GMDSS operators--cont.

radio telex, 6.18.1 Electronic Navigational Equipment Mainte
Association of Marine Electronic and Radio (ENEM) Certificate nance
Colleges (AMERC) entry requirements, 12.25.1
address, 12.4 examination structure, 12.25
generally, 12.6 generally, 12.23
At-sea maintenance (ASM) examination structure
GMDSS, 1.10.4 ENEM (Electronic Navigational Equipment
Authorised persons for radio installations, list of Maintenance), 12.25
MCA,App.12 examination centres, 12.7.1
Authority of the master see also Master's authority General Operator's Certificate (GOC),
Authority to Operate (ATO) 12.7-12.9
operator certification, 12.21 Long Range Certificate, 12.14.1
Automated Repetition Request (ARQ) mode Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC),
radio telex, 6.18.1 12.11-12.11.1
Automatic connection Short Range Certificate, 12.14.2
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine General Operator's Certificate (GOC)
calls, 3.33 appeals procedure, 12.8.1
Automatic Identification and Reporting System detailed syllabus, 12.10
(AIRS) examination structure, 12.8
electronic position fixing, 11.12 outline syllabus, 12.9
Automatic identification system (AIS) generally, 12.1
electronic position fixing, 11.11 Long Range Certificate
piracy, 2.31.5 appeals procedure, 12.15.2
Automatic Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue detailed syllabus, 12.17
(AMVER) examination structure, 12.15
radio traffic, 9.31 generally, 12.14
satellite communications, 5.54 outline syllabus, 12.16
Automatic ship identification and Reporting satellite module, 12.15.1
system (AIRS) satellite module syllabus, 12.18
electronic position fixing, 11.12 Merchant Navy Training Board ETO certificate,
Automatic telex calling procedures 12.24
non-SOLAS vessel radio operators, 12.14-12.18
commands, 6.21
Regional Examination Centres (RECs)
ship-to-shore, 6.8.1
generally, 12.7.1
shore-to-ship, 6.8.2
overseas list, 12.22.1
Avoidance of interference
UK list, 12.22
Radio Regulations, 8.6 Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC)
radio telex, 6.1
appeals procedure, 12.11.1
conduct of examination, 12.11.1
Batteries detailed syllabus, 12.13
automatic battery charges, 8.37 generally, 12.11
capacity, 8.35 outline syllabus, 12.12
BBC Short Range Certificate
meteorological services, 10.5-10.6 detailed syllabus, 12.20
Bridge-to-bridge communications, 1.3 generally, 12.14.2
outline syllabus, 12.19
Call and reply STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and
radiotelephony Watchkeeping) endorsement, 12.4
MF, 7.13.1, 7.31.2 Channel usage
generally, 7.12 distress alerts, 2.36
HF,7.13.2 Charges
VHF, 7.32.1, 7.13.3 distress alerts, 2.19
Calling frequencies Inmarsat system, 5.45
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine radio telex, 6.23
calls, 3.25 radio traffic, 9.5
radiotelephony, and agreement of, 7.15 radiotelephone calls,
Call signs automatic calls, 9.6
international call signs, list of, App. 10 operator connected, 9.6.1
Radio Regulations, 8.15 refunds, 9.7
Cargo ships under 300 tons, 1.4 special charges, 9.6.2
Certification of GMDSS operators telephone calls via Inmarsat, 5.45
additional requirements, 12.4-12.6 terrestrial services, 9.5
appeals, 12.8.1, 12.11.1, 12.15.2 Classes of emission
Authority To Operate (ATO), 12.21 Radio Regulations, 8.28
certificate categories, 12.2 Coast stations
competency certificates, 12.4 acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.7-2.7.2
condition for issue, 12.3 hours of service, 8.32

328

J
 Index

Coast stations---cont. Direct mode

Maritime Rescue Coordinators' Centre (MRCC), radio telex, 6.18.4
1.7 Distress alarm panel
radio regulation 8.15 passenger ships, 1.5.2
radio telex circuit, 6.19 Distress alert relay
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 DSC (Digital Selective Calling), 2.4.1, 3.8, 3.9
Coastguard stations shore-to-ship, 2.12
medical advice and assistance, 2.28 Distress alert transmissions, 1.3
meteorological services, 10.5 Distress communications
Code of Safe Working Practice (COSWP), App. 11 acknowledgement of receipt of alerts
Commands coast stations, by, 2.7-2.7.2
radio telex, 6.21 DSC (Digital Selective Calling), 2.5.3
Competency land earth station (LES), by, 2.7.1
operator certification, 12.4 mobile earth station (MES), by, 2.8
Control of working radiotelephony, 2.6.1
Radio Regulations, 8.22 radiotelex, 2.6.2
Coordinated universal time Rescue Coordinating Centre (RCC), by, 2.7.1
Radio Regulations, 8.18 satellite service, 2.5.2
COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite ship stations, by, 2.8
System), 4.2--4.7 aeronautical frequencies, 2.35
coverage modes, 4.3 alerts
406 MHz beacons, 4.4 acknowledgement of receipt, 2.5-2.8
MCCs, 1.7,4.6 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alert,
satellite information, 4.7 2.5.3,2.13
termination of system on 121.5 MHz false alerts, 2.13
COSWP (Code of Safe Working Practice), App. 11 introduction, 2.5.1
radiotelephony message, 2.6.1
Data communications radiotelex message, 2.6.2
Inmarsat, 5.46 shore-to-ship relay, 2.12
network identification codes, 5.47 station not in distress, by, 2.4-2.4.1
Dialling codes channel usage, 2.36
telephone, App. 5 charges, 2.19
telex, App. 6 distress traffic, 2.10 _
Differential Global positioning system (GPS) DSC (Digital Selective Calling), 2.5.3, 3.3-3.13
electronic position fixing, 11.6.1 and see DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
Digital Selective Calling (DSC), 3.1-3.34 distress alerts
advantages, 3.1. acknowledgements, 3.5-3.6
digital coding, 3.2 distress alert relay, 3.8-3.9
distress traffic, 3.7
distress alerts, 2.5-2.8, 3.4
sending on HF, 3.9-3.10
and see DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
summary, 3.16-3.18
distress alerts
urgency and safety calls, 3.12
acknowledgements, 3.5-3.6
watch-keeping, 3.13-3.15
distress alert relay, 3.8-3.9
frequencies
distress traffic, 3.7 aeronautical, 2.35
general information, 3.3 designated frequencies, 2.33-2.34
sending on HF, 3.9-3.10 distress, 2.2
summary, 3.16-3.18 handling distress traffic, 2.9
urgency and safety calls, 3.12 general provisions, 2.1 'I

watch-keeping, 3.13-3.15 GMDSS, 1.3, 2.33-2.34, App. 8

I
I

false distress alerts, 1.13.1 homing signals, 2.18

routine calling procedure, 3.20-3.33 Inmarsat-A, 5.41
and see DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine Inmarsat-B,
calls message generator, 5.20
acknowledgement of calls, 3.27-3.28 transmission procedure, 5.21
automatic connection, 3.33 Inmarsat-C, 5.25, 5.26
calling frequencies, 3.25 Inmarsat-M, 5.37
conditions, 3.20 locating signals, 2.18
method, 3.26 masters, authority of, 2.1.1
ship-to-shore calls, 3.30 on-scene communications, 2.14-2.16
shore-to-ship calls, 3.29 co-ordinators, duties of, 2.15
use of frequencies, 3.21-3.25 introduction, 2.14
watch-keeping, 3.31 SITREPs (Situation Reports), 2.16
scanning receivers, 3.14 use of frequencies, 2.14
testing, 3.33-3.34 operational procedures, 2.39
European arrangements, 3.34 radio telex, 2.6.2, 6.14
2187.5 kHz, on, 3.34 radiotelephony distress calls, format of, 2.2.1
use, 3.1 radiotelephony distress messages, format of,
watch-keeping, 3.1 2.2.2

329
Index

Distress communications-cont. DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine calls--co

radiotelex distress messages, 2.2.3 bands between 156 mHz and 174 rnHz (VHF) nt.
resumption of normal working, 2.12 call and acknowledgment, 3.25
satellite service, 2.37 watch-keeping, 3.25
shore-to-ship alert relay, 2.12 calling frequencies, 3.25
silence, 2.11 conditions, 3.20
station not in distress, by format, 3.26
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) relay, 2.4-2.4.1 high frequency (HF)
generally, 2.4-2.4.1 call and acknowledgment, 3.24
radiotelephony relay, 2.4.1 watch-keeping, 3.24
survival craft, 2.38 medium frequency (MF)
transmitter tests, 2.8 call and acknowledgment, 3.22
VHF channel usage, 2.36 watch-keeping, 3.22
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 method, 3.26
Distress Message Generator (DMG) Regulations
Inmarsat-B, 5.20 acknowledgement of calls, 3.27-3.28
Distress traffic method of calling, 3.26
distress alerts, 2.10 ship-to-shore calls, 3.30
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts, shore-to-ship calls
3.7 coast station, by, 3.29
Documentation generally, 3.29
ITU (International Telecommunications Union) testing, 3.33-3.34
documents, 8.15 European arrangements, 3.34
Radio Regulations, 8.11-8.12 2 187.5 kHz, on, 3.34
to be carried on UK ships, 8.12 use of frequencies, 3.21-3.25
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) acknowledgement bands between 1 606.5 kHz and
misuse, 1.13.1 4 000 kHz, 3.23
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts HF,3.24
acknowledgement, 2.5.3, 3.6 MF,3.22
coast stations, by, 3.6 VHF, 3.25
ship stations, by, 3.6 VHF
distress alert relay call and acknowledgment, 3.25
acknowledgement by ships, 3.9 watch-keeping, 3.25
generally, 3.8 watch-keeping, 3.22-3.26, 3.31
overview, 2.4.1 Duplex
distress traffic, 3.7 radiotelephony, 7.4
format, 3.5 Duplication of equipment (DOE)
generally, 3.3-3.4 GMDSS, 1.10.2 .
misuse of acknowledgment, 1.13.1 Duration of working
procedure radiotelephony, 7.22
GMDSS using DSC and RT on HF, 3.18
GMDSS using DSC and RT on MF, 3.17 EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation
ship-to-ship in GMDSS Areas A3 or A4, 3.18, Overlay System)
3.19 electronic position fixing, 11.6.2
using DSC and RT on VHF, 3.16 Electrical interference
rebroadcast by coast stations, 3.8 Radio Regulations, 8.38
safety calls to "all ships", 3.8, 3.11.1, 3.12 Electronic Navigational Equipment Maintenance
sending on HF, 3.9-3.10 (ENEM) Certificate
ship stations, acknowledgement by, 3.6 entry requirements, 12.25.1
summary, 3.16-3.18 examination structure, 12.25
urgency calls to "all ships", 3.8, 3.11, 3.11.1 generally, 12.23
watch-keeping Electronic position fixing systems, 11.1-11.13
dedicated receivers, 3.14 AIRS, 11.12
generally, 3.13 automatic identification system, 11.11
UK arrangements, 3.15-3.15.1 differential Global positioning system (GPS),
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine calls 11.6.1
acknowledgement of calls EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation
generally, 3.27 Overlay System), 11.6.2
transmission method, 3.28 Galileo navigation system, 11.4
automatic connection, 3.33 GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
bands between 415 kHz and 526.5 kHz (MF) augmented, 11.6.2
call and acknowledgment, 3.22 generally, 11.3
watch-keeping, 3.22 integrated, 11.5
bands between 1 606.5 kHz and 4 000 kHz Loran-C, 11.8
call and acknowledgment, 3.23 Global Positioning System (GPS)
watch-keeping, 3.23 augmented, 11.6.2
bands between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz (HF) differential, 11.6.1
call and acknowledgment, 3.24 generally, 11.2
watch-keeping, 3.24 integrated, 11.5

330

.....
1
 Index

Electronic position fixing systems-cont. Fishing vessels-cont.

Global Positioning System (GPS)-cont. GMDSS,l.4
Loran-C, 11.8 meteorological services, 10.7
improving accuracy, 11.6-11.6.2 vessel monitoring system, 9.32
differential Global positioning system (GPS), Fleet system
11.6.1 Fleet 33
EGNOS (European Geostationary Navigation generally, 5.14
Overlay System), 11.6.2 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.15
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), Fleet 55
11.6.2 generally, 5.13
Loran-C land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.15
generally, 11.7 Fleet 77
integrated, 11.8 distress procedures, 5.12
NAVSTAR, 11.2 generally, 5.10
Racons, 11.10 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.11
radar beacons, 11.10 Fleetphone system and services, 5.16
Ramarks, 11.10 Forward Error Correction (FEC)
updating position in GMDSS, 11.1 GMDSS, 1.3
VHF direction-finding service, 11.9 radio telex,
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System), 11.6.2 acknowledgment of messages, 6.12
Emergency lighting for radio equipment, 8.41 operation mode, 6.11
Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacons procedure, 6.18.2
(EPIRBs), 4.1, 4.9-4.11 Frequencies
accidental activation, 1.13 distress alerts,
checks, 4.9 aeronautical, 2.35
GMDSS,1.3 distress, 2.2, 2.34
guidelines for maintenance, 4.10.1 GMDSS, 2.33
maintenance, 4.9-4.10.3 Inmarsat, 5.3
further maintenance requirements, 4.10 mobile earth stations, 2.33
routine maintenance, 4.9 radio telex, 6.12, 6.14, 6.15
shore-based providers, guidelines for, 4.10.1 radiotelephony,
registration, 4.11 bands between 1 605 kHz and
routine maintenance and checks, 4.9 4 000 kHz, 7.14.1
ENEM (Electronic Navigational Equipment bands between 4 000 kHz and
Maintenance Certificate) 27500 kHz, 7.31-7.13.4
entry requirements, 12.25.1 bands between 156 MHz and
examination structure, 12.25 174 MHz, 7.32-7.32.3
generally, 12.23 nomenclature, 7.28.1
Enhanced Group Call (EGC) equipment single-sideband, 7.28.2
meteorological services, 10.3
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.2 Gale warnings
setting up receiver, 4.17 meteorological services, 10.6
EPIRBS see Emergency Position Indicating Galileo
Radiobeacons (EPIRBs) electronic position fixing, 11.4
European Geostationary Navigation Overlay General Operator's Certificate (GOC)
System (EGNOS) appeals procedure, 12.8.1
electronic position fixing, 11.6.2 detailed syllabus, 12.10
Examination structure examination structure, 12.8
ENEM (Electronic Navigational Equipment outline syllabus, 12.10
Maintenance, 12.25 General radio communications, 1.3
examination centres, 12.7.1 Geneva Conventions 1949, 2.22
General Operator's Certificate (GOC), 12.7-12.9 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
Long Range Certificate, 12.15 (GMDSS), 1.1-1.13.2
Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC), areas
12.11-12.11.1 generally, 1.2
Short Range Certificate, 12.14.2 shipboard equipment, 1.5
at-sea maintenance of equipment, 1.10.4
Facsimile availability of equipment
Inmarsat, 5.48 combinations, 1.10.5
False distress alerts, 1.12-1.12.1 " duplication, 1.10.2
DSC (Digital Selective Calling), sent by, 2~13 further requirements, 1.11
GMDSS, 2.13 requirements, 1.10.1
IMO Guidelines, App. 1 terminology, 1.9
misuse of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress communications
acknowledgement, 1.13.1 acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.5-2.8
operator competency, 1.13.2 alerting, 2.5.1
reporting procedures, 1.13 charges, 2.19
Fishing vessels distress traffic, 2.10
EPIRBs, 1.5.3 frequencies, 2.2-2.3, App. 8

331
Index

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Global navigation satellite system--cont.
(GMDSS)--cont. integrated, 11.5
distress communications--cont. Loran-C, 11.8
general provisions, 2.1 Global positioning system (GPS)
handling distress traffic, 2.9 augmented, 11.6.2
homing signals, 2.18 differential, 11.6.1
locating signals, 2.18 generally, 11.2
on-scene communications, 2.14 integrated, 11.5
protection of frequencies, 2.39 Loran-C, 11.8
resumption of normal working, 2.12 GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
satellite service, 2.37 augmented, 11.6.2
ship-to-shore alert relay, 2.12 generally, 11.3
silence, 2.11 integrated, 11.5
station not in distress, by, 2.4-2.4.1 Loran-C, 11.8
survival craft, 2.38 GMDSS see Global Maritime Distress and Safety
transmitter tests, 2.8 System (GMDSS)
VHF channel usage, 2.36 GPS (Global positioning system)
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 augmented, 11.6.2
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) differential, 11.6.1
false distress alerts, 2.13 generally, 11.2
generally, 3.1 integrated, 11.5
duplication of equipment, 1.10.2 Loran-C, 11.8
false distress alerts, 1.12-1.12.1 Greetings telex letters
misuse of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Inmarsat, 5.55
acknowledgement, 1.13.1
operator competency, 1.13.2 Handheld Iridium telephones
reporting procedures, 1.13 piracy attack alerts, 2.31.4
fishing vessels, 1.5.3 Handling distress traffic
frequencies, 2.33-2.34, App. 8 distress alerts, 2.9
IAMSAR Manual, 1.1.2 Harbours
implementation, 1.4 radio transmissions, 8.29
maintenance of equipment Helicopters
at sea, 1.10.4 medical evaluation, 2.25.2
shore-based, 1.10.3 High frequency (HF)
terminology, 1.9 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine calls
Maritime Rescue Coordinators' Centre (MRCC), call and acknowledgment, 3.24
1. 7-1. 7.2, 1.9 watch-keeping, 3.24
registration database, 1.7.2 radiotelephony, 7.31.4
role, 1.7-1.7.2 HMwarships
SARNET, 1. 7.1 communication with merchant ships, 9.33
master plan, 1.8 Homing signals
misuse of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts, 2.18
acknowledgement, 1.13.1
operator competency, 1.13.2 IAMSAR Manual, 1.1.2
passenger ships, for, 1.5.2 IMO Guidance on false distress alerts, App. 1
personnel requirements for ships stations, 1.6 Initial message
position updating, 1.5.1 piracy attack alerts, 2.31.7
registration database, 1.7.2 Inland waterways
safety frequencies, App. 8 radio transmissions, 8.29
sea areas, 1.2 Inmarsat
Search and Rescue Regions (SRRS), 1.1.1, 1.1.2 AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel
serviceability of equipment, 1.10 Rescue), 5.54
ship equipment, 1.7 antenna alignment, 5.5
shipboard equipment, 1.5-1.5.4 COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite
fishing vessels, on, 1.5.3 System), 4.7
passenger ships, for, 1.5.2 data communications
position updating, 1.5.1 generally, 5.46
small craft, for, 1.5.4 network identification codes, 5.47
shore-based maintenance of equipment, 1.10.3 distress message generator, 5.20
small craft, 1.5.4 EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio
SOLAS Convention, 1.1 Beacon)
specific functions, 1.1 accidental activation, 1.13
terminology, 1.3, 1.9 GMDSS,1.3
training, 1.12.1 facsimile, 5.48
urgency frequencies, App. 8 Fleet 33
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 generally, 5.14
Global navigation satellite system land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.15
augmented, 11.6.2 Fleet 55
generally, 11.3 generally, 5.13

332
 Index
Inmarsat--cont. Inmarsat--cont.
Fleet 55--cont. telephone calls
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.15 another MESA, to, 5.42
Fleet 77, 5.10-5.12 charges, 5.45
distress procedures, 5.12 generally, 5.41
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.11 ocean region codes, 5.43
Fleet system, 5.10-5.15 ships fitted with multi-band RT
Fleet 33, 5.14-5.15 equipment, 5.44
Fleet 55, 5.13 telex, 5.49-5.55
Fleet 77, 5.10-5.12 answerbacks, 5.51
introduction, 5.9 calls to another mobile earth station
fieetphone system and services, 5.16 (MES),5.57
frequencies, 5.3 dialling, 5.53
greetings telex letters, 5.55 greetings letters, 5.55
Inmarsat-A system, 5.41 Inmarsat-A, via, 5.52
Inmarsat-B system, 5.17-5.21 Inmarsat-B, via, 5.52
distress message generator, 5.20 MHIHF equipment, telex calls to ships fitted
distress transmission procedure, 5.21 with,5.59
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.19 ocean region codes, 5.58
services, 5.18 service fault codes, 5.60
two-digit codes, 5.40 ships fitted with multi-band RT
Inmarsat-C system, 5.22-5.23 equipment, 5.60
communications, 5.30 terminating calls, 5.56
distress alerting, 5.25 two-digit codes, 5.50
distress priority message, 5.26 types, 5.2
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.24 Inmarsat-A system
logging off, 5.29 antenna alignment, 5.5
logging on, 5.28 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.41
message addresses, 5.31 mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6
mini-C, 5.34 Inmarsat-B system, 5.17-5.21
non-delivery notification codes, 5.33 antenna alignment, 5.5
safety codes, 5.27 distress message generator, 5.20
services, 5.23 distress transmission procedure, 5.21
two-digit service codes, 5.32 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.19
urgency codes, 5.27 mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6
Inmarsat-F system, 5.40 services, 5.18
Inmarsat-M system, 5.35-5.37 telex, 5.52
distress alerting, 5.37 Inmarsat-C system, 5.22-5.23
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.36 communications, 5.30
services, 5.35 distress alerting, 5.25
two-digit codes 5.40 distress priority message, 5.26
Inmarsat mini-M system land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.24
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.39 logging off, 5.29
services, 5.38 logging on, 5.28
Iridium satellite system, 5.61-5.63 message addresses, 5.31
land earth station access codes mini-C, 5.34
Fleet 33, 5.15 mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6 :1

Fleet 55, 5.15 non-delivery notification codes, 5.33

Fleet 77, 5.11 safety codes, 5.27
Inmarsat-A, 5.41 services, 5.23
Inmarsat-B,5.19 telex, 5.52
Inmarsat-C, 5.24 two-digit service codes, 5.32
Inmarsat-M, 5.36 urgency codes, 5.27
Inmarsat mini-M, 5.39 Inmarsat Fleet system
master's authority, 5.1 antenna alignment, 5.5
Fleet 33
medical advice and assistance, 2.26
medical messages, 5.54 generally, 5.14
MIDHF equipment, telex calls to ships fitted land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.15
with,5.59 Fleet 55, 5.13, 5.15
mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6 Fleet 77, 5.10-5.12
multiple identity of single mobile earth station distress procedures, 5.12
(MES),5.7 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.11
organisation, 5.2 introduction, 5.9
priority indicators, 5.8 Inmarsat-M system, 5.34-5.37
radiotelegrams, 5.54 antenna alignment, 5.5
satellite earth stations, 5.4 distress alerting, 5.37
telegrams, 5.54 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.36
telemessages, 5.54 mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6
services, 5.34

333
Index

Inmarsat Fleet system-cont. Maintenance-cont.

Inmarsat mini-M system, 5.38-5.39 GMDSS equipment
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.39 at sea, 1.10.4
mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6 shore-based, 1.10.3
services, 5.38 radiotelephony, 7.23
Inspection routine maintenance, 4.9
ship radio and earth stations, 8.10 SART (Search and Rescue Transponders) 4.14
Installations Manual radio telex calling, 6.7-6.7.3 '
general requirements for radio, 8.40 inter-ship communications, 6.7.3
list of MCA authorised persons, App. 12 ship-to-shore, 6.7.1
International call signs, list of, App. 10 shore-to-ship, 6.7.2
International Telecommunications Union ITU) Marine navigational vocabulary
documents, 8.15 Merchant Shipping Notice M1252, App. 3
MF RT ship-to-shore working channels, list Marine telex (NBDP)
of,App. 13 and see Telex via Inmarsat
Inter-ship communications advice codes, 6.22
radio telex, 6.7.3 answerback, 6.17
radiotelephony, 7.30.1 ARQ mode, 6.18.1
safety of navigation, 2.23 automatic calling procedures
Iridium telephones commands, 6.21
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.4 ship-to-shore, 6.8.1
Iridium satellite system shore-to-ship, 6.8.2
Inmarsat, 5.61-5.63 avoidance of interference, 6.1
iridium services, 5.62 between two stations, 6.3
OpenPort offers, 5.63 broadcasts to more than one receiving
ITU (International Telecommunications Union) station, 6.4
documents, 8.15 charges, 6.23
MF RT ship-to-shore working channels, list of, circuit to coast station, 6.19
App.13 commands, 6.21
DIRECT mode, 6.18.4
Land earth stations (LES) distress frequencies, 6.14
acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.7.1 Forward Error Correction (FEC)
hours of service, 8.32 acknowledgment of messages, 6.12
Inmarsat access codes operation mode, 6.11
Fleet 33, 5.15 procedure, 6.18.2
Fleet 55, 5.15 frequencies, 6.12, 6.14-6.15
Fleet 77, 5.11 GMDSS, 1.3
Inmarsat-A, 5.41 inter-ship communications, 6:7.3
Inmarsat-B,5.19 manual calling procedures, 6.7-6.7.3
Inmarsat-C, 5.24 inter-ship communications, 6.7.3
Inmarsat-M, 5.36 introduction, 6.7
Inmarsat mini-M, 5.38 ship-to-shore, 6.7.1
Maritime Rescue Coordinators' Centre shore-to-ship, 6.7.2
(MRCC),1.9 message format, 6.10
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 modes of emission
Local User Terminal (LUT), 1.9 band between 415 kHz and 535 kHz, 6.2.1
Locating signals band between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 6.2.2
distress alerts, 2.18 band between 4 000 kHz and
GMDSS,1.3 27 500 kHz, 6.2.2
Log books operation modes
Radio Regulations, 8.17 ARQ (Automatic Reptition Request), 6.18.1
Logging on/off DIRECT,6.18.4
Inmarsat-C, 5.28-5.29 FEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.2
Long Range Certificate introduction, 6.18
appeals procedure, 12.15.2 SELFEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3
detailed syllabus, 12.17 public correspondence, 6.5
examination structure, 12.15 SELCALL (Selective Calling) numbers, 6.6
generally, 12.14.1 SELFEC ((Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3
outline syllabus, 12.16 ship-to-shore
satellite module, 12.15.1 automatic calling procedures, 6.8.1
satellite module syllabus, 12.18 manual calling procedures, 6.7.1
Loran-C, 11.7, 11.8 shore-to-ship
automatic calling procedures, 6.8.2
Maintenance manual calling procedures, 6.7.2
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio test transmissions, 6.16
Beacon),4.9-4.10.3 traffic lists, 6.20
further maintenance requirements, 4.10 transmission format, 6.9
routine maintenance, 4.9 Marinecall
shore-based providers, guidelines for, 4.10.1 meteorological services, 10.8

334

i
d
 Index

Maritime radio accounting, 9.17-9.17.2 Maritime safety information (MSI)--cont.

Accounting Authority Identification Code NAVTEX (Navigation Telex)--cont.
(AAIC), 9.17.1 European service, 4.16
provision of AAIC to coast stations, 9.17.2 UK waters, in, 4.18
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Master plan
authorised persons, list of, App. 12 GMDSS,1.8
radio installations, list of authorised persons for, Master's authority .I
App.12 distress communications, 2.1.1
Radio Regulations, 8.5 Inmarsat, 5.1
Maritime Mobile Service Radio Regulations, 8.7
acknowledgement of calls, 3.27-3.28 Mayday
automatic connection, 3.33 and see Distress communications
bands between 415 kHz and 526.5 kHz (MF) generally, 2.6.1-2.6.2
call and acknowledgment, 3.22 Medevac
watch-keeping, 3.22 generally, 2.25
bands between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz information to Maritime Rescue Coordinators'
call and acknowledgment, 3.23 Centre (MRCC), 2.25.1
watch-keeping, 3.23 Medical advice
bands between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz (HF) coastguard stations, via, 2.28
call and acknowledgment, 3.24 generally, 2.24
watch-keeping, 3.24 Inmarsat, via, 2.26
bands between 156 mHz and 174 mHz (VHF) Medical assistance
call and acknowledgment, 3.25 coastguard stations, via, 2.29
watch-keeping, 3.25 generally, 2.25
calling frequencies, 3.25 Inmarsat, via, 2.27
conditions, 3.20 Medical evacuation
format, 3.26 generally, 2.25
high frequency (HF) helicopters, radio communications with, 2.25.2
call and acknowledgment, 3.24 information to Maritime Rescue Coordinators'
watch-keeping, 3.24 Centre (MRCC), 2.25.1
medium frequency (MF) Medical messages
call and acknowledgment, 3.22 Inmarsat, 5.54
watch-keeping, 3.22 Medical transports
method, 3.26 definition, 2.22
Regulations Geneva Conventions, 2.22
acknowledgement of calls, 3.27-3.28 Medium frequency (MF)
method of calling, 3.26 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine calls
ship-to-shore calls, 3.30 call and acknowledgment, 3.22
shore-to-ship calls by coast station, 3.29 watch-keeping, 3.22
testing, 3.33-33.4 inter-ship working frequencies, 7.30.1
European arrangements, 3.34 ITU (International Telecommunications Union)
2187.5 kHz, on, 3.34 MF RT ship-to-shore working channels, list
use of frequencies, 3.21-3.25 of, App. 13
bands between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 3.23 radiotelephony,
HF,3.24 indication of frequency, 7.14.1
MF,3.22 inter-ship working frequencies, 7.30.1
VHF,3.25 mode of emission, 7.30.1, 7.31.1
very high frequency (VHF) ship-to-shore working frequencies, 7.30.1
call and acknowledgment, 3.25 traffic frequencies, 7.17.1
watch-keeping, 3.25 use of 2182 kHz, 7.1, 7.14.1
watch-keeping, 3.22-3.26, 3.31 working frequencies, 7.14.3
Maritime Mobile Service Identities (MMSIs), 8.14, ship-to-shore working frequencies, 7.30.1
8.27 traffic frequencies, 7.17.1
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) watch-keeping, 3.22
acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.7.1, 4.6 Merchant Navy Training Board ETO certificate
contact details, App. 2 proposed syllabus, 12.24
COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Merchant Shipping Notice M1252
Satellite System), 1.9 navigational vocabulary, App. 3
medical evaluation, 2.25.1 Message addresses
meteorological services, 10.5 Inmarsat-C, 5.31
registration database, 1. 7.2 Metarea 1 broadcasts
role, 1.9 meteorological services, 10.4
SARNET, 1.7.1 Meteorological messages
terminology, 1.3 radiotelegram service, 9.22
Maritime safety information (MSI), 4.15--4.17 Meteorological services, 10.1-10.12
Enhanced Group Call (EGC), 4.17 BBC, 10.6
GMDSS,1.3 EGC (Enhanced Group Call), 10.3
NAVTEX (Navigation Telex) fishing fleets, 10.7
Enhanced Group Call (EGC), 4.17 gale warnings, 10.6

335

J
Index

Meteorological services---cont. Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP)---cont.

Her Majesty's Coastguard (HMG) stations, 10.5 DIRECT mode, 6.18.4
Marinecall, 10.8 distress alerts, 2.5.3
Maritime Rescue Sub-Centres (MRSC), 10.5 distress frequencies, 6.14
Metarea 1 broadcasts, 10.4 Forward Error Correction (FEC)
MetFAX, 10.9-10.9.1 acknowledgment of messages, 6.12
NAVTEX (Navigational Telex), 10.2 operation mode, 6.11
North Atlantic, 10.4 procedure, 6.18.2
reporting information, 10.11 frequencies, 6.12, 6.14-6.15
telex, 10.2 inter-ship communications, 6.7.3
VOSP, 10.12 manual calling procedures, 6.7-6.7.3
weather routeing services, 10.10 inter-ship communications, 6.7.3
winter forecasts, 10.7 ship-to-shore, 6.7.1
MetFAX shore-to-ship, 6.7.2
meteorological services, 10.9-10.9.1 message format, 6.10
MIDs
modes of emission
country list, App. 7
Misuse band between 415 kHz and 535 kHz, 6.2.1
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts, band between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 6.2.2
1.13.1 band between 4 000 kHz and
MMSIs (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) 27 500 kHz, 6.2.2
Radio Regulations, 814, 8.27 operation modes, 6.18-6.18.4
Mobile earth station (MES) ARQ,6.18.1
acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.8 DIRECT, 6.18.4
frequencies, 2.33 FEC, 6.18.2
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 SELFEC, 6.18.3
Mobile numbers (IMN) public correspondence, 6.5
Inmarsat, 5.6 SELCALL numbers, 6.6
Mobile station broadcasts SELFEC, 6.18.3
Radio Regulations, 8.30 ship-to-shore
Modes of emission automatic calling procedures, 6.8.1
Radio Regulations, 8.28 manual calling procedures, 6.7.1
radio telex, shore-to-ship
band between 415 kHz and 535 kHz, 6.2.1 automatic calling procedures, 6.8.2
band between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 6.2.2 manual calling procedures, 6.7.2
band between 4 000 kHz and test transmissions, 6.16
27 500 kHz, 6.2.2 traffic lists, 6.20
radiotelephony, transmission format, 6.9
class, 7.29.1 Navigational Officer on Watch (OOW)
MF,7.30.1 piracy attack alerts, 2.31.1
maritime radio accounting, 9.17-9.17.2 Navigational vocabulary
Accounting Authority Identification Code Merchant Shipping Notice M1252, App. 3
(AAIC), 9.17.1 NAVSTAR
provision of AAIC to coast stations, 9.17.2 electronic position fixing, 11.2
Monetary units NAVTEX
radio traffic, 9.29 EGC (Enhanced Group Call), 4.17
Morse Code European service, 4.16
radio officers, 1.1 meteorological services, 10.2
signals and phonetic alphabet, App. 4 NBDP see Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP)
Multiple identity of single mobile earth station NELS (Northwest European Loran-C System)
(MES)
Inmarsat, 5.7 electronic position fixing, 11.7
Neutral ships or aircraft in war zones,
Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) identification of, 2.30
and see Telex via Inmarsat Non-delivery notification codes
advice codes, 6.22 Inmarsat-C, 5.33
answerback, 6.17 Non-SOLAS vessel radio operators, 12.14-12.14.2
ARQ mode, 6.18.1 Long Range Certificate
automatic calling procedures appeals procedure, 12.15.2
commands, 6.21 detailed syllabus, 12.17
ship-to-shore, 6.8.1 examination structure, 12.15
shore-to-ship, 6.8.2 outline syllabus, 12.16
avoidance of interference, 6.1 satellite module, 12.15.1
between two stations, 6.3 satellite module syllabus, 12.18
broadcasts to more than one receiving Short Range Certificate, 12.14.2, 12.19-12.20
station, 6.4 North Atlantic
charges, 6.23 meteorological services, 10.4
circuit to coast station, 6.19 Northwest European Loran-C System (NELS)
commands, 6.21 electronic position fixing, 11.7

336

Ocean region codes
telephone calls via Inmarsat, 5.43
telex via Inmarsat, 5.58
OFCOM
Radio Regulations, 8.4
Officer on Watch (OOW)
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.1
On-board communications
radiotelephony, 7.25
On-scene communications
coordinators, duties of, 2.15
distress alerts
introduction, 2.14
SITREPs (Situation Reports), 2.16
use of frequencies, 2.14
GMDSS, 1.3
OpenPort offers, 5.63
Operational procedures
ARQ (Automated repetition request), 6.18.1
DIRECT, 6.18.4
FEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.2
radio telex, 6.18-6.18.4
ARQ (Automated repetition request), 6.18.1
DIRECT,6.18.4
FEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.2
SELFEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3
SELFEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3
Operator certification
additional requirements, 12.5
AMERC (Association of Marine Electronic and
Radio Colleges)
address, 12.4
generally, 12.6
authority to operate (ATO), 12.21
certificate categories, 12.2
competency certificates, 12.4
condition for issue, 12.3
Electronic Navigational Equipment Maintenance
(ENEM) Certificate, 12.23, 12.25-12.25.1
entry requirements, 12.25.1
examination structure, 12.25
examination structure
ENEM (Electronic Navigational Equipment
Maintenance), 12.25
examination centres, 12.7.1
General Operator's Certificate (GOC),
12.7-12.9
Long Range Certificate, 12.15
Restricted Operator's Certificate (ROC),
12.11-12.11.1
Short Range Certificate, 12.14.2
General Operator's Certificate (GOC)
appeals procedure, 12.8.1
detailed syllabus, 12.10
examination structure, 12.8
outline syllabus, 12.9
Long Range Certificate, 12.14.1, 12.15-12.15.2
appeals procedure, 12.15.2
detailed syllabus, 12.17
examination structure, 12.15
outline syllabus, 12.16
satellite module, 12.15.1
satellite module syllabus, 12.18
non-SOLAS vessel radio operators, 12.14-12.18
Regional Examination Centres, 12.7.1,
12.22-12.22.1
Restricted Operator's Certificate, 12.11-12.12
appeals procedure, 12.11.1
conduct of examination, 12.11.1
Index
Operator certification--cont.
Restricted Operator's Certificate--cont.
detailed syllabus, 12.13
outline syllabus, 12.12
Short Range Certificate, 12.14.2, 12.19-12.20
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and
Watch-keeping) endorsement, 12.4
Operator competency
certification, 12.4
GMDSS equipment, 1.13.2
PAN PAN
medical transports, 2.22
urgency communications, 2.20
Passenger ships
GMDSS, 1.5.2
Performance verification test (PVT)
distress alerts, 1.13
Pilot service
radiotelephony, 7.26
Piracy attack alerts
after attack reports, 2.31.9
Automatic Identification System (AlS), 2.31.5
handheld Iridium telephones, 2.31.4
increase in attacks, 2.31
initial message, 2.31.7
radio personnel, 2.31.1
radio watch-keeping, 2.31.2
report, 2.31.7
Reporting Centre, 2.31.6
secreted VHF receiver, 2.31.4
standard message formats, 2.31.3
suspicious act report, 2.31.8
Pleasure craft, 1.4
Port operations
radiotelephony, 7.27
Position updating
GMDSS, 1.5.1
Post restante addresses
radiotelegram service, 9.13
Priority indicators
Inmarsat, 5.8
Portable survival craft
VHF radiotelephones, 4.20
Preliminary operations
radiotelephony, 7.6
Priority of communications
Radio Regulations, 8.23
Procedural words, 7.20
Protection of frequencies
distress alerts, 2.39
Public correspondence
radio telex, 6.5
Racons
electronic position fixing, 11.10
Radar beacons
electronic position fixing, 11.10
Radio installations, list of MCA authorised persons
for, App. 12
Radio personnel
Morse Code, 1.1
passenger ships, 1.5.2
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.1
Radio Regulations, 8.1-8.43
Admiralty Lists of Radio Signals, 8.13
amateur radio stations aboard UK ships, 8.31
apparatus technical requirements, 8.33
automatic battery chargers, 8.37
337
Index

Radio Regulations---cont. Radio Regulations---cont.

avoidance of interference, 8.6 watch-keeping, 8.16
batteries Radio log books
automatic battery chargers, 8.37 Radio Regulations, 8.17
supplies, 8.35 Radio secrecy
breach,8.2 Radio Regulations, 8.8
call signs, 8.15 Radio telex letters (RTLs), 9.27
classes of emission, 8.28 Radio traffic, 9.1-9.33
closure of ship radio stations, 8.24 AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel
coast stations Rescue) messages, 9.31
hours of service, 8.32 charges for radiotelephone calls
list, 8.15 automatic calls, 9.6
control of working, 8.22 operator connected, 9.6.1
coordinated universal time, 8.18 refunds, 9.7
dates used for radiocommunications, 8.18 special charges, 9.6.2
documentation, 8.11-8.12 charges using terrestrial services, 9.5
electrical interference, 8.38 fishing vessels, 9.32
emergency lighting for radio equipment, 8.41 maritime radio accounting, 9.17-9.17.1
energy sources, 8.34 Accounting Authority Identification Code
harbours, 8.29 (AAIC), 9.17.1
hours of service of coast stations and land earth provision of AAIC to coast stations, 9.17.2
stations, 8.32 meteorological messages, 9.22
identification of stations, 8.25 monetary units, 9.29
infringements, 8.5 post restante addresses, 9.13
inland waterways, 8.29 radio telex letters, 9.27
inspection of ship radio and earth stations, 8.10 radiomaritime letters, 9.23
ITU (International Telecommunications Union) radiotelegram service, 9.8-9.15
documents, 8.15 acceptable classes, 9.10
land earth stations, hours of service of, 8.32 addresses, 9.11
lighting, 8.41 cancellation at sender's request, 9.20
log books, 8.17 characters, 9.9
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 8.5 charges, 9.5
Master's authority, 8.7 counting words, 9.15
MMSIs, 8.15, 8.27 format, 9.16
M-notices, 8.14 generally, 9.8
mobile station broadcasts, 8.30 meteorological messages, 9.22
OFCOM,8.4 non-delivery, 9.19
order of priority of communications, 8.23 paid service indicators, 9.14
radio installations, general requirements for, post restante addresses, 9.13
8.40 service advices, 9.21
radio secrecy, 8.8 service messages, 9.18
radio determination stations, 8.15 urgency communications, 9.12
routine testing of GMDSS equipment, 8.21 radiotelephone calls, 9.1-9.3
selective call numbers, 8.26 automatic service, 9.6
servicing radio and associated equipment, 8.43 charges, 9.6
ship radio licence, 8.9 credit card, by, 9.2
ship stations generally, 9.1
closure, 8.24 priority, 9.3
identification, 8.25 radiotelex, 9.25
ITU (International Telecommunications radiotelexogram, 9.24-9.24.1
Union) list, 8.15 information supplied by calling party, 9.24.1
ships on UK inland waterways, 8.29 mobile station, from, 9.24.1
sources of energy for equipment, 8.34-8.37 mobile station, to, 9.24.1
automatic battery charges, 8.37 service advices, 9.21
battery supplies, 8.35 service messages, 9.18
capacity of reserve sources, 8.35 ship reporting systems, 9.30
uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), 8.36 telephone credit card calls, 9.2
spare parts, 8.39 telex messages, 9.26-9.26.10
special service stations, 8.15 cancellation wording, 9.26.8
survey of ship radio and earth stations, 8.10 error correction, 9.26.7
technical requirements of radio apparatus, 8.33 format, 9.26.2
test transmissions, 8.20 fractions, 9.26.3
testing of equipment, 8.21 new lines, 9.26.6
time signals, 8.19 non-standardised characters, 9.26.10
tools, 8.39 percentages, 9.26.4
uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), 8.36 perforated tapes, 9.26.9
UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and dates, repetition of important groups, 9.26.5
8.18 TR information to coast stations, 9.28
voluntary radio equipment, 8.42 vessel monitoring system, 9.32

338

Radio traffic-cont.
warships, communication with, 9.33
Radio watch-keeping
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.2
Radiocommunication with helicopters
medical evaluation, 2.25.2
Radiodetermination stations
Radio Regulations, 8.15
Radiomaritime letters, 9.23
Radiotelegram service, 9.8-9.16
acceptable classes, 9.10
addresses, 9.11
cancellation at sender's request, 9.20
characters, 9.9
charges, 9.5
counting words, 9.15
format, 9.16
Inmarsat, 5.54
meteorological messages, 9.22
non-delivery, 9.19
paid service indicators, 9.14
post restante addresses, 9.13
radiotelephony, 7.19
service advices, 9.21
service messages, 9.18
urgency communications, 9.12
Radiotelephone calls, 9.1-9.3
and see Radiotelephony
automatic service, 9.6
automatic calls, 9.6-9.6.2
introduction, 9.6
operator connected, 9.6.1
refunds, 9.6.7
credit card, by, 9.2
priority, 9.3
Radiotelephony (RT)
and see Radiotelephone calls
acknowledgement of receipt, 7.21
bands between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz
call and reply, 7.13.1
mode of emission, 7.13.1
use of 2 182 kHz, 7.1, 7.14.1
bands between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz
call and reply, 7.13.2, 7.31.2
mode of emission, 7.31.1
bands between 156 MHz and 174 MHz
call and reply, 7.13.3, 7.32.1
watch,7.32.2-7.32.3
call and niply
MF,7.13.1
generally, 7.12
HF, 7.4.2, 7.13.2
VHF, 7.13.3, 7.32.1
calls
coast stations, from, 7.8
ships, from, 7.7
control, 7.22
distress alerts,
acknowledgement of receipt, 2.6.1
distress calls, 2.2.1
distress messages, 2.2.2
format, 2.2.1, 2.2.2
duplex, 7.4
duration of calls, 7.22
establishment of calls, 7.18, 7.24
frequency bands
bands between 1 605 kHz and
4 000 kHz, 7.14.1
Index
Radiotelephony (RT)-cont.
frequency bands-cont.
bands between 4 000 kHz and
27500 kHz, 7.31-7.31.4
bands between 156 MHz and
174 MHz, 7.32-7.32.3
nomenclature, 7.28.1
single-sideband, 7.28.2
HF simplex operations, 7.31.4
inter-ship frequencies, 7.14.3
ITU (International Telecommunications Union)
MF RT ship-to-shore working channels, list
of, App. 13
MF
indication of frequency, 7.14.1
inter-ship working frequencies, 7.14.3
ITU (International Telecommunications
Union) MF RT ship-to-shore working
channels, list of, App. 13
mode of emission, 7.30.1
ship-to-shore working frequencies, 7.14.3
use of 2 182 kHz, 7.1, 7.14.1
working frequencies, 7.14.3
mode of emission, 7.31.1
on board communications, 7.25
order of working, 7.10
pilot service, 7.26
port operations, 7.27
preliminary operations, 7.6
procedural words, 7.20
radiotelegrams, 7.19
reception difficulties, 7.16
repetition of calls, 7.11
sending traffic, 7.17
ship movement services, 7.27
ship-to-shore procedures, 7.5
simplex, 7.31.4
single-sideband, 7.28.2
station identification, 7.3-7.3.2
coast stations, 7.3.1
ship stations, 7.3.2
testing, 7.23
traffic frequencies, agreement of, 7.15
traffic lists, 7.9
VHF
call and reply, 7.32.1
communication techniques, 7.32-7.32.3
watch, 7.32.2-7.32.3
working order, 7.10
Radiotelex (NBDP)
and see Telex via Inmarsat
advice codes, 6.22
answerback, 6.17
ARQ (Automated repetition request)
mode, 6.18.1
automatic calling procedures
commands, 6.21
ship-to-shore, 6.8.1
shore-to-ship, 6.8.2
avoidance of interference, 6.1
between two stations, 6.3
broadcasts to more than one receiving
station, 6.4
charges, 6.23
circuit to coast station, 6.19
commands, 6.21
DIRECT mode, 6.18.4
distress alerts
acknowledgement of receipt, 2.6.1
339
Index

Radiotelex (NBDP)-cont.
distress alerts-cont.
Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC)-cont.
SARNET,1.7.1
T
generally, 2.6.2 terminology, 1.3
distress frequencies, 6.14 Restricted Operator's Certificate, 12.10-12.13
distress messages, 2.2.3 appeals procedure, 12.11.1
forward error correction (FEC) conduct of examination, 12.11.1
acknowledgment of messages, 6.12 detailed syllabus, 12.13
operation mode, 6.11 outline syllabus, 12.12
procedure, 6.18.2 Resumption of normal working
frequencies distress alerts, 2.12
distress, 6.14 Routine DSC (Digital Selective Calling) calls
generally, 6.12 acknowledgement of calls, 3.27-3.28
protection of, 6.15 automatic connection, 3.33
generally, 9.25 bands between 415 kHz and 526.5 kHz (MF)
GMDSS,1.3 call and acknowledgment, 3.22
inter-ship communications, 6.7.3 watch-keeping, 3.22
manual calling procedures, 6.7-6.7.3 bands between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz
inter-ship communications, 6.7.3 call and acknowledgment, 3.23
ship-to-shore, 6.7;1 watch-keeping, 3.23
shore-to-ship, 6.7.2 bands between 4 000 kHz and 27 500 kHz (HF)
message format, 6.10 call and acknowledgment, 3.24
modes of emission watch-keeping, 3.24
band between 415 kHz and 535 k:Hz, 6.2.1 bands between 156 mHz and 174 mHz (VHF)
band between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 6.2.2 call and acknowledgment, 3.25
band between 4 000 kHz and watch-keeping, 3.25
27 500 kHz, 6.2.2 calling frequencies, 3.25
operation modes, 6.18-6.12.4 conditions, 3.20
ARQ (Automated repetition request), 6.18.1 format, 3.26
DIRECT,6.18.4 high frequency (HF)
FEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.2 call and acknowledgment, 3.24
SELFEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3 watch-keeping, 3.24
public correspondence, 6.5 medium frequency (MF)
SELCALL (Selective calling) numbers, 6.6 call and acknowledgment, 3.22
SELFEC CForward Error Correction), 6.18.3 watch-keeping, 3.22
ship-to-shore method,3.26
automatic calling procedures, 6.8.1 Regulations
manual calling procedures, 6.7.1 acknowledgement of calls,. 3.27-3.28
shore-to-ship method of calling, 3.26
automatic calling procedures, 6.8.2 preparation for exchange of traffic, 3.28
manual calling procedures, 6.7.2 ship-to-shore calls, 3.30
test transmissions, 6.16 shore-to-ship calls by coast station, 3.29
traffic lists, 6.20 testing, 3.33-3.34
transmission format", 6.9 European arrangements, 3.34
Radiotelexogram, 9.24-9.2.4.1 2 187.5 kHz, on, 3.34
information supplied by calling party, 9.24.1 use of frequencies, 3.21-3.25
mobile station, from, 9.24.1 bands between 1 606.5 kHz and
mobile station, to, 9.24.1 4 000 kHz, 3.23
Ramarks HF,3.24
electronic position fixing, 11.10 MF,3.22
Reception difficulties VHF,3.25
radiotelephony, 7.16 very high frequency (VHF)
Regional Examination Centres, 12.7.1, call and acknowledgment, 3.25
12.22-12.22.1 watch-keeping, 3.25
overseas list, 12.22.1 watch-keeping, 3.31
UK list, 12.22
Registration database Safety communications, 2.20-2.21
GMDSS, 1.7.2 definition, 2.21
Repetition of calls DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress
radiotelephony, 7.11 alerts, 3.8, 3.12-3.12.1
Reporting Centre GMDSS, App. 8
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.6 Inmarsat-B,5.27
Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) operational procedures, 2.21
acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.7.1 reception, 3.12.1
contact details, App. 2 Safety related equipment and services
COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite
System), 1.9, 4.6 System), 4.2-4.7
medical evaluation, 2.25.1 coverage modes, 4.3
meteorological services, 10.5 406 MHz beacons, 4.4
registration database, 1. 7.2 MCCs, 4.6

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Index
Safety related equipment and services-cont. Satellite communications-cont.
COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite Inmarsat-C system-cont.
System)-cont. message addresses, 5.31
satellite information, 4.7 mini-C, 5.34
termination of service on 121.5 MHz, 4.8 non-delivery notification codes, 5.33
EGC (Enhanced Group Call) safety codes, 5.27
generally, 4.17
services, 5.23
setting up receiver, 4.17
two-digit service codes, 5.32
EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio urgency codes, 5.27
Beacon), 4.1, 4.9, 4.11
checks, 4.9 Inmarsat-M system, 5.35-5.37
registration, 4.11 distress alerting, 5.37
routine maintenance and checks, 4.9 land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.36
MSI (Maritime Safety Information) services, 5.35
EGC (Enhanced Group Call), 4.17 Inmarsat mini-M system, 5.38-5.39
generally, 4.15 land earth station (LES) ac(:ess codes, 5.39
NAVTEX, 4.16 services, 5.38
UK waters, in, 4.18 Inmarsat organisation, 5.2
NAVTEX land earth station access codes
EGC (Enhanced Group Call), 4.17 Fleet 33, 5.15
European service, 4.16 Fleet 55, 5.15
portable survival craft VHF radiotelephones, Fleet 77, 5.11
4.20 Inmarsat-A, 5.41
SART (Search and Rescue Transponders), Inmarsat-B,5.19
4.12-4.12.2 Inmarsat-C, 5.24
close range signals, 4.12.1 Inmarsat-M, 5.36
factors increasing visibility, 4.12.2 Inmarsat mini-M, 5.39
tests and checks, 4.14 Master's authority, 5.1
WWNWS,4.19 medical messages, 5.54
SAR (Search and Rescue) coordinating mobile numbers (IMN), 5.6
communication, 1.3 multiple identity of single mobile earth station
SARNET, 1.7.1 (MES),5.7
SART (Search and Rescue Transponders), 1.3 priority indicators, 5.8
Satellite communications radiotelegrams, 5.54
AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel satellite earth stations, 5.4
Rescue), 5.54 telegrams, 5.54
antenna alignment, 5.5 telemessages, 5.54
COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite telephone calls
System), 4.7 another MESA, to, 5.42
data communications, 5.46-5.47 charges, 5.45
distress message generator, 5.20 Inmarsat, via, 5.41
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio ocean region codes, 5.43
Beacon) ships fitted with multi-band RT
accidental activation, 1.13 equipment, 5.44
GMDSS,1.3 telex, 5.49-5.60
facsimile, 5.48 answerbacks, 5.51
Fleet 33, 5.14-5.15 calls to another mobile earth station
Fleet 55, 5.13, 5.15 (MES),5.57
Fleet 77, 5.10-5.12 dialling, 5.53
distress procedures, 5.12 greetings letters, 5.55
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.11 Inmarsat-A, via, 5.52
Fleet system, 5.9-5.15 Inmarsat-B, via, 5.52
Fleet 33, 5.14-5.15 ocean region codes, 5.58
Fleet 55, 5.13 service fault codes, 5.60
Fleet 77, 5.10-5.12 ships fitted with multi-band RT
frequencies, 5.3, 5.55 equipment, 5.59
Inmarsat-A system, 5.41 terminating calls, 5.56
Inmarsat-B system, 5.17-5.21 two-digit codes, 5.50
distress message generator, 5.20 types, 5.2
distress transmission procedure, 5.21 satellite earth stations, 5.4
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.19 Satellite EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating
services, 5.18 Radio Beacon)
Inmarsat-C system, 5.22, 5.24-5.34 accidental activation, 1.13
communications, 5.30 GMDSS,1.3
distress alerting, 5.25 Satellite information
distress priority message, 5.26 COSPAS-SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite
land earth station (LES) access codes, 5.24 System), 4.7
logging off, 5.29 Satellite service, 2.5.2, 2.7.1, 2.37
logging on, 5.28 Sea areas, 1.2

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Search and rescue (SAR) operations Shore-to-ship calls--cont.

coordinating communication, 1.3 radio telex
GMDSS, 1.1 automatic calling procedures, 6.8.2
Search and Rescue Regions (SRRS) 1.1.1 manual calling procedures, 6.7.2
IAMSAR Manual, 1.1.2 Short Range Certificate, 12.14.2, 12.19-12.20
Search and Rescue Satellite System see COSPAS- detailed syllabus, 12.20
SARSAT (Search and Rescue Satellite System) outline syllabus, 12.19
Search and Rescue Transponders (SART), Silence
4.12-4.12.2 distress alerts, 2.11
close range signals, 4.12.1 Simplex
factors increasing visibility, 4.12.2 radiotelephony, 7.4
GMDSS,1.3 Single-sideband (SSB) frequency
tests and checks, 4.14 radiotelephony, and, 7.28.2
Secreted VHF receiver SITREPs (Situation Reports)
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.4 on scene communications, 2.16
Selective call numbers Small craft
Radio Regulations, 8.26 GMDSS, 1.5.4
SELCALL numbers SOLAS Convention
radio telex, 6.6 DSC (Digital Selective Calling), 3.1
SELFEC and see Digital selective calling
radio telex, 6.18.3 GMDSS 1.1
Service advices implementation, 1.4
radiotelegram service, 9.21 passenger ships amendments, 1.5.2
Service fault codes Sources of energy for equipment under Radio
telex via Inmarsat, 5.60 Regulations, 8.34-8.39
Service messages automatic battery charges, 8.37
radiotelegram service, 9.18 battery supplies, 8.35
Serviceability of equipment capacity of reserve sources, 8.35
GMDSS, 1.12 uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), 8.36
Servicing radio and associated electronic Spare parts and tools, 8.39
equipment, 8.43 SSAS (Ship Security Alerting System), 2.32
Ship movement services Standard message formats
radiotelephony, 7.27 piracy attack alerts, 2.31.3
Ship radio licences Station identification
Radio Regulations, 8.9 radiotelephony, 7.3-7.3.2
Ship reporting systems, 9.30 coast stations, 7.3.1
Ship security alert system (SSAS), 2.32 ship stations, 7.3.2
Ship stations Station not in distress
acknowledgement of receipt of alerts, 2.8 distress alerts, 2.4-2.4.1
closure, 8.24 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) relay, 2.4.1
identification, 8.25 radiotelephony relay, 2.4.1
ITU (International Telecommunications Union) STCW endorsement
list, 8.15 operator certification, 12.4
Ship on UK inland waterways Surveys
personnel requirements, 1.6 ship radio and earth stations, 8.10
Radio Regulations, 8.29 Survival craft
watch-keeping arrangements, 2.40 distress alerts, 2.38
Shipboard equipment Suspicious act report
fishing vessels, on, 1.5.3 piracy attack alerts, 2.31.8
GMDSS,1.5
passenger ships, for, 1.5.2 Telegrams
position updating, 1.5.1 Inmarsat, 5.54
small craft, for, 1.5.4 Telemessage
Ship-to-shore calls Inmarsat, 5.54
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine Telephone calls via Inmarsat, 5.41-5.45
calls, 3.30 another MESA, to, 5.42
ITU (International Telecommunications Union) charges, 5.45
MF RT ship-to-shore working channels, list ocean region codes, 5.43
of, App. 13, ships fitted with multi-band RT equipment, 5.44
radio telex Telephone credit card calls
automatic calling procedures, 6.8.1 radiotelephone traffic, 9.2
manual calling procedures, 6.7.1 Telephone dialling codes
radiotelephony, 7.5 list, App. 5
Shore-based maintenance (SBM) Telex dialling codes
GMDSS, 1.10.3 list, App. 6
Shore-to-ship calls Telex message layout, 9.26-9.26.10
distress alert relay, 2.12 cancellation wording, 9.26.8
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) routine calls, error correction, 9.26.7
3.29 format, 9.26.2

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Telex message layout---cont. Telex via terrestrial radio (NBDP)---cont.

fractions, 9.26.3 public correspondence, 6.5
general, 9.26.1 SELCALL (Selective calling) numbers, 6.6
new lines, 9.26.6 SELFEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3
non-standardised characters, 9.26.10 ship-to-shore
percentages, 9.26.4 automatic calling procedures, 6.8.1
perforated tapes, 9.26.9 manual calling procedures, 6.7.1
repetition of important groups, 9.26.5 shore-to-ship
Telex via Inmarsat automatic calling procedures, 6.8.2
answerbacks, 5.51 manual calling procedures, 6.7.2
calls to another mobile earth station (MES), 5.57 test transmissions, 6.16
dialling, 5.53 traffic lists, 6.20
greetings letters, 5.55 transmission format, 6.9
Inmarsat-A, via, 5.52 two stations, between, 6.3
Inmarsat-B, via, 5.52 Test transmissions
introduction, 5.49 Radio Regulations, 8.20
MHlHF equipment, telex calls to ships fitted radio telex, 6.16
with,5.59 Testing
ocean region codes, 5.58 and see Maintenance
service fault codes, 5.60 Radio Regulations, 8.21
ships fitted with multi-band RT equipment, 5.59 radiotelephony, 7.23
terminating calls, 5.56 Time signals
two-digit codes, 5.50 Radio Regulations, 8.19
Telex via terrestrial radio (NBDP) Tools, 8.39
and see Telex via Inmarsat TR (Trade Route) information to coast stations,
advice codes, 6.22 9.28
answerback, 6.17 Traffic lists
ARQ (Automated Repetition Request) mode, radio telex, 6.20
6.18.1 radiotelephony, 7.9
automatic calling procedures Training
commands, 6.21 GMDSS, 1.12.1
ship-to-shore, 6.8.1 Troopships
shore-to-ship, 6.8.2 GMDSS, 1.4
avoidance of interference, 6.1 Two-digit codes
between two stations, 6.3 Inmarsat-C, 5.32
broadcasts to more than one receiving Inmarsat-E, 5.45
station, 6.4 telex via Inmarsat, 5.50
charges, 6.23
circuit to coast station, 6.19 Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), 8.36
commands, 6.21 Updating position in GMDSS
DIRECT mode, 6.18.4 electronic position fixing, 11.1
distress alerts, acknowledgment of receipt Urgency communications
of,2.5.3 definition, 2.20
distress frequencies, 6.14 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts
Forward Error Correction (FEC) generally, 3.11
acknowledgment of messages, 6.12 introduction, 3.8
operation mode, 6.11 reception, 3.11.1
procedure, 6.18.2 Inmarsat-B, 5.27
frequencies, 6.12, 6.14-6.15 GMDSS, App. 8
distress, 6.14 UTC time and dates
protection .of, 6.15 Radio Regulations, 8.18
GMDSS, 1.3
inter-ship communications, 6.7.3 Vessel monitoring system (YMS)
manual calling procedures, 6.7-6.7.3 fishing vessels, 9.32
inter-ship communications, 6.7.3 small craft, 1.5.4
ship-to-shore, 6.7.1 VHF band
shore-to-ship, 6.7.2 DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts
message format, 6.10 call and acknowledgment, 3.25
modes of emission watch-keeping, 3.25
band between 415 kHz and 535 kHz, 6.2.1 radiotelephony
band between 1 605 kHz and 4 000 kHz, 6.2.2 call and reply, 7.32.1
band between 4 000 kHz and communication technique, 7.32-7.3.21
27 500 kHz, 6.2.2 watch,7.32.2-7.32.3
operation modes VHF channel usage
ARQ (Automated repetition request), 6.18.1 distress alerts, 2.36
DIRECT,6.18.4 VHF direction-finding service
FEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.2 electronic position fixing, 11.9
introduction, 6.18 VHF receiver
SELFEC (Forward Error Correction), 6.18.3 piracy attack alerts, 2.31.4

343
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 a, ,
Index

Voluntary Observing Ship Programme (VOSP) Weather services---cont.

meteorological services, 10.12 gale warnings, 10.6
Voluntary radio equipment, 8.42 HMCG stations, 10.5
Marinecall, 10.8
Metarea 1 broadcasts, 10.4
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) MetFAX, 10.9-10.9.1
electronic position fixing, 11.6.2 MRSCs, 10.5
War zones, identification of neutral ships or NAVTEX, 10.2
aircraft in, 2.30 North Atlantic, 10.4
Warships, radiocommunication with, 9.33 reporting information, 10.11
Watch-keeping telex, 10.2
distress alerts, 2.40 VOSP, 10.12
DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alerts, weather routeing services, 10.10
3.1, 3.13-3.15.1 winter forecasts, 10.7
dedicated receivers, 3.14 Websites, list of, App. 9
UK arrangements, 3.15-3.15.1 Wide Area Augmentation Service
piracy attack alerts, 2.31.2 electronic position fixing, 11.6.2
Winter forecasts
Radio Regulations, 8.16 fishing vessels, 10.7
radiotelephony, 7.32.2-7.32.3 Working practices
Weather services, 10.1-10.11 Code of Safe Working Practice (COSWP),
BBC, 10.6 App.11
EGC, 10.3 World Wide Navigational Warning Service
fishing fleets, 10.7 (WWNWS),4.19

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