Adequate radio communications are essential to the safety of a vessel, which operates in the open ocean and must be functional at all times when the vessel is underway. All research vessels should have radio equipment appropriate for the operation, even if not legally required. Certain types of research vessels are required to carry and operate radio communications equipment that meet specific requirements in accordance with references listed below.
In recent years, technological advances have led to substantial changes and increases in communication methods, devices, procedures, rules, and regulations. Specific requirements are too extensive to properly cover in this manual. Operators are strongly encouraged to refer to regulations listed below to ensure a comprehensive understanding of associated requirements.
Communications equipment is usually a mix of required and elective systems on board UNOLS platforms and could include:
All items listed above except AIS may be components of a Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS). GMDSS regulations require that every GMDSS equipped ship shall be capable of the following:
Transmitting ship-to-shore Distress Alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radio communication service;
Receiving shore-to-ship Distress Alerts; transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship Distress Alerts;
AIS is a shipboard broadcast transponder system operating in the VHF maritime band that is capable of sending and receiving ship information such as identification, position, heading, speed, ship length, beam, type, draft and hazardous cargo information, to other ships and to shore.
Communication references for rules and regulations include:
Most communications regulations are based on vessel size and service; see section 7.3 below.
Primary communication regulation requirements can be found in 47 CFR, Part 80. A breakdown according to vessel types follows:
Compulsory ship. Any ship which is required to be equipped with radio telecommunication equipment in order to comply with the radio or radio-navigation provisions of a treaty or statute to which the vessel is subject.
AIS Carriage Requirements can be found in 33 CFR 164.46. Self-propelled vessels of 65 feet or more are required to have fully compliant AIS on board.
All ships over 500 gross tons are required to be equipped with a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), which is capable of discreetly raising the alarm to the relevant authorities and tracking the vessel if the security of the vessel is compromised.
Inspected vessels should adhere to communication regulations per vessel size breakdowns listed in section 7.3.
Classed vessels should adhere to communication regulations per vessel size breakdowns listed in section 7.3. In addition, classed vessels should comply with 47 CFR 80.1069, Subpart W, GMDSS, Maritime Sea Areas, for required GMDSS radio equipment, which is dependent on radio frequency and operating areas.
SOLAS Chapter IV, Part A, B, & C of the International SOLAS Convention.
Uninspected vessels should adhere to communication regulations per vessel size breakdowns listed in section 7.3. There are specific EPIRB requirements for uninspected vessels in 46 CFR CHAPTER 1 SUBPART J, PART 25, SUBPART 25.26: EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACONS (EPIRB)
All vessels should adhere to communication requirements listed in 33 CFR 161, VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, when working in areas regulated by Vessel Traffic Service systems.
All research vessels, while operating, should make the following reports to their home base or other base designated to receive such reports:
As required by the Maritime Safety Act of 1984 (46 CFR 4.04-3), an operating institution’s representative having reason to believe (because of the lack of daily communications for two successive days, 48 hours, or non-appearance of a vessel, or other unusual instance) that the status of a vessel is uncertain or imperiled shall notify the cognizant USCG Rescue Coordination Center (RCC). The operating institution shall continue to use all available means to establish communications with the vessel and determine its status. The person notifying the Coast Guard shall provide complete information concerning the vessel’s itinerary, identification, and communication capabilities. The purpose of notification is to make the Coast Guard aware that some uncertainty exists concerning the status of the vessel and to save time if and when it becomes necessary to declare an emergency. A vessel unable to communicate with any station for a period of 60 hours will terminate all operations and proceed to the nearest point where communications can be re-established. Normally, the vessel will proceed to the nearest port having communications capability.
None.
None.