Maritime Radio Regulations & Procedures: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on Aug 10, 2024 in Language

Maritime Radio Regulations & Procedures

1. Radio Frequencies and Channels

1.1 VHF Marine Band (30-300 MHz)

  • Distress Alert: Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) or DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
  • Traffic Relief: Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)
  • Range: Approximately 25-30 miles (1-25W equipment), 10-15 miles (1-5W handheld)
  • Propagation: Tropospheric/Ground Waves (direct spread)

1.2 MF Marine Band (300-3000 kHz)

  • Distress Alert: 2187.5 kHz or DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
  • Traffic Relief: 2182 kHz (telephony)
  • Range: Approximately 150-200 miles
  • Propagation: Ionospheric

2. Ship Station Licensing and Documentation

Vessels must possess the following documentation:

  • Ship Station License
  • Radio Logbook
  • Safety Radio Certificate
  • List of Coastal Stations (including listening hours, frequencies, and fees)
  • List of Rescue Centers and Frequencies
  • List of NAVTEX Transmitters and Schedules

3. 406 MHz EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon)

3.1 Placement and Operation

  • Must be accessible and ready for manual release or transport to a survival craft.
  • Should have a float-free arrangement, typically using a hydrostatic release unit.

3.2 Technical Specifications

  • Frequency: 406 MHz
  • Power: 5W bursts (0.5 seconds duration, every 50 seconds)
  • Battery Life: Minimum 48 hours after activation

3.3 Activation and SAR Operation

  • Transmits the vessel’s MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.
  • May include GPS coordinates for precise location, or utilize Doppler positioning for an approximate location (within 5km accuracy).

4. VHF Radiotelephone Operational Procedures

4.1 Routine Calling Using DSC

  • Access the DSC menu.
  • Select individual call routine.
  • Enter the MMSI of the desired vessel or shore station.
  • Choose a working channel (e.g., 06, 08, 13).
  • Press the”Cal” button for 2 seconds.

4.2 Distress Communications (GMDSS)

4.2.1 Transmitting a Distress Alert
  • Method 1: Use the DSC menu, select distress alert, enter position (if available), and press the”Distres” button for 5 seconds.
  • Method 2: Press the dedicated”Distres” button for 5 seconds.
  • The system will automatically switch to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) after acknowledgment.
4.2.2 Contents of a Distress Alert
  • MMSI
  • Distress Message Type (SOS)
  • Vessel’s Position (UTC and GPS coordinates, if available)
  • Time (UTC)
4.2.3 Responding to a Distress Alert
  • If no response is received from the coast station, acknowledge the distress call on Channel 16.
  • Attempt to contact the coast station.
  • If unable to reach the coast station, broadcast a MAYDAY RELAY.

5. Maritime Mobile Service Identification Numbers (MMSI)

  • 9-digit numbers (in Spain, ships begin with 224xxxxxx, shore stations with 00224xxxx).

6. Traffic Zones and Sea Areas

  • Navigation Area 2: Extends 60 miles from the coast.
  • Sea Area A1: Continuous VHF and DSC coverage.
  • Sea Area A2: Continuous MF, DSC, and radiotelephony coverage (excluding A1).

7. COSPAS-SARSAT System

  • Satellite-based search and rescue system.
  • Utilizes 406 MHz EPIRBs.
  • Calculates beacon position using Doppler or GPS data.
  • Relays distress information to ground stations and rescue coordination centers.

8. Distress, Urgency, and Safety Messages

8.1 Distress Message (MAYDAY)

  • Highest priority.
  • Indicates grave and imminent danger.
  • Repeat MAYDAY three times.

8.2 Urgency Message (PAN PAN)

  • Priority over all messages except distress.
  • Concerns the safety of a vessel or person.
  • Repeat PAN PAN three times.

8.3 Safety Message (SECURITE)

  • Concerns navigational or meteorological warnings.
  • Repeat SECURITE three times.

9. Preventing Interference and Channel Saturation

  • Use equipment judiciously.
  • Avoid unnecessary transmissions.
  • Limit radiated power to the minimum required.

10. Communication Secrecy and Authority

  • The vessel master is responsible for the proper use of the radio station.
  • Unauthorized interception of communications is prohibited.

11. Coastal Station Services

  • Provide weather forecasts and navigational warnings.
  • Maintain continuous watch for distress, urgency, and safety messages.
  • May offer public correspondence, telegram, and other communication services.