47 C.F.R. Subpart F—Equipment Authorization for Compulsory Ships
Title 47 - Telecommunication
(a) This subpart gives the general technical requirements for certification of equipment used on compulsory ships. Such equipment includes automatic-alarm-signal keying devices, survival craft radio equipment, watch receivers, and radar. (b) The equipment described in this subpart must be certificated. (c) The term transmitter means the transmitter unit and all auxiliary equipment necessary to make this unit operate as a main or emergency transmitter in a ship station at sea. Each separate motor-generator, rectifier, or other unit required to convert the ship primary power to the phase, frequency, or voltage necessary to energize the transmitter unit is considered a component of the transmitter. (d) Average ship station antenna means an actual antenna installed on board ship having a capacitance of 750 picofarads and an effective resistance of 4 ohms at a frequency of 500 kHz, or an artificial antenna having the same electrical characteristics. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 63 FR 36606, July 7, 1998; 68 FR 46966, Aug. 7, 2003] All radiotelephone installations in radiotelegraph equipped vessels must meet the following conditions. (a) The radiotelephone transmitter must be capable of transmission of A3E or H3E emission on 2182 kHz and must be capable of transmitting clearly perceptible signals from ship to ship during daytime, under normal conditions over a range of 150 nautical miles when used with an antenna system in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section. The transmitter must: (1) Have a duty cycle which allows for transmission of the radiotelephone alarm signal described in §80.221. (2) Provide 25 watts carrier power for A3E emission or 60 watts peak power on H3E emission into an artificial antenna consisting of 10 ohms resistance and 200 picofarads capacitance or 50 ohms nominal impedance to demonstrate compliance with the 150 nautical mile range requirement. (3) Have a visual indication whenever the transmitter is supplying power to the antenna. (4) Have a two-tone alarm signal generator that meets §80.221. (5) This transmitter may be contained in the same enclosure as the receiver required by paragraph (b) of this section. These transmitters may have the capability to transmit J2D or J3E transmissions. (b)(1) The radiotelephone receiver must receive A3E and H3E emissions when connected to the antenna system specified in paragraph (c) this section and must be preset to 2182 kHz. The receiver must additionally: (i) Provide an audio output of 50 milliwatts to a loudspeaker when the RF input is 50 microvolts. The 50 microvolt input signal must be modulated 30 percent at 400 Hertz and provide at least a 6 dB signal-to-noise ratio when measured in the rated audio bandwidth. (ii) Be equipped with one or more loudspeakers capable of being used to maintain a watch on 2182 kHz at the principal operating position or in the room from which the vessel is normally steered. (2) The receiver required by §80.805 may be used instead of this receiver. If the watch is stood at the place from which the ship is normally steered, a radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver must be used for this purpose. (3) This receiver may be contained in the same enclosure as the transmitter required by paragraph (a) of this section. These receivers may have the capability to receive J2D or J3E transmissions. (c) The antenna system must be as nondirectional and efficient as is practicable for the transmission and reception of radio ground waves over seawater. The installation and construction of the required antenna must ensure, insofar as is practicable, proper operation in time of emergency. If the required antenna is suspended between masts or other supports subject to whipping, a safety link must be installed which under heavy stress will reduce breakage of the antenna, the halyards, or any other supporting elements. (d) The radiotelephone installation must be provided with a device for permitting changeover from transmission to reception and vice versa without manual switching. (e) An artificial antenna must be provided to permit weekly checks, without causing interference, of the automatic device for generating the radiotelephone alarm signal on frequencies other than the radiotelephone distress frequency. (f) The radiotelephone installation must be located in the radiotelegraph operating room or in the room from which the ship is normally steered. (g) Demonstration of the radiotelephone installation may be required by Commission representatives to show compliance with applicable regulations. (h) The radiotelephone installation must be protected from excessive currents and voltages. (i) The radiotelephone installation must be maintained in an efficient condition. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986. Redesignated and amended at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003] (a) The radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver is comprised of a receiver, a loudspeaker and a radiotelephone auto alarm device. (b) The radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver must meet the following requirements: (1) The receiver must be capable of being switched to 2182 kHz and of receiving signals of at least A2A and A2B emissions; (2) The receiver sensitivity must provide a SINAD of 20 dB at the audio output when a 30 microvolt signal with A2A or A2B emission modulated 30% at 400 Hz is applied to the receiver RF terminals; (3) The audio output of the receiver must be at least 50 milliwatts at the rated load impedance; (4) The receiver must be provided with an auto alarm device which mutes the receiver (silences the loudspeaker) unless the radiotelephone alarm signal or the signal preceeding a vital navigational warning is received. When the auto alarm is activated the receiver audio output level must be louder than the output level of the received speech signal. Additionally, the receiver must meet the following requirements: (i) When the receiver is muted its audio output power must be less than 1 milliwatt; (ii) If tone filters are used to process the 1300 Hz and 2200 Hz tones the tolerance of their center frequency must be ±1.5 percent of the alerting frequency. The response must be flat within 6 dB to ±3% of the center frequency of the filters; and (iii) The receiver must not be unmuted by atmospherics or by strong signals other than the radiotelephone alarm and the vital navigational warning signal. (5) The receiver must be unmuted within 4 to 6 seconds when a double sideband alarm signal modulated at 70% is applied at its input terminals at a level which produces a SINAD of 10 dB under the following conditions: (i) For radiotelephone alarm the signal must be modulated sequentially by a 1300 ±20 Hz tone and a 2200 ±35 Hz tone. The duration of each tone must be 250 ±50 milliseconds and the period between each tone must not exceed 50 milliseconds; and (ii) For navigational warning the signal must be modulated by a 2200 ±35 Hz tone and the modulated carrier must be turned “on” for 250 ±50 milliseconds and then “off” for 250 ±50 milliseconds. (6) The receiver must not be unmuted when a double sideband signal of 70 dB above the receiver measured sensitivity, modulated at 70% by a 2200 ±35 Hz tone with the following durations is applied at its input terminals: (i) “On” periods of less than 175 milliseconds or more than 325 milliseconds followed by “off” periods of any duration; and (ii) “Off” periods of less than 175 milliseconds or more then 425 milliseconds followed by “on” periods of any duration. (7) The controls listed below must be provided on the exterior of the equipment: (i) On/off switch with a visual indication that the device is on; (ii) Volume control to adjust the audio output; (iii) Control for dimming any light on the equipment; (iv) Control for switching the auto alarm in and out of operation; and (v) Control to manually reset the auto alarm to muted condition. (8) The receiver must operate within specifications throughout the temperature range 0–50 degrees Celsius at relative humidities as high as 95%. (9) The receiver must be capable of operating when subjected to vibrations having a frequency between 20 and 30 Hertz and an amplitude of 0.76 mm (0.03 inch) in a direction at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees with the base of the auto alarm. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 58 FR 44952, Aug. 25, 1993; 68 FR 46966, Aug. 7, 2003] (a) Portable survival craft radiotelephone transceivers must comply with the following: (1) The transceivers must receive and transmit either on 457.525 MHz or on 156.800 MHz; (2) The receiver must comply with the requirements in part 15, subpart C of this chapter and must have a sensitivity of not more than 2 microvolts. The sensitivity requirement must be met using the receiver sensitivity measurement procedure specified in the Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services (RTCM) Special Committee No. 66 Report MMS-R2; (3) The effective radiated power of the transmitter must be at least 0.1 watt; (4) The transceivers must be battery powered and operate for at least four hours with a transmit to receive ratio of 1:9 with no significant adverse effect upon the performance of the device; (5) The transceivers must have a permanently attached waterproof label with the statement “Complies with the FCC requirements for survival craft two-way radiotelephone equipment”; and (6) The antenna must be permanently attached to the device or its removal must require the use of a special tool. (b) Portable radiotelephone transceivers that are already certificated may be used to satisfy the survival craft radiotelephone requirement until October 1, 1993, provided the device meets the technical requirements in paragraphs (a) (1) through (3) of this section. (c) Survival craft radiotelephone equipment installed after October 1, 1988, must be certificated to meet the requirements of this section. (d) After October 1, 1993, all portable radiotelephone transceivers that are used to satisfy the survival craft radiotelephone requirement must have been certificated to meet the requirements of this section. (e) Portable radiotelephone transceivers which are type accepted to meet the requirements of this section must be identified by an appropriate note in the Commission's database. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 63 FR 36607, July 7, 1998] (a) Radar installations on board ships that are required by the Safety Convention or the U.S. Coast Guard to be equipped with radar must comply with either the document referenced in paragraph (a)(1) of this section or the applicable document referenced in paragraphs (a)(2) through (4) of this section. These documents contain specifications, standards and general requirements applicable to shipboard radar equipment and shipboard radar installations. For purposes of this part the specifications, standards and general requirements stated in these documents are mandatory irrespective of discretionary language. The standards listed in paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this section are incorporated by reference. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies of these standards can be inspected at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC (Reference Information Center) or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. The standards referenced in paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and (3) of this section can be purchased from the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM), Suite 600, 1800 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22314–2480; telephone 703–684–4481; fax 703–684–4229; email [email protected]. The standard referenced in section (a)(4) can be purchased from International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7 SR, United Kingdom; telephone 011 44 71 735 7611. (1) Radar installed on or after July 1, 1988, on ships of 500 gross tons and upwards that were constructed on or after September 1, 1984, must comply with the provisions of RTCM Paper 133–87–SC 103–33 including Appendix A. Title: “RTCM Recommended Performance Specification for a General Purpose Navigational Radar Set for Oceangoing Ships of 500 Gross Tons and Upwards for New Radar Installations.” Title of Appendix A: “General Purpose Shipborne Navigational Radar Set for Oceangoing Ships Design and Testing Specifications.” Document originally approved by RTCM August 15, 1985 and revised May 15, 1987. (2) Radar installed on ships of 1,600 gross tons and upwards on or before April 27, 1981, must comply with the provisions of Volume II of RTCM Special Committee No. 65 Final Report; Part II. Title: “Performance Specification for a General Purpose Navigational Radar Set for Oceangoing Ships of 1,600 Tons Gross Tonnage and Upwards for Ships Already Fitted.” Document approved by RTCM July 18, 1978; effective as FCC requirement on April 27, 1981. (3) Radar installed on ships of 1,600 gross tons and upwards after April 27, 1981 and before July 1, 1988, must comply with the provisions of Volume II of RTCM Special Committee No. 65 Final Report with Change 1 entered; Part I including Appendix A. Title: “Performance Specification for a General Purpose Navigational Radar Set for Oceangoing Ships of 1,600 Tons Gross Tonnage and Upwards for New Radar Installations.” Title of Appendix A: “General Purpose Shipborne Navigational Radar Set for Oceangoing Ships Design and Testing Specifications.” Document approved by RTCM July 18, 1978; effective as FCC requirement on April 27, 1981. (4) Ships between 500 and 1,600 gross tons constructed on or after September 1, 1984, with radar installed before July 1, 1988, must comply with Regulation 12, Chapter V of the Safety Convention and with the provisions of Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) [now International Maritime Organization] Resolution A.477 (XII). Title: “Performance Standards for Radar Equipment,” with Annex. Adopted by IMCO November 19, 1981. (b) For ships of 10,000 gross tons or more and any other ship that is required to be equipped with two radar systems, each of these systems must be capable of operating independently and must comply with the specifications, standards and general requirements established by paragraph (a) of this section. One of the systems must provide a display with an effective diameter of not less than 340 millimeters (13.4 inches), (16 inch cathode ray tube). The other system must provide a display with an effective diameter of not less than 250 millimeters (9.8 inches), (12 inch cathode ray tube). (c) Recommendations for tools, test equipment, spares and technical manuals are contained in Part IV of Volume III of the RTCM SC–65 Final Report approved by RTCM July 18, 1978. [68 FR 46967, Aug. 7, 2003] (a) Prior to submitting a certification application for an AIS device, the following information must be submitted in duplicate to the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 2nd Street, SW., Washington DC 20593–0001: (1) The name of the manufacturer or grantee and the model number of the AIS device; (2) Copies of the test report and test data obtained from the test facility showing that the device complies with the environmental and operational requirements identified in §80.1101. (b) After reviewing the information described in paragraph (a) of this section, the U.S. Coast Guard will issue a letter stating whether the AIS device satisfies all of the requirements specified in §80.1101. (c) A certification application for an AIS device submitted to the Commission must contain a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard letter stating that the device satisfies all of the requirements specified in §80.1101, a copy of the technical test data, and the instruction manual(s). [69 FR 64673, Nov. 8, 2004] Each compulsory ship of 1,600 gross tons or over whose keel was laid: (a) Prior to May 25, 1980, must be equipped with radio direction finding apparatus in operating condition and approved by the Commission during an inspection. (b) On or after May 25, 1980, must be equipped with radio direction finding apparatus having a homing capability in accordance with §80.824. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 63 FR 29960, June 1, 1998. Redesignated at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003] (a) The radio direction finding apparatus must: (1) Be capable of receiving signals A1A, A2B and R2B emission, on each frequency within the band 285–515 kHz assigned by the Radio Regulations for distress and direction finding and for maritime radio beacons, and be calibrated to take bearings on such signals from which the true bearing and direction may be determined; and (2) Possess a sensitivity, sufficient to permit the taking of bearings on a signal having a field strength of 50 microvolts per meter. (b) The calibration of the direction finder must be verified by check bearings or by a further calibration whenever any changes are made in the physical or electrical characteristics or the position of any antennas, and whenever any changes are made in the position of any deck structures which might affect the accuracy of the direction finder. In addition, the calibration must be verified by check bearings at yearly intervals. A record of the calibrations, and of the check bearings made of their accuracy and the accuracy of the check bearings must be kept on board the ship for a period of not less than 1 year. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at 63 FR 29660, June 1, 1998. Redesignated at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003] An auxiliary receiving antenna must be provided when necessary to avoid unauthorized interruption or reduced efficiency of the required watch because the normal receiving antenna is not available because a radio direction finder on board the vessel is operated. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986. Redesignated at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003] (a) The direction finder must be located to minimize interference from noise. (b) The direction finder antenna system must be erected so that the determination of bearings will not be hindered by the proximity of other antennas, cranes, wire halyards, or large metal objects. When the required calibration can not be made before departure from a harbor or port for a voyage in the open sea, the direction finder may be tentatively approved on condition that the master certifies in writing that the direction finder will be calibrated by a competent technician. [63 FR 29660, June 1, 1998. Redesignated at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003] The requirement for calibration by check bearings is met if: (a) The required verification by check bearings are made not more than 90 days prior to the date of the annual detailed inspection of the radiotelegraph station; (b) The verification consists of a comparison of simultaneous visual and radio direction finder bearings. At least one comparison bearing must be taken in each quadrant, within plus or minus 20 degrees from the following bearings relative to the ship's heading: 45 degrees; 135 degrees; 225 degrees; 315 degrees; (c) The verification shows the visual bearing relative to the ship's heading and the difference between the visual and radio direction finder bearing, and the date each check bearing is taken. [51 FR 31213, Sept. 2, 1986. Redesignated at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003]
Title 47: Telecommunication
PART 80—STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES
Subpart F—Equipment Authorization for Compulsory Ships
§ 80.251 Scope.
§ 80.268 Technical requirements for radiotelephone installation.
§ 80.269 Technical requirements for radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver.
§ 80.271 Technical requirements for portable survival craft radiotelephone transceivers.
§ 80.273 Technical requirements for radar equipment.
§ 80.275 Technical Requirements for Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) equipment.
§ 80.288 Direction finding and homing equipment.
§ 80.289 Requirements for radio direction finder.
§ 80.290 Auxiliary receiving antenna.
§ 80.291 Installation of direction finder.
§ 80.292 Contingent acceptance of direction finder calibration.
§ 80.293 Check bearings by authorized ship personnel.
