The Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations 1992

Radio equipment to be provided for all sea areas

8.—(1) Every ship shall be provided with—

(a) a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting andreceiving—

(i) DSC on the frequency 156.525 MHz (channel 70). Means shall be provided to initiate the transmission of distress alerts on channel 70 from the position from which the ship is normally navigated; and

(ii) radiotelephony on the frequencies 156.300 MHz (channel 6), 156.650 MHz (channel 13) and 156.800 MHz (channel 16);

(b) a VHF radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on channel 70 which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by paragraph (a)(i) of this regulation;

(c) a radar transponder capable of operating in the 9 GHz band, which—

(i) shall be so stowed that it can be easily utilized; and

(ii) may be one of those required for a survival craft in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) (Amendment) Regulations1991(1) ;

(d) if the ship is at sea in any area in which an international NAVTEX service is provided a receiver capable of receiving International NAVTEX service broadcasts;

(e) a radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the INMARSAT enhanced group calling system if the ship is at sea in any area of INMARSAT coverage but in which an international NAVTEX service is not provided;

(f) subject to the provision of regulation 9(3) a satellite EPIRB complying with the requirements of Schedule I.

(2) During the period 1st February 1992 to 31st January 1999 inclusive every ship shall, in addition, be fitted with a radio installation consisting of a radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver capable of operating on 2,182 kHz.

(3) During the period of 1st February 1992 to 31st January 1999 inclusive every ship shall, unless it is an A1 area ship, be fitted with a device for generating the radiotelephone alarm signal on the frequency 2,182 kHz.

(1)

S.I. 1991/1300.