In article ,
Larry wrote:

You wrote in news:you-8011E0.09563815042009
@netnews.worldnet.att.net:

The
Operator of a GMDSS Radio is REQUIRED to be Licensed as a GMDSS
Operator......


Boy, that's a hot-button topic.....but true. But, just having a DSC-
equipped, they told me was NOT a GMDSS-equipped ship.

Here's a little-known, but very important part of Part 80 of the FCC
Rules I bet everyone is guilty of violating.....

"§ 80.310 Watch required by voluntary
vessels.
Voluntary vessels not equipped with
DSC must maintain a watch on 2182
kHz and on 156.800 MHz (Channel 16)
whenever the vessel is underway and
the radio is not being used to communicate.
Noncommercial vessels, such as
recreational boats, may alternatively
maintain a watch on 156.450 MHz
(Channel 9) in lieu of VHF Channel 16
for call and reply purposes. Voluntary
vessels equipped with VHF-DSC equipment
must maintain a watch on 2182
kHz and on either 156.525 MHz (Channel
70) or VHF Channel 16 aurally whenever
the vessel is underway and the
radio is not being used to communicate.
Voluntary vessels equipped
with MF-HF DSC equipment must have
the radio turned on and set to an appropriate
DSC distress calling channel
or one of the radiotelephone distress
channels whenever the vessel is underway
and the radio is not being used to
communicate. Voluntary vessels
equipped with Inmarsat A, B, C, M or
Fleet F77 systems must have the unit
turned on and set to receive calls
whenever the vessel is underway and
the radio is not being used to communicate.
[73 FR 4485, Jan. 25, 2008]
VerDate Aug"

When was the last time you guys left your unused SSB radios tuned to
2182Khz and RUNNING with all that damned 2Mhz static when you were not
using it? According to the rules, the HF radio must NEVER be turned off
while underway, but must be left on 2182Khz or a DSC-Distress channel.

Larry is correct here, in that just because you have a DSC Equipped Radio
does NOT mean you are running, OR, complying with GMDSS, and have to
Maintain GMDSS Watches, or Operator Licensing. Another thing that needs
to be pointed out is, that you MUST have a Vessel Station License, IF
your vessel has an MF/HF Marine Radio Fitted, and you need to have a
Valid Operators Permit for you type of Station License. The 2182 Khz
Watch Requirement would only apply IF you have an MF/HF Radio Fitted.
Also be aware that IF your vessel is over 20 Meters in length (65 ft)
that you are REQUIRED to comply with the Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone
Act, that REQUIRES that you either have, Two Operational Vhf Radios, one
of which is maintaining a Radio Watch on VHF Channel 13, or a Type
Accepted Vhf Radio that complies with the Bridge to Bridge
Radiotelephone Act, and has Two Receivers, one of which is fixed on Vhf
Marine Ch 13. Another NOTE here, If you should take another "Object" in
Tow, you are also REQUIRED, to comply with the Bridge to Bridge
Radiotelephone Act, NO Matter what your vessel Length is, Period.
The USCG is the Enforcement Arm for the Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephone
Act, in the US, and I have heard rumors that SOME Cowboy USCG Types have
actually cited Water-ski Boat Operators for not being in compliance, if
they **** of the Inspecting Officer, during a Safety Inspection while
afloat.

--
Bruce in alaska
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