(Cap 369 sections 97 and 107) [8 May 1992] (L.N. 131 of 1992) Cap 369AR s 1 Citation PART I GENERAL This Regulation may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (GMDSS Radio Installations) Regulation. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 2 Interpretation (1) In this Regulation, unless the context otherwise requires- "bridge-to-bridge communications" (驾驶台对驾驶台通讯) means safety communications between ships from the position from which the ships are normally navigated; "cargo ship" (货船) means any ship other than a passenger ship; "continuous watch" (持续值班) means that the radio watch concerned shall not be interrupted other than for brief intervals when the ship's receiving capability is impaired or blocked by its own communications or when the facilities are under periodical maintenance or checks; "digital selective calling (DSC)" (数字选择呼叫) means a technique using digital codes which enables a radio station to establish contact with, and transfer information to, another station or group of stations, and complying with the relevant recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR); "direct-printing telegraphy" (直接印字电报) means automated telegraphy techniques which comply with the relevant recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR); "emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB)" (应急无线电示位标) means a station in the mobile service the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue operations; "general radiocommunications" (一般无线电通讯) means operational and public correspondence traffic, other than distress, urgency and safety messages, conducted by radio; "GMDSS" (全球海上遇险和安全系统) means the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System introduced by the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 adopted on 9 November 1988 by the International Maritime Organization; "High Frequency (HF)" (高频) means the frequency spectrum between 3000 kHz and 30 MHz; "Hong Kong ship" (香港船舶) means a ship which is registered in Hong Kong; "Inmarsat" (国际移动卫星组织) means the Organization established by the Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization (Inmarsat) adopted on 9 December 1994; (L.N. 110 of 1998) "International NAVTEX service" (国际奈伏泰斯服务) means the co-ordinated broadcast and automatic reception on 518 kHz of maritime safety information by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy using the English language; "locating" (定位) means the finding of ships, aircraft, units or persons in distress; "maritime safety information" (海上安全资料) means navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and other urgent safety related messages broadcast to ships; "Medium Frequency (MF)" (中频) means the frequency spectrum between 300 kHz and 3000 kHz; "Merchant Shipping Notice" (商船公告) means a notice described as such, issued by the Director, as in force from time to time; "polar orbiting satellite service" (极轨道卫星服务) means a service which is based on polar orbiting satellites which receive and relay distress alerts from satellite EPIRBs and which provides their position; "Radio Regulations" (无线电规例) means the Radio Regulations annexed to, or regarded as being annexed to, the most recent Constitution and Convention of the International Telecommunication Union which is in force at any time; (36 of 2000 s. 28) "radiocommunications" (无线电通讯) means telecommunications by means of radio waves; (36 of 2000 s. 28) "radiocommunications service" (无线电通讯服务) means a service as defined in the Radio Regulations involving the transmission, emission or reception of radio waves for specific telecommunications purposes; (36 of 2000 s. 28) "satellite emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (satellite EPIRB)" (卫星应急无线电示位标) means an earth station in the mobile-satellite service the emissions of which are intended to facilitate search and rescue operations; "sea area A1" (A1海区) means an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available; "sea area A2" (A2海区) means an area excluding sea area A1, within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available; "sea area A3" (A3海区) means an area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the coverage of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite in which continuous alerting is available; (L.N. 110 of 1998) "sea area A4" (A4海区) means an area outside sea areas A1, A2 and A3; "ship earth station (SES)" (船舶地球站) means a mobile earth station in the maritime mobile-satellite service located on board a ship; "ship station" (船舶电台) means a mobile station in the maritime mobile service located on board a ship which is not permanently moored, other than a survival craft station; "Telecommunications Authority" (电讯管理局局长) means the public officer appointed under section 5 of the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap 106); (36 of 2000 s. 28) "tons" (吨) means gross tonnage and- (a) in relation to a ship having alternative gross tonnages under paragraph 13 of Schedule 5 to the Merchant Shipping (Registration) (Tonnage) Regulations (Cap 415 sub. leg. C), means the larger of those tonnages; and (b) in relation to a ship having its tonnage determined both under Part II and regulation 16 of those Regulations, means her gross tonnage as determined under that regulation;"Very High Frequency (VHF)" (甚高频) means the frequency spectrum between 30 MHz and 300 MHz. (2) All other terms and abbreviations which are used in this Regulation and which are defined in the Radio Regulations shall have the meanings as defined in those Regulations. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 3 Application (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Regulation applies to any ship which is- (a) a Hong Kong ship engaged on international voyages; (b) any other ship engaged on international voyages while it is within the waters of Hong Kong:Provided that this Regulation shall not apply to any such Hong Kong ship while it is being navigated within the Great Lakes of North America and their connecting and tributary waters as far east as the lower exit of the St. Lambert Lock at Montreal in the Province of Quebec, Canada. (2) This Regulation does not apply to- (a) ships not propelled by mechanical means; and (b) cargo ships of less than 300 tons.(3) For the purpose of this Regulation- (a) "ships constructed" (建造的船迫) means ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction; (b) "a similar stage of construction" (相若建造阶段) means the stage at which- (i) construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; and (ii) assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tons or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is the less.(4) Every ship shall comply with section 7(1)(d) and (f) not later than 1 August 1993 and with section 7(1)(c) not later than 1 February 1995. (5) Subject to the provisions of subsections (4) and (6A), every ship constructed before 1 February 1995 shall- (L.N. 110 of 1998) (a) during the period on and from the commencement of this Regulation to and including 31 January 1999- (i) either comply with all applicable requirements of this Regulation; or (ii) comply with all applicable requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Radio Installations) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AP) in force prior to the commencement of this Regulation except that any passenger ship, irrespective of its size, shall not be granted any exemption from the requirements of regulation 4(2) of those Regulations; and (L.N. 110 of 1998)(b) on and from 1 February 1999, comply with all the applicable requirements of this Regulation.(6) Every ship constructed on or after 1 February 1995 shall comply with all the applicable requirements of this Regulation. (6A) Every passenger ship constructed before 1 July 1997 shall comply with the requirements of sections 6(3A), (3B) and (3C) and 7(5) not later than the date of the first periodical survey after 1 July 1997. (L.N. 110 of 1998) (7) Nothing in this Regulation shall prevent the use by any ship, survival craft or person in distress, of any means at their disposal to attract attention, make known their position and obtain help. (8) The Director may, by notice in the Gazette, amend all or any of the Schedules. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 4 Equivalents and exemptions Expanded Cross Reference: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 (1) Where this Regulation requires that a particular fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular provision shall be made, the Director may permit any other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus or type thereof to be fitted or carried, or any other provision to be made in that ship if he is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or provision, is at least as effective as that required by this Regulation. (2) The Director may, in addition to the powers of exemption conferred on him by sections 7(4), 9(4), 10(4) and 11(2), exempt any individual ship or class or description of ships from any of the provisions of sections 6 to 17, subject to such conditions as he may think fit. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 5 Functional requirements Every ship while engaged on voyages shall be capable- (a) except in cases as provided in section 8(1)(a) or 10(1)(d)(iii), of transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least 2 separate and independent means, each using a different radiocommunications service; (36 of 2000 s. 28) (b) of receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts; (c) of transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts; (d) of transmitting and receiving search and rescue co-ordinating communications; (e) of transmitting and receiving on-scene communications; (f) of transmitting and receiving signals for locating; (g) of transmitting and receiving maritime safety information; (h) of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications to and from shore-based radio systems or networks subject to section 15(8); and (i) of transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 6 Installation, location and control of radio equipment PART II SHIP REQUIREMENTS (1) Every ship shall be provided with radio installations capable of complying with the functional requirements prescribed by section 5 throughout its intended voyage and, unless exempted under section 4, complying with the requirements of section 7 and, as appropriate for the sea area or areas through which it will pass during its intended voyage, the requirements of either section 8, 9, 10 or 11. (2) Every radio installation shall- (a) be so located that no harmful interference of mechanical, electrical or other origin affects its proper use, and be so located as to ensure electromagnetic compatibility and avoidance of harmful interaction with other equipment and systems; (b) be so located as to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety and operational availability; (c) be protected against harmful effects of water, extremes of temperature and other adverse environmental conditions; (d) be provided with reliable, permanently arranged electrical lighting, independent of the main and emergency sources of electrical power, for the adequate illumination of the radio controls for operating the radio installation; and (e) be clearly marked with the call sign, the ship station identity and other codes as applicable for the use of the radio installation.(3) Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels shall be immediately available on the navigating bridge convenient to the conning position and, where necessary, facilities should be available to permit radiocommunications from the wings of the navigating bridge. Portable VHF equipment may be used to meet the latter provision. (3A) (a) In every passenger ship, a distress panel shall be installed at the conning position and the panel shall contain- (i) one single button which, when pressed, initiates a distress alert using all radiocommunications installations required on board for that purpose; or (36 of 2000 s. 28) (ii) one button for each individual installation. (b) The panel shall clearly and visually indicate whenever any of the buttons has been pressed. (c) Means shall be provided to prevent inadvertent activation of any of the buttons. (d) If the satellite EPIRB is used as the secondary means of distress alerting and is not remotely activated, it shall be acceptable to have an additional EPIRB installed in the wheelhouse near the conning position. (L.N. 110 of 1998)(3B) In every passenger ship, any information on the ship's position shall be continuously and automatically provided to all relevant radiocommunications equipment to be included in the initial distress alert when any of the buttons on the distress panel is pressed. (L.N. 110 of 1998; 36 of 2000 s. 28) (3C) In every passenger ship, a distress alarm panel shall be installed at the conning position and the distress alarm panel shall provide visual and aural indication of any distress alert received on board and shall also indicate through which radiocommunications service the distress alert has been received. (L.N. 110 of 1998; 36 of 2000 s. 28) (4) Each radio transmitter and receiver fitted in accordance with this Regulation shall be provided with suitable antennae. The antennae shall be so constructed and sited to enable each item of radio equipment to effectively perform its intended communication function. (5) (a) Where wire antennae are provided on board Hong Kong ships as part of a radio installation they shall be fitted with suitable insulators and, if suspended between supports liable to whipping, be protected against breakage. In addition, a spare wire antenna completely assembled for rapid replacement shall be carried. (b) Where MF and MF/HF radio installations are provided on board Hong Kong ships with an antenna which is not a supported wire antenna, a spare antenna of similar electrical characteristics shall be carried. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 7 Radio equipment-General (1) Every ship shall be provided with- (a) a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving- (i) DSC on the frequency 156.525 MHz (channel 70). It shall be able 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 radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on VHF channel 70, which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by paragraph (a)(i); (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 (Safety) (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulation (Cap 369 sub. leg.); (L.N. 156 of 2001)(d) a receiver capable of receiving International NAVTEX service broadcasts if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area in which an International NAVTEX service is provided; (e) a radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the Inmarsat enhanced group calling system if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area of Inmarsat coverage but in which an international NAVTEX service is not provided. However, ships engaged exclusively on voyages in areas where a HF direct-printing telegraphy maritime safety information service is provided and fitted with equipment capable of receiving such service shall not be required to comply with this requirement; (L.N. 110 of 1998) (f) subject to section 8(3), a satellite EPIRB which shall be- (i) capable of transmitting a distress alert either through the polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band or, alternatively, if the ship is engaged on voyages within Inmarsat coverage, through the Inmarsat geostationary satellite service operating in the 1.6 GHz band; (L.N. 110 of 1998) (ii) installed in an easily accessible position; (iii) ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft; (iv) capable of floating free if the ship sinks and of being automatically activated when afloat; and (v) capable of being activated manually. (L.N. 156 of 2001)(2) Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be promulgated by the Director in the Gazette, every ship shall, in addition, be fitted with a radio installation consisting of a radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver capable of operating on 2182 kHz. (3) Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be promulgated by the Director in the Gazette, every ship shall, unless the ship is engaged on voyages in sea area A1 only, be fitted with a device for generating the radiotelephone alarm signal on the frequency 2182 kHz. (4) The Director may exempt ships constructed on or after 1 February 1997 from the requirements prescribed in subsections (2) and (3). (5) Every passenger ship shall be provided with means for two-way on-scene radiocommunications for search and rescue purposes using the aeronautical frequencies 121.5 MHz and 123.1 MHz and operating at the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (L.N. 110 of 1998) (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 8 Additional radio equipment-sea area A1 (1) In addition to meeting the requirements of section 7, every ship engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area A1 shall be provided with a radio installation for initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts from the position from which the ship is normally navigated, operating either- (a) on VHF using DSC; this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB prescribed in subsection (3), either by installing the EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; (b) through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; (c) if the ship is engaged on voyages within coverage of MF coast stations equipped with DSC, on MF using DSC; (d) on HF using DSC; or (e) through the Inmarsat geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by- (L.N. 110 of 1998) (i) an Inmarsat ship earth station; or (L.N. 110 of 1998) (ii) the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated.(2) The VHF radio installation, required by section 7(1)(a), shall also be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony. (3) Ships engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area A1 may carry, in lieu of the satellite EPIRB required by section 7(1)(f), an EPIRB which shall be- (a) capable of transmitting a distress alert using DSC on VHF channel 70 and providing for locating by means of a radar transponder operating in the 9 GHz band; (b) installed in an easily accessible position; (c) ready to be manually released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival craft; (d) capable of floating free if the ship sinks and being automatically activated when afloat; and (e) capable of being activated manually. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 9 Additional radio equipment-sea areas A1 and A2 (1) In addition to meeting the requirements of section 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea area A1, but remaining within sea area A2, shall be provided with- (a) an MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on the frequencies- (i) 2187.5 kHz using DSC; and (ii) 2182 kHz using radiotelephony;(b) a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2187.5 kHz which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by paragraph (a)(i); and (c) means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service other than MF operating either- (i) through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; (ii) on HF using DSC; or (iii) through the Inmarsat geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by- (L.N. 110 of 1998) (A) the equipment specified in paragraph (c)(ii); or (B) the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated.(2) It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in subsection (1)(a) and (c) from the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (3) Every ship referred to in subsection (1) shall, in addition, be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy by either- (a) a radio installation operating on working frequencies in the bands between 1605 kHz and 4000 kHz or between 4000 kHz and 27500 kHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability in the equipment required by subsection (1)(a); or (b) an Inmarsat ship earth station. (L.N. 110 of 1998)(4) The Director may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, which are engaged exclusively on voyages within sea area A2, from the requirements of section 7(1)(a)(i) and (b) provided such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 10 Additional radio equipment-sea areas A1, A2 and A3 (1) In addition to meeting the requirements of section 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1 and A2, but remaining within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of subsection (2), be provided with- (a) an Inmarsat ship earth station capable of- (L.N. 110 of 1998) (i) transmitting and receiving distress and safety communications using direct-printing telegraphy; (ii) initiating and receiving distress priority calls; (iii) maintaining watch for shore-to-ship distress alerts, including those directed to specifically defined geographical areas; and (iv) transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications, using either radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy; and(b) an MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on the frequencies- (i) 2187.5 kHz using DSC; and (ii) 2182 kHz using radiotelephony; and(c) a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency 2187.5 kHz which may be separate from or combined with that required by paragraph (b)(i); and (d) means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service operating either- (i) through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or (ii) on HF using DSC; or (iii) through the Inmarsat geostationary satellite service, by an additional ship earth station or by the satellite EPIRB required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (L.N. 110 of 1998)(2) In addition to meeting the requirements of section 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1 and A2, but remaining within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of subsection (1), be provided with- (a) an MF/HF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on all distress and safety frequencies in the bands between 1605 kHz and 4000 kHz and between 4000 kHz and 27500 kHz using- (i) DSC; (ii) radiotelephony; and (iii) direct-printing telegraphy;(b) equipment capable of maintaining DSC watch on 2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz and on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz or 16804.5 kHz; at any time, it shall be possible to select any of these DSC distress and safety frequencies. This equipment may be separate from, or combined with, the equipment required by paragraph (a); (c) means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radiocommunications service other than HF operating either- (36 of 2000 s. 28) (i) through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be fulfilled by the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; or (ii) through the Inmarsat geostationary satellite service; this requirement may be fulfilled by- (L.N. 110 of 1998) (A) an Inmarsat ship earth station; or (L.N. 110 of 1998) (B) the satellite EPIRB, required by section 7(1)(f), either by installing the satellite EPIRB close to, or by remote activation from, the position from which the ship is normally navigated; and(d) means capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications using radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy by an MF/HF radio installation operating on working frequencies in the bands between 1605 kHz and 4000 kHz and between 4000 kHz and 27500 kHz. This requirement may be fulfilled by the addition of this capability in the equipment required by paragraph (a).(3) It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in subsections (1)(a), (b) and (d) and (2)(a) and (c) from the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (4) The Director may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on voyages within sea areas A2 and A3, from the requirements of section 7(1)(a)(i) and (b) provided that such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 11 Additional radio equipment - sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4 (1) In addition to meeting the requirements of section 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea areas A1, A2 and A3 shall comply with the requirements of section 10(3) and be provided with the radio installations and equipment required by section 10(2), except that the equipment required by section 10(2)(c)(ii) shall not be accepted as an alternative to that required by section 10(2)(c)(i), which shall always be provided. (2) The Director may exempt ships constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on voyages within sea areas A2, A3 and A4, from the requirements of section 7(1)(a)(i) and (b) provided that such ships maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 12 Radio watches (1) Every ship while engaged on voyages shall maintain a continuous watch- (a) on VHF DSC channel 70, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of section 7(1)(b), is fitted with a VHF radio installation; (b) on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2187.5 kHz, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of section 9(1)(b) or 10(1)(c), is fitted with an MF radio installation; (c) on the distress and safety DSC frequencies 2187.5 kHz and 8414.5 kHz and also on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4207.5 kHz, 6312 kHz, 12577 kHz or 16804.5 kHz, appropriate to the time of day and the geographical position of the ship, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of section 10(2)(b) or 11(1), is fitted with an MF/HF radio installation. This watch may be kept by means of a scanning receiver; (d) for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of section 10(1)(a), is fitted with an Inmarsat ship earth station. (L.N. 110 of 1998)(2) Every ship engaged on voyages shall maintain a radio watch for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the ship is navigating. (3) Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be promulgated by the Director in the Gazette, every ship engaged on voyages shall maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (4) Until 1 February 1999 or until such other date as may be promulgated by the Director in the Gazette, every ship required to carry a radiotelephone watch receiver shall maintain, while engaging on voyages, a continuous watch on the radiotelephone distress frequency 2182 kHz. This watch shall be kept at the position from which the ship is normally navigated. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 13 Sources of energy (1) There shall be available at all times while the ship is engaged on voyages a supply of electrical energy sufficient to operate the radio installations and to charge any batteries used as part of a reserve source or sources of energy for the radio installations. (2) A reserve source or sources of energy shall be provided on every ship, to supply radio installations, for the purpose of conducting distress and safety radiocommunications, in the event of failure of the ship's main and emergency sources of electrical power. The reserve source or sources of energy shall be capable of simultaneously operating the VHF radio installation required by section 7(1)(a) and, as appropriate for the sea area or sea areas for which the ship is equipped, either the MF radio installation required by section 9(1)(a), the MF/HF radio installation required by section 10(2)(a) or 11(1), or the Inmarsat ship earth station required by section 10(1)(a) and any of the additional loads mentioned in subsections (5), (6) and (9) for a period of at least- (L.N. 110 of 1998) (a) 1 hour, on ships provided with an emergency source of electrical power that fully complies with all relevant requirements (including the requirements to supply the radio installations) of- (i) in the case of a passenger ship within the meaning of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap 369 sub. leg.), regulation 48 of those Regulations; and (ii) in the case of a cargo ship, regulation 47 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap 369 sub. leg.); and(b) 6 hours, on ships not provided with an emergency source of electrical power that fully complies with all relevant requirements (including the requirements to supply the radio installations) of the Regulations referred to in paragraph (a)(i) and (ii). (L.N. 533 of 1994)(3) The reserve source or sources of energy need not supply independent HF and MF radio installations at the same time. (4) The reserve source or sources of energy shall be independent of the propelling power of the ship and the ship's electrical system. (5) Where, in addition to the VHF radio installation, 2 or more of the other radio installations, referred to in subsection (2), can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy, they shall be capable of simultaneously supplying, for the period specified, as appropriate, in subsection (2)(a) or (b), the VHF radio installation and - (L.N. 533 of 1994) (a) all other radio installations which can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy at the same time; or (b) whichever of the other radio installations will consume the most power, if only one of the other radio installations can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy at the same time as the VHF radio installation.(6) The reserve source or sources of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required by section 6(2)(d). (7) Where a reserve source of energy consists of rechargeable accumulator batteries- (a) a means of automatically charging such batteries shall be provided which shall be capable of recharging them to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours; and (b) the capacity of the batteries shall be checked, using an appropriate method, at intervals not exceeding 12 months, when the ship is not engaged on voyages.(8) The siting and installation of accumulator batteries which provide a reserve source of energy shall be such as to ensure- (a) the highest degree of service; (b) a reasonable lifetime; (c) reasonable safety; (d) that battery temperatures remain within the manufacturer's specifications whether under charge or idle; and (e) that when fully charged, the batteries will provide at least the minimum required hours of operation under all weather conditions.(9) If an uninterrupted input of information from the ship's navigational or other equipment to a radio installation required by this Regulation is needed to ensure its proper performance, means shall be provided to ensure the continuous supply of such information in the event of failure of the ship's main or emergency source of electrical power. (10) For the purpose of calculating the required capacity of the reserve source of energy, the total current used shall be calculated in accordance with the method specified in Schedule 1. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 14 Performance standards Every equipment required to be provided under this Regulation- (a) shall conform to performance standards adopted by the International Maritime Organization which shall be specifications specified in Schedule 2; and (b) shall, in the case of equipment provided on Hong Kong ships, in addition, conform to appropriate performance specifications issued by the Telecommunications Authority which shall be specifications specified in Schedule 2. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 15 Serviceability and maintenance requirements (1) Every equipment required to be provided under this Regulation shall be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration or readjustment. (2) Where applicable, the equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection and on-board maintenance purposes. (3) Adequate information to the satisfaction of the Director shall be provided on every ship to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained. (4) Adequate tools and spares to the satisfaction of the Director shall be provided on every ship to enable the equipment to be maintained and the Director may specify in a Merchant Shipping Notice the tools and spares to be provided on Hong Kong ships. (5) Every radio equipment required to be provided under this Regulation shall be maintained to provide the availability of the functional requirements specified in section 5 and to meet the performance specifications specified in Schedule 2. (6) On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A1 and A2, the availability shall be ensured by using at least one of the following methods specified in Schedule 3, that is to say- (a) duplication of equipment; (b) shore-based maintenance; or (c) at-sea electronic maintenance.(7) On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a combination of at least 2 of the methods specified in Schedule 3. (8) While all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain the equipment in efficient working order to ensure compliance with all the functional requirements specified in section 5, malfunction of the equipment for providing the general radiocommunications required by section 5(h) shall not be considered as making a ship unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the ship in ports where repair facilities are not readily available, provided the ship is capable of performing all distress and safety functions. (9) In all Hong Kong ships to which this Regulation applies, a qualified person who satisfies section 16 and who is nominated by the master shall, while the ship is engaging on voyages, carry out the appropriate tests and checks specified in Schedule 4. If any of the radio installations required by this Regulation is not in a working order, the master shall be informed and the details recorded in the radio log. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 16 Radio personnel (1) Every ship shall carry persons qualified for distress and safety radiocommunications purposes as specified in subsection (2). The persons shall be holders of certificates specified in the Radio Regulations as appropriate, any one of whom shall be designated to have primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents. (1A) In every passenger ship, at least one person qualified in accordance with subsection (1) shall be assigned to perform only radiocommunications duties during distress incidents. (L.N. 110 of 1998; 36 of 2000 s. 28) (2) (a) Every ship engaged on voyages exclusively in sea area A1 shall carry at least one person holding either a restricted operator's certificate, a general operator's certificate, a second-class radio electronic certificate or a first-class radio electronic certificate issued in accordance with the Radio Regulations. (b) Every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea area A1 shall carry at least one person holding either a general operator's certificate, a second-class radio electronic certificate or a first-class radio electronic certificate issued in accordance with the Radio Regulations. (c) In case the availability of functional requirements specified in section 5 is to be ensured by at-sea electronic maintenance capability, the ship shall carry at least one person holding a second-class radio electronic certificate or a first-class radio electronic certificate issued in accordance with the Radio Regulations. Alternatively a ship which is registered in a country other than Hong Kong may carry at least one person holding such equivalent at-sea electronic maintenance qualification as may be approved by an authority empowered or recognized in that behalf by the law of the country in which the ship is registered.(3) For the purposes of this Regulation, no person shall be qualified on board a Hong Kong ship unless he is the holder of- (a) a valid and appropriate certificate issued by the Telecommunications Authority or a comparable authority recognized by the Telecommunications Authority as the equivalent of such a certificate issued by the Telecommunications Authority; and (b) a valid Authority to Operate granted by the Telecommunications Authority to operate a radiocommunications station established in a ship under a licence issued by the Telecommunications Authority. (36 of 2000 s. 28)(4) For the purposes of this Regulation, no person shall be qualified on board a ship registered in a country other than Hong Kong unless he holds a valid and appropriate certificate issued by an authority empowered or recognized in that behalf by the law of the country in which the ship is registered. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 17 Radio records A record shall be kept as specified in Schedule 5 and as required by the Radio Regulations, of all incidents connected with the radiocommunications service which appear to be of importance to safety of life at sea. (Enacted 1992. 36 of 2000 s. 28) Cap 369AR s 18 Radio equipment for lifeboats and survival craft PART III RADIO EQUIPMENT FOR LIFEBOATS AND SURVIVAL CRAFT (1) The radio equipment required to be provided in pursuance of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulation (Cap 369 sub. leg.) shall comply with the appropriate performance specifications set out in Schedule 2 and shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 4. (L.N. 156 of 2001) (2) The batteries included in motor lifeboat fixed radio equipment shall not be used for any purpose other than the operation of such equipment and the searchlight provided in compliance with the Regulations referred to in subsection (1). (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 19 Power to detain PART IV PENALTIES In any case where a ship to which this Regulation applies does not comply with the requirements of this Regulation, the ship shall be liable to be detained under the provisions of the Ordinance in respect of detention of ships. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 20 Penalties Expanded Cross Reference: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 If a ship fails to comply with any provision of sections 5 to 18 the owner and master of the ship commit an offence and each is liable to a fine of $20000. <* Note - Exp. X-Ref.: Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 *> (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR s 21 (Omitted as spent) (Omitted as spent) (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR Sched 1 METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CURRENT CAPACITY OF THE RESERVE SOURCE OF ENERGY [sections 3(8) and 13(10)] For the purpose of section 13(10) of this Regulation, the total current used in calculations shall be equal to the highest sum of the current consumption of all the radio installations which can be simultaneously connected to the source of energy, based on the following- (a) the current consumption of the VHF DSC receiver and printer; (b) 1/5 of the highest current consumption of the VHF transceiver on telephony or on DSC mode while transmitting; (c) the current consumption of an MF or MF/HF receiver and of the transmitter when it is in the standby mode; (d) 1/3 of the highest current which may be drawn by an MF or MF/HF transmitter for speech or DSC transmission on the frequency at which the current consumption of the transmitter is at a maximum; (e) the highest current consumption of an Inmarsat ship earth station when it is receiving signals or tracking; (L.N. 110 of 1998) (f) 1/4 of the current which may be drawn by an Inmarsat ship earth station when it is transmitting in the mode at which the current consumption is at a maximum; (L.N. 110 of 1998) (g) the current consumption of the Enhanced Group Call receiver, if it is installed; and (h) the total current consumption of all additional loads to which the reserve source may supply energy in times of distress or emergency. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR Sched 2 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS [sections 3(8), 14 & 15(5)] Merchant Shipping (Safety) (GMDSS Radio Installations) Regulation Chapter IV (unless otherwise specified) of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 Equipment Description Performance Specifications Issued by the Telecom- munications Authority Adopted by the International Maritime Organization (Documents/Resolutions) s. 7(3) Reg. 7.3 Radiotelephone equipment operating on the frequency 2182 kHz. HKTA 1218 Res. A.335 s. 7(2) Reg. 7.2 Radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver. HKTA 1223 Res. A.383 (X) ss. 8, 9, 10 & 11 Regs. 8, 9, 10 & 11 Maritime Mobile single sideband radiotelephone transmitters and receivers for the MF and HF bands. HKTA 1224 Res. A.334 (IX) s. 7(3) Reg. 7.3 Radiotelephone alarm signal generating devices for use in merchant ships. HKTA 1225 Res. A.421 (XI) ss. 7 to 11 Regs. 7 to 11 Satellite emergency position- indicating radio beacon operating on 406 MHz- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 but on or after 4 November 1994(c) installed before 4 November 1994 (a) Res. A. 810 (19)(b) Res. A. 763 (18)(c) Res. A. 763 (18) ex- cluding para- graph 2.3.14 of Part A of its Annex s. 7(1)(e) Reg. 7.1.5 Narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy for the reception of navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships (NAVTEX). HKTA 1257 Res. A.525 (13) s. 7(1)(e) Reg. 7.1.5 Narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy for the reception of navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships (MSI) by HF. Res. A.700 (17) ss. 8 to 10 Regs. 8 to 10 Ship earth stations capable of 2-way communications- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 808(19) (b) Res. A. 698(17) ss. 7 & 8 Regs. 7 & 8 VHF radio installations capable of voice communications and digital selective calling- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 803(19) (b) Res. A. 609(15) ss. 8 to 10 Regs. 8 to 10 Shipborne MF radio installations capable of voice communications and digital selective calling- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 804(19) (b) Res. A. 610(15) ss. 8 to 10 Regs. 8 to 10 Shipborne MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communications, narrow-band direct-printing and digital selective calling- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 806(19) (b) Res. A. 613(15) s. 7(1)(c) Reg. 7.1.3 Survival craft radar transponder for use in search and rescue operations. Res. A.802 (19) s. 8(3)(a) Reg. 8.3.1 Float-free VHF emergency position-indicating radio beacons- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 805(19) (b) Res. A. 612(15) ss. 8 to 10 Regs. 8 to 10 Inmarsat Standard-C ship earth station capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 807(19) (b) Res. A. 663(16) s. 7(1)(e) Reg. 7.1.5 Enhanced group call equipment. Res. A.664 (16) s. 7(1)(f) Reg. 7.1.6 Float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons operating through the geostationary Inmarsat satellite system on 1.6 GHz- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 812(19) (b) Res. A. 661(16) s. 7(1)(f)(iv) Reg. 7.1.6.4 Float-free release and activation arrangements for emergency radio equipment. Res. A.662 (16) ss. 6 & 14 Regs. 6 & 14 Shipborne integrated radiocommunications system (IRCS) when used in the GMDSS. Res. A.811 (19) s. 18 Reg. 6.2.1 of Chapter III Survival craft 2-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus- (a) installed on or after 23 November 1996(b) installed before 23 November 1996 (a) Res. A. 809(19) (b) Res. A. 762(18) (L.N. 415 of 1997; L.N. 110 of 1998) Cap 369AR Sched 3 METHODS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS [sections 3(8), 15(6) & (7)] 1. Duplication of equipment (1) In addition to the radio installations required by sections 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this Regulation, as appropriate, the following radio installations complying with section 14 of this Regulation should be available on board ships engaged on voyages in- (a) sea area A1 exclusively- A VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 7(1)(a) of this Regulation. The VHF installation installed for duplication should be able to initiate the transmission of distress alerts from the position from which the ship is normally navigated;(b) sea areas A1 and A2 exclusively- A VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 7(1)(a) of this Regulation and either an MF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 9(1)(a) of this Regulation and being able to fully comply with watch requirements of section 12(1)(c) of this Regulation or an Inmarsat SES complying with the requirements of section 10(1)(a) of this Regulation. The MF radio installation or Inmarsat SES installation installed for duplication should also comply with section 9(2) of this Regulation; (L.N. 110 of 1998) (c) sea areas A1, A2 and A3 exclusively- A VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 7(1)(a) of this Regulation and either an MF/HF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 10(2)(a) of this Regulation and being able to fully comply with watch requirements of section 12(1)(c) of this Regulation or an Inmarsat SES complying with the requirements of section 10(1)(a) of this Regulation. The MF/HF installation or Inmarsat SES installed for duplication should also comply with section 10(3) of this Regulation; (L.N. 110 of 1998) (d) sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4- A VHF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 7(1)(a) of this Regulation and an MF/HF radio installation complying with the requirements of section 10(2)(a) of this Regulation and being able to fully comply with the watch requirements of section 12(1)(c) of this Regulation. For ships operating in sea area A4 only occasionally and having originally installed an MF/HF radio installation, the additional MF/HF radio installation may be substituted by an Inmarsat SES complying with the requirements of section 10(1)(a) of this Regulation. The MF/HF radio installation or Inmarsat SES installed for duplication should also comply with section 10(3) of this Regulation. (L.N. 659 of 1994; L.N. 110 of 1998)(2) The additional radio installations specified in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c) and (d) (hereinafter referred to as "duplicated equipment") should each be connected to a separate antenna and be installed and ready for immediate operation. (3) It should be possible to connect the duplicated equipment to the reserve source or sources of energy required by section 13(2) of this Regulation, in addition to the appropriate radio equipment specified in that section (hereinafter referred to as "basic equipment"). The capacity of the reserve source or sources of energy should be sufficient to operate the basic equipment or the duplicated equipment with the highest power consumption for the appropriate period specified in section 13(2)(a), (b) or (c) of this Regulation. However, the arrangement for the reserve source or sources of energy should be such that a single fault in this arrangement should not affect both the basic and the duplicated equipment. 2. Shore-based maintenance (1) Subject to subsection (2), the following arrangements should be established to ensure adequate support of the ship for the maintenance and repair of its radio installations- (a) for ships trading exclusively in sea area A1 or in sea areas A1 and A2- provision of maintenance facilities at the main base of ships engaged on a regular trading pattern is required; and(b) for ships trading exclusively in sea areas A1, A2 and A3 or in sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4- an agreement should be made with a company known to cover the trading area of the ship to provide maintenance and repair facilities on a call-out basis shall be made. The agreement or a certified copy of the agreement should be carried on board a Hong Kong ship.(2) In the case of Hong Kong ships, the arrangement for the purpose of shore-based maintenance shall be subject to the approval of the Director. 3. At-sea electronic maintenance Adequate additional technical documentation, tools, test equipment and spare parts to the satisfaction of the Director shall be carried on board in order to enable the maintainer to perform tests and localize and repair faults in the radio equipment. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR Sched 4 EQUIPMENT TESTS AND RESERVE POWER CHECKS [sections 3(8), 15(9) & 18(1)] 1. Daily (a) The proper functioning of the DSC facilities shall be tested at least once each day, without radiation of signals, by use of the means provided on the equipment. (b) Batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radio installations shall be tested daily and, where necessary, brought up to the fully charged condition. (c) Where the reserve source of energy is not a battery (for example, a motor generator), the reserve source of energy shall be tested daily. (d) The radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver shall be tested at least once each day. 2. Weekly (a) The proper operation of the DSC facilities on VHF, MF and HF shall be tested at least once a week by means of a test call, when within communication range of a coast radio station fitted with the appropriate DSC equipment. Where a ship has been out of communication range of a coast radio station fitted with the appropriate DSC equipment for a period of longer than 1 week, a test call shall be made on the first opportunity that the ship is within communication range of such a coast radio station. (b) The batteries forming part of - (i) the motor lifeboat fixed radio equipment; and (ii) the survival craft portable radio equipment if of a type which requires charging,shall be brought up to the normal fully-charged condition weekly. Where non-rechargeable batteries are provided in survival craft portable radio equipment as a source of energy, the batteries shall be checked and replaced if necessary.(c) The batteries forming part of each survival craft 2-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus, if of a type which requires charging, shall be brought up to the normal fully-charged condition whenever necessary and at least at intervals not exceeding 1 week. Where non-rechargeable batteries are provided as a source of energy, the batteries should be checked and replaced if necessary. (d) The motor lifeboat fixed radio equipment and survival craft portable radio equipment shall be tested at least once a week by using suitable artificial antennae. (e) The radiotelephone alarm signal generating device shall be tested at least once a week. 3. Monthly (a) Each EPIRB and satellite EPIRB shall be tested to determine its capability to operate properly at least once a month, using the means provided on the device and without using the satellite system. (b) Each search and rescue radar transponder shall be checked for security and signs of damage at least once a month. (c) Each survival craft 2-way VHF apparatus shall be tested at least once a month on a frequency other than 156.8 MHz (VHF Channel 16). (d) A check shall be made at least once a month on the security and condition of all batteries providing a source of energy for any part of a radio installation. The battery connections and compartment shall also be checked at least once a month. (Enacted 1992) Cap 369AR Sched 5 RADIO RECORDS [sections 3(8) & 17] The following shall be recorded in the Radio Log as they occur, together with the time of their occurrence- (a) a summary of communications relating to distress, urgency and safety traffic; (b) a reference to important service incidents; (c) if the ship's rules permit, the position of the ship at least once a day; and (d) the name of the person handling the traffic referred to in paragraph (a). (Enacted 1992)
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