NSCV - c7b - December 1999
NSCV - c7b - December 1999
NSCV - c7b - December 1999
for
Commercial Vessels
PART C
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
SECTION 7
EQUIPMENT
SUBSECTION 7B
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Part C Section 7 Subsection 7B – Communications Equipment National Standard for Commercial Vessels
Edition 1
First Published: May 2008 (PDF online)
Endorsed by the Australian Transport Council — 2 May 2008
Correction Amendment 1: November 2009
Edition 1.1, incorporating Correction Amendment 1
First published: December 2009, (PDF on line)
© Commonwealth of Australia
This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the
Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without
written permission of the Chief Executive Officer, NMSC.
Published by The National Marine Safety Committee, Level 5, 9-13
Young St Sydney 2000. All inquiries to be addressed to the Chief
Executive Officer, NMSC Secretariat.
ISBN 0 642 73652 9 (online PDF)
FOREWORD
This Subsection of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV)
was developed following a review of the Uniform Shipping Laws (USL)
Code and replaces Section 12: Radio Equipment of the USL Code.
In reviewing the USL Code and preparing this Subsection, consideration
was given to a number of factors including:
a) The National Marine Safety Strategy.
b) Current designs, practices and materials.
c) Coronial reports and incident investigations.
d) Relevant national and international standards.
e) Provisions no longer used.
f) Current survey practice, both formal and informal.
g) Discretionary requirements that rely on authority approval.
h) Current technical standards format and style.
This Subsection of the National Standard for Commercial Vessels shall be
read in conjunction with Part B—General Requirements. It should also be
read in conjunction with Part A—Safety Obligations, Part C—Design and
Construction, Section 7—Equipment, Subsection 7A—Safety Equipment of
the NSCV and Part E—Operational Practices.
This Subsection of the NSCV was prepared by the NMSC in consultation
with a reference group comprising representatives from the various State,
Territory and Commonwealth marine authorities, equipment manufacturers
and vessel operators. In addition specialist advice was sought on a number
of issues.
Italics are used in this Subsection to indicate a hyperlink to an explanation
of an abbreviation or to a defined term.
This draft subsection was released for public comment on 22 June 2007,
along with a draft Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS). A reference group
comprising industry and government representatives reviewed the public
comment on 19 September 2007 and made recommendations to the
NMSC.
NMSC approved this subsection on 5 December 2007, with the Office of
Best Practice Regulation reporting that the final RIS was satisfactory on the
29 January 2008. The Australian Transport Council (ATC) endorsed this
document on 2 May 2008.
The first edition was later subject to a correction amendment. Correction
Amendment 1 to Clause 8.2 was endorsed by NMSC on 23 November
2009 and published in December 2009.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY ................................................................................ 8
1.1 Scope .............................................................................................. 8
1.2 Application....................................................................................... 8
1.3 Objective ......................................................................................... 8
1.4 Referenced documents ................................................................... 8
1.5 Definitions ..................................................................................... 10
1.6 Abbreviations ................................................................................ 11
CHAPTER 2 COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT OUTCOMES AND SOLUTIONS13
2.1 Scope ............................................................................................ 13
Required outcomes................................................................................... 13
2.2 Type and quantity .......................................................................... 13
2.3 Performance.................................................................................. 13
2.4 Availability ..................................................................................... 13
2.5 Reliability ....................................................................................... 13
2.6 Maintenance of function ................................................................ 13
2.7 Operating instructions ................................................................... 13
2.8 Means to communicate distress, requests for assistance and
location from vessel to shore ......................................................... 14
2.9 Means to communicate distress, requests for assistance and
location from vessel to vessel ........................................................ 14
2.10 Means to communicate safety information .................................... 14
2.11 Means to receive distress or safety information ............................. 14
2.12 Search and rescue ........................................................................ 14
2.13 On board communications systems ............................................... 14
2.14 Emergency electrical systems ....................................................... 14
Deemed-to-satisfy solutions...................................................................... 15
2.15 Compliance ................................................................................... 15
Equivalent solutions .................................................................................. 15
2.16 Assessment methods .................................................................... 15
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY
1.1 SCOPE
This Subsection of the NSCV specifies requirements for the design,
manufacture, installation, operation, and scale of communications
equipment to be carried on vessels.
NOTE: Communications equipment includes equipment that is used for the interactive
exchange of information for safety and distress purposes. For the purposes of this
standard, it also includes signaling lights and lamps, signal flags and public address
and call systems for internal use within a vessel.
1.2 APPLICATION
This Subsection applies to all commercial vessels, excluding Special
Vessels as defined in Part F of this standard unless Part F specifies
otherwise.
NOTE: Special vessels include fast craft, hire and drive vessels and novel vessels.
1.3 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Subsection is to provide vessels with certain key items
of communications equipment in order to:
a) Minimise the likelihood and consequences of incidents;
b) Access and provide Maritime Safety Information;
c) Report hazards to navigation; and
d) Assist in the safe navigation of the vessel.
Subsection 5A—Machinery
Subsection 5B—Electrical
Section 7: Safety Equipment
Subsection 7A—Safety Equipment
Part D—Crew Competencies
Part E—Operational Practices
Part F—Special Vessels
STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
AS/NZS 4280.1—406 MHz distress beacons – Part 1 – Emergency
position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB) (IEC 61097-2:2002, MOD)
AS/NZS 4415.1—Radiotelephone transmitters and receivers for the
maritime mobile service operating in the VHF bands – Part 1 – Technical
characteristics and methods of measurement - Shipborne equipment and
limited coast stations (including DSC) (IEC 61097-7:1996, MOD)
AS/NZS 4415.2—Radiotelephone transmitters and receivers for the
maritime mobile service operating in the VHF bands –Part 2 – Technical
characteristics and methods of measurement - Major coast stations, limited
coast stations, ship stations and handheld stations (non DSC) (ETS 300
162:1998, MOD)
AS/NZS 4582—MF and HF radiocommunications equipment in the
international maritime mobile radiotelephone service (ETS 300 337:1995,
MOD)
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
IEC 60533—Electrical and electronic installations in ships –
Electromagnetic compatibility
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
International Code of Signals
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION
Radio Regulations
Recommendation ITU-R M.493—Digital Selective-Calling System for Use
in the Maritime Mobile Service
AUSTRALIAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY
Marine Orders Part 21—Safety of navigation and emergency procedures
Marine Orders Part 27—GMDSS Radio Equipment
Australian Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Handbook
1.5 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Subsection of the NSCV—
a) the definitions provided in Part B of the NSCV and those in this Clause
apply unless otherwise indicated; and
b) where there is any duplication in the terms defined between this
Clause and Part B, the definitions in this Clause apply.
digital selective calling (DSC)—
a technique using digital signaling 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 ITU.
DSC watchkeeping receiver—
a radio installation maintaining a continuous watch on one or more
specified DSC frequencies.
installation—
any piece of communication equipment, complete with their associated
antenna infrastructure, interconnections and ancillary equipment.
International Code of Signals—
any published manual containing the current International Code of Signals
adopted by the International Maritime Organization.
Limited Coast Station—
a land based station in the maritime mobile service established by or on
behalf of a public utility, the fishing industry or other commercial enterprise
or port or harbour authorities for the exchange of communications.
For the purposes of this Subsection, a Limited Coast Station is a station
that maintains a continuous manned loudspeaker watch on the VHF marine
distress and calling frequency of 156.8 MHz (channel 16).
maritime safety information—
information that assists in the safe operation of a vessel and includes but is
not limited to weather reports, weather or navigation warnings and urgent
safety-related messages.
NOTE: The maritime safety information may take the form of scheduled or
unscheduled transmissions.
Radio Regulations—
the Radio Regulations annexed to the most recent International
Telecommunication Convention issued by the ITU which may be in force at
any time.
radio watch—
listening on the appropriate Distress and Safety frequency for the type of
installation on the vessel.
radiotelephone—
a radio communication device set up for the transmission and reception of
speech over a radio link or circuit.
radiotelephony high frequency band—
the band of radio frequencies encompassing 3—30 MHz.
radiotelephony medium frequency band—
the band of radio frequencies encompassing 300—3 000 kHz
radiotelephony very high frequency band—
the band of radio frequencies encompassing 30—300 MHz.
two methods—
two distinct arrangements not dependent upon each other.
1.6 ABBREVIATIONS
ACMA—
Australian Communications and Media Authority
AMSA—
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
AusSAR—
Australian Search and Rescue; a part of AMSA that is responsible for
operating the Australian Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
DSC—
Digital Selective Calling
EPIRB—
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
GMDSS—
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
HF—
High frequency band
IMO—
International Maritime Organization
ITU—
International Telecommunication Union
LCS—
Limited Coast Station
MF—
radiotelephony medium frequency band
MMSI—
Maritime Mobile Service Identity
MSI—
Maritime Safety Information
SAR—
Search and Rescue
SOLAS—
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
VHF—
Very high frequency band
REQUIRED OUTCOMES
2.3 PERFORMANCE
Communications equipment must be designed, constructed and arranged
to enable communication that reduces navigation risks associated with
operating the vessel and to significantly enhance the probability of survival
in the event of an incident.
2.4 AVAILABILITY
Communications equipment must be installed and located so as to be
readily available for its purpose in the event of an incident.
2.5 RELIABILITY
Communications equipment must be designed and constructed so as to
function reliably at time of need.
DEEMED-TO-SATISFY SOLUTIONS
2.15 COMPLIANCE
For the purpose of this National Standard, the distress and safety
communications equipment fitted to a vessel shall be deemed to satisfy the
Required Outcomes in Clauses 2.2 to 2.14 of this Chapter if it complies with
the relevant provisions of Chapter 3 to Chapter 7 inclusive.
EQUIVALENT SOLUTIONS
3.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Chapter is to ensure that communications equipment
to be carried on board a vessel is suitable for the purpose for which it is to
be used.
KEY:
(A1) – Equipment Class refers to the Class specified in the Standard referenced in
Column 3 of the Table. It does not refer to class of vessel as specified in Part B.
(A2) – The Equipment Class for the VHF DSC component of the equipment is
specified in Annex A.
(A3) – The Equipment Class for the HF DSC component of the equipment is
specified in Annex B
4.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Chapter is to specify minimum standards for the type
and quantity of communications equipment and associated ancillary
equipment to be carried on a vessel appropriate for the risks that are likely
to be encountered.
The type and quantity of survival craft EPIRBs and radiotelephones shall
comply with the provisions of NSCV Part C Subsection 7A.
Equipment Type
VHF VHF HF HF Satellite Satellite EPIRB Mobile
1 3 3, 4 5, 6 7
Radiotelephone Radiotelephone Radiotelephone Radiotelephone telephone telephone
2
Operational Area (with DSC) (with DSC)
KEY:
(A1) – A reduction in radio communications equipment capacity may be allowed for vessels operating in Operational Areas D and E following assessment in accordance with Clause 2.16. It would be expected that
any proposed equivalent solution would be assessed taking into account the local operating conditions in the proposed area of operation.
Page 21
(A2) – VHF radiotelephones fitted with DSC are an alternative solution to VHF radiotelephones. A VHF radiotelephone fitted with DSC is also considered to include a DSC watchkeeping receiver.
(A3) – Vessels shall be fitted with either an HF radiotelephone or a satellite system as a minimum. HF radiotelephones fitted with DSC are an alternative solution to HF radiotelephones. An HF radiotelephone fitted
with DSC is also considered to include a DSC watchkeeping receiver.
(A4) – Satellite includes GMDSS satellite systems [SOLAS] and non-GMDSS satellite systems.
(A5) – Satellite telephones shall be used only where a minimum of 2 broadcast systems are also fitted (e.g. VHF and EPIRB) and shall meet the installation requirements of Clauses 5.3 to 5.5 inclusive.
(A6) – Mobile Telephones are supplementary devices only confined to use within mobile phone range using the generic 000 emergency number. They do not replace any requirement for the fitting of primary or
secondary communications equipment as specified in Table 2.
NOTES:
1 – VHF is recognised as the principle ship to ship means of communication. Although operations limited to sheltered waters may have lesser requirements, boat builders/operators are encouraged to fit VHF as a
2 – Australian waters are declared as ―Sea Area A3‖ which does not require the monitoring of VHF (DSC) by shore installations and subsequently the National Coast Radio Network will not be monitoring VHF (DSC),
therefore the use of DSC in VHF applications is confined to ship to ship communication only; reception of a VHF (DSC) distress signal is most likely to be by other similarly outfitted vessels or by SOLAS vessels. In
order to support alerting using DSC,MMSI numbers are issued and recorded by AMSA.
3 –Most HF radiotelephones are designed and constructed as MF/HF radiotelephones. MF use in the GMDSS system is confined to ship to ship alerting, however it is no longer recommended for distress and safety
December 2009
monitoring by IMO. MF is no longer generally monitored by the National Coast Radio Network or by SOLAS vessels although some SOLAS vessels may continue to do so. Also some marine rescue organisations
may continue to do so, however continuous monitoring can not be guaranteed as they may not maintain a 24 hour watch. MSI is still provided on MF (see note in Table B1).
(Continued)
Table 2 (Continued)
December 2009
5 – Where a satellite telephone is fitted with the intent of use for distress calling, the operator should ensure that the coverage footprint of the service provider is appropriate for the area of vessel operations.
6 – Where a satellite telephone is fitted with the intent of use for distress calling, the operator should identify and record the appropriate emergency number(s) to call based on the area of operation. The provision of
state marine emergency numbers is a function of each state/NT local SAR authority. Where local SAR organisations have the technology capability, satellite telephones may be used for safety working as well.
7 – Although Mobile phones can provide a useful emergency backup on rivers, inland waterways and coastal metropolitan areas (subject to reception), they are not a substitute for a marine radio, especially in an
emergency.
8 – Vessel operation will be limited to within the LCS area of coverage. Contact the relevant State or Territory Authority for details of any areas nominated as designated LCS areas of coverage within their
jurisdictions.
9 – 20 nautical miles is considered to be the average reliable operational range for VHF between a vessel and an LCS when considering variations in LCS configurations and variations in propagation characteristics
due to environmental conditions.
Key to Table 2:
1. ―YES‖ means that the specific requirement applies to vessels in the operational area as indicated.
2. ―NA‖ means not applicable.
Page 22
Key to Table 3:
1. ―YES‖ means that the specific requirement applies to vessels in that Class, operational area and measured length as indicated.
2. ―NA‖ means not applicable.
5.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Chapter is to ensure that all communications
installations on a vessel are located and installed so as to provide operating
conditions appropriate for the risks that are likely to be encountered.
5.4.2 Location
The radiotelephone and satellite equipment shall be installed—
a) in the vessel in as high a position as is practicable;
b) so that it is protected against the harmful effects of moisture and
extremes of temperature; and
c) in a location that will not affect any of the vessel's compasses or other
navigational equipment in accordance with Clause 5.4.3.
5.4.3 Interference
Communications equipment onboard a vessel undertaking a voyage
between berths at one port of call and the berth at the next port of call shall
not be hindered by interference caused by electrical or other equipment. To
this end—
a) communications equipment shall be installed in a position and manner
to eliminate electrical or other interference; and
b) all electrical equipment in the vicinity of communications equipment
shall be equipped with devices to reduce or eliminate interference in
accordance with IEC 60533.
5.6 ANTENNAS
The installation of antennas on Class 1A, 2A and 3A vessels shall comply
with the provisions of Marine Orders Part 27.
The installation of antennas on all other vessels shall comply with—
a) the provisions of Annex G; or
b) Marine Orders Part 27.
6.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Chapter is to ensure that all communications
installations on a vessel are maintained so as to be available in a fully
operational condition when required.
6.3 MAINTENANCE
The installation shall be maintained so that, while the vessel is undertaking
a voyage between the berth at one port of call and the berth at the next port
of call, the installation is at all times capable of fulfilling the requirements of
this Subsection.
An EPIRB shall, at intervals of 12 months or such longer intervals as
recommended by the manufacturer and approved at the time the product is
assessed and verified, be inspected, tested and, if necessary, have its
source of energy replaced.
6.5 TESTS
The installations on Class 1A, 2A and 3A vessels shall be tested in
accordance with the provisions of Marine Orders Part 27.
On all other vessels, the installations shall be operationally tested once
daily while the vessel is undertaking a voyage between the berth at one
port of call and the berth at the next port of call.
The VHF installation shall be tested by communicating the vessel's position
to an LCS, if within reception range or other ship station.
In addition, the HF and satellite installations, where fitted, shall be tested by
making a test call or by reporting the vessel’s position.
The results of the tests shall be recorded in the vessel’s log book referred
to in Clause 8.2
7.2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Chapter is to ensure that all communications
equipment on a vessel is operated in a reliable manner to maximise the
probability of assistance or rescue when required, to coordinate the
provision of assistance when required and to provide navigational
warnings.
8.2 LOGBOOK
A1 A logbook shall be carried on all vessels in accordance with NSCV Part E
and shall include details of communications and incidents connected with
communications as specified in that Part.
A1 SCOPE
This Annex A provides requirements for the construction and performance
of VHF radiotelephones. It forms a normative (mandatory) part of this
document.
This Annex is referenced in Table 1 of this Subsection.
B1 SCOPE
This Annex B provides requirements for the construction and performance
of MF/HF radiotelephones. It forms a normative (mandatory) part of this
document.
This Annex is referenced in Table 1 of this Subsection.
NOTE: Although one of the equipment options in Table 2 for vessels operating
beyond specified waters designated by the Authority as being LCS areas of coverage
is for the carriage of HF radiotelephones, generally the products available are
designed and constructed as MF/HF radiotelephones, therefore design and
performance requirements for MF/HF radiotelephones are specified. The design and
construction requirements for operation at both MF and HF frequencies are contained
in the same standard.
1
Frequency (kHz) Purpose
C1 SCOPE
This Annex C provides requirements for the construction and performance
of non-GMDSS satellite systems. It forms a normative (mandatory) part of
this document.
This Annex is referenced in Table 1 of this Subsection.
C2 DESIGN SPECIFICATION
Non-GMDSS satellite equipment shall be designed so as to be compatible
for use with the GMDSS.
NOTE: the model of satellite equipment installed should be type approved for use
with the GMDSS by the GMDSS satellite infrastructure provider.
C3 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION
Non-GMDSS satellite equipment shall be constructed so that all external
components are adequately protected from the adverse effects of weather
and salt water.
D1 SCOPE
This Annex D provides requirements for the construction and performance
of satellite telephones. It forms a normative (mandatory) part of this
document.
This Annex is referenced in Table 1 of this Subsection.
D2 DESIGN SPECIFICATION
The design of satellite telephone equipment shall comply with the relevant
requirements of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 and the
Telecommunications Act 1997.
NOTE: satellite telephone equipment may be considered compliant with this standard
where the equipment has been supplied by a satellite provider authorised by the
ACMA to supply satellite-based telephone services in Australia.
D3 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION
Satellite telephone equipment shall be constructed so that all external
components are adequately protected from the adverse effects of weather
and salt water.
E1 SCOPE
This Annex E provides requirements for the construction and performance
of signalling lights. It forms a normative (mandatory) part of this document.
This Annex is referenced in Table 1 of this Subsection.
E2 DESIGN SPECIFICATION
The design of a non-SOLAS signalling light may be such that it is portable
or fixed.
NOTES:
1. Signalling lights include signalling torches or similar apparatus.
2. The hand held emergency lighting referred to in NSCV Part C Subsection 7A may
fulfil the requirements for a signalling light.
E3 CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATION
A signalling light shall be constructed so that all external components are
adequately protected from the adverse effects of weather and salt water.
F1 SCOPE
This Annex F provides requirements for the type, installation and
performance of electrical energy sources used to provide the operating
energy for radiotelephone and satellite communications equipment. It forms
a normative (mandatory) part of this document.
This Annex is referenced in Clause 4.4 and Clause 5.5 of this Subsection.
G1 SCOPE
This Annex G provides requirements for the type and performance of
antennas used for radiotelephone and satellite communications equipment.
It forms a normative (mandatory) part of this document.
This Annex is referenced in Clause 4.5 and Clause 5.6 of this Subsection.