Code of Federal Regulations

Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters

Volume: 2Date: 2011-07-01Original Date: 2011-07-01Title: PART 169 - SHIP REPORTING
SYSTEMSContext: Title 33 - Navigation and Navigable Waters. CHAPTER I - COAST GUARD,
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED). SUBCHAPTER P - PORTS AND
WATERWAYS SAFETY.
Pt. 169PART 169—SHIP REPORTING SYSTEMSSubpart A—GeneralSec.169.1What is the
purpose of this part?169.5How are terms used in this part defined?169.10What geographic
coordinates are used?169.15Incorporation by reference: Where can I get a copy of the publications
mentioned in this part?Subpart B—Establishment of Two Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems for
the Protection of Northern Right Whales169.100What mandatory ship reporting systems are
established by this subpart?169.102Who is the shore-based authority?169.105Where is the
northeastern reporting system located?169.110When is the northeastern reporting system in effect?
169.115Where is the southeastern reporting system located?169.120When is the southeastern
reporting system in effect?169.125What classes of ships are required to make reports?169.130When
are ships required to make reports?169.135How must the reports be made?169.140What information
must be included in the report?Subpart C—Transmission of Long Range Identification and
Tracking Information169.200What is the purpose of this subpart?169.205What types of ships are
required to transmit LRIT information (position reports)?169.210Where during its international voyage
must a ship transmit position reports?169.215How must a ship transmit position reports?
169.220When must a ship be fitted with LRIT equipment?169.225Which Application Service Providers
may a ship use?169.230How often must a ship transmit position reports?169.235What exemptions
are there from reporting?169.240When may LRIT equipment be switched off?169.245What must a
ship master do if LRIT equipment is switched off or fails to operate?Authority:33 U.S.C. 1230(d),
1231; 46 U.S.C. 70115, Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.Source:USCG-
1999-5525, 64 FR 29234, June 1, 1999, unless otherwise noted.Subpart A—General§ 169.1What is
the purpose of this part?This subpart prescribes the requirements for mandatory ship reporting
systems. Ship reporting systems are used to provide, gather, or exchange information through radio
reports. The information is used to provide data for many purposes including, but not limited to:
navigation safety, maritime security and domain awareness, environmental protection, vessel traffic
services, search and rescue, weather forecasting and prevention of marine pollution.Note to §
169.1:For ship reporting system requirements not established by the Coast Guard, see 50 CFR Part
404.
[USCG-1999-5525, 64 FR 29234, June 1, 1999, as amended by USCG-2005-22612, 73
FR 23318, Apr. 29, 2008; USCG-2009-0416, 74 FR 27442, June 10, 2009]

§ 169.5How are terms used in this part defined?As used in this part—Administration means the
Government of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.Cargo ship means any ship which is not
a passenger ship.Flag Administration means the Government of a State whose flag the ship is entitled
to fly.Gross tonnage means tonnage as defined under the International Convention on Tonnage
Measurement of Ships, 1969 (Incorporated by reference, see § 169.15).Gross tons means vessel
tonnage measured in accordance with the method utilized by the flag state administration of that
vessel.High speed craft means a craft that is operable on or above the water and is capable of a
maximum speed equal to or exceeding V=3.7×displ .1667, where “V” is the maximum speed and “displ”
is the vessel displacement corresponding to the design waterline in cubic meters.High speed
passenger craft means a high speed craft carrying more than 12 passengers.International
voyage means a voyage from a country to which the present International Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 applies to a port outside such country, or conversely. For U.S. ships,
such voyages will be considered to originate at a port in the United States, regardless of when the
voyage actually began. Such voyages for U.S. ships will continue until the ship returns to the United
States from its last foreign port.Long range identification and tracking (LRIT) information or position
report means a report containing the following information:(1) The identity of the ship;(2) The position
of the ship (latitude and longitude); and(3) The date and time of the position provided.LRIT Data
Center means a center established by a SOLAS Contracting Government or a group of Contracting
Governments, or in the case of the International Data Center, by IMO, to request, receive, process,
and archive LRIT information. An LRIT Data Center may be National, Regional, Co-operative or
International.Mandatory ship reporting system means a ship reporting system that requires the
participation of specified vessels or classes of vessels, and that is established by a government or
governments after adoption of a proposed system by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as
complying with all requirements of regulation V/8-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of
Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS), except paragraph (e) thereof.Mobile offshore drilling
unit means a self-propelled vessel capable of engaging in drilling operations for the exploration or
exploitation of subsea resources.Passenger ship means a ship that carries more than 12
passengers.Self-propelled ships means ships propelled by mechanical means.Shore-based
authority means the government appointed office or offices that will receive the reports made by ships
entering each of the mandatory ship reporting systems. The office or offices will be responsible for the
management and coordination of the system, interaction with participating ships, and the safe and
effective operation of the system. Such an authority may or may not be an authority in charge of a
vessel traffic service.United States means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia,
Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other
territory or possession of the United States.
[USCG-1999-5525, 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20, 2001, as amended by USCG-2005-22612,
73 FR 23318, Apr. 29, 2008]

§ 169.10What geographic coordinates are used?Geographic coordinates expressed in terms of

latitude or longitude, or both, are not intended for plotting on maps or charts where the referenced
horizontal datum is the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83), unless such geographic coordinates
are expressly labeled NAD 83. Geographic coordinates without the NAD 83 reference may be plotted
on maps or charts referenced to NAD 83 only after application of the appropriate corrections that are
published on the particular map or chart being used.§ 169.15Incorporation by reference: Where
can I get a copy of the publications mentioned in this part?(a) Certain material is incorporated by
reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the Coast Guard
must publish notice of change in the Federal Register and the material must be available to the
public. All approved material is available for inspection 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.
Also, it is available for inspection at the Coast Guard, Office of Navigation Systems (CG-5532), 2100
2nd St. SW., Stop 7580, Washington, DC 20593-7580, and is available from the sources indicated in
this section.(b) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Bureau Central de la Commission
Electrotechnique Internationale, 3 rue de Varembé, P.O. Box 131, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.(1)
IEC 60945, Fourth edition 2002-08, Maritime navigation and radiocommunication equipment and
systems—General requirements—Methods of testing and required test results, incorporation by
reference approved for § 169.215.(2) [Reserved](c) International Maritime Organization (IMO), 4
Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, U.K.(1) IMO Resolution MSC.202(81), adopted on May 19,
2006, Adoption of Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as
Amended, incorporation by reference approved for § 169.240.(2) IMO Resolution MSC.210(81),
adopted on May 19, 2006, Performance Standards and Functional Requirements for the Long-Range
Identification and Tracking of Ships, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 169.215 and 169.240.
(3) IMO Resolution MSC.254(83), adopted on October 12, 2007, Adoption of Amendments to the
Performance Standards and Functional Requirements for the Long-Range Identification and Tracking
of Ships, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 169.215 and 169.240.(4) IMO Resolution
A.694(17), adopted on November 6, 1991, General Requirements for Shipborne Radio Equipment
Forming Part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and for Electronic
Navigational Aids, incorporation by reference approved for § 165.215.(5) International Convention on
Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969, incorporation by reference approved for § 169.5.
[USCG-2005-22612, 73 FR 23319, Apr. 29, 2008, as amended by USCG-2010-0351,
75 FR 36287, June 25, 2010; USCG-2011-0257, 76 FR 31838, June 2, 2011]

Subpart B—Establishment of Two Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems for the Protection of
Northern Right Whales§ 169.100What mandatory ship reporting systems are established by
this subpart?This subpart prescribes requirements for the establishment and maintenance of two
mandatory ship reporting systems for the protection of the endangered northern right whale (also
known as the North Atlantic right whale). These two systems are designated for certain areas of the
East Coast of the United States. One system is located in the northeast and is identified as
WHALESNORTH. The other system is located in the southeast and is identified as
WHALESSOUTH.Note to § 169.100:50 CFR 224.103(c) contains requirements and procedures
concerning northern right whale approach limitations and avoidance procedures.
[USCG-1999-5525, 64 FR 29234, June 1, 1999, as amended by 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20,
2001]

§ 169.102Who is the shore-based authority?The U.S. Coast Guard is the shore-based authority for
these mandatory ship reporting systems.§ 169.105Where is the northeastern reporting system
located?Geographical boundaries of the northeastern area include the waters of Cape Cod Bay,
Massachusetts Bay, and the Great South Channel east and southeast of Massachusetts. The
coordinates (NAD 83) of the area are as follows: from a point on Cape Ann, Massachusetts at 42°39′
N, 70°37′ W; then northeast to 42°45′ N, 70°13′ W; then southeast to 42°10′ N, 68°31′ W; then south
to 41°00′ N, 68°31′ W; then west to 41°00′ N, 69°17′ W; then northeast to 42°05′ N, 70°02′ W, then
west to 42°04′ N, 70°10′ W; and then along the Massachusetts shoreline of Cape Cod Bay and
Massachusetts Bay back to the point on Cape Anne at 42°39′ N, 70°37′ W.§ 169.110When is the
northeastern reporting system in effect?The mandatory ship reporting system in the northeastern
United States operates year-round.§ 169.115Where is the southeastern reporting system
located?Geographical boundaries of the southeastern area include coastal waters within about 25
nautical miles (45 kilometer) along a 90-nautical mile (170-kilometer) stretch of the Atlantic seaboard
in Florida and Georgia. The area coordinates (NAD 83) extends from the shoreline east to longitude
80°51.6′ W with the southern and northern boundaries at latitude 30°00′ N and 31°27′ N,
respectively.§ 169.120When is the southeastern reporting system in effect?The mandatory ship
reporting system in the southeastern United States operates during the period beginning on
November 15 each year through April 16 of the following year.
[USCG-1999-5525, 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20, 2001]

§ 169.125What classes of ships are required to make reports?Each self-propelled ship of 300
gross tons or greater must participate in the reporting systems, except government ships exempted
from reporting by regulation V/8-1(c) of SOLAS. However, exempt ships are encouraged to participate
in the reporting systems.
[USCG-1999-5525, 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20, 2001]

§ 169.130When are ships required to make reports?Participating ships must report to the shore-
based authority upon entering the area covered by a reporting system. Additional reports are not
necessary for movements made within a system or for ships exiting a system.§ 169.135How must
the reports be made?(a) A ship equipped with INMARSAT C must report in IMO standard format as
provided in § 169.140 in table 169.140.(b) A ship not equipped with INMARSAT C must report to the
Coast Guard using other means, listed below in order of precedence—(1) Narrow band direct printing
(SITOR),(2) HF voice communication, or(3) MF or VHF voice communications.(c) SITOR or HF
reports made directly to the Coast Guard's Communications Area Master Station Atlantic
(CAMSLANT) in Chesapeake, VA, or MF or VHF reports made to Coast Guard activities or groups,
should only be made by ships not equipped with INMARSAT C. Ships in this category must provide all
the required information to the Coast Guard watchstander.
[USCG-1999-5525, 64 FR 29234, June 1, 1999, as amended by 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20,
2001]

§ 169.140What information must be included in the report?Each ship report made to the shore-
based authority must follow the standard reporting and format requirements listed in this section in
table 169.140. Current email addresses and telex numbers are published annually in the US Coast
Pilot.

Table 169.140—
Requirements for
Ship Reports Function Information required

Telegraphy

Name of system System identifier Ship reporting system WHALESNORTH or WHALESSOUTH.

INMARSAT
M Vessel INMARSAT number
Number

A Ship The name, call sign or ship station identity, IMO number, and flag of the vessel.

Date and time of

B A 6-digit group giving day of month (first two digits), hours and minutes (last four digits).
event

E True course A 3-digit group indicating true course.

Speed in knots
F and tenths of A 3-digit group.
knots

Entry time expressed as in (B) and entry position expressed as-(1) a 4-digit group giving
Date, time and latitude in degrees and minutes suffixed with N(north) or S (south) and a 5-digit group giving
H point of entry into longitude in degrees and minutes suffixed with E (east) or W (west); or (2) True bearing (first
system 3 digits) and distance (state distance) in nautical miles from a clearly identified landmark
(state landmark)

I Destination and Name of port and date time group expressed as in (B)
expected time of
 arrival

L Route information Intended track.

[USCG-1999-5525, 66 FR 58070, Nov. 20, 2001]

Subpart C—Transmission of Long Range Identification and Tracking

InformationSource:USCG-2005-22612, 73 FR 23319, Apr. 29, 2008, unless otherwise noted.§
169.200What is the purpose of this subpart?This subpart implements Regulation 19-1 of SOLAS
Chapter V (SOLAS V/19-1) and requires certain ships engaged on an international voyage to transmit
vessel identification and position information electronically. This requirement enables the Coast Guard
to obtain long range identification and tracking (LRIT) information and thus heightens our overall
maritime domain awareness, enhances our search and rescue operations, and increases our ability to
detect anomalies and deter transportation security incidents.§ 169.205What types of ships are
required to transmit LRIT information (position reports)?The following ships, while engaged on
an international voyage, are required to transmit position reports:(a) A passenger ship, including high
speed passenger craft.(b) A cargo ship, including high speed craft, of 300 gross tonnage or more.(c)
A mobile offshore drilling unit while underway and not engaged in drilling operations.§ 169.210Where
during its international voyage must a ship transmit position reports?The requirements for the
transmission of position reports, imposed by the United States, vary depending on the relationship of
the United States to a ship identified in § 169.205.(a) Flag State relationship. A U.S. flag ship engaged
on an international voyage must transmit position reports wherever they are located.(b) Port State
relationship. A foreign flag ship engaged on an international voyage must transmit position reports
after the ship has announced its intention to enter a U.S. port or place under requirements in 33 CFR
part 160, subpart C.(c) Coastal State relationship. A foreign flag ship engaged on an international
voyage must transmit position reports when the ship is within 1,000 nautical miles of the baseline of
the United States, unless their Flag Administration, under authority of SOLAS V/19-1.9.1, has directed
them not to do so.§ 169.215How must a ship transmit position reports?A ship must transmit
position reports using Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) equipment that has been type-
approved by their Administration. To be type-approved by the Coast Guard, LRIT equipment must
meet the requirements of IMO Resolutions A.694(17), MSC.210(81), and MSC.254(83), and IEC
standard IEC 60945 (Incorporated by reference, see § 169.15).§ 169.220When must a ship be fitted
with LRIT equipment?A ship identified in § 169.205 must be equipped with LRIT equipment—(a)
Before getting underway, if the ship is constructed on or after December 31, 2008.(b) By the first
survey of the radio installation after December 31, 2008, if the ship is—(1) Constructed before
December 31, 2008, and(2) Operates within—(i) One hundred (100) nautical miles of the United
States baseline, or(ii) Range of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite, or other Application Service
Provider recognized by the Administration, with which continuous alerting is available.(c) By the first
survey of the radio installation after July 1, 2009, if the ship is—(1) Constructed before December 31,
2008, and(2) Operates within the area or range specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section as well as
outside the range of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite with which continuous alerting is available.
While operating in the area or range specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, however, a ship
must install LRIT equipment by the first survey of the radio installation after December 31, 2008.§
169.225Which Application Service Providers may a ship use?A ship may use an Application
Service Provider (ASP) recognized by its Administration. Some Communication Service Providers
may also serve as an ASP.§ 169.230How often must a ship transmit position reports?A ship's
LRIT equipment must transmit position reports at 6-hour intervals unless a more frequent interval is
requested remotely by an LRIT Data Center.§ 169.235What exemptions are there from reporting?
A ship is exempt from this subpart if it is—(a) Fitted with an operating automatic identification system
(AIS), under 33 CFR 164.46, and operates only within 20 nautical miles of the United States baseline,
(b) A warship, naval auxiliaries or other ship owned or operated by a SOLAS Contracting Government
and used only on Government non-commercial service, or(c) A ship solely navigating 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.§ 169.240When may LRIT equipment
be switched off?A ship engaged on an international voyage may switch off its LRIT equipment only
when it is permitted by its Flag Administration, in circumstances detailed in SOLAS V/19-1.7, or in
paragraph 4.4.1, of resolution MSC.210(81), as amended by resolution MSC.254(83) (Incorporated by
reference, see § 169.15).§ 169.245What must a ship master do if LRIT equipment is switched off
or fails to operate?(a) If a ship's LRIT equipment is switched off or fails to operate, the ship's master
must inform his or her Flag Administration without undue delay.(b) The master must also make an
entry in the ship's logbook that states—(1) His or her reason for switching the LRIT equipment off, or
an entry that the equipment has failed to operate, and(2) The period during which the LRIT equipment
was switched off or non-operational.Note to § 169.245:For U.S. vessels, the U.S. Coast Guard serves
as the Flag Administration for purposes of this section. All LRIT notifications for the U.S. Flag
Administration, in addition to requests or questions about LRIT, should be communicated to the U.S.
Coast Guard by e-mail addressed to [email protected].
33 CFR Ch. I (7-1-11 Edition) Coast Guard, DHS