1. (Federal Communications Commission)
Chapter 5
4/23/2017
FCC
(Federal Communications Commission)
Rules and Regulations
HARL M PORTER
05/ 18/ 95
PowerPoint slides by
Stf/C Harl Porter, SN
Marine Electronics
Rear Commander for Electro-Mechanical Systems is
R/C Gene Danko, SN
Left is FCC Crest
Right is Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
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2. Overview Communications Act of 1934 FCC Rules (CFR Title 47, Part 80)
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Communications Act of 1934
FCC Rules (CFR Title 47, Part 80)
Maritime Radio Licenses
Frequency Plan
Summary
Major sections in this chapter
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3. Communications Act of 34 “Keel” of Maritime Radio Rules
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“Keel” of Maritime Radio Rules
CFR Title 47, Part 80
Stations in the Maritime Services
Last revised 1 Oct 2002
In revision right now
Purpose
Safety of Life at Sea
Effective use of maritime bands
Know and comply with Rules and Regulations
Reduce interference
To emergency/distress communications
Only first bullet is Comm Act of 1934
Grew out of 1927 Radio Act
Revised as required to keep up with technology
Note purpose of CFR Title 47, Part 80
Safety of Life at Sea
This is accomplished by effective use of maritime bands and by reducing interference, especially to emergency and distress communications.
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4. TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES
CFR Title 47, Part 80
4/23/2017
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 47, Volume 5]
TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION
PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES
80.1 General: This section contains the statutory basis for this part of the rules and provides the purpose for which this part is issued.
(a) Basis. The rules for the maritime services …
(b) Purpose. This part states the conditions under which radio may be licensed and used in the maritime services. These rules do not govern radio stations operated by agencies of the U.S. Government.
Complete web address:
Easier to browse “CFR 47 part 80”
Make sure you get the latest version
Available online
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5. FCC Rules Categories of Ships Authorized Users Monitoring Requirement
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Categories of Ships
Authorized Users
Monitoring Requirement
Priority of Communications
Security of Communications
Violations
Subjects in this section
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6. Categories of Ships Compulsory Voluntary
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Compulsory
Licensed to carry more than 6 passengers
Cargo and passenger ships
Must have radios and navigational equipment
Voluntary
Recreational vessels under 65 feet
If 65 feet or over, vessel must carry a radio and have a Ship Station License
Two categories of Ships
Compulsory and Voluntary
Rules change if Recreational (not commercial) and 65 feet or larger
Recreational vessels are “voluntary” equipped
Not required to have a radio (VHF-FM)
Unless 65 feet or larger
Definitions are in CFR 47 part 80.5
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7. Authorized Uses Primary: safety Secondary: needs of the vessel
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Primary: safety
Secondary: needs of the vessel
Prohibited Uses
Profane, obscene or indecent language
False distress signals
Social conversations
General calls
Not addressed to specific station
Except: distress, alarm, urgency, safety signals or test
Safety is primary purpose of Ships’ radios
Then comes the needs of vessel
Navigation info, fuel, slip, etc
Needs of vessel, not captain or crew
Note that Social conversations are NOT permitted
Use cell phones or FRS radios for personal conversations
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8. Monitoring Requirements
4/23/2017
If you have VHF-FM DSC radio
Must monitor DSC channel 70 (done automatically)
Should also monitor channel 16
Unless communicating on working channel
USPS pledge: “to render assistance, whenever possible to anyone afloat who is disabled or in distress”
If you do NOT have a VHF-FM DSC radio
Must monitor channel 16
Scanning radios monitor several channels
Suggest 09, 13, 16 and working
DSC – monitor channels 70 and 16
When radio not DSC – monitor 16
Several channels can be monitored if radio equipped with scanning capability
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9. Priority of Communications
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Distress (MAYDAY)
Urgency (PAN PAN) “Pahn-pahn”
Safety (SECURITY) “Saycure-it-tay”
Navigation, movements and needs of ship
Government
All Other (non-emergency)
Most communications from recreational craft
Highest to lowest per CFR Title 47, Part
Mayday (Distress) is highest
Most recreational communications have lowest priority
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10. Prevention of Interference
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Determine that frequency is not in use before making a call
If you may cause interference to a call in progress, cease transmitting
Priority of communications prevents interference to most important calls
Listen before use
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11. Station Identification
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At the beginning and end of each communication
Not during transmission
Details will be provided in chapter 6
At 15 minute intervals
In English
Here are the top level rules (there are more in the text).
Details and how-to is in chapter 6
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12. Security of Communications
4/23/2017
Communications Act of 1934 protects privacy of radio communications
A radio operator may NOT divulge:
Content of message
Existence of message
A radio listener may NOT divulge:
Knowledge gained
Cannot be used for any purpose
Per CFR Title 47, Part
Written more for commercial radio operations, but also applies to recreational boaters to include VHF-FM.
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13. Violations Violations can be charged against:
4/23/2017
Violations can be charged against:
Radio operator
and/or licensee
and/or owner/captain
Notifications to Violators
Warning (requires no reply)
Official Notice (requires answer within 10 days)
Notice of Apparent Liability
Fine
Answered per instructions in notice
Note that FCC can go after a radio operator
and/or license holder
and/or vessel owner/captain
As shown are 3 levels of Notifications to Violators
As stated, if you get a Notice of Apparent Liability, the FCC has already decided to fine you
Fine can be appealed
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14. Serious Violations Transmitting false MAYDAYs
4/23/2017
Transmitting false MAYDAYs
Interfering with distress signals
Willfully interfering with another station
Using obscene, profane or indecent language
Self explanatory
False MAYDAY was part of the push for DSC and MMSIs
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15. Common Violations – 1 Transmitting Interfering
4/23/2017
Transmitting
Without required license
Ship Station or Operator’s License
With unauthorized call sign
With non-type accepted equipment or with too much power
On an unauthorized frequency
Interfering
With distress or other priority signals
List of most common Violations; there is a slightly longer list in the text
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16. Common Violations - 2 Failure to
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Failure to
Obey a cease and desist order
Reply to a violation notice from FCC
Maintain Radio Silence when required
Performing or allow unauthorized adjustments on transmitter
More common violations
Note last bullet is another owner/captain responsibility
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17. Penalties Violations can be charges against Penalties Radio operator
4/23/2017
Violations can be charges against
Radio operator
and/or licensee
and/or owner/captain
Penalties
License revocation
Equipment forfeiture
Fines (up to $10,000)
Imprisonment (up to 2 years)
Civil Liabilities
First major bullet is repeated from an earlier slide.
The first four sub-bullets under Penalties are what the FCC can do.
In addition to the FCC, you may also be subject to Civil Liabilities.
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18. Maritime Radio Licenses
4/23/2017
Ship Station
Operator
Topics in this section
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19. Ship Station License Required for MF/HF SSB radios Satellite radios
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Required for
MF/HF SSB radios
Satellite radios
INMARSAT
Mini C
Mini M
MMSI issued
VHF-FM radios
INMARSAT terminals
EPIRB must be registered with NOAA
Owner must update both the MMSI and NOAA databases
On left at top are what requires a Ship Station License
MF/HF SSB Radios and INMARSAT Terminals
As covered in chapter 4 on GMDSS
get and “install” MMSIs in radios
register EPIRBs with NOAA
GMRS radios and integrated FRS/GMRS radios require an operators license
Owner must update both the MMSI and NOAA databases
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20. Ship Station License NOT required for VHF-FM radios (voluntary)
4/23/2017
NOT required for
VHF-FM radios (voluntary)
Satellite phones
Globalsat
Iridium
IsatPhone
Sky Mate
VHF satellite system
EPIRB
Radar
Here is a list of what does NOT require a ship station License.
At one time VHF-FM, EPIRB and Radar were licensed
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21. Required for MF/HF SSB Radio and INMARSAT terminals
Ship Station License
4/23/2017
MF/HF MHZ
Renewable, 10-year license
Ship Station License authorizing use of MF/HF radios
and issues FCC Call Sign – WCI8660 (on this license)
Normally the Vessel’s name is used as call sign
which is “Wind Elephant” on this license
If you have a Ship Station License use both the name of vessel and the FCC issued call sign. “This is Wind Elephant, Whiskey Charlie India 8660.”
Required for MF/HF SSB Radio and INMARSAT terminals
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22. How to Obtain Station License
4/23/2017
Need FCC Registration Number (FRN)
Electronically at
FRN has to be done electronically.
Computer screen of electronic form
no cost to obtain a FRN
Red * indicates required information, other data is optional.
Note that you have to provide a “password” 6 to 15 characters long which is case sensitive.
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23. 0.44 hours to complete 2 page form
How to Obtain - 2
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Complete FCC form 605
Electronically at
0.44 hours to complete 2 page form
Forms are front and back of the FCC form 605
It is normally filled out online
There are several pages of instructions that come with form;
answer the questions and fill in the blanks
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24. The date of birth will not be made available for public inspection.
How to Obtain - 3
4/23/2017
Complete Schedule E of FCC form 605
Electronically at
The date of birth will not be made available for public inspection.
In addition to basic FCC form 605, you also have to complete Schedule E
Again, this is normally done electronically
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25. How to Obtain - 4 Pay processing fee of $160
4/23/2017
Pay processing fee of $160
Electronically at
FCC form 159
FCC form 159 is required with fee.
Again it is normally filled out electronically;
and the $160 fee for Ship Station License is paid with a credit card.
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26. Details on Ship License
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Eligibility
Individuals or Corporations
Not to Foreign Governments
or their representatives
Call Sign
Name of Vessel
or FCC issued Call Sign
Posting of License
Not Required
Must be readily available
Renewable, 10-year license
Eligibility from CFR Title 47, Part
No station license is required for VHF-FM
use vessel’s name as call sign
Most vessels if they are licensed use both Name of Vessel followed by FCC issued Call Sign.
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27. Operator Licenses VHF-FM Required MF/HF SSB Required
4/23/2017
VHF-FM Required
Minimum of RR, if not in:
US waters
International waters
Minimum of MP
If 65 feet or larger
Commercial
MF/HF SSB Required
Minimum of RR
Regardless of length
In any waters
Operator license required for VHF-FM only if:
not in either US Waters or International waters
Are in Foreign Nation’s waters
This includes Canada, Mexico and Bermuda
All MF/HF Radios require both a Ship Station license and Operators License
Unless 65 feet or over
Only need a RR – Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
During an emergency, anyone can make a Mayday call
Make sure first mate knows how to use vessel’s radios
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28. Operator Licenses Not Required for In case of emergency
4/23/2017
Not Required for
VHF-FM Recreational
Under 65 feet
In US waters
In International waters
In case of emergency
Anyone may transmit a Mayday
License is NOT required
Operator license required for VHF-FM only if:
not in either US Waters or International waters
Are in Foreign Nation’s waters
This includes Canada, Mexico and Bermuda
All MF/HF Radios require both a Ship Station license and Operators License.
Unless 65 feet or over, you only need a RR – Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit.
During an emergency, anyone can make a Mayday call.
Make sure first mate knows how to use vessel’s radios.
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29. Types of Licenses - RR Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
4/23/2017
Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Meets all recreational boater needs
No exam, lifetime license
Application and fee
HARL M PORTER
05/ 18/ 95
Example of RR – Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Wallet size, lifetime license.
License has to be trimmed and folded in half (front side shown)
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30. How to Obtain RR License
4/23/2017
By application, no exam
Need FCC Registration Number (FRN)
Electronically at
Complete FCC from 605 and its schedule E
Pay processing fee of $60
With FCC form 159
Can use credit card
Lifetime license (no expiration date)
These are the same forms that are used to apply for a Ship Station License
Cost is $60 and it is a lifetime license
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31. Advanced Licenses
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Details on Marine Radio Operators Permit or MP are covered in Appendix B
Required if vessel is 65 feet or larger
If carrying more than 6 passengers for hire
Non-technical license
Details on General Radiotelephone Operators License also in Appendix B
Combination Operators & Maintainer License
Written technical (electronics) exam
Not tested, therefore details in Appendix
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32. Marine Radio Frequency Plan
4/23/2017
Title slide
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33. Overview Maritime Radio Bands Sea Areas >>
4/23/2017
Maritime Radio Bands
Sea Areas
Major sections in this chapter
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34. Maritime Radio Bands Marine Radiotelephone Bands Bands by Sea Area
4/23/2017
Marine Radiotelephone Bands
2 to 3 MHz – Medium Frequency SSB (AM)
4 to 27.5 MHz – High Frequency SSB (AM)
156 to 162 MHz – Very High Frequency FM
Bands by Sea Area
Sea Area A1 – use VHF-FM (20 mile range)
Sea Area A2 – use MF-SSB (100 mile range)
Sea Area A3 – use INMARSAT or HF-SSB
Sea Area A4 – use HF-SSB
There are three radio bands for Marine Radio
Medium Frequency
High Frequency
Very High Frequency
Frequency bands as shown consist of discrete frequencies, not every frequency in the band.
Sea Areas are a review from chapter 4 on GMDSS
Recreational boaters that do not have an INMARSAT terminal can use HF in Sea Area 3
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35. Sea Areas A1 - Shore out to 20 nm
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A1 - Shore out to 20 nm
A2 - From 20 out to 100 nm from shore
A3 - Over 100 nm from shore 70º N to 70º S
A4 - Polar regions beyond 70º
The four Sea Areas are defined by radio range
Area A1 is VHF-FM radio coverage from USCG shore based radio towers. Range has not been determined as “Rescue 21” (upgrade of USCG VHF radios) is still underway; but should be at least 20 nautical miles.
Area A2 is past Area A1 to the end of assured MF radio coverage. It is nominally 100 nm and may be out to 150 nm. Some coverage zones (such as Puerto Rico) may be as short as 40 nm due to geographical features.
Area A3 is INMARSAT radio coverage past Area A2 from 70 degrees North to 70 degrees South (coverage from the four geostationary satellites).
Area A4 is above INMARSAT coverage. GMDSS says use HF. Given a choice, using a satellite in a polar orbit like Iridium could provide better communications. EPIRBs also continue to work at high latitudes.
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36. Marine Frequencies & Channels
4/23/2017
Details on Marine Radio Frequencies are found in Appendix A
Details on NOAA Weather Channels are also found in Appendix A
Not tested (unless taught elsewhere in this course), therefore details in Appendix
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37. Summary Marine radios are for safety & needs of vessel
4/23/2017
Marine radios are for safety & needs of vessel
Prohibited: false distress, social & all stations
Priorities: Mayday, Urgency (Pan-Pan), Safety (Security), Navigation, Government, then other
NO license for domestic VHF
RR for foreign VHF and/or all MF/HF
Must monitor either Channel 16 or 70 (DSC)
Unless using a working channel
Major point in chapter
Text also includes a good Summary
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38. Summary - 2 Three bands for Marine Radio
4/23/2017
Three bands for Marine Radio
VHF-FM (156 to 162 MHz) Primary
Radio Line-of-Sight
MF (2 to 3 MHz) when VHF will not reach
HF (4 to 27 MHz) when MF will not reach
Suggest scanning: 09, 13, 16 and working
DSC always monitoring 70
No additional notes
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