9 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
9 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
This chapter applies to all fishing vessels (pre-2004 and post-2004).
9.1Part 1 – General
9.1.1The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) .1The basic concept of the GMDSS is that search and rescue authorities ashore will be alerted, as
well as shipping in the immediate vicinity of the vessel in distress, to a distress incident so that they can assist in a co-ordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) operation with the minimum delay. .2The system also provides for urgency and safety communications and the promulgation of
maritime safety information (MSI) including navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts and other urgent safety information to vessels. Every vessel is able, irrespective of the GMDSS Sea Area in which it operates, to perform those radio communication functions which are essential for the safety of the vessel and of other vessels operating in the same locality.
.3The equipment to be carried depends on the sea area in which vessels operate. There are four
sea areas:
a.Sea Area A1 means an area within the coverage of at least one VHF coast station in
which continuous alerting by Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is available; b.Sea Area A2 means an area within the coverage of at least one MF coast station in
which continuous alerting by DSC is available; c.Sea Area A3 means an area within the coverage of a recognized mobile satellite
service such as an INMARSAT geostationary satellite system in which continuous alerting is available; and d.Sea Area A4 means an area outside of sea areas A1, A2 and A3.
9.2Part 2 – Vessel Requirements
9.2.1Radio Installations Regulations .1Every vessel must comply with the requirements of the Fishing Vessel (Radio Installations)
Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 544 of 1998), as amended by the Fishing Vessel (Radio Installations) (Amendment) Regulations, 2002 (S.I. No. 472 of 2002).
.2The following sections of this Chapter are an amalgam (abridged and edited for the purposes of
this Code) of the radio installations regulations for vessels of less than 12m Loa, and for vessels of Loa greater than or equal to 12m but less than 17m.
.3All vessels are required to have on board a ship radio licence issued by the Department for the sea
area of operation, installed radiocommunication equipment and to have on board the appropriate radio operator holding the required certificate of competency. Any EPIRB or PLB devices must be registered with the EPIRB and PLB registry. The following legislation applies: the Wireless Telegraphy (Ship Station Radio Licence) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 414 of 2006) and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1926 (Section 3) (Exemption of 406MHz Personal Locator Beacons) Order, 2010 (S.I. No. 290 of 2010). The Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) apply in Ireland and the relevant Articles, Appendices, Resolutions and Recommendations apply on board all Irish vessels.
9.2.2Functional Requirements .1Every fishing vessel, while at sea, shall be capable:
a.of transmitting ship-to-shore alerts; 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 maritime safety information; g.of transmitting and receiving ship to ship communications.
In addition, vessels of greater than 12 m Loa shall be capable:
h.of transmitting and receiving signals for locating,
as set forth in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended.
9.2.3Installation, Location and Control of Radio Equipment .1Every vessel shall be provided with radio installations, capable of complying with the functional
requirements prescribed by section 9.2.2 above, throughout its intended voyage unless exempted under Regulation 3 of the Fishing Vessels (Radio Installations) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. No. 544 of 1998). .2Where, in the opinion of the Minister, it is feasible to comply with the functional requirements,
prescribed by section 9.2.2 above, by means of a fixed installation, every radio installation shall:
a.be so located that no harmful interference of mechanical, electrical or other origin
affects its proper use, and so 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; and
d.be clearly marked with the call sign, the ship station identity and other codes as
applicable for the use of the radio installation. .3In addition, on vessels of greater than 12 m Loa, every radio installation shall 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 and for operating the radio installation. .4Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels, required for navigational safety, shall be immediately
available in the wheelhouse, convenient to the conning position.
.5Every radio transmitter and receiver fitted in accordance with the Regulations shall be provided
with a suitable antenna or antennas. The antennas shall be so constructed and sited to enable each radio installation to perform effectively its intended communication function.
.6On vessels of greater than 12 m Loa, where wire antennas are provided 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.
.7Where, in the opinion of the Minister, it is not feasible to comply with the functional requirements,
prescribed by section 9.2.2 above, by means of a fixed installation, every radio installation shall:
a.be an approved portable waterproof transmitter and receiver; b.be provided with a suitable antenna; and c.be provided with a fully charged sealed reserve power pack at all times while the
vessel is at sea.
9.2.4Radio Equipment to be Provided for all Sea Areas (including EPIRBs and PLBs) .1Every fishing vessel of less than 12 m Loa shall be provided with:
a.a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving radiotelephony on the
frequencies 156.300 MHz (channel 6), 156.650 MHz (channel 13), and 156.800 MHz (channel 16); and b.a satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB), which shall
be:
i.capable of transmitting a distress alert either through the polar orbiting
satellite service operating on the 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz bands, or the 1.6 GHz band; ii.installed in a readily 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 vessel sinks and of being automatically activated
when afloat; and v.capable of being activated manually.
.2The EPIRB must be correctly programmed, registered and licensed as per Marine Notice No. 8 of
2006 - “Registration and Care of COSPAS-SARSAT 406 MHz EPIRB’s Installed on Irish Vessels”, and Marine Notice No. 13 of 2012 - “Irish Ship Radio Licence and EPIRB Databases”. .3Every fishing vessel of 12 m Loa and greater 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 possible to
initiate the transmission of distress alerts on channel 70 from the position from which the vessel 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 sub-paragraph (a)(i); c.a radar transponder capable of operating in the 9 GHz band, which shall be stowed so
that it can be easily utilised. (This may also be fulfilled by the provision of an AIS- SART);
d.a satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacon (satellite EPIRB), which shall
be:
i.capable of transmitting a distress alert either through the polar orbiting
satellite service operating on the 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz bands; ii.installed in a readily 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 vessel sinks and of being automatically activated
when afloat; v.capable of being activated manually; and
vi.correctly programmed, registered and licensed as per Marine Notice No. 13
of 2012 - “Irish Ship Radio Licence and EPIRB Databases”; and
e.a receiver capable of receiving International NAVTEX service broadcasts.
.4An approved Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), capable of transmitting a distress alert on the 406
MHz band, shall be provided for each person on-board and shall be carried by each person on deck at all times. Each PLB should be ready to be manually activated. .5Every PLB must be correctly registered with ComReg, as per Marine Notice No. 25 of 2010
“Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) Registry”.
9.2.5Additional Radio Equipment to be Provided for Sea Areas A1 and A2 .1In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraphs 9.2.4.1 and 9.2.4.2 above, every fishing
vessel of less than 12 m Loa engaged on voyages beyond Sea Area A1, but remaining within Sea Area A2, 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 possible to
initiate the transmission of distress alerts on channel 70 from the position from which the vessel 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 sub-paragraph (a)(i); c.an MF radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety
purposes, on the frequencies:
i.2187.5 kHz (assigned frequency) using DSC; and
ii.2182 kHz using radiotelephony; and
d.a radio installation capable of maintaining a continuous DSC watch on the frequency
2187.5 kHz (assigned frequency) which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by subparagraph (c)(i). .2In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 9.2.4.3 above, every fishing vessel of 12 m
Loa and greater engaged on occasional 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 (assigned frequency) 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 (assigned frequency) which may be separate from, or combined with, that required by subparagraph (a)(i); and c.a portable VHF radiotelephone which shall:
i.be waterproof, and capable of transmitting and receiving radiotelephony on
the frequencies 156.300 MHz (Channel 6), 156.650 MHz (Channel 13) and 156.800 MHz (Channel 16); ii.be located in a readily accessible position in the wheelhouse; and
iii.have a fully charged power pack available at all times while the vessel is at
sea.
9.2.6Radio Watches .1Every vessel while at sea shall maintain a continuous watch:
a)on VHF channel 16;
b)on VHF DSC channel 70, if the vessel is fitted with a VHF DSC installation; and
c)on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2187.5 kHz (assigned frequency), if the vessel is
fitted with an MF DSC radio installation. .2Every vessel, while at sea, 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 vessel is navigating.
9.2.7Sources of Energy .1There shall be available at all times, while the vessel is at sea, 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. .2A reserve source, or sources, of energy shall be provided on every vessel complying with the
provisions of section 9.2.4 above, to supply radio installations, for the purpose of conducting distress and safety radiocommunications, in the event of failure of the vessel’s main source of electrical power. The reserve source, or sources, of energy shall be capable of simultaneously operating the VHF radio installation required by section 9.2.4, and any of the additional loads, mentioned in section 9.2.5 above, for a period of at least six hours.
.3The reserve source, or sources, of energy shall be independent of the propelling power of the
vessel and the vessel’s electrical system.
.4The reserve source, or sources, of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required by
paragraph 9.2.3.3 above.
.5Where a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery, or 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 battery, or batteries, shall be checked, using an appropriate
method, at intervals not exceeding 12 months, when the vessel is not at sea. .6The 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; e.that when fully charged, the batteries will provide at least the minimum required
hours of operation under all weather conditions; and f.that the batteries are situated in the upper part of the vessel.
.7If an uninterrupted input of information from the vessel’s navigational, or other, equipment to a
radio installation required by the Radio Regulations 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 vessel’s main or emergency source of electrical power.
.8For the purpose of calculating the required capacity of the reserve source, or sources, of energy,
the following formula is recommended for determining the electrical load to be supplied by the reserve source, or sources, of energy for each radio installation required for distress conditions:
½ of the current consumption necessary for transmission + the current consumption necessary for reception + the current consumption of any additional loads.
9.2.8Performance Standards .1Equipment required to be provided under the Radio Regulations shall conform to appropriate
performance specifications set out in the European Union (Radio Equipment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 248 of 2017) and the European Union (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 177 of 2017), as amended.
9.2.9Serviceability and Maintenance Requirements .1Equipment shall be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, without elaborate
recalibration or readjustment. .2Where applicable, equipment shall be so constructed and installed that is readily accessible for
inspection and on-board maintenance purposes.
.3Adequate information shall be provided to enable the equipment to be properly operated and
maintained.
.4On every fishing vessel of 12 m Loa and greater, a member of the crew, nominated by the master
shall, while the vessel is at sea, carry out the appropriate tests and checks specified in Annex 3 (Radio Equipment Tests and Reserve Power Checks). If any of the radio installations required by the Radio Regulations is not in a working order, the master shall be informed and the details recorded in the Radio Log.
9.2.10Radio Personnel .1Every vessel shall carry personnel qualified for distress and safety radio communication purposes
as specified in paragraphs .2, .3 and .4 below. .2In the case of fishing vessels complying with the requirements of paragraphs 9.2.4.1 above, the
personnel shall be holders of at least the Short-Range Certificate of Competency granted by the Department, or an equivalent certificate recognised by the Department as being equivalent.
.3In the case of fishing vessels complying with the requirements of paragraph 9.2.4.3 above, the
personnel shall be holders of at least the Radio Operator’s Short-Range Certificate granted by the Department, or an equivalent certificate recognised by the Department as being equivalent.
.4In the case of fishing vessels complying with the additional requirements of paragraphs 9.2.5.1
and 9.2.5.2 above, the personnel shall be holders of at least the Radio Operator’s Long-Range Certificate granted by the Department, or an equivalent certificate recognised by the Department as being equivalent.
9.2.11Radio Records .1On every fishing vessel of 12 m Loa and greater, a record shall be kept, as specified in Annex 4
(Radio Log), and as required by the Radio Regulations, of all incidents connected with the radiocommunication service which appear to be of importance to safety of life at sea.
10NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT, LIGHTS, SHAPES & SOUND SIGNALS
This chapter applies to all fishing vessels (pre-2004 and post-2004).
10.1General .1All fishing vessels must comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
(COLREGS), which are implemented in Irish law by the Merchant Shipping (Collision Regulations) (Ships and Water Craft on the Water) Order 2012 (S.I. No. 507 of 2012), and the Signals of Distress (Ships) Rules 2012 (S.I. No.170 of 2012). Further information can be found in Marine Notice No. 06 of 2013.
10.2Navigation Equipment .1All vessels must carry a magnetic compass to provide an accurate course setting. The compass
shall be properly adjusted, and its table or curve of residual deviations shall be available at all times. .2In vessels equipped with an auto-pilot system actuated by a magnetic sensor that does not
indicate the vessel’s heading, suitable means should be provided to show this information.
.3It is recommended that vessels are fitted with radar. It is recommended that the installation
should be capable of operating in the 9 GHz frequency band.
.4If practicable, all vessels should carry an efficient echo sounder.
.5It is recommended that fishing vessels are fitted with equipment capable of receiving Automatic
Identification System (AIS) signals that indicate the position of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) stations.
.6The visibility from the wheelhouse should be adequate both ahead and astern.
10.3Navigation Lights .1 Vessels, which operate only during daylight hours, and in good visibility, are not required to
carry navigation lights. However, failure to exhibit navigation lights while underway between sunset and sunrise, or in restricted visibility, would be in contravention of the Collision Regulations, referred to in section 10.1.
10.4Steaming Lights .1All vessels must, subject to paragraphs .2 and .3 below, exhibit the following Steaming Lights:
| less than 12 m L oa | 12 m or more L oa | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visibility | |
| 1 Masthead light | 2 miles | 3 miles |
| 1 Starboard light | 1 mile | 2 miles |
| 1 Port light | 1 mile | 2 miles |
| 1 Stern light | 2 miles | 2 miles |
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