Guidance

MGN 562 (M+F) Amendment 3: Radio – radio regulations amendments and GMDSS radio equipment updates

Published 18 August 2022

This guidance was withdrawn on 15 December 2023

MGN 562 Amendment 3 has been replaced by MGN 562 Amendment 4.

Summary

This Marine Guidance Note draws attention to the changes made in the Radio Regulations (Appendix 17 and 18) affecting VHF and HF communications and equipment. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency does not require the replacement of marine radio equipment installed and used on-board. It is, however, the responsibility of a vessel’s owner to consider, based upon the area of operation, whether an update or replacement of the on-board radio equipment is necessary.

1. Introduction/background

1.1 Some changes have been made to the Radio Regulations over the last 10 years for international VHF and HF, refer to the Radio Regulations 2020, Appendix 17 and 18.

1.2 These changes do not have a safety impact as the designated distress or calling frequencies and the bridge-to-bridge communications channel are unchanged.

1.3 Some coast stations may change their operating channel designations or frequencies as a result of changes to the Radio Regulations, but the timing of any change is a local matter.

1.4 Software or firmware changes may be available to update radio equipment to implement some or all of the changes.

1.5 The IMO has issued MSC.1/Circ. 1460/Rev 3, Guidance on the validity of radiocommunication equipment installed and used on ships in order to ensure that radio equipment on board is updated and vessels can maintain communications during the transition period. With the IMO decision to remove MF and HF narrow band direct printing (NBDP) for two -way communications from the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) the IMO no longer requires the update of MF and HF radio installations.

2. Vessel Voyage Radio Planning

2.1 Prior to any passage the Radio Operator / Owner should review radio channel / frequency requirements for the vessel’s area of operation, ensuring the radiocommunication equipment has the required capability.

3. SOLAS Convention Vessel

3.1 Annex 1 contains additional guidance for SOLAS Convention vessels.

4. Non-SOLAS Convention Vessel

4.1 Annex 2 contains additional guidance for non-SOLAS Convention vessels, these include Domestic Passenger Ships, Fishing Vessels, Code Boats, UK Loadline Exempt Vessels, and Pleasure Vessels.

More information

UK Technical Services - Navigation
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/25
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 817 2000

Email: navigationsafety@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

General enquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

Annex 1

SOLAS Convention Vessels

1. Radio Operators should be aware of the following:

1. 1.1 Where a frequency is supported by an equipment in accordance with regulation, but the channel indication is no longer correct, a cross reference table should be displayed at the operating station(s).

2. 1.2 VHF

   1. 1.2.1 A small number of 4-digit channel numbers are now explicitly stated in the radio regulations. Radio operators should be aware of these new channels and correspondence with older 2-digit channel designations. Existing 2-digit, international, simplex channels are unchanged.

   2. 1.2.2 Some new simplex channels will only carry coast station transmissions, so these effectively become broadcast channels, possibly to be used for MSI. You can listen using the corresponding duplex channel even if the on-board equipment does not support the simplex channel. This information should be included in the displayed cross reference table.

   3. 1.2.3 Digital marine data communications are unlikely to be used before 2024, and on those few channels, data will have priority over voice. Radio operators should refer to ALRS to know where the use of a channel for voice is permitted.

   4. 1.2.4 Radio operators should refer to ALRS to ensure that the on-board equipment is capable of operating on the frequencies necessary for the vessel’s area of operation, e.g. to communicate with ports and coast stations.

   5. 1.2.5 Avoid using channels contrary to Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations.

2. Owners should be aware of:

1. 2.1 In accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1389, owners should ensure that such equipment is fitted with the latest firmware and software available from the equipment manufacturer.

2. 2.2 With respect to changes to frequency channelization, the Marine Equipment Regulations requires the manufacturer to:

   1. 2.2.1 Declare that the software update maintains the equipment within its existing approval;

   2. 2.2.2 Otherwise, the notified body for the original equipment’s approval would need to be consulted for any additional approval that may be needed.

   3. 2.2.3 It is expected that any software modification for frequency channelization will maintain the equipment within the existing certification and will therefore be considered as maintenance.

3. 2.3 In accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1460/Rev 3, radiocommunication installations should:

   1. 2.3.1 By the first radio survey after 01/01/2024, meet the channelling arrangements reflected in Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations.

   2. 2.3.2 Prior to 01/01/2024, continue to provide at least the channelling arrangements as listed in Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations 2009, other channels may be provided so long as they are permitted by the latest version of the Radio Regulations.

   3. 2.3.3 Comply with the Ship Radio License.

Annex 2

Non-SOLAS Convention Vessels

1. Foreword

1.1 This section refers to all Non-SOLAS Convention Vessels, including Domestic Passenger Ships, Fishing Vessels, Code Boats, UK Loadline Exempt Vessels and Pleasure Vessels.

1.2 All vessel owners and operators of maritime radio installations should be aware of the changes to Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations

1.3 Where a frequency is supported by an equipment in accordance with regulation, but the channel indication is no longer correct, a cross reference table should be displayed at the operating station(s).

2. VHF

2.1 Operators should, as far as is practicable, avoid using channels contrary to Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations except when communicating with coast stations.

2.2 Radio operators should refer to updated reference documents to ensure that the on-board equipment is capable of operating on the frequencies necessary for the vessel’s area of operation.

2.3 A small number of 4-digit channel numbers are now explicitly stated in the Radio Regulations. Radio operators should be aware of these new channels and correspondence with older 2-digit channel designations. Existing 2-digit, international, simplex channels are unchanged.

2.4 Digital marine data communications are unlikely to be used before 2024, on those few channels, digital will have priority over voice. Radio operators should consult radio communication publications (e.g. ALRS or similar) to confirm where the use of a channel for voice is permitted.

3. Updating equipment

3.1 Any update to equipment should be approved by the manufacturer and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and guidance.

3.2 Where your vessel relies upon conformity marked equipment to fulfil a mandatory carriage requirement, any update should comply with the rules for updating equipment under the Radio Equipment Regulations.

3.3 Where your vessel relies upon type approved equipment to fulfil a mandatory carriage requirement, any update should comply with the rules for updating equipment under the Marine Equipment Regulations (see Annex 1 Section 2.2).