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MPA Singapore: Implementation of amendments to radio regulations

TIN news:   MPA Singapore has issued circular to inform on the implementation of revision of frequencies and channeling arrangement for the maritime High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) made by the World Radio-communication Conference 2012 (WRC) to appendices 17 and 18 of the Radio Regulations.
One revision relates to changes to the assigned frequencies for narrow-band direct-printing (NBDP) telegraphy in the marine HF bands where the numbers of frequencies assigned to the HF NBDP were reduced to free up frequencies for other uses. The other revision includes changes to the current four duplex VHF channels (CH19, CH20, CH78 and CH79) to eight new single-frequency channels (CH1019, CH2019, CH1020, CH2020, CH1078, CH2078, CH1079 and CH2079) as well as the display and indication of the four-digit number channels.
In consideration that GMDSS equipment should be in compliance to the Resolution A.803(19) on “Performance Standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of communication and digital selective calling”, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued MSC.1/Circ.1460 on “Guidance on the validity of radiocommunications equipment installed and used on ships” which states that HF radiocommunication equipment capable of operating NBDP should be updated by the first radio survey after 1 January 2017. Other radiocommunication equipment may be updated appropriately in accordance with the decisions of the Administration.
To comply with the amended Radio Regulations, Singapore ships equipped with HF NBDP radiocommunication equipment shall be updated by the first radio survey after 1 January 2017
In the event that the HF NBDP radiocommunication equipment cannot be updated to comply with the amended Radio Regulations, the following are to be complied with:
Ships operating solely within Sea Area A1+A2+A3 and equipped with non-compliant HF NBDP radiocommunication equipment shall by the first radio survey after 1 January 2017:

For ships operating within Sea Area A1+A2+A3+A4, the non-compliant HF NBDP radiocommunication equipment shall be replaced with compliant equipment by the first radio survey after 1 January 2017.
Replace with a HF NBDP radiocommunication equipment that complies with the new requirements; or
Install an additional Inmarsat C. The installation of Inmarsat C is deemed to satisfy the Sea Area A3 requirements for duplication Inmarsat C solution. In this case, the NBDP function of the MF/HF radio telegraphy will no longer be required and should be decommissioned from the system, leaving the MF/HF radiotelephone and DSC in place. The Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety Radio (Form R) shall be updated to reflect the changes to MF Radio installation and INMARSAT SES as the “Primary System”.
Owners of ships equipped with HF NBDP equipment are advised to contact the equipment manufacturer to ascertain whether the equipment installed onboard can be updated to comply with the amended Radio Regulations.
For existing VHF radio communication equipment onboard, in consideration that the GMDSS’s important channels are not amended and many other existing VHF channels are available for communication between the new and existing VHF equipment, the VHF radio communication equipment is deemed suitable for continued use, unless otherwise required by the ship’s port of call operating the upgraded VHF channels or until such time when replaced or repaired which involve its replacement, shall then comply with the new channelling requirements.
MPA circular cover

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