§  80.1127   On-scene communications.

   (a) On-scene communications are those between mobile unit in distress
   and assisting mobile units, and between the mobile units and unit
   coordinating search and rescue operations.

   (b) Control of on-scene communications is the responsibility of the
   unit coordinating search and rescue operations. Simplex communications
   must be used so that all on-scene mobile stations may share relevant
   information concerning the distress incident. If direct-printing
   telegraphy is used, it must be in the forward error-correcting mode in
   accordance with ITU-R Recommendation M.625–3, with Annex, as specified
   in § 80.1101.

   (c) The preferred frequencies in radiotelephony for on-scene
   communications are 156.8 MHz and 2182 kHz. The frequency 2174.5 kHz may
   also be used for ship-to-ship on-scene communications using narrow-band
   direct-printing telegraphy in the forward error correcting mode in
   accordance with ITU-R Recommendation M.625–3, “Direct-printing
   Telegraph Equipment Employing Automatic Identification in the Maritime
   Mobile Service,” with Annex, 1995, as specified in § 80.1101. ITU-R
   Recommendation M.625–3 with Annex is incorporated by reference. The
   Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by
   reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies
   of this standard can be inspected at the Federal Communications
   Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC (Reference Information
   Center) or 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/ib
   r_locations.html. The ITU-R Recommendation can be purchased from the
   International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Place des Nations, CH–1211
   Geneva 20, Switzerland.

   (d) In addition to 156.8 MHz and 2182 kHz, the frequencies 3023 kHz,
   4125 kHz, 5680 kHz, 123.1 MHz and 156.3 MHz may be used for
   ship-to-aircraft on-scene communications.

   (e) The selection or designation of on-scene frequencies is the
   responsibility of the unit coordinating search and rescue operations.
   Normally, once an on-scene frequency is established, a continuous aural
   or teleprinter watch is maintained by all participating on-scene mobile
   units on the selected frequency.

   [ 57 FR 9065 , Mar. 16, 1992, as amended at  68 FR 46981 , Aug. 7, 2003]