§  3.1   Scope, basis, purpose.

   By these rules the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is
   delineating its responsibilities in certifying and monitoring
   accounting authorities in the maritime mobile and maritime
   mobile-satellite radio services. These entities settle accounts for
   public correspondence due to foreign administrations for messages
   transmitted at sea by or between maritime mobile stations located on
   board ships subject to U.S. registry and utilizing foreign coast and
   coast earth station facilities. These rules are intended to ensure that
   settlements of accounts for U.S. licensed ship radio stations are
   conducted in accordance with the International Telecommunication
   Regulations (ITR), taking into account the applicable ITU-T
   Recommendations.