§  80.5   Definitions.

   Alaska—public fixed station. A fixed station in Alaska which is open to
   public correspondence and is licensed by the Commission for radio
   communication with Alaska-Private fixed stations on paired channels.

   Alaska—private fixed station. A fixed station in Alaska which is
   licensed by the Commission for radio communication within Alaska and
   with associated ship stations, on single frequency channels.
   Alaska-private fixed stations are also eligible to communicate with
   Alaska-public fixed stations on paired channels.

   Associated ship unit. A portable VHF transmitter for use in the
   vicinity of the ship station with which it is associated.

   Automated maritime telecommunications system (AMTS). An automatic
   maritime communications system.

   Automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue system (AMVER). An
   international system, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, which provides
   aid to the development and coordination of search and rescue (SAR)
   efforts. Data is made available to recognized SAR agencies or vessels
   of any nation for reasons related to marine safety.

   Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). A maritime navigation safety
   communications system standardized by the International
   Telecommunication Union (ITU) and adopted by the International Maritime
   Organization (IMO) that provides vessel information, including the
   vessel's identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status
   and other safety-related information automatically to appropriately
   equipped shore stations, other ships, and aircraft; receives
   automatically such information from similarly fitted ships; monitors
   and tracks ships; and exchanges data with shore-based facilities.

   Bridge-to-bridge station. A radio station located on a ship's
   navigational bridge or main control station operating on a specified
   frequency which is used only for navigational communications, in the
   156-162 MHz band.

   Cargo ship safety radio certificate. A certificate issued after a ship
   passes an inspection of the required radiotelegraph, radiotelephone or
   GMDSS radio installation. Issuance of this certificate indicates that
   the vessel complies with the Communications Act and the Safety
   Convention.

   Cargo ship safety radiotelegraphy certificate. A certificate issued
   after a ship passes an inspection of a radiotelegraph installation.
   Issuance of this certificate indicates that the vessel complies with
   the Communications Act and the Safety Convention.

   Cargo ship safety radiotelephony certificate. A certificate issued
   after a ship passes an inspection of a radiotelephone installation.
   Issuance of this certificate indicates that the vessel complies with
   the Communications Act and the Safety Convention.

   Categories of ships. (1) When referenced in Part II of Title III of the
   Communications Act or the radio provisions of the Safety Convention, a
   ship is a passenger ship if it carries or is licensed or certificated
   to carry more than twelve passengers. A cargo ship is any ship not a
   passenger ship.

   (2) A commercial transport vessel is any ship which is used primarily
   in commerce (i) for transporting persons or goods to or from any
   harbor(s) or port(s) or between places within a harbor or port area, or
   (ii) in connection with the construction, change in construction,
   servicing, maintenance, repair, loading, unloading, movement, piloting,
   or salvaging of any other ship or vessel.

   (3) The term passenger carrying vessel, when used in reference to Part
   III, Title III of the Communications Act of the Great Lakes Radio
   Agreement, means any ship transporting more than six passengers for
   hire.

   (4) Power-driven vessel. Any ship propelled by machinery.

   (5) Towing vessel. Any commercial ship engaged in towing another ship
   astern, alongside or by pushing ahead.

   (6) Compulsory ship. Any ship which is required to be equipped with
   radiotelecommunication equipment in order to comply with the radio or
   radio-navigation provisions of a treaty or statute to which the vessel
   is subject.

   (7) Voluntary ship. Any ship which is not required by treaty or statute
   to be equipped with radiotelecommunication equipment.

   Coast station. A land station in the maritime mobile service.

   Commercial communications. Communications between coast stations and
   ship stations aboard commercial transport vessels, or between ship
   stations aboard commercial transport vessels, which relate directly to
   the purposes for which the ship is used including the piloting of
   vessels, movements of vessels, obtaining vessel supplies, and
   scheduling of repairs.

   Day. (1) Where the word day is applied to the use of a specific
   frequency assignment or to a specific authorized transmitter power, its
   use means transmission on the frequency assignment or with the
   authorized transmitter power during that period of time included
   between one hour after local sunrise and one hour before local sunset.

   (2) Where the word day occurs in reference to watch requirements, or to
   equipment testing, its use means the calendar day, from midnight to
   midnight, local time.

   Digital selective calling (DSC). A synchronous system developed by the
   International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication (ITU-R)
   Sector, used to establish contact with a station or group of stations
   automatically by means of radio. The operational and technical
   characteristics of this system are contained in ITU-R M.493-13 and
   ITU-R M.541-9 (both incorporated by reference, see § 80.7) (see subpart
   W of this part.)

   Direction finder (radio compass). Apparatus capable of receiving radio
   signals and taking bearings on these signals from which the true
   bearing and direction of the point of origin may be determined.

   Distress signal. The distress signal is a digital selective call using
   an internationally recognized distress call format in the bands used
   for terrestrial communication or an internationally recognized distress
   message format, in which case it is relayed through space stations,
   which indicates that a person, ship, aircraft, or other vehicle is
   threatened by grave and imminent danger and requests immediate
   assistance.

   (1) In radiotelephony, the international distress signal consists of
   the enunciation of the word “Mayday”, pronounced as the French
   expression “m'aider”. In case of distress, transmission of this
   particular signal is intended to ensure recognition of a radiotelephone
   distress call by stations of any nationality.

   (2) For GMDSS, distress alerts result in an audible alarm and visual
   indication that a ship or person is threatened by grave and imminent
   danger and requests immediate assistance. These automatic systems
   contain sufficient information in the distress alert message to
   identify the vessel, prepare to assist and begin a search. However,
   except when transmitted via satellite EPIRB, the distress alert is just
   the initial call for help. Communication between the vessel or person
   in distress and the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) or ship assisting
   should always follow.

   Distress traffic. Distress traffic consists of all messages relating to
   the immediate assistance required by a person, ship, aircraft, or other
   vehicle in distress, including search and rescue communications and
   on-scene communications.

   Emergency position indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) station. A station in
   the maritime mobile service the emissions of which are intended to
   facilitate search and rescue operations.

   Environmental communications. Broadcasts of information about the
   environmental conditions in which vessels operate, i.e., weather, sea
   conditions, time signals adequate for practical navigation, notices to
   mariners, and hazards to navigation.

   Fleet radio station license. An authorization issued by the Commission
   for two or more ships having a common owner or operator.

   Global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS). An International
   Maritime Organization (IMO) worldwide coordinated maritime distress
   system designed to provide the rapid transfer of distress messages from
   vessels in distress to units best suited for giving or coordinating
   assistance. The system includes standardized equipment and operational
   procedures, unique identifers for each station, and the integrated use
   of frequency bands and radio systems to ensure the transmission and
   reception of distress and safety calls and messages at short, medium
   and long ranges.

   Great Lakes. This term, used in this part in reference to the Great
   Lakes Radio Agreement, means all of Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron
   (including Georgian Bay), Michigan, Superior, their connecting and
   tributary waters and the St. Lawrence River as far east as the lower
   exit of the St. Lambert Lock as Montreal in the Province of Quebec,
   Canada, but does not include any connecting and tributary waters other
   than: the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, the
   Detroit River and the Welland Canal.

   Harbor or port. Any place to which ships may resort for shelter, or to
   load or unload passengers or goods, or to obtain fuel, water, or
   supplies. This term applies to such places whether proclaimed public or
   not and whether natural or artifical.

   Inland waters. This term, as used in reference to waters of the United
   States, its territories and possessions, means waters that lie landward
   of the boundary lines of inland waters as contained in 33 CFR 80.01, as
   well as waters within its land territory, such as rivers and lakes,
   over which the United States exercises sovereignty.

   INMARSAT. INMARSAT Ltd. is a private commercial company licensed in the
   United Kingdom.

   Marine utility station. A station in the maritime mobile service
   consisting of one or more handheld radiotelephone units licensed under
   a single authorization. Each unit is capable of operation while being
   hand-carried by an individual. The station operates under the rules
   applicable to ship stations when the unit is aboard a vessel, and under
   the rules applicable to private coast stations when the unit is on
   land.

   Maritime control communications. Communications between private coast
   and ship stations or between ship stations licensed to a state or local
   governmental entity, which relate directly to the control of boating
   activities or assistance to ships.

   Maritime mobile repeater station. A land station at a fixed location
   established for the automatic retransmission of signals to extend the
   range of communication of ship and coast stations.

   Maritime mobile-satellite service. A mobile-satellite service in which
   mobile earth stations are located on board ships. Survival craft
   stations and EPIRB stations may also participate in this service.

   Maritime mobile service. A mobile service between coast stations and
   ship stations, or between ship stations, or between associated on-board
   communication stations. Survival craft stations and EPIRB stations also
   participate in this service.

   Maritime mobile service identities (MMSI). An international system for
   the identification of radio stations in the maritime mobile service.
   The system is comprised of a series of nine digits which are
   transmitted over the radio path to uniquely identify ship stations,
   ship earth stations, coast stations, coast earth stations and groups of
   stations.

   Maritime radiodetermination service. A maritime radiocommunication
   service for determining the position, velocity, and/or other
   characteristics of an object, or the obtaining of information relating
   to these parameters, by the propagation properties of radio waves.

   Maritime support station. A station on land used in support of the
   maritime services to train personnel and to demonstrate, test and
   maintain equipment.

   Navigable waters. This term, as used in reference to waters of the
   United States, its territories and possessions, means the waters
   shoreward of the baseline of its territorial sea and internal waters as
   contained in 33 CFR 2.36.

   Navigational communications. Safety communications pertaining to the
   maneuvering of vessels or the directing of vessel movements. Such
   communications are primarily for the exchange of information between
   ship stations and secondarily between ship stations and coast stations.

   Noncommercial communications. Communication between coast stations and
   ship stations other than commercial transport ships, or between ship
   stations aboard other than commercial transport ships which pertain to
   the needs of the ship.

   Non-selectable transponder. A transponder whose coded response is
   displayed on any conventional radar operating in the appropriate band.

   On-board communication station. A low-powered mobile station in the
   maritime mobile service intended for use for internal communications on
   board a ship, or between a ship and its lifeboats and life-rafts during
   lifeboat drills or operations, or for communication within a group of
   vessels being towed or pushed, as well as for line handling and mooring
   instructions.

   On-board repeater. A radio station that receives and automatically
   retransmits signals between on-board communication stations.

   Open sea. The water area of the open coast seaward of the ordinary
   low-water mark, or seaward of inland waters.

   Operational fixed station. A fixed station, not open to public
   correspondence, operated by entities that provide their own
   radiocommunication facilities in the private land mobile, maritime or
   aviation services.

   Passenger ship safety certificate. A certificate issued by the
   Commandant of the Coast Guard after inspection of a passenger ship
   which complies with the requirements of the Safety Convention.

   Pilot. Pilot means a Federal pilot required by 46 U.S.C. 764, a state
   pilot required under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 211, or a registered
   pilot required by 46 U.S.C. 216.

   Port operations communications. Communications in or near a port, in
   locks or in waterways between coast stations and ship stations or
   between ship stations, which relate to the operational handling,
   movement and safety of ships and in emergency to the safety of persons.

   Portable ship station. A ship station which includes a single
   transmitter intended for use upon two or more ships.

   Private coast station. A coast station, not open to public
   correspondence, which serves the operational, maritime control and
   business needs of ships.

   Public coast station. A coast station that offers radio communication
   common carrier services to ship radio stations.

   Public correspondence. Any telecommunication which the offices and
   stations must, by reason of their being at the disposal of the public,
   accept for transmission.

   Radar beacon (RACON). A receiver-transmitter which, when triggered by a
   radar, automatically returns a distinctive signal which can appear on
   the display of the triggering radar, providing range, bearing and
   identification information.

   Radioprinter operations. Communications by means of a direct printing
   radiotelegraphy system using any alphanumeric code, within specified
   bandwidth limitations, which is authorized for use between private
   coast stations and their associated ship stations on vessels of less
   than 1600 gross tons.

   Safety communication. The transmission or reception of distress, alarm,
   urgency, or safety signals, or any communication preceded by one of
   these signals, or any form of radiocommunication which, if delayed in
   transmission or reception, may adversely affect the safety of life or
   property.

   Safety signal. (1) The safety signal is the international
   radiotelegraph or radiotelephone signal which indicates that the
   station sending this signal is preparing to transmit a message
   concerning the safety of navigation or giving important meteorological
   warnings.

   (2) In radiotelegraphy, the international safety signals consists of
   three repetitions of the group “TTT,” sent before the call, with the
   letters of each group and the successive groups clearly separated from
   each other.

   (3) In radiotelephony, the international safety signal consists of
   three oral repetitions of “Security,” pronounced as the French word
   “Securite,” sent before the call.

   (4) For GMDSS, safety calls result in an audible alarm and visual
   indication that the station sending this signal has a very urgent
   message to transmit concerning the safety of navigation or giving
   important meteorological warnings.

   Selectable tfransponder. A transponder whose coded response may be
   inhibited or displayed on a radar on demand by the operator of that
   radar.

   Selective calling. A means of calling in which signals are transmitted
   in accordance with a prearranged code to operate a particular automatic
   attention device at the station whose attention is sought.

   Ship earth station. A mobile earth station in the maritime
   mobile-satellite service located on board ship.

   Ship or vessel. Ship or vessel includes every description of watercraft
   or other artificial contrivance, except aircraft, capable of being used
   as a means of transportation on water whether or not it is actually
   afloat.

   Ship radio station license. An authorization issued by the Commission
   to operate a radio station onboard a vessel.

   Ship station. A mobile station in the maritime mobile service located
   on-board a vessel which is not permanently moored, other than a
   survival craft station.

   Station. One or more transmitters or a combination of transmitters and
   receivers, including the accessory equipment, necessary at one location
   for carrying on radiocommunication services.

   Survival craft station. A mobile station in the maritime or
   aeronautical mobile service intended solely for survival purposes and
   located on any lifeboat, liferaft or other survival equipment.

   Underway. A vessel is underway when it is not at anchor, made fast to
   the shore, or aground.

   Urgency signal. (1) The urgency signal is the international
   radiotelegraph or radiotelephone signal which indicates that the
   calling station has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the
   safety of a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle, or of some person on
   board or within sight.

   (2) In radiotelegraphy, the international urgency signal consists of
   three repetitions of the group “XXX,” sent before the call, with the
   letters of each group and the successive groups clearly separated from
   each other.

   (3) In radiotelephony, the international urgency signal consists of
   three oral repetitions of the group of words “PAN PAN”, each word of
   the group pronounced as the French word “PANNE” and sent before the
   call.

   (4) For GMDSS, urgency calls result in an audible alarm and visual
   indication that the station sending this signal has a very urgent
   message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft, or other
   vehicle, or of some person on board or within sight.

   Vessel traffic service (VTS). A U.S. Coast Guard traffic control
   service for ships in designated water areas to prevent collisions,
   groundings and environmental harm.

   Watch. The act of listening on a designated frequency.

   [ 51 FR 31213 , Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at  52 FR 7417 , Mar. 11, 1987;
    52 FR 35244 , Sept. 18, 1987;  56 FR 3783 , Jan. 31, 1991;  57 FR 26778 ,
   June 16, 1992;  58 FR 16504 , Mar. 29, 1993;  60 FR 35510 , July 10, 1995;
    63 FR 29658 , June 1, 1998;  68 FR 46959 , Aug. 7, 2003;  71 FR 60074 , Oct.
   12, 2006;  72 FR 31194 , June 6, 2007;  73 FR 4480 , Jan. 25, 2008;  76 FR 67607 , Nov. 2, 2011]