Sec. 80.853  Radiotelephone station.

    (a) The radiotelephone station is a radiotelephone installation and 
other equipment necessary for the proper operation of the installation.
    (b) The radiotelephone station must be installed to insure safe and 
effective operation of the equipment and to facilitate repair. Adequate 
protection must be provided against the effects of vibration, moisture, 
and temperature.

[[Page 142]]

    (c) The radiotelephone station and all necessary controls must be 
located at the level of the main wheelhouse or at least one deck above 
the ship's main deck.
    (d) The principal operating position of the radiotelephone station 
must be in the room from which the ship is normally steered while at 
sea. In installations on cargo ships of 300 gross tons and upwards but 
less than 500 gross tons on which the keel was laid prior to January 1, 
1965, the location of the principal operating controls may be in a room 
adjoining and opening into the room from which the vessel is normally 
steered while at sea. If the station can be operated from any location 
other than the principal operating position, a positive means must be 
provided at the principal operating position to take full control of the 
station.
    (e) The use of a independent communication system between the 
principal operating position and all other operating locations is 
acceptable as a method for taking control at the principal operating 
position. For stations first placed in service on or after June 1, 1956 
the use of this method for taking control at the principal operating 
position is acceptable only for operating locations in the chartroom or 
master's quarters.