Sec.  80.1073   Radio operator requirements for ship stations.

   (a) Ships must carry at least two persons holding GMDSS Radio Operator's
   Licenses as specified in  Sec. 13.2 of this chapter for distress and safety
   radiocommunications purposes. The GMDSS Radio Operator's License qualifies
   personnel as GMDSS radio operator for the purposes of operating GMDSS radio
   installation, including basic equipment adjustments as denoted in knowledge
   requirements specified in  Sec. 13.21 of this chapter.

   (1) A qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated to have primary
   responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents, except if
   the vessel operates exclusively within twenty nautical miles of shore, in
   which case a qualified restricted radio operator may be so designated.

   (2) A second qualified GMDSS radio operator must be designated as backup for
   distress and safety radiocommunications, except if the vessel operates
   exclusively within twenty nautical miles of shore, in which case a qualified
   restricted GMDSS radio operator may be so designated.

   (b) A qualified GMDSS radio operator, and a qualified backup, as specified
   in paragraph (a) of this section must be:

   (1) Available to act as the dedicated radio operator in cases of distress as
   described in  Sec. 80.1109(a);

   (2) Designated to perform as part of normal routine each of the applicable
   communications described in  Sec. 80.1109(b);

   (3) Responsible for selecting HF DSC guard channels and receiving scheduled
   maritime safety information broadcasts;

   (4) Designated to perform communications described in  Sec. 80.1109(c);

   (5) Responsible for ensuring that the watches required by  Sec. 80.1123 are
   properly maintained; and

   (6) Responsible for ensuring that the ship's navigation position is entered
   into all installed DSC equipment, either automatically through a connected
   or integral navigation receiver, or manually at least every four hours when
   the ship is underway.

   [ 51 FR 31213 , Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at  68 FR 46975 , Aug. 7, 2003]