§  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 M.625-3 (incorporated by reference, see § 80.7),
   as specified in § 80.1101.

   (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;  76 FR 67618 , Nov. 2, 2011]