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Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

16        COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

16.1 Communications equipment should be carried for the following purposes, as applicable to the area of operation:

·             Navigation: in some areas, there will be local requirements laid down by the harbour authority or navigation authority;
·             Emergency communications with local emergency services.

16.2 The local navigation authority and local rescue services should be consulted in order to establish the most effective form of communication, whether VHF or other means.  Emergency procedures for establishing contact in an emergency should be prepared.  It should be noted that a mobile phone may be sufficient in some areas, but if mobile phone coverage is poor, alternative means should be agreed.

16.3 Mobile phones or portable VHF should be contained in a waterproof pouch, or be waterproof in their own right.

16.4 A card(s) giving a clear summary of the distress communications, urgency and safety procedures is to be displayed in full view of the radio operating position or where mobile communications equipment is carried. It should be in a prominent place where it can be easily reached in the event of an emergency.

16.5 The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was implemented on 1 February 1999.  The implementation of the GMDSS has involved the adoption of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for distress alerting in maritime radio frequency bands – e.g. VHF.  While the United Kingdom Coastguard will continue coverage of VHF Channel 16 for the foreseeable future, from 1 February 2005, the Coastguard watch on Channel 16 will be downgraded from a dedicated headset watch to a loudspeaker watch.  Also, from this date, ships that are currently obliged to keep a listening watch on Channel 16 where practicable, will no longer be obliged to do so. Where it is considered that VHF should be fitted, with reference to Section 16.2, it is strongly recommended that vessels are equipped with VHF DSC with its significant benefits in distress situations by February 2005.