1044-(206)

II SÉRIE-A — NÚMERO 44

2) Send a traffic report when entering and on leaving

the service area of a coast station from which general

communications might be expected; and

3) Transmit reports to ship reporting systems in accordance with the instructions of the master.

17 — While at sea, the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents should ensure the proper functioning of:

1) The Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress and safety radio equipment by means of a test call at least once each week; and

2) The distress and safety radio equipment by means of a test at least once each day but without radiating any signal.

The results of these tests should be recorded in the radio log.

18 — The radio operator designated to handle general communications should ensure that an effective watch is maintained on those frequencies on which communications are likely to be exchanged, having regard to the position of the shio in relation to those coast stations and to coast earth stations from which traffic may be expected. When exchanging traffic, radio operators should follow the relevant ITU recommendations.

19 — When closing the station on arrival at a port, the radio operator on watch should advise the local coast station and other coast stations with which contact has been -maintained of the ship's arrival and of the closing of the station.

20 — When closing the radio station the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents should:

1) Ensure that transmitting antennae are earthed; and

2) Check that the reserve sources of energy are sufficiently charged.

Distress alerts and procedures

21 — The distress alert or distress call has absolute priority over all other transmissions. All stations which . receive such signals are required by the Radio Regulations to immediately cease all transmissions capable of interfering with distress communications.

22 — In the case of a distress affecting own ship, the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents should immediately assume responsibility for following the procedures of the Radio Regulations and relevant ITU-R recommendations.

23 — On receiving a distress alert:

1) The radio operator on watch should alert the master and, if appropriate, the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents; and

2) The radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents should evaluate the situation and immediately assume responsibility for following the procedures of the Radio Regulations and relevant ITU-R recommendations.

Urgency messages

24 — In Case Of urgency affecting own ship, the radio operator designated as having responsibility for radio-communications during incidents should immediately assume responsibility for following the procedures of

the Radio Regulations and relevant ITU-R recommendations.

25 — In cases of communications relating to medlCal advice, the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents should follow the procedures of the Radio Regulations and adhere to the conditions as published in the relevant international documentation [see subparagraph 14.2)] or as specified by the satellite service provider.

26 — In cases of communications relating to medical transports, as defined in the annex 1 to the Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 relating to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts (Protocol 1), the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents should follow the procedures of the Radio Regulations.

27 — On receiving an urgency message, the radio operator on watch should alert the master and, if appropriate, the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents.

Safety messages

28 — When a safety message is to be transmitted, the master and the radio operator on watch should follow the procedures of the Radio Regulations.

29 — On receiving^ a safety message, the radio operator on watch should note its content and act in accordance with the master's instructions.

30 — Bridge-to-bridge communications should be exchanged on VHF channel 13. Bridge-to-bridge communications are described as «Intership navigation safety communications» in the Radio Regulations.

• Radio records

31 — Additional entries in the radio log should be made in accordance with paragraphs 10, 12, 14, 17 and 33.

32 — Unauthorized transmissions and incidents or harmful interference should, if possible, be identified, recorded in the radio log and brought to the attention of the Administration in compliance with the Radio Regulations, together with an appropriate extract- from the radio log.

Battery maintenance

33 — Batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radio installation including those associated with uninterrupted power supplies are the responsibility of the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents and should be:

1) Tested on-load and off-load daily and, where necessary, brought up to the fully charged condition;

2) Tested once per week by means of a hydrometer where practicable, or where a hydrometer cannot be used, by a suitable load test; and

3) Checked once per month for the security of each battery and its connections and the condition of the batteries and their compartment or compartments.

The results of these tests should be recorded in the radio log.