FCC AND U.S. COAST GUARD COMMUNICATIONS ACT SAFETY RADIOTELEPHONY PRE-INSPECTION
Captain, we want you to pass on the first time aboard! This will save you both time and the vessel owner’s money if you can check yourself that our radio inspection will go smoothly!
The U.S. Coast Guard 5 year inspections call for a completed, and displayed, FCC form 824, certifying your small passenger vessel for hire has an “efficient radiotelephone installation”.
Documentation
- FCC SHIP STATION license displayed, and up to date? (we can help with renewal before the inspection, or a new ship FCC license)
- Is the vessel ownership the same as stated on the license?
- Same address, current on license?
- FCC licenses are good for 10 years – is yours still current?
- Marine Radio Operator license displayed?
- Is the listed operator available for this inspection?
(Your inspector offers 1 day classes and testing for the MROP license)
- Is the listed operator available for this inspection?
- Ship’s log book with important radio messages?
- We need to sign in on it, too, when we inspect the radio.
- Traveling beyond 20 nm to 100 nm out?
- A single sideband still required, which we will test on the air. An Iridium satellite phone may meet the rules. (Sea Area A-2 maybe be covered with local Coast Guard high sites for VHF.)
- A single sideband still required, which we will test on the air. An Iridium satellite phone may meet the rules. (Sea Area A-2 maybe be covered with local Coast Guard high sites for VHF.)
Radios
Your VHF MARINE RADIO is the focus on the inspection!
- It must be a DSC type with red distress button / cover.
- Is your FCC MMSI number entered into the radio?
(We can help with this aboard) - Is the VHF tied in to GPS?
- Do you have a VHF handheld with GPS built in?
- Is your FCC MMSI number entered into the radio?
- For your VHF Marine Radio we need access to the rear of the radio.
- Can you pick up at least 4 weather stations?
- We will conduct a distant radio check to a Coast station
- We will conduct a DSC test with our test equipment
- Vessel NAME & CALL SIGN posted at the equipment?
- VHF antenna vertical, and in good shape?
(we test for antenna SWR) - VHF coaxial cable connector in good shape at radio?
(We will tug on it) - VHF power cable connector in good shape at radio?
(We will tug on it)
Batteries
The ship’s main battery source feeding pilot house electronics and the VHF radio will be inspected.
- Batteries posts clean, and battery easily starts the engine?
- If you meet any of these:
- Over 100GT
- Sail international waters
- Carry more than 150 passengers
- Have accommodations for more than 49 people
- You will need a second source of reserve battery power, which we need to inspect. (RSE)
- If you don’t have a Reserve Source of Energy (RSE), you must have a VHF handheld.
Bridge to Bridge
- Over 65′ or over 100GT, you will need a second, separate, “bridge to bridge” VHF.
A hand held VHF will also meet these rules. We must test it, too. - You will need a working AIS device.
- Upon a successful inspection, you will get a separate, 827 certificate showing that your Bridge-to-Bridge radio has been inspected.
EPIRB
Beyond 3 nm out, you will need an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
- Is the EPIRB registered properly, and up to date with NOAA?
- Is the EPIRB ready for inspection and self-test?
- Is the EPIRB battery current, not soon to expire?
- Is the EPIRB mounted properly for emergency access or self deployment from a cabin top?
You will find your radio inspector positive in helping you meet the FCC and Coast Guard rules. Your inspector will be EXTRA positive if you can give these items on this pre-inspection your full attention!
Please tell your inspector the best place to park, and the EXACT location of the vessel to be inspected. Please turn on your VHF radio to channel 16, in case the inspector calls you ahead of time for a radio check to an alternate channel, or where to find the boat!
Captain, see you aboard soon!