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LARGE YACHT CODE 3
Large Yacht Code 3 Radio Requirements Chapter 16:
Requirements for Vessels Over 300 GT
LY3 Requirements
For vessels >300 GT, full compliance with SOLAS radio surveys is mandatory, with equivalences elsewhere. Short Range yachts have relaxations (e.g., reduced equipment, no damage stability assessments).
Radio Communications
SOLAS Chapter IV equivalence (Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate required); GMDSS by sea area (A1: VHF DSC; A2-A4: MF/HF DSC, Inmarsat); 1-hour reserve power (3 hours for <300 GT, but >300 GT aligns with SOLAS); EPIRB annual test/5-year service; LRIT for ≥300 GT; at least 2 VHF handhelds; qualified operator; maintenance (duplication/shore-based). Short Range: VHF only if within coverage.
Large Yacht Code 3 Radio Requirements
16.2.1 Radio communications: The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
Each vessel should carry sufficient radio equipment to perform the following distress and safety communications functions throughout its intended voyage:
1. transmitting ship to shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radio communication service;
2. receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts;
3. transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts;
4. transmitting and receiving search and rescue coordinating communications;
5. transmitting and receiving on-scene communications;
6. transmitting and receiving signals for locating by radar;
7. transmitting and receiving maritime safety information;
8. transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications.
16.2.2
Existing vessels should carry sufficient radio equipment for distress and safety communications to the satisfaction of the Administration. The radio equipment carried should not be less than that specified in Table 1 of this section.
16.2.3
Notwithstanding the requirements in Table 1 of this section, it is strongly recommended that existing vessels regardless of size should carry the radio equipment according to the area of operation specified in Table 2.
Large Yacht Code 3
16.3 Example:
As an illustration, the minimum equipment to be installed on an existing vessel operating worldwide would be:
- one VHF radiotelephone with DSC;
-one INMARSAT –C ship earth station;
- one NAVTEX receiver;
- one MF/HF radiotelephone with DSC.
Note: The requirements for the carriage of two way radiotelephone sets, EPIRBs and SARTs are given in chapter 13, table 1. EPIRBs for vessels operating in Sea Area A4 are to be capable of operating through the polar orbiting satellite service in the 406 MHz band.
Sources of energy
16.6.1
Vessels <300GT should have sufficient reserve energy supply to operate the radio installations for a minimum of 3 hours in addition to the emergency supply.
16.6.2
Vessels ≥300GT but <500GT NOT meeting the emergency source of electrical energy requirements of SOLAS II-1/Part D, Regulation 43, should have sufficient reserve energy supply to operate the radio installations for a minimum of 6 hours in addition to the emergency supply.
16.6.3
All vessels ≥300 GT meeting the emergency requirements of SOLAS II-1/D, Regulation 43 should have a one hour reserve supply.
When a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery, a means of automatically charging such batteries should be provided, which is capable of recharging them to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours which should include a visual and audible charger failure device.
16.6.4
The siting and installation of accumulator batteries should ensure the highest degree of service and safety.
Watches
A vessel, while at sea, should maintain a continuous watch:
1. where practicable, on VHF Channel 16;
2. where practicable, on VHF Channel 13;
3. on VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC), on channel 70;
4. if fitted with an MF / HF radiotelephone, on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2187.5kHz;
5. for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if fitted, with a radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the INMARSAT enhanced group calling system;
6. for broadcasts of MSI (maritime safety information) on the appropriate frequency or frequencies, on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the vessel is navigating; normally using the International NAVTEX service or INMARSAT's enhanced group calling facility. (Further information may be obtained from the Admiralty List of Radio Signals volume 5.)
Radio Personnel
A vessel should carry at least one person qualified for distress and safety radiocommunication purposes, who should hold a certificate of competence acceptable to the relevant authority.
Availability of Equipment
On vessels of 300GT and above the availability of radio installations should be ensured by using such methods as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at sea electronic maintenance capability.