Yacht & Ship Radio Regulations

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. 

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. 

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.) 

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. 

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. 

REG Yacht Code Part A, July 2024 edition: https://www.redensigngroup.org/media/yzlbtkyi/reg-yc-july-2024-edition-part-a.pdf

LY3 (MSN 1851): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a81a95aed915d74e33ff69c/LY3_-_Final_Version.pdf

LY2 (MSN 1792): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e1dd52be5274a4e7e33e264/msn_1792_edition_2.pdf