The Merchant Shipping (Radio) (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1999

Radio watches U.K.

15.—(1) Every fishing vessel while at sea shall maintain a continuous listening watch–

(a) on VHF channel 70 using DSC, if the fishing vessel, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 10(b), is fitted with a VHF radio installation;

(b) on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2,187.5 kHz, if the fishing vessel, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 12(1)(b) or paragraph (c) of ALTERNATIVE A in regulation 13(1), is fitted with an MF radio installation;

(c) on the distress and safety DSC frequencies 2,187.5 kHz and 8,414.5 kHz and on at least one of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4,207.5 kHz, 6,312 kHz, 12,577 kHz or 16,804.5 kHz, appropriate to the time of day and the geographical position of the fishing vessel, if the fishing vessel, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (b) of ALTERNATIVE B in regulation 13(1) or in accordance with the requirements of regulation 14, is fitted with an MF/HF radio installation; this watch may be kept by means of a scanning receiver;

(d) for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if the fishing vessel, in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of ALTERNATIVE A in regulation 13(1), is fitted with an INMARSAT ship earth station.

(2) Every fishing vessel while at sea shall maintain a radio watch for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the appropriate frequency or frequencies on which such information is broadcast for the area in which the fishing vessel is navigating.

(3) From the coming into force of these Regulations until 1st February 2005 every fishing vessel while at sea shall maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16; such watch shall be kept at the position from which the fishing vessel is normally navigated.