The Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations 1998

Installation, location and control of radio equipment

9.—(1) Every radio installation shall—

(a) be so located that no harmful interference of mechanical, electrical or other origin affects its proper use, and so as to ensure electromagnetic compatibility and avoidance of harmful interaction with other equipment and systems;

(b) be so located as to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety and operational availability;

(c) be protected against harmful effects of water, extremes of temperature and other adverse environmental conditions;

(d) be provided with reliable, permanently arranged electrical lighting, independent of the main and emergency sources of electrical power, for the adequate illumination of the radio controls for operating the radio installation; and

(e) be clearly marked with the call sign, the ship station identity and other codes as applicable for the use of the radio installation.

(2) Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels shall be immediately available on the navigating bridge convenient to the position from which the ship is normally navigated; where appropriate, facilities shall be available to permit radiocommunications from the wings of the navigating bridge; portable VHF equipment may be used to meet the latter provision.

(3) Each radio transmitter and receiver fitted in accordance with these Regulations shall be provided with a suitable antenna or antennas. The antennas shall be so constructed and sited as to enable each transmitter and receiver to perform its intended communication function effectively.