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Towing Vessels (M Class)

Note: These are Non-passenger carrying vessels only!!!

A Bridge to Bridge Radio Telephony Certificate is required by every towing vessel 26’ (7.8 meters) or over while navigating…

Before setting up an inspection and in order to qualify for the Vessel Bridge to Bridge Radiotelephony Certificate, please insure the following:

Towboats (M Class) are governed by 46 CFR 140.715

Additional referenced CFR’s: 

“Towing Vessels Subchapter M” Requirements SIMPLIFIED:

Every vessel subject to Part II of Title III of the Communications Act must have a detailed inspection of the radio installation by an FCC-licensed technician in accordance with once every five years….

 Ensure that the ALL radio(s) are completely accessible (front and back).  For flush mounted units that do not slide out easily, Ensure that access has been opened to reach the antenna connection.

 At least 1 VHF-DSC that is in good working order.  The following must work:  Back round light, speaker, microphone, LCD screen and TX indicator, etc.

  • The radio must display the position of the vessel either by wiring in a GPS, or by having a GPS that is already built in

  • The radio must transmit over 15 watts on high power. (47 CFR 80.911)

  • The VHF must be able to transmit/ receive of CH: 6,13,16 22A & 67

  • A VHF must be located at each conning position of the vessel.

  • Must be hooked up to a VHF antenna that is in good working order and that is free of excessive physical wear, abrasion & obstruction

  • The vessel’s MMSI 10digit number is programmed into the radio

 Main Power Supply:  Vessel battery system w/inverter (with charging indicator) from generation source that power the above radios is fully charged and/ or in good working order.

 A hand-held VHF radio is kept and maintained onboard. (33 CFR 140.715(C))

 

Required Documentation:

  1. A current unexpired FCC Radio Station Authorization, FCC Form 605 (aka “Station License”) that is in the current vessel owners name.  This document is non-transferable from a prior owner UNLESS the Whole corporation was acquired with the vessel

  2. A “Marine Radio Operators Permit” of a licensed individual who works onboard

  3. Current DOHS Cert. of Documentation or Cert. of Inspection (COI)

 Emergency Broadcast Placard: a durable placard with vessel name, call sign and recommended emergency broadcast instructions (46 CFR 184.506 & 184.510)

 Logbook:  Either a dedicated Radio Logbook, or a Vessel Log where entries may be made and kept for transmission tests, inspections, new radio installation and/or repairs and Emergency transmissions.

 EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) :  Towing vessels operating on oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, must carry a Category 1, 406 MHz satellite EPIRB that meets the requirements of 47 CFR part 80

 

MRI Note:  After referencing all CFR’s subject to M Class Communication, we discovered several differences between M Class and Small Passenger vessels.  With “M Class”…

  1.  There is no “Reserve Power” requirement for communications equipment, just a requirement to have a hand-held VHF onboard

  2. There is no distinct requirement to carry an MF or SSB radio onboard if on the high seas (oceans).  Therefore, MRI will note this on any and all documentation issued.  It is our opinion this was a regulatory over-site and should be followed according to the nature of your route.

    Inland Rivers, Lakes Bays & Sounds, Limited Coastwise, and Coastwise endorsements are by their meaning all under 20nm and excluded.