Sec. 80.1083  Ship radio installations.

    (a) Ships must be provided with radio installations capable of 
complying with the functional requirements prescribed by Sec. 80.1081 
throughout its intended voyage and, unless exempted under Sec. 80.1071, 
complying with the requirements of Sec. 80.1085 and, as appropriate for 
the sea area of areas through which it will pass during its intended 
voyage, the requirements of either Secs. 80.1087, 80.1089, 80.1091, or 
80.1093.
    (b) The radio installation must:
    (1) 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;
    (2) Be so located as to ensure the greatest possible degree of 
safety and operational availability;
    (3) Be protected against harmful effects of water, extremes of 
temperature and other adverse environmental conditions;
    (4) 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
    (5) Be clearly marked with the call sign, the ship station identity 
and other codes as applicable for the use of the radio installation.
    (c) Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels required for 
navigational safety must be immediately available on the navigating 
bridge convenient to the conning position and, where necessary, 
facilities should be available to permit radiocommunications from the 
wings of the navigating bridge. Portable VHF equipment may be used to 
meet the latter provision.