Sec. 80.143  Required frequencies for radiotelephony.

    (a) Except for compulsory vessels, each ship radiotelephone station 
licensed to operate in the band 1605-3500 kHz must be able to receive 
and transmit J3E emission on the frequency 2182 kHz. Ship stations are 
additionally authorized to receive and transmit H3E emission for 
communications with foreign coast stations and with vessels of foreign 
registry. If the station is used for other than safety communications, 
it must be capable also of receiving and transmitting the J3E emission 
on at least two other frequencies in that band. However, ship stations 
which operate exclusively on the Mississippi River and its connecting 
waterways, and on high frequency bands above 3500 kHz, need be equipped 
with 2182 kHz

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and one other frequency within the band 1605-3500 kHz. Additionally, use 
of A3E emission is permitted for distress and safety purposes on 2182 
kHz for portable survival craft equipment also having the capability to 
operate on 500 kHz and for transmitters authorized for use prior to 
January 1, 1972.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, at least 
one VHF radiotelephone transmitter/receiver must be able to transmit and 
receive on the following frequencies:
    (1) The distress, safety and calling frequency 156.800 MHz;
    (2) The primary intership safety frequency 156.300 MHz;
    (3) One or more working frequencies; and
    (4) All other frequencies necessary for its service.
    (c) Where a ship ordinarily has no requirement for VHF 
communications, handheld VHF equipment may be used solely to comply with 
the bridge-to-bridge navigational communication requirements contained 
in subpart U of this part.
[ 51 FR 31213 , Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at  52 FR 35244 , Sept. 18, 1987]