Sec. 80.179  Unattended operation.

    The following unattended transmitter operations are authorized:
    (a) EPIRB operations when emergency conditions preclude attendance 
of the EPIRB transmitter by a person.
    (b) Automatic use of a transmitter during narrow-band direct-
printing (NB-DP) operations in accordance with Sec. 80.219.
    (c) Automatic use of a transmitter during selective calling 
operations in accordance with Sec. 80.225.
    (d) Automatic use of a transmitter when operating as part of the 
Automated Maritime Telecommunications System (AMTS), an automated multi-
station system for which provisions are contained in this part, or an 
automated public coast station.
    (e) Automatic use of a VHF transmitter to send brief digital 
communications relating to the condition or safety of vessels while 
moored when all of the following conditions are met:
    (1) The equipment must be using DSC in accordance with CCIR 
Recommendations 493 and 541 as modified by this section.
    (2) Sensors must automatically activate the transmitter only under 
one or more of the following conditions:
    (i) Fire, explosion;
    (ii) Flooding;
    (iii) Collision;
    (iv) Grounding;
    (v) Listing, in danger of capsizing;
    (vi) Sinking;
    (vii) Disabled and adrift; and
    (viii) Undesignated condition related to ship safety.
    (3) The ``ROUTINE'' DSC category must be used.
    (4) Communications must be selectively addressed to an individual 
station.
    (5) Transmitter output power must not exceed one watt.
    (6) The call must employ a fixed format and must be in conformity 
with Recommendation 493 as follows:

Format specifier: Individual call--symbol 120 sent twice.
Address: 9 digit maritime mobile service identity of called station.
Category: Routine--symbol 100.
Self-identification: 9 digit ship station identity.
Message 1: Telecommand symbol 126 sent twice.
Message 2: Telecommand symbol 126 sent 6 times.
End of sequence: Symbol 127.
Error-check character: Check sum.

    (7) Such transmissions are permitted only on channel 70 and the 
transmitter must be inhibited automatically whenever there is another 
call in progress on Channel 70.
    (8) The call sequence for any one alarm must not be repeated until 
after an interval of at least five seconds. Further repetition is 
permitted only after intervals of at least fifteen minutes each. 
Repetitions following fifteen-minute waiting intervals must not exceed 
three.
[ 54 FR 10008 , Mar. 9, 1989, as amended at  62 FR 40305 , July 28, 1997]

                 Subpart E--General Technical Standards