Sec.  80.1127   On-scene communications.

   (a) On-scene communications are those between mobile unit in distress and
   assisting mobile units, and between the mobile units and unit coordinating
   search and rescue operations.

   (b) Control of on-scene communications is the responsibility of the unit
   coordinating search and rescue operations. Simplex communications must be
   used so that all on-scene mobile stations may share relevant information
   concerning the distress incident. If direct-printing telegraphy is used, it
   must  be in the forward error-correcting mode in accordance with ITU-R
   Recommendation M.625–3, with Annex, as specified in  Sec. 80.1101.

   (c) The preferred frequencies in radiotelephony for on-scene communications
   are 156.8 MHz and 2182 kHz. The frequency 2174.5 kHz may also be used for
   ship-to-ship on-scene communications using narrow-band direct-printing
   telegraphy in the forward error correcting mode in accordance with ITU-R
   Recommendation M.625–3, “Direct-printing Telegraph Equipment Employing
   Automatic Identification in the Maritime Mobile Service,” with Annex, 1995,
   as  specified  in  Sec. 80.1101. ITU-R Recommendation M.625–3 with Annex is
   incorporated by reference. The Director of the Federal Register approves
   this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
   Part  51.  Copies  of  this  standard  can be inspected at the Federal
   Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC (Reference
   Information Center) or at the National Archives and Records Administration
   (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call
   202–741–6030, or go to:
   http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_loc
   ations.html.  The  ITU-R  Recommendation  can  be  purchased  from the
   International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Place des Nations, CH–1211
   Geneva 20, Switzerland.

   (d) In addition to 156.8 MHz and 2182 kHz, the frequencies 3023 kHz, 4125
   kHz, 5680 kHz, 123.1 MHz and 156.3 MHz may be used for ship-to-aircraft
   on-scene communications.

   (e)  The  selection  or  designation  of  on-scene  frequencies is the
   responsibility  of the unit coordinating search and rescue operations.
   Normally, once an on-scene frequency is established, a continuous aural or
   teleprinter watch is maintained by all participating on-scene mobile units
   on the selected frequency.

   [ 51 FR 31213 , Sept. 2, 1986, as amended at  68 FR 46981 , Aug. 7, 2003]