INFORMATION ON THE MARINE VHF RADIOTELEPHONE FOR THE REQUIREMENT OF 4-DIGIT CHANNELS OPERATION

Compliance with the latest ITU Radio Communication Regulations Appendix No.18 including 4-digit channel at first radio survey on or after 1 January 2024

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Undated May 8 2023

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IMO new requirement on Fixed VHF installation

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The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO recognized that incompatibility might exist between VHF radio-communication equipment installed on ships and onshore and the revised frequencies and channeling arrangements for the maritime VHF bands as contained in appendix 18 to the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) – Edition 2020.

The channel table for the marine VHF radiotelephone specified in the Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulation is amended to add the 4-digit channels in 2012. 

Furthermore, the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 104th session, has approved and issued the MSC.1/ Circular 1460/ Rev.3 on 18 October 2021 to notify that every marine VHF radiotelephone needs to be updated so that the equipment meets the arrangements including that 4-digit channels on the Appendix 18.

Therefore, regarding the old marine VHF radiotelephone which is not available to use the 4-digit channels, updating the software or retrofit as soon as practically possible.

Ship Owners and managers are advised to take note of above and accordingly liaise with the VHF radio communication equipment supplier to arrange for timely upgradation of the equipment on their ships.

Please contact us to understand the next course of action for the VHF Installations onboard your vessels.

JRC

Furuno

Tokyo Keiki

Cobham/Sailor