GMDSS IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE

21 November 1998
file: tf-fcc-2.wpd/txt

From:	Jack Fuechsel, GMDSS Task Force Executive Director
To:	All Fishing Vessel and Small Passenger Vessel Interests on 
the GMDSS mailing list

Subj:	FCC Order 98-296 released 20 November 1998 waiving 
certain GMDSS rulesapplicable to fishing vessels and small 
passenger vessels

	The FCC, in Order No. 98-296, has granted temporary, conditional 
waivers of certain rules implementing provisions of the Safety of 
Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention relating to the Global Maritime 
Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) for small passenger vessels 
and fishing vessels.

	For Fishing Vessels, the Order has the effect of waiving the 
implementation date for those GMDSS requirements which were to 
have taken effect on 1 February 1999. The FCC will undertake a new 
rule making procedure to determine the extent to which fishing 
vessels should be required to fully comply with the GMDSS rules.

	For passenger vessels, the Order has the effect of extending the 
general small passenger vessel exemptions in Section 80.933 of the 
rules which were due to expire on 1 February 1999. This extension 
applies to passenger vessels of less than 100 gross tons on certain 
narrowly defined waters. The extension is granted in recognition that 
the Coast Guard has not yet been able to complete the planned 
upgrade of their shore MF and VHF networks with the Digital 
Selective Calling (DSC) facilities required for the GMDSS and that it 
would be unreasonable to require those vessels to outfit for high seas 
operation. The FCC intends to provide at least six months notice 
before terminating the waiver.

	For both fishing vessels and small passenger vessels, the waiver 
applies only to those GMDSS requirements which were to have 
taken effect on 1 February 1999. Those GMDSS facilities which 
were required earlier, including EPIRBs, NAVTEX, VHF Portable 
Radios, and Radar Transponders (SARTS) are still required. The 
blanket waivers relieve vessel operators of applying individually for 
exemptions.

	Parties with internet access can download a copy of the Order from 
the FCC web site at 
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/Orders/1998/index.html and 
clicking on "fcc98296". If you are receiving this notice by mail, it is 
because the Task Force does not have an email address for you on 
file. If you have email, please send your address to the Task Force at 
"gmdss@erols.com".