Resolution MSC.199(80)

ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO PROVISION OF RADIO SERVICES FOR THE GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS)
(RESOLUTION A.801(19))

(adopted on 16 May 2005)

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,

RECALLING Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

RECALLING ALSO resolution A.886(21), by which the Assembly resolved that the functions of adopting performance standards and technical specifications, as well as amendments thereto, shall be performed by the Maritime Safety Committee on behalf of the Organization,

HAVING CONSIDERED amendments to the existing criteria for use when providing a NAVTEX service, set out in Annex 4 to resolution A.801(19) - Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), as prepared by the ninth session of the Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue,

ADOPTS the revised Annex 4 to resolution A.801(19) on Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), set out in the Annex to the present resolution;

RECOMMENDS Member Governments to ensure that NAVTEX services established on or after 1 January 2006 conform to criteria not inferior to that set out in the Annex to the present resolution.

Annex.

AMENDMENTS TO PROVISION OF RADIO SERVICES FOR THE GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM (GMDSS)
 (RESOLUTION A.801(19))

The existing text of Annex 4 is replaced by the following:

“Annex 4.
 CRITERIA FOR USE WHEN PROVIDING A NAVTEX SERVICE

1. There are two basic areas which must be defined when establishing a NAVTEX service. They are:

Coverage area: An area defined by an arc of a circle having a radius from the transmitter calculated according to the method and criteria given in this Annex.

Service area: A unique and precisely defined sea area, wholly contained within the coverage area, for which MSI is provided from a particular NAVTEX transmitter. It is normally defined by a line which takes full account of local propagation conditions and the character and volume of information and maritime traffic patterns in the region.

2. Governments desiring to provide a NAVTEX service should use the following criteria for calculating the coverage area of the NAVTEX transmitter they intend to install, in order to:

- determine the most appropriate location for NAVTEX stations having regard to existing or planned stations;

- avoid interference with existing or planned NAVTEX stations; and

- establish a service area for promulgation to seafarers.

3. The ground-wave coverage may be determined for each coast station by reference to Recommendation ITU-R PN.368-7 and ITU-R Report 322 for the performance of a system under the following conditions:

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¹ Administrations should determine time periods in accordance with NAVTEX time transmission table (NAVTEX Manual, figure 3) and seasons appropriate to their geographic area based on prevailing noise level.

² The range of a NAVTEX transmitter depends on the transmitter power and local propagation conditions. The actual range achieved should be adjusted to the minimum required for adequate reception in the NAVTEX area served, taking into account the