NEWSReport No. WT 96-8          WIRELESS TELECOM ACTION             April 12, 1996

FCC REMOVES RADIOTELEGRAPH REQUIREMENT FOR GLOBAL MARIT   IME
DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM EQUIPPED VESSELS
NEWS
     The Commission has eliminated the requirement that Global Maritime Distress and
Safety System (GMDSS) equipped vessels also carry a manual Morse code radiotelegraph. 
The Commission requested authorization for this change from the Congress and it was
included in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

     Previously, U.S. flagged cargo vessels of more than 1,600 gross tons and U.S. flagged
passenger vessels were required to carry a manual Morse code radiotelegraph installation
when navigating in the open sea or on international voyages.  The radiotelegraph-based vessel
safety system, however, is being phased-out internationally and is scheduled to be replaced by
the GMDSS on February 1, 1999.  Thus, the Commission requested authorization and the
Congress mandated that the Commission eliminate the radiotelegraph carriage requirement for
each GMDSS equipped vessel, upon a determination by the U.S. Coast Guard that the vessel
has GMDSS equipment installed and in good working condition.

     The rule change exempts GMDSS equipped vessels from the radiotelegraph
requirement of the Communications Act, provided that each vessel is inspected by the
Commission, or its designee, and is issued a Safety Certificate or endorsement.  The
Commission noted that the U.S. Coast Guard intends to accept the Safety Certificate or
endorsement as prima facie evidence that the GMDSS has been installed and found to be
operating properly.

     The Commission stated that this action will reduce economic burdens for vessel
operators, enhance world-wide competition in the shipping industry by eliminating a
requirement generally applicable to only U.S. vessels and increase safety at sea by promoting
the timely implementation of the GMDSS. 

     Action by the Commission April 5, 1996, by Order (FCC 96-156).  Chairman Hundt,
Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong.
    
                                 - FCC -
                                    
News Media Contact:  Kara Palamaras at (202) 418-0654
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact:  Roger Noel at (202) 418-0698