The radio station requirements from which the exemption is requested, such as:
- A particular piece of required equipment;
- To allow non-GMDSS certified equipment because it is functionally equivalent to the required GMDSS certified equipment;
- FCC licensed operator requirements; or
- Other requirements due to the circumstances of the vessel.
Detailed description of the voyages for which the exemption is requested, including:
- Maximum distance from nearest land in nautical miles;
- Maximum distance between two consecutive ports in nautical miles;
- Names of all ports of call and an indication of whether travel will include a foreign port; and
- List the specific requirement you are asking an exemption from and supporting information as to why it should be considered.
Reasons for the exemption:
- Size of vessel;
- Variety of radio equipment on board;
- Use of equipment that does not meet the requirements, but serves as a functional equivalent;
- Limited routes; and/or ·Conditions of voyages.
Documents can be attached to the application to support the exemption request. At a minimum, supporting information should include a description of the equipment that is currently onboard and a statement that the equipment is installed and operating properly. Depending on the class of vessel, this could include the following types of equipment:
- VHF Radio Installation (indicate if GMDSS-approved);
- Single Side-Band (SSB) Radio (indicate the bands of operation, and indicate if GMDSS-approved);
- Category 1, 406 MHz EPIRB (indicate if GMDSS-approved);
- NAVTEX Receiver (indicate if GMDSS-approved);
- Survival Craft VHF (indicate if GMDSS approved);
- 9 GHz Radar Transponder (indicate if GMDSS-approved);
- Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs) (indicate if AIS- and GMDSS-approved)
- Ship Earth Station; (include details on the type and model and indicate if GMDSS- approved)
- 2182 Radiotelephone Auto Alarm
- Reserve Power Supply (capability); and
- Any other equipment (i.e. satellite phone make and model.)
Finally, attach a copy of the most recent U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection and/or FCC-licensed inspector’s report if available.