Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)

Regulations

Merchant Shipping (Training, Certification and Safe Manning) Regulations, 2021

Annexures

Annexure 2 : Watchkeeping Arrangements and Principles for Ships other than Fishing Vessels

Part 4-3 : Principles to be observed in keeping a radio watch

18. Performing the radio watch

Purchase

86	The radio operator performing radio watchkeeping duties shall—

.1	ensure that watch is maintained on the frequencies specified in the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention; and

.2	while on duty, regularly check the operation of the radio equipment and its sources of energy and report to the master any observed failure of this equipment.

87	The requirements of the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention on keeping a radiotelegraph or radio log, as appropriate, shall be complied with.

The maintenance of radio records, in compliance with the requirements of the Radio Regulations and the SOLAS Convention, is the responsibility of the radio operator designated as having primary responsibility for radiocommunications during distress incidents. The following shall be recorded, together with the times at which they occur:

.1	A summary of distress, urgency and safety radiocommunications;

.2	important incidents relating to the radio service;

.3	where appropriate, the position of the ship at least once per day; and

.4	a summary of the condition of the radio equipment, including its sources of energy.

89	The radio records shall be kept at the distress communications operating position, and shall be made available—

.1	for inspection by the master; and

.2	inspection by any authorized official of the Administration and by any duly authorized officer exercising control under article X of the Convention.