COP_2023_V7_pages

11.5 RF COMMUNICATIONS INSTALLATION
11.5.1 All radio communication equipment should be of a type which is approved by the relevant authority.
11.5.2 VHF transmission and reception ranges are reliable only within the line of sight ranges of the aerials.
11.5.3 Aerials should be mounted as high as is practicable to maximise performance. When the main aerial is fitted to
a mast, which is equipped to carry sails, an emergency aerial should be provided.
11.5.4 Masters, Owners and Operators should be aware of VHF coverage in the intended area of operation. Where the
certainty of good VHF coverage in the UK coastal area is in doubt, Masters, Owners and Operators should seek
advice from the Administration on whether Medium Frequency (MF) or other equipment with long range
transmission capability should be carried. (i.e. Mobile Satellite Communications Systems, etc.).
11.5.5 All radio installations should be:
n Located to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety and operational availability;
n Protected against the harmful effects of water, extremes of temperature and other adverse environmental
conditions.
11.5.6 Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 11.4, when the electrical supply to radio equipment is from a battery,
charging facilities (which are capable of recharging batteries to minimum capacity requirements within 10 hours)
or a duplicate battery of capacity sufficient for the voyage should be provided.
11.5.7 The battery electrical supply to radio equipment should be protected against flooding/swamping as far as
practicable and arranged so that radio communications are not interrupted in adverse conditions. When the
efficiency of the required protection against flooding/swamping cannot be guaranteed with batteries located below
the freeboard deck, an efficiently protected battery electrical supply to the radio equipment should be provided
above the freeboard deck.
11.5.8 When fully charged, the batteries should provide at least the minimum required hours of operation to ensure
effective use of the GMDSS installation.
QinetiQ operations
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MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 7