FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

6.7.9 Socio-Economic Issues
The issues outlined in section 6.6.10 concerning MF communications are generally
applicable here. However the newer automated HF systems already seem to offer a
viable and cost effective alternative to satellite communications. Although operated by
commercial entities there is a need to exploit the entrepreneurial nature of the systems
but at the same time developing the means to provide competition and diversity in order
to ensure a reliable and long term service. This is especially important if such services are
recognised as providing an acceptable and approved alternative for the GMDSS.
Other new digital systems could be introduced on a national and non-interference basis
without jeopardising the interoperability with ships from foreign countries. It is envisaged
that the introduction of new digital technologies will be only possible on a medium to longterm
basis. A change of the HF frequency and channel arrangements will have serious
cost implications and in particular developing countries will find it difficult. On the other
hand with present modern synthesizer equipment, a frequency change within a given
band is not a major issue. As long as enough bandwidth for the modes of operation
presently used is preserved to meet the needs of developing countries, there should not
be too much resistance for a gradual change.
Recommendation 6.6: In the HF bands, there is a rapidly growing need for digital
technologies. Appendix 17 to the Radio Regulations, allows for initial testing and the
possible future introduction within the maritime service of new digital technologies. The
ITU-R is already conducting studies to improve the efficient use of these maritime bands.
It is recommended that every effort is made to support these studies and refrain from
implementing national solutions that might not be compatible with the outcome of these
studies. With regard to SSB telephony, it is believed premature to advocate a changeover
to digital techniques. In the longer term a transition to digital techniques, perhaps
similar to those envisaged for digital HF broadcasting, may be considered.
6.8 VHF – Communications (International)
6.8.1 Frequency Allocations (international)
International VHF maritime communication is located in the sub-bands 156.0125-
157.4375 MHz and 160.6125-162.0375 MHz from within the band 156-174 MHz allocated
to the mobile service on a primary basis. The frequencies and their conditions of use are
specified in Appendix 18 to the Radio Regulations (Table of transmitting frequencies in
the VHF maritime mobile service). Appendix 18 provides for 59 channels (1-28, 60-88,
AIS1, AIS2) to be used for:
• ship and coast stations;
• single-frequency or two-frequency operation;
• inter-ship, port operations and ship movement, public correspondence;
• digital selective calling for distress, safety and calling (exclusive use of channel
70);
• distress, safety and calling (exclusive use of channel 16);
• automatic ship identification and surveillance (exclusive use of channels AIS 1
and 2; see also Section 6.10);
For further details, see Appendix 18.
Apart from DSC and AIS, the main use is for radiotelephony. However, certain channels
can also be used for direct-printing telegraphy, data and facsimile transmissions.
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