[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 101 (Tuesday, May 27, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 28826]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13075]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[DA 03-1711]


Wireless Telecomunications Bureau Promotes Increased Martime 
Safety by Expanding Collection of Maritime Mobile Service Information

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Wireless Communications Bureau will collect additional 
MMSI data recommended by the International Maritime Organization and 
requested by the GMDSS Task Force. This data collection will be 
available for U.S Coast Guard use in search and rescue operation and it 
will enhance maritime safety and improve homeland security. The 
intended effect of this notice is to expedite search and rescue and 
avoid large cases of false alerts which are a great burden on the U.S. 
Coast Guard search and rescue operations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ghassan Khalek, Public Safety & 
Private Wireless Division, at 202-418-0680.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Federal 
Communications Commission's Public Notice, DA 03-1711, released on May 
15, 2003. The full text of this document is available for inspection 
and copying during normal business hours in the Federal Communications 
Commission Reference Center, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20554. The complete text may be purchased from the Federal 
Communications Commission's copy contractor, Qualex International, 445 
12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554. The full text may 
also be downloaded at http://wireless.fcc.gov. Alternative formats are 
available to persons with disabilities by contacting Brian Millin at 
(202) 418-7426 or TTY (202) 418-7365 or at [email protected].
    On December 23, 2002, the Public Safety and Private Wireless 
Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a Public Notice 
inviting parties to file comments regarding a request submitted by the 
National GMDSS Implementation Task Force (Task Force) that the 
Commission expand its Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) database 
to incorporate additional data fields in accordance with the 
recommendation in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly 
Resolution A.887(21). The Task Force suggested that the change be 
implemented by revising the Commission's application forms to require 
submission of the expanded data when applying for a station license and 
when renewing such licenses. All of the comments we received supported 
the request. We have reviewed the record, and find that the adding the 
additional data fields is appropriate and will improve search and 
rescue operations.
    In this regard, we conclude that adding the additional data fields 
is warranted because the efficiency and ease of use of the new GMDSS 
radio system has resulted in a substantial increase in advertent 
transmission of false alerts, particularly by vessels using the system 
voluntarily whose operators are not required to be trained or licensed. 
The U.S. Coast Guard utilizes the information available from numerous 
databases, including the Commission's MMSI database, to enhance 
response to GMDSS distress alerts. The collection of the additional 
data fields recommended by the IMO will improve the validation process, 
which will help prevent the unnecessary launching of search and rescue 
assets.
    Specifically, the Commission will collect the recommended data for 
each vessel (data that the Commission does not currently collect from 
applicants is indicated with an asterisk):
    1. Ship name;
    2. Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI);
    3. Call sign;
    4. *EPIRB Identification Code (if applicable) and its homing 
frequency;
    5. Country;
    6. Ship identification number (IMO number or national registration 
number);
    7. Brief ship description;
    8. *Name, address, telephone and telefax number of emergency 
contact person ashore;
    9. *Alternative 24-hour emergency telephone number (alternative 
contact ashore);
    10. *Capacity for persons on board (passengers and crew);
    11. *Radio installation (Inmarsat-A,B,C,D, VHF DSC, etc.) for ship 
and survival craft;
    12. Identification number for all radio systems available;
    13. *Type and number of survival craft; and
    14. Date of last modification of database record.
    The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau is in the process of 
enhancing the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to allow the database to 
collect the additional data. A separate Public Notice will be released 
when the ULS enhancements are deployed.

Federal Communications Commission.
D'wana R. Terry,
Chief, Public Safety & Private Wireless Division, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau.
[FR Doc. 03-13075 Filed 5-23-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P