Maritime Communications

In this document the Commission amends parts 13 and 80 of the Commission's rules to update and streamline the rules governing the maritime radio services. The paramount goals of these amendments are to enhance maritime safety, promote the efficient use of the maritime radio spectrum, and, to the extent it is consistent with these first two objectives, remove unnecessary regulatory burdens on the users and manufacturers of maritime radio equipment. The amendments also conform part 80 of the Commission's rules with international standards where doing so will not undermine domestic regulatory objectives.