Inspection of Great Lakes Agreement Ships

The Commission has issued a Report and Order which adopts rules to require vessel operators on the Great Lakes subject to the annual inspection requirements of the Agreement between the United States and Canada for the Promotion of Safety on the Great Lakes by Means of Radio (Great Lakes Agreement) to have the inspection performed by an FCC-licensed technicians holding an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License, a GMDSS Radio Maintainer's License, a Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate, or a First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate instead of by Commission staff. The Commission took this action to reduce economic burdens on the public and the Commission. The intended effect of these rule changes is increase the availability of competent, private sector inspectors to conduct Great Lakes Agreement inspections without adversely affecting safety and, thus, provide greater convenience for the maritime industry.