§ 80.811 - Tests of reserve installation and automatic-alarm-signal keying device.

Link to an amendment published at 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003.

(a) The condition of the reserve installation and of the automatic alarm signal keying device must be determined (with the exception noted in paragraph (b) of this section) prior to the vessel's departure from each port and on each day the vessel is outside of a harbor or port. If the vessel is in two or more ports within one day, the required tests need be made only once. If the vessel is in port for less than one day, the required test for that day may be made before arrival or after departure. The following tests must be made and the results entered in the radiotelegraph station log:

(1) Check the reserve power supply as follows:

(i) Test battery charging circuits for correct polarity and charging rate:

(ii) In the case of lead-acid batteries, determine the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

(iii) In the case of other types of batteries, take voltage readings under normal battery load.

(iv) When an engine-driven generator is used, check the quantity of fuel in the fuel tank;

(2) Test the emergency lighting circuits and emergency electric lights by actual operation;

(3) Test the reserve receiver, while energized by the reserve power supply, by actual operation and comparison of received signals with similar signals received by the main receiver;

(4) On days when not used for communication, the reserve transmitter energized by the reserve power supply must be tested by actual operation when connected to the main antenna, an artificial antenna or a reserve antenna.

(5) If installed, the reserve antenna must be used at least once each voyage, noting antenna currents;

(6) Test the automatic-alarm-signal keying device for correct timing adjustment of the keying mechanism. Do not transmit when making this test.

(b) In the case of vessels loading or discharging flammable, unstable or dangerous cargo, or while berthed at oil terminals or in other comparable areas, predeparture transmitter tests need not be made. In such cases, the provisions of paragraph (a)(4) of this section, in connection with predeparture tests, do not apply if a suitable explanation is entered in the radio station log.

Effective Date Note:

At 68 FR 46973, Aug. 7, 2003, § 80.811 was removed, effective October 6, 2003.