Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment - Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004

Administered by Department of Communications and the Arts

Legislation au F2005B00097 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004

as amended

made under subsection 162 (1) of the

Radiocommunications Act 1992

This compilation was prepared on 24 November 2005
taking into account amendments up to Radiocommunications Amendment Standard 2005 (No. 1)

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney-General’s Department, Canberra

Contents

 1 Name of Standard [see Note 1]

 2 Commencement [see Note 1]

 3 Revocation 

 4 Definitions 

 5 Application 

 6 Standard for performance — VHF radiotelephone equipment with DSC capability             

 7 Standard for performance — VHF radiotelephone equipment without DSC capability             

 8 Effect of amendment of standard for performance 

Notes   

 

 

 

 

1 Name of Standard [see Note 1]

  This Standard is the Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004.

2 Commencement [see Note 1]

  This Standard commences on the date of its notification in the Gazette.

3 Revocation

  Radiocommunications Standard (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) No. 1 of 1997 is revoked.

4 Definitions

  In this Standard:

Act means the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

AS/NZS 4415.1:2003 means AS/NZS 4415.1:2003 Radiotelephone transmitter and receivers for the maritime mobile service operating in the VHF bands — Technical characteristics and methods of measurement Part 1: Shipborne equipment and limited coast stations (including DSC) (IEC 61097-7, MOD), published by Standards Australia, as in force from time to time.

AS/NZS 4415.2:2003 means AS/NZS 4415.2:2003 Radiotelephone transmitter and receivers for the maritime mobile service operating in the VHF bands — Technical characteristics and methods of measurement Part 2: Major coast stations, limited coast stations, ship stations, and handheld stations (non DSC) (ETS 300 162:1998, MOD), published by Standards Australia, as in force from time to time.

DSC capability, in relation to a radiocommunications device, means equipment that incorporates digital selective calling facilities that conform to clause 4.5 of AS/NZS 4415.1:2003.

maritime mobile service VHF frequencies means the frequencies specified (in MHz) for maritime mobile services in columns 2 to 5 of:

 (a) Table 1A of AS/NZS 4415.1:2003; and

 (b) Table 1A of AS/NZS 4415.2:2003.

Note   Maritime mobile service is defined in regulation 3 of the Radiocommunications Regulations 1993.

5 Application

 (1) This Standard applies to a radiocommunications device:

 (a) that is a radiotelephone transmitter or receiver that operates, or is capable of being operated, on 1 or more of the maritime mobile service VHF frequencies; and

 (b) that is not a device mentioned in subsection (2).

Exception — device imported for significant event

 (2) This subsection applies to a radiocommunications device that:

 (a) is imported in Australia solely for use in connection with a significant event; and

 (b) if required to be tested or inspected before it is used in Australia — meets the testing or inspection requirements; and

 (c) if conditions or requirements are imposed on the use of the device in Australia — complies with those conditions or requirements; and

 (d) is used in Australia only at the location of the significant event; and

 (e) is used in Australia only for the duration of the significant event.

 (3) In this section:

significant event means an event at a specified location or locations, notified on the website www.acma.gov.au with the approval of the Chair.

6 Standard for performance — VHF radiotelephone equipment with DSC capability

 (1) For paragraph 162 (1) (a) of the Act, the standard for performance for VHF radiotelephone transmitters and receivers with DSC capability is the standard set out in AS/NZS 4415.1:2003:

 (a) other than the provisions set out in subsection (2); and

 (b) as modified by subsection (3).

 (2) For paragraph (1) (a), the provisions are as follows:

 (a) subclause 3.1 (Introduction);

 (b) subclause 3.2 (General);

 (c) subclause 3.3.1 (Composition);

 (d) subclause 3.3.2.7 (Controls and indicators);

 (e) subclause 3.3.3 (Loudspeaker and handset);

 (f) subclause 3.3.4 (Switching time);

 (g) subclause 3.3.5 (Safety precautions);

 (h) subclause 3.3.7 (Marking and identification);

 (i) subclause 3.3.8 (Warming-up period);

 (j) subclause 3.3.9 (DSC facilities);

 (k) subclause 3.3.10 (Multiple watch facilities);

 (l) subclause 3.4 (Environmental requirements and electromagnetic compatibility);

 (m) subclause 4.5 (DSC facility);

 (n) subclause 5.2.9 (Measurement uncertainty);

 (o) subclause 5.5.1 (Harmonic distortion and rated audio frequency output power);

 (p) subclause 5.5.2 (Audio frequency response);

 (q) subclause 5.5.4 (Co-channel rejection ratio);

 (r) subclause 5.5.10 (Amplitude response of the receiver limiter);

 (s) subclause 5.5.11 (Receiver hum and noise level);

 (t) subclause 5.5.13 (Squelch hysteresis);

 (u) subclause 5.5.14 (Scanning characteristics of multiple watch facilities);

 (v) subclause 5.7 (DSC operation);

 (w) subclause 5.8.2 (Radiated spurious emission);

 (x) subclause 5.8.3 (Immunity to electromagnetic environment).

 (3) Subclause 3.3.2.6 of AS/NZS 4415.1:2003 is modified by adding at the end of the subclause the following sentence:

  The equipment must also have a switch for reducing transmitter carrier power to no more than 1 watt (refer subclause 5.4.2.3).

7 Standard for performance — VHF radiotelephone equipment without DSC capability

 (1) For paragraph 162 (1) (a) of the Act, the standard for performance for VHF radiotelephone transmitters and receivers without DSC capability is the standard set out in AS/NZS 4415.2:2003:

 (a) other than the provisions set out in subsection (2); and

 (b) as modified by subsection (3).

 (2) For paragraph (1) (a), the provisions are as follows:

 (a) subclause 4.1 (Construction), paragraphs 1 to 5;

 (b) subclause 4.3 (Handset and loudspeaker);

 (c) subclause 4.4 (Safety precautions);

 (d) subclause 4.5 (Labelling);

 (e) subclause 4.6 (Warm up);

 (f) subclause 5.1 (Switching time);

 (g) subclause 5.3 (Multiple watch facilities);

 (h) subclause 5.4 (DSC controller interfaces);

 (i) subclause 6.7 (Measurement uncertainty and interpretation of the measured results);

 (j) clause 7 (Environmental tests);

 (k) subclause 9.1 (Harmonic distortion and rated audio frequency output power);

 (l) subclause 9.2 (Audio frequency response);

 (m) subclause 9.10 (Radiated spurious emissions);

 (n) subclause 9.14 (Multiple watch characteristic).

 (3) The third paragraph of subclause 4.2 of AS/NZS 4415.2:2003 is modified by omitting:

  • a control for reducing the brightness of the equipment illumination to zero.

8 Effect of amendment of standard for performance

 (1) If a VHF radiotelephone transmitter or receiver is manufactured, imported, altered or modified within 1 year after the standard for performance is amended, the device is taken to meet the standard for performance if it meets that standard as in force immediately before the amendment.

 (2) A VHF radiotelephone transmitter or receiver that is manufactured, imported, altered or modified 1 year or more after the standard for performance is amended must meet the standard for performance as amended.

Notes to the Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004

Note 1

The Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004 (in force under subsection 162 (1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992) as shown in this compilation is amended as indicated in the Tables below.

Under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003, which came into force on 1 January 2005, it is a requirement for all non-exempt legislative instruments to be registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.

Table of Instruments

Title

Date of notification
in Gazette or FRLI registration

Date of
commencement

Application, saving or
transitional provisions

Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004

1 Sept 2004 (see Gazette 2004, No. GN35)

1 Sept 2004

 

Radiocommunications Amendment Standard 2005 (No. 1)

22 Nov 2005 (see F2005L03647)

23 Nov 2005

Table of Amendments

ad. = added or inserted      am. = amended      rep. = repealed      rs. = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

S. 4.................

am. 2005 No. 1

S. 5.................

rs. 2005 No. 1

 

 

Overview

The Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004, enacted under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, aims to establish technical standards for the performance of Very High Frequency (VHF) radiotelephone equipment used in the maritime mobile service. This standard was introduced to ensure the safety and efficiency of maritime communications, addressing the need for reliable and interoperable equipment within Australia's maritime sector. The enacting body for this Standard is the Parliament of Australia, with the policy objective being to maintain high standards for maritime communication devices, thereby enhancing maritime safety and operational efficiency. The Standard applies to all VHF radiotelephone transmitters and receivers operating or capable of operating on maritime mobile service frequencies, except for those imported for specific significant events, which are subject to certain conditions.

Scope and Application

The Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment — Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004 applies to radiocommunications devices, specifically radiotelephone transmitters or receivers, that operate, or are capable of being operated, on maritime mobile service VHF frequencies. This includes devices used in the maritime industry for communication purposes within Australia. However, devices imported solely for use in connection with a significant event, as notified on the Australian Communications and Media Authority website and approved by the Chair, are exempt from this Standard if they meet certain conditions and requirements, and are used only at the location of the significant event and for its duration. The Standard sets out the performance criteria for VHF radiotelephone equipment with and without Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability, referencing the applicable standards set out in AS/NZS 4415.1:2003 and AS/NZS 4415.2:2003 respectively. The Standard is subject to modification through subordinate instruments, as evidenced by the Radiocommunications Amendment Standard 2005 (No. 1) which amended the original Standard. This Standard applies nationally and is made under subsection 162(1) of the Radiocommunications Act 1992. The Standard is designed to ensure that VHF radiotelephone equipment used in the maritime mobile service in Australia meets certain technical and performance standards to facilitate effective communication. It applies to a broad range of devices and entities within the maritime industry, including ship operators and coast stations. The Standard does not apply to devices that are imported for the sole purpose of being used in a significant event, provided they meet specific conditions and requirements. The Standard’s scope is comprehensive, covering both DSC-capable and non-DSC-capable equipment, with detailed performance criteria and technical requirements outlined in the referenced standards. Any amendments to the Standard will be reflected in subordinate instruments, which will update and refine the requirements as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Radiocommunications (VHF Radiotelephone Equipment – Maritime Mobile Service) Standard 2004 (the Standard) sets out the performance standards for VHF radiotelephone equipment used in the maritime mobile service. The Standard applies to radiotelephone transmitters and receivers that operate or are capable of operating on maritime mobile service VHF frequencies (section 5). The Standard includes exceptions for devices imported for significant events that meet certain conditions (section 5(2)). The Standard specifies two sets of performance requirements. For VHF radiotelephone equipment with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability, the standard is set out in AS/NZS 4415.1:2003, with certain modifications (section 6). These modifications include the addition of a requirement for a switch to reduce transmitter carrier power to no more than 1 watt (section 6(3)). For VHF radiotelephone equipment without DSC capability, the standard is set out in AS/NZS 4415.2:2003, with certain modifications (section 7). These modifications include the omission of a requirement for a control to reduce the brightness of the equipment illumination to zero (section 7(3)). Parties subject to the Standard must ensure that their VHF radiotelephone equipment meets the specified performance standards. This includes manufacturers, importers, and those who alter or modify the equipment. Equipment manufactured, imported, altered, or modified within one year of an amendment to the Standard must meet the standard as it was in force immediately before the amendment (section 8(1)). Equipment manufactured, imported, altered, or modified one year or more after an amendment must meet the amended Standard (section 8(2)). Breaches of the Standard may result in legal consequences under the Radiocommunications Act 1992. While the Standard itself does not specify penalties, non-compliance with the Act can lead to enforcement actions by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). These actions may include fines, confiscation of non-compliant equipment, and other remedies as permitted by the Act. The specific penalties for breaches of the Act are determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act and related regulations.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Technology Law
Environmental Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Commencement Provisions
Regulatory Standards
Reporting & Disclosure Obligations

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.