Wireless Telegraphy Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1913, published under Statutory Rules 1913 No. 18, were introduced to amend the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905 and address the need for efficient communication of ocean forecasts and weather reports between radiotelegraph stations and vessels at sea. Enacted by the Governor-General in Council, these regulations established a framework for the transmission of such reports, setting forth specific charges for each communication. This legislative instrument aimed to enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency by ensuring that vital weather information could be disseminated promptly and reliably. The policy objective behind these regulations was to provide a structured mechanism for the transmission of ocean forecasts and weather reports, thus supporting maritime navigation and safety.

Scope and Application

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 1913, issued under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905, pertain to the transmission of ocean forecasts and weather reports by radiotelegraph stations. These stations, owned, operated, and maintained by or on behalf of the Postmaster-General, are responsible for transmitting ocean forecasts sent by the Commonwealth Meteorologist to vessels at sea and for relaying weather reports received from vessels to the Commonwealth Meteorologist. This regulation applies to the Commonwealth Meteorologist, radiotelegraph stations, and vessels at sea, and it specifies the charges for the transmission of these communications, including a base fee for messages up to 20 words and an additional charge for each word beyond that limit, plus ordinary landline charges. The regulation applies nationally, reflecting the Commonwealth's jurisdiction over wireless telegraphy, and extends its application through the specified charges and operational directives. Notably, these regulations do not explicitly exclude any parties or types of communications but impose specific financial obligations for the services provided.

Key Provisions

The Wireless Telegraphy Regulations, as amended under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905, introduce specific provisions regarding the transmission of ocean forecasts and weather reports. Section 1 of the amended regulation mandates that ocean forecasts, prepared by the Commonwealth Meteorologist, must be transmitted from radiotelegraph stations owned, operated, or maintained by the Postmaster-General to vessels at sea (Regulation 1). Additionally, weather reports received at these stations from vessels, addressed to the Commonwealth Meteorologist, are also to be transmitted, subject to the payment of specified charges (Regulation 2). The charges are set at 2 shillings for each communication not exceeding 20 words, with an additional 1 penny for each word beyond 20 words, plus the ordinary land line charges. The obligations imposed by these regulations require the Postmaster-General to ensure that the radiotelegraph stations under their purview are operational and capable of transmitting the specified communications. The Commonwealth Meteorologist is responsible for preparing and dispatching ocean forecasts, while vessels at sea must send their weather reports to the designated radiotelegraph stations for onward transmission. Payment of the prescribed charges is mandatory for the transmission of these reports. Failure to comply with the provisions and payment requirements outlined in the regulations can lead to several consequences. The regulations do not explicitly detail the specific offences or penalties for non-compliance; however, given the context of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1905 and typical legislative frameworks of the time, breaches might be subject to enforcement actions under the broader act. This could include fines, legal proceedings, or other administrative penalties. The exact penalties would be determined based on the relevant provisions of the overarching act and any applicable laws in force at the time of the breach.