CMRT CMRT Regulatory Compliance & Type Approval 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which U.S. federal agency has primary authority over the radio-frequency spectrum used by marine radar systems in U.S. waters?
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (Correct answer)
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Correct answer: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC regulates commercial radio-frequency emissions, including marine radar, under the Communications Act for civilian vessels in U.S. waters.
Question 2: Under SOLAS Chapter V, which classes of vessels are required to carry an approved radar system?
- Cargo ships of 300 GT or more and all passenger ships on international voyages (Correct answer)
- Only vessels over 10,000 GT
- All vessels regardless of size or voyage type
- Only naval and government vessels
Correct answer: Cargo ships of 300 GT or more and all passenger ships on international voyages
SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 mandates radar carriage for cargo ships of 300 GT or more and all passenger ships on international voyages.
Question 3: What does 'type approval' mean for a marine radar system sold in the United States?
- The equipment has been tested and certified to meet applicable performance and safety standards by a recognized body (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer has self-declared compliance without third-party testing
- The radar has been approved only for inland waterway use
- The equipment meets military specification MIL-STD requirements
Correct answer: The equipment has been tested and certified to meet applicable performance and safety standards by a recognized body
Type approval confirms that a specific radar model has been independently tested and found to comply with applicable IMO, IEC, and FCC requirements.
Question 4: Which IMO resolution sets the current performance standards for shipborne radar equipment?
- MSC.192(79) (Correct answer)
- MSC.74(69)
- A.820(19)
- MSC.302(87)
Correct answer: MSC.192(79)
IMO Resolution MSC.192(79), adopted in 2004, replaced earlier standards and defines current minimum performance requirements for shipborne radar.
Question 5: A CMRT technician installs a replacement radar on a U.S.-flagged SOLAS vessel. Which document must be updated to reflect the new installation?
- Ship's Safety Radio Certificate (Correct answer)
- Ship's Certificate of Registry
- Load Line Certificate
- MARPOL Annex I Record Book
Correct answer: Ship's Safety Radio Certificate
The Safety Radio Certificate lists approved navigational radio and radar equipment; replacing radar equipment requires the certificate to be updated by a USCG-authorized surveyor.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of the FCC's Ship Station License for a vessel equipped with marine radar?
- To authorize the vessel to operate radio-frequency-emitting equipment including radar in U.S. and international waters (Correct answer)
- To certify the vessel's hull integrity for ocean voyages
- To register the vessel's AIS MMSI number
- To approve the radar technician's competency level
Correct answer: To authorize the vessel to operate radio-frequency-emitting equipment including radar in U.S. and international waters
An FCC Ship Station License authorizes the operation of all shipboard radio transmitters, including radar, and is required for vessels traveling internationally.
CMRT CMRT Regulatory Compliance & Type Approval 1
Which U.S. federal agency has primary authority over the radio-frequency spectrum used by marine radar systems in U.S. waters?