Do small passenger vessels have to carry GMDSS equipment?
The GMDSS does not apply to U.S. passenger ships which carry six persons or less. Passenger ships on international voyages required to carry SOLAS certification have to carry GMDSS equipment, regardless of size. The FCC, in an order released November 20, 1998, has temporarily waived the requirement for certain GMDSS equipment to be carried on small passenger vessels less than 100 gross tons subject to FCC regulation 47 CFR 80.933. This waiver will be terminated once the Coast Guard has notified the Commission that Sea Area A1 and A2 is established, at which time, small passenger vessels will be required to fully comply with the Commission’s FCC rules. The Commission intends to provide at least six months notice before terminating this waiver.
