FCC Fine-Tunes Forms for Tracking Ships at Sea
Published Date: 4/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules for businesses using Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment, which helps with marine safety. They want to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 1, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and clear without costing extra time or money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Pre-certification Duplicate Submission to U.S. Coast Guard
Before submitting an FCC certification application for a Class B AIS device, manufacturers must submit in duplicate to the U.S. Coast Guard (Commandant (CG-521), Washington, DC) the manufacturer's name and model number and copies of the test report and test data showing compliance with IEC 62287-1.
Certification Application Must Include USCG Letter and Test Data
An FCC certification application (FCC Form 731) for a Class B AIS device must include a copy of the U.S. Coast Guard letter stating the device satisfies IEC 62287-1, a copy of the technical test data, and the instruction manual(s).
Paperwork Burden: 50,020 Hours, $25,000 Cost
The FCC reports this information collection has 20 respondents, 50,020 responses, an estimated 1 hour per requirement, a total annual burden of 50,020 hours, and an annual cost burden of $25,000. The Commission seeks to extend the currently approved collection for a full three-year OMB clearance and requests comments by June 1, 2026.
Required Warning Label on Class B AIS
Manufacturers of Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitters must label each transmitting device with a required warning and instructions about entering static information. The exact required text includes: "WARNING: It is a violation of the rules of the Federal Communications Commission to input an MMSI that has not been properly assigned to the end user, or to otherwise input any inaccurate data in this device."
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