Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-102
§1204 Radiotelephone for Exclusive Use of Master, Person in Charge, or Pilot; Frequency Listening Watch; Portable Radiotelephone Equipment
Title 33 › CHAPTER 24 — VESSEL BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE COMMUNICATION › § 1204
Summary
The vessel's required radiotelephone is for the master, the person in charge, or someone they appoint to pilot or direct the vessel, and that person must monitor the assigned frequency. Portable radios may be used to meet this rule.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §1204
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
The radiotelephone required by this chapter is for the exclusive use of the master or person in charge of the vessel, or the person designated by the master or person in charge to pilot or direct the movement of the vessel, who shall maintain a listening watch on the designated frequency. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted as precluding the use of portable radiotelephone equipment to satisfy the requirements of this chapter.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective May 1, 1971, or six months after the promulgation of
Regulations
which would implement its provisions, whichever is later, see section 10 of Pub. L. 92–63, set out as a note under section 1201 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
33 U.S.C. § 1204
Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102