Title 33, Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-102
§1205 Radiotelephone Capability; Maintenance; Restoration; Consequences of Loss: Navigation of Vessel
Title 33 › CHAPTER 24 — VESSEL BRIDGE-TO-BRIDGE COMMUNICATION › § 1205
Summary
If a vessel must carry a radiotelephone, the radio must work. If it fails, the master must try to restore it promptly; a failure alone is not a violation or a reason to anchor, but the loss must be considered when navigating.
Full Legal Text
Title 33, §1205
Navigation and Navigable Waters, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Whenever radiotelephone capability is required by this chapter, a vessel’s radiotelephone equipment shall be maintained in effective operating condition. If the radiotelephone equipment carried aboard a vessel ceases to operate, the master shall exercise due diligence to restore it or cause it to be restored to effective operating condition at the earliest practicable time. The failure of a vessel’s radiotelephone equipment shall not, in itself, constitute a violation of this chapter, nor shall it obligate the master of any vessel to moor or anchor his vessel; however, the loss of radiotelephone capability shall be given consideration in the navigation of the vessel.
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. § 1205
Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102