A brief overview of why survival craft communications matter in maritime safety, the role of portable VHF radiotelephones in emergencies and abandonment situations, and the connection to GMDSS standards and international requirements. Communication reach and interoperability with authorized communication partners. Survival craft transceivers may communicate with: other survival craft, rescue units, and aircraft. The Survival Craft Transceiver (SCT) must have a minimum power of 1 watt.
The core requirements for Survival Craft Portable VHF Radios are durability and environmental protection. It must be watertight, with watertightness verified to a depth of 1 meter for 5 minutes. The requirement for a minimum effective radiated power of 0.25 watts is low power, but reliable transmission is appropriate for short-range distress communication. The antenna design requirement is fixed: a non-removable antenna to prevent loss or damage during emergencies. The communication mode requirement is for simplex voice communications only, with the mandatory ability to operate on Channel 16, international distress, safety, and calling frequency. The operation on Ch. 13 or Ch. 70 is not required for survival craft sets.
