FCC VHF Coastal Stations & USCG Communications

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing to amend its rules governing very high frequency public coast (VPC) stations to, among other things, allow the U.S. Coast Guard and VPC licensees the additional flexibility to choose non-offset, as well as offset, channel pairs when negotiating an agreement regarding the specification of two narrowband channel pairs that will be used by the Coast Guard for its Ports and Waterways Safety System (PAWSS). The proposal would also allow VPC licensees to provide a full range of data services and to maintain station documents via electronic means. Comments on the proposals should be submitted by April 5, 2002. 67 Fed. Reg. 5080