The present document applies to shipborne Very High Frequency (VHF) transmitters and receivers capable of voice and Digital Selective Calling (DSC), radio equipment.

The present document lays down minimum requirements for VHF radio transmitters and receivers operating in certain frequency bands allocated to the maritime mobile service using both 25 kHz and 12,5 kHz channels, and incorporates the requirements of the relevant recommendations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The present document is intended to cover the provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC [1] (R&TTE Directive) Article 3.2, which states that "...radio equipment shall be so constructed that it effectively uses the spectrum allocated to terrestrial/space radio communications and orbital resources so as to avoid harmful interference".

In addition to the present document, other ENs that specify technical requirements in respect of essential requirements under other parts of Article 3 of the R&TTE Directive [1] may apply to equipment within the scope of the present document.