§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many maritime incidents occurred involving the misuse of emergency maritime channels in36W 1991 and 1992; what proposals he has to detect and prosecute repeat offenders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 7 December 1992]: I have been asked to reply.
No such incidents were reported by the Department of Transport to my Departments Radiocommunications Agency in 1991 and 1992. The detection and prosecution of offenders is an operational matter for the Radiocommunications Agency. The chief executive has been asked to write to the hon. and learned Member.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to combat the misuse of emergency maritime radio channels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Leigh[holding answer 7 December 1992]: I have been asked to reply.
This is an operational matter for the Radiocommunications Agency. The chief executive has been asked to write to the hon. Member.
Letter from B. A. Maxwell to Mr. Alex Carlile, dated 14 December 1992:
Your question number 80 on the Order Paper for 7 December asked the Secretary of State for Transport how many maritime incidents occurred involving the misuse of emergency maritime channels in 1991 and 1992; what proposals he has to detect and prosecute repeat offenders; and if he will make a statement. Your question number 81 asked the Secretary of State for Transport, what proposals he has to combat the misuse of emergency maritime radio channels; and if he will make a statement.As you know, the Chief Executive of the Agency has been asked to write to you in answer to the second part of Question 80 and to Question 81 as these raise operational matters within this Agency's responsibility for the regulation of radio in the UK. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive.The Agency is responsible for ensuring that radio users enjoy the highest possible standard of communications. In particular, our Ministers have asked us to give top priority to dealing with interference that affects the emergency or safety of life radio services.The Agencys enforcement work extends over the entire radio spectrum but we do devote substantial effort to marine radio use. This is largely done through advice and education. Individual contact is an excellent way in which to emphasise the importance of responsible radio operation and educate users about this. In the last financial year my staff made direct contact with over 8,000 marine radio users. We also undertake initiatives to publicise the requirements for marine radio operation and Agency staff attend major boat shows and events such as Cowes Week.All these efforts have resulted in a large increase in recent years in the number of marine radio users who have attained the necessary level of competence to operate marine radio and who should be well aware of the importance of correct operating practice, especially where channels designated for distress calls are concerned.However, in cases in which advice and education is not enough, the Agency stands ready to take direct enforcement action. The maritime emergency channels arre monitored by HM Coastguards, who have a procedure for reporting to the Agency users who persistently fail to comply with the regulations so that the Agency can take appropriate follow-up action, including prosecution.There were no such reports from the Coastguards to the Agency in the years you questioned but nevertheless the Agency has successfully prosecuted for various marine radio offences on three occasions in the present financial year and further prosecutions are pending. In the last two financial years there were a total of 12 prosecutions for marine radio offences and in all cases convictions were obtained.I hope this is helpful.