Rules and regulations of this Regulation shall apply to Saudi seafarers and non-Saudi seafarers who working on board Saudi ships as well as on board foreign ships operating in State ports and waters, excluding military ships, military supply ships or any stateowned ship used for non-commercial governmental purposes, fishing ships, wooden ships and yachts are used for non-commercial purposes.

Interpretative Note:

The mandatory provisions related to the radio watch are included in the Radio Regulations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, as amended, and the provisions for the maintenance of wireless communication devices are included in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, as amended, along with the guidelines adopted by the organization.

The provisions of this chapter apply to radio operators on ships operating in the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) as prescribed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

1. Every person in charge of or performing radio duties on a ship required to participate in the GMDSS shall hold an appropriate certificate related to the GMDSS, issued or recognized by the Administration under the provisions of the Radio Regulations.

2. Every candidate for certification of competency under this regulation for service on a ship, which is required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, to have a radio installation, shall:

• - be not less than 18 years of age,

• - have completed approved education and training and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-IV/2 of the STCW Code.