RES360 – 305 – MOD RESOLUTION 360 (REV.WRC-15) Consideration of regulatory provisions and spectrum allocations to the maritime mobile-satellite service to enable the satellite component of the VHF Data Exchange System and enhanced maritime radiocommunication The World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2015),considering a) that the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) has developed the technical characteristics of a VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) as described in Recommendation ITU-R M.2092; b) that the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as described in Recommendation ITU-R M.1371 is an integral part of the VDES; c) that VDES uses the timing and frame structure of AIS; d) that AIS is used primarily for surveillance and safety of navigation purposes in ship-to-ship use, ship reporting and vessel traffic services applications; e) that there is a growing need for the establishment of a future VDES satellite component which would offer potential enhancements to maritime safety; f) that the VDES satellite component should not interfere with AIS, application specific messages (ASM) and the VDES terrestrial component, while making efficient use of the VHF maritime spectrum and accommodating all users; g) that the VDES satellite component should not cause harmful interference to digital selective calling (DSC), AIS, voice distress, safety and calling channels; h) that the VDES satellite component may operate in the relevant part of the VHF maritime frequency bands 156.0125-157.4375 MHz and 160.6125-162.0375 MHz, noting that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed an international code for ships operating in polar waters (“Polar Code”), recognizing a) that a satellite component for VDES is necessary to expand the system from the coastal area to a global coverage; b) that a satellite component of the VDES offers potential enhancement to VHF safety communication on a global basis to satisfy the increasing need for maritime communication for enhanced maritime safety;