Accounting Authority Transition Frequently Asked Questions

1) Why do I need to get a new Accounting Authority?

Currently, the FCC acts as the Accounting Authority for private and Federal U.S. registered vessels that have selected accounting authority identification code (AAIC) US01 and as the "accounting authority of last resort" for users that have not designated an Accounting Authority to act for them. On December 21, 2018, the Commission released an Order (FCC 18-186) in which it decided to implement an orderly transfer of its Accounting Authority duties to private Accounting Authorities no later than one year following the announcement of a transition plan. The FCC will stop performing the functions of an Accounting Authority at the close of business on April 22, 2020. AAIC US01 will be deactivated.

2) How can I tell if I am affected?

If you do not have an Inmarsat-C terminal and do not use a foreign public coast station, you probably will not be affected.

If you do have an Inmarsat-C terminal, find your original Inmarsat terminal commissioning documentation. Check the AAIC entered on that document. If the entered AAIC is "US01" or "FCC," you are affected. If you cannot find your original commissioning form, and you have not received a bill for an operational Inmarsat terminal in over a year, you should assume that you are affected by the Commission's withdrawal as an Accounting Authority.

3) What steps do I need to take to select a new Accounting Authority?

  1. Select one of the Accounting Authorities listed for the United States by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) here:
    https://www.itu.int/mmsapp/AccountingAuthority/list
  2. Contact the Accounting Authority (contact information for each Accounting Authority is available by clicking on its name in the ITU list) for their procedures on how to transfer your terminal(s) to the selected Accounting Authority. (Note: Some of these private accounting authorities may not currently settle accounts for maritime services, or may serve only their own fleets, or may no longer be active.)
  3. The Accounting Authority will notify the FCC via email of your intentions to transfer from US01.
  4. The notification from the new Accounting Authority will seek to determine if there is an outstanding debt for the requested terminal(s). ALL OUTSTANDING DEBTS MUST BE SETTLED.
  5. The FCC will research and respond in 3 to 5 business days to the new Accounting Authority informing them of your financial standing.
  6. If there is no outstanding debt, the FCC will issue a "Free and Clear" status, and the new Accounting Authority will continue its process in transferring your terminal.
  7. If you have an outstanding balance on your terminal(s), then this debt must be settled with the FCC prior to transferring the terminal to the new Accounting Authority.

4) When is the final date that FCC can be used as an Accounting Authority?

No later than April 22, 2020, users that have relied on the Commission as an Accounting Authority must affirmatively select a new Accounting Authority, contract with such entity, and reactivate/recommission their terminal(s) with their selected Accounting Authority's AAIC. Please note that some of these private Accounting Authorities may not currently settle accounts for maritime services; however, any certified U.S. Accounting Authorities may settle accounts for any class of service. 1

5) What happens if I do not select a new Accounting Authority before April 22, 2020?

Failure to select an Accounting Authority before the FCC stops performing Accounting Authority functions will result in the terminal being barred immediately upon its use once withdrawal occurs. This will render such users unable to transmit maritime messages other than distress alerts, interrupting important maritime safety communications including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, Ship Security and Alerting System, and Long Range Identification and Tracking, as well as routine private communications. If a terminal that is carried to meet a carriage requirement under U.S. Coast Guard, FCC, or Safety of Life at Sea Convention regulations is barred, the vessel will be in violation of those regulations.

6) Who do I contact at the FCC for additional questions or questions pertaining to outstanding debt?

  1. Tisha Littleton at 202-418-1501 or via email Tisha.Littleton@fcc.gov
  2. Tim Dates at 202-418-0496 or via email Tim.Dates@fcc.gov

 

 

1 The FCC will continue to maintain a current list of private Accounting Authorities. The FCC will also continue to certify and monitor Accounting Authorities in the maritime mobile and maritime mobile-satellite radio services going forward. Any applications to the FCC for certification as an Accounting Authority are processed according to the FCC's rules in Part 3 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Any pending applications during and after the transition will be handled accordingly.