0264_ss_090806

3060-0264

September 2006

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

A. Justification:

1. The record keeping requirement contained in Section 80.413 is necessary to document the number and type of transmitters operating under an on‑board station license. A copy of the rule is attached.

Statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Sections 4, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064–1068, 1081–1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151–155, 301–609; 3 UST 3450, 3 UST 4726, 12 UST 2377.

2. The information is used by FCC personnel during inspections and investigations to determine what mobile units and repeaters are associated with on‑board stations aboard a particular vessel. If this information were not collected, no means would be available to determine if this type of radio equipment is authorized or who is responsible for its operation. Enforcement and frequency management programs would be negatively affected.

3. Prior to finalizing rule makings the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau conducts an analysis to insure that improved information technology cannot be used to reduce the burden on the public. This analysis considers the possibility of obtaining and/or computer‑generating the required data from existing data bases in the Commission or other Federal agencies.

4. This agency does not impose a similar information collection on the respondents. There are no similar data available.

5. In conformance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Commission is making an effort to minimize the burden on all respondents, regardless of size. The Commission has limited the information requirements to those absolutely necessary for evaluating and processing each application and to deter against possible abuses of the processes.

6. If the required information was "collected" less frequently , i.e., not at all, there would be no way for the FCC to determine what mobile units and repeaters are authorized pursuant to a particular on‑board station license or who is responsible for their operation. Enforcement and frequency management programs would be negatively affected.

7. Current data collection is consistent with 5 CFR 1320.6, except that the subject records (i.e. station records) are required to be retained for 10 years to coincide with the station license term. The retention of these records for 10 years imposes a negligible burden on the licensee while providing valuable information to FCC personnel to aid in enforcement and frequency management programs.

8. The Commission initiated a 60-day public comment period which appeared in the Federal Register on December 14, 2005 (70 FR 74005). No comments were received as a result of the notice. A copy of the Federal Register notice is attached.

9. Respondents will not receive any payments.

10. There is no need for confidentiality.

11. There are no requests of a sensitive nature considered or those considered a private matter being sought from the applicants on this collection.

12. There are approximately 1,000 licensees of maritime on‑board stations. Based on a review of the subject records, it is estimated that an average of two hours per year per vessel is required to maintain these simple and minimal records.

Estimated annual cost to respondents:

$17.00 per hour (radio operator)

X 2 hours per station

X1,000 licensees

+ 10% overhead

$37,400

13. Estimate of cost to respondents: None.

a. There are no capital or start-up costs.

b. There are no operational or maintenance costs

14. Estimated annual cost to the Federal Government: None.

15. No change in burden.

16. The data will not be published for statistical use.

17. We do not seek approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection.

18. There were no exceptions to Item 19.

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods:

No statistical methods are employed.