Seamen belonging to the telecommunications department refer to the following positions:
1. Radio electronic operator, GMDSS general operator, GMDSS restricted operator.
2. Other seamen that make up the telecommunications department.

The telecommunications department director shall have the following responsibilities:
1. Proper use and maintenance of all telecommunications equipment.
2. Help maintain electronic marine aids.
3. Any matters regarding radio communication.
4. Sending and receiving weather reports.
5. Proper organization, storage, and use of the materials required by the telecommunications department.
6. Maintaining and producing the log records and reports of the telecommunications department.
7. Management, assessment, and training of personnel in the telecommunications department.
8. Responsible for duty attendance, the operation and management of radio equipment, and the global maritime distress and safety system.
9. Apply and maintain radio licenses.
10. Other matters related to the telecommunications department.

Personnel of the telecommunications department shall assume responsibility of all communication tasks pursuant to the master’s orders.
On board ships without full-time telecommunications personnel, the telecommunication tasks shall be the responsibility of a deck officer that has a GMDSS general operator’s certificate of competency.

Telecommunication personnel shall comply with the following sequence when operating a ship’s telecom stations:
1. Distress communications.
2. Emergency communications.
3. Safety communications
4. Radio navigation and positioning communications.
5. Marine safety communications for aircraft navigation regarding search and rescue operations.
6. Communications related to ship sailing dynamics and meteorological observation reports sent to the meteorological agency.
7. Other communications.

Telecommunication personnel shall immediately copy any received distress signals, urgency communications, marine safety telecommunications, and weather reports, notify seafarers in the sailing area and the master for review, and shall comply with the master’s instructions in the special weather changing circumstances. Telecommunications personnel shall record in detail any distress, urgency, or safety of marine telecommunications in the telecommunications log.

On board ships approved to report weather by a meteorological agency, some telecommunications personnel shall be on deck during sailing operations to ensure meteorological information reports are provided by radio in a timely manner or receive messages from meteorological agencies.

Communication between two vessels shall not interfere with the broadcast of coastal radio stations. This can be accomplished by terminating communication or changing frequency when requested to do so by a coastal radio station.

Upon handing over duties, telecommunications personnel shall provide the successor with the administered machines, appliances, materials, lists, passwords, and other documents pursuant to a prepared checklist, and both shall jointly sign and report it to the master.

Telecommunications personnel shall adhere to all the requirements of relevant regulations. Any matter not stipulated in these regulations shall be prescribed pursuant to relevant international and domestic telecommunications laws and regulations.