Sec. 80.811  Tests of reserve installation and automatic-alarm-signal 
          keying device.

    (a) The condition of the reserve installation and of the automatic 
alarm signal keying device must be determined (with the exception noted 
in paragraph (b) of this section) prior to the vessel's departure from 
each port and on each day the vessel is outside of a harbor or port. If 
the vessel is in two or more ports within one day, the required tests 
need be made only once. If the vessel is in port for less than one day, 
the required test for that day may be made before arrival or after 
departure. The following tests must be made and the results entered in 
the radiotelegraph station log:
    (1) Check the reserve power supply as follows:
    (i) Test battery charging circuits for correct polarity and charging 
rate:
    (ii) In the case of lead-acid batteries, determine the specific 
gravity of the electrolyte.
    (iii) In the case of other types of batteries, take voltage readings 
under normal battery load.
    (iv) When an engine-driven generator is used, check the quantity of 
fuel in the fuel tank;
    (2) Test the emergency lighting circuits and emergency electric 
lights by actual operation;
    (3) Test the reserve receiver, while energized by the reserve power 
supply, by actual operation and comparison of received signals with 
similar signals received by the main receiver;
    (4) On days when not used for communication, the reserve transmitter 
energized by the reserve power supply must be tested by actual operation

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when connected to the main antenna, an artificial antenna or a reserve 
antenna.
    (5) If installed, the reserve antenna must be used at least once 
each voyage, noting antenna currents;
    (6) Test the automatic-alarm-signal keying device for correct timing 
adjustment of the keying mechanism. Do not transmit when making this 
test.
    (b) In the case of vessels loading or discharging flammable, 
unstable or dangerous cargo, or while berthed at oil terminals or in 
other comparable areas, predeparture transmitter tests need not be made. 
In such cases, the provisions of paragraph (a)(4) of this section, in 
connection with predeparture tests, do not apply if a suitable 
explanation is entered in the radio station log.