GMDSS

Test of radio equipment and reserve source of energy

Radio equipment and it's reserve source of energy should be tested daily, weekly and monthly.

For printable version

Daily Test

Equipment:

DSC facilities to be tested by use of built-in test program without radiating any signal.              The reserve source of energy (radio batteries) and its charger to be tested on-load and off-load and, where necessary brought up to the fully charged conditions.                                                     Printers, check of paper.

Weekly Test

Equipment:

DSC equipment for emergency and safety purpose, if possible, to be tested by use of a “Test call” to a coastal radio station.

GMDSS handheld VHF transceivers to be tested without using the mandatory required emergency batteries.                                                                                                  

Radio batteries to be tested by means of a hydrometer where practicable, or where a hydrometer cannot be used, by a suitable load test.                                                  

Radio batteries to be checked for the security of each battery and its connections and the connection of the batteries and their compartment or battery locker.

Monthly Test

Equipment:

Float-free and manual EPIRB’s to be checked using the means provided for testing on the equipment. Check data for periodical maintenance requirement for float-free EPIRB*.

Control all antennas and insulators.                                                                                 

Search and rescue radar transponders (SART) to be checked against 9 GHz radar.

*Float-free EPIRB’s are required to go through a periodical maintenance every 60 months. (IMO MSC / Circ.1039 and 1040).

All tests and checks are to be recorded in the radio log, or in a logbook used to record radio log.