Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)

Regulations

Merchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations, 2002

Annexes

Annex 2 :  GMDSS equipment tests and reserve energy checks
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Annex 2

(Regulation 17(7)(a))

 

GMDSS equipment tests and reserve energy checks

 

1.Daily

 

(a)The proper functioning of the DSC facilities must be tested at least once each day, without radiation of signals, by use of the means provided on the equipment.
(b)Batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radio installations must be tested daily and, where necessary, brought to a fully charged condition.
(c)Each printer must be checked at least once each day to ensure its serviceability.

 

2.Weekly

 

(a)The proper operation of the DSC facilities must be tested at least once a week by means of a test call, when within communication range of a coast station fitted with DSC equipment. Where a ship has been out of communication range of a coast station fitted with DSC equipment for a period of longer than one week, a test call must be made on the first opportunity that the ship is within communication range of such a coast station.
(b)Where the reserve source of energy is not a battery (for example a motor generator), the reserve source of energy must be tested weekly.
(c)Each item of survival craft two-way VHF radio equipment must be tested at least once a week on a frequency other than 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16), unless the equipment is of a sealed type where such testing is not practical.

 

3.Monthly

 

(a)Each EPIRB must be examined at least once a month to check—
(i)its capability to operate properly, particularly its ability to float free (where required) in the event of the ship sinking;
(ii)how secure it is in its mounting; and
(iii)for signs of damage.
(b)Each radar transponder must be examined at least once a month to check how secure it is in its mounting and for signs of damage.
(c)A check must be made at least once a month on the condition of all batteries providing a source of energy for any part of a radio installation and on how secure they are in their mountings. The battery connections and compartment must also be checked.

 

4.Recording of results

 

Results of the tests and checks required by this Annex must be entered in the GMDSS radio log or battery log, as appropriate.