Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)RegulationsMerchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations, 2002AnnexesAnnex 5 : Non-GMDSS equipment tests and reserve energy checks |
Annex 5
(Regulation 25(7))
Non-GMDSS equipment tests and reserve energy checks
| 1. | Daily |
| (a) | The radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver, if provided,must be tested at least once each day using the means provided in accordance with regulation 31(7), by listening to signals and, where practicable, comparing them with similar signals received on the radiotelephone distress frequency on another receiver. |
| (b) | Batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radiotelephone installation or the VHF radiotelephone installation must be tested daily and, where necessary, brought up to the fully charged condition. |
| (c) | Each printer must be checked at least once each day to ensure its serviceability. |
| 2. | Weekly |
| (a) | The radiotelephone alarm signal generating device, if provided, must be tested at least once every week using the means provided in accordance with regulation 31(7). |
| (b) | Survival craft fixed radio equipment, if provided, must be tested at least once every week using suitable artificial antennas. |
| (c) | Batteries forming part of survival craft fixed radio equipment, if provided, and the two-way radiotelephone apparatus for survival craft must be tested weekly and, where necessary, brought up to a fully charged condition. Where non-rechargeable batteries are provided as a source of energy, the expiry date of the batteries must be checked and the batteries replaced if necessary. |
| (d) | 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. |
| (d) | Survival craft fixed radio equipment must be tested at least once a month using an antenna provided with the equipment. |
| 4. | Annually |
Survival craft radar transponders must be inspected, tested and, if necessary, have their source of energy replaced at least once every twelve months. The Authority may extend this interval to a maximum of 17 months to permit the inspection to take place concurrently with a radio survey.
| 5. | Recording of results |
Results of the tests and checks required by this Annex must be entered in the radio log or battery log, as appropriate.