Statistics Act, 1999
R 385
Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)RegulationsMerchant Shipping (Radio Installations) Regulations, 2002AnnexesAnnex 2 : GMDSS equipment tests and reserve energy checks |
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.
