Radio Survey

Today we will perform the comparative tests of EPIRB, which is intended to detect and locate the boards, aircrafts and people in distress.

EPIRBs shall be tested at intervals not exceeding 12 months for all aspects of operational efficiency with particular emphasis on frequency stability, signal strength and coding. Today we will check all these parameters.

We need to perform electrical tests to confirm the EPIRB is operational as defined in appropriate performance standards. And for these purposes we require the suitable test equipment – EPIRB Tester. Complete volume of the tests is described in IMO Circular 1040.

Today we will perform the annual testing of Cospas-Sarsat EPIRB as it is required by SOLAS convention. The volume and order of the tests are described in IMO Circular 1040 and we will follow it.

We need to perform electrical tests to confirm the EPIRB is operational as defined in appropriate performance standards. And for these purposes we require the suitable test equipment - EPIRB Tester. 

Fortunately, we have 3 testers today: Futronic made by Danphone, and two testers made by Musson Marine Ltd: Beacon Tester and Beacon Tester Mini.

Today we will perform the annual testing of Cospas-Sarsat EPIRB as it is required by SOLAS convention. The volume and order of the tests are described in IMO Circular 1040 and we will follow it.

We have 3 testers today: Futronic made by Danphone, and two testers made by Musson Marine Ltd: Beacon Tester and Beacon Tester Mini.

The task is to measure the frequency, power level and decode Cospas-Sarsat message content.

Radio survey is a set of testing services provided for a vessel to verify and confirm its readiness and safety for navigation in appropriate sea area. The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the SOLAS regulations to ensure that the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board.

Radio Surveys should be carried out in accordance with SOLAS Convention, reference is made to the “IMO Resolution A997(25) - Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification, 2007”.

It is stated that initial and annual radio survey, issuance, renewal and endorsement of Safety Radio Certificates Survey of radio installations on SOLAS ships should be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down in IMO resolution A.948(23).

The radio survey should always be performed by a fully qualified radio surveyor who has adequate knowledge of the IMO`s relevant Convention, particularly SOLAS and associated performance standards, and appropriate ITU Radio Regulations. The radio survey should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of performing all relevant measurements required by these Guidelines.

When we carry our the annual performance test of the GMDSS Test equipment the main task is to check whether the equipment operates as expected by predefined standards.

The GMDSS Equipment should be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection during Annual Safety Radio Survey and onboard maintenance purposes.

If equipment is not operating and the faults are discovered during survey the ship can be delayed in port.

SOLAS IV/15.8 says:

«While all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain the equipment in efficient working order to ensure compliance with all the functional requirements specified in regulation TV/4 malfunction of the equipment for providing the general radiocommunications required by regulation IV/4.8 shall not be considered as making a ship unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the ship in ports where repair facilities are not readily available, provided the ship is capable of performing all distress and safety functions.»

Thus it is srtongly recommended to test GMDSS equipment and carry out performance tests to be sure it complies with following Performance Standards.