Radio & recording systems
GMDSS equipment and voyage data recorders.
- Radio survey and equipment checks
- VDR annual performance test and certificate
Service
GMDSS radio survey and shore-based maintenance
The annual check that the whole GMDSS suite still does what the safety radio certificate says it does, including the batteries nobody looks at until they are flat and the EPIRB that is still coded to a previous owner.
Governing requirementSOLAS Chapter IV · SOLAS I Reg. 9 · IMO Res. A.702(17) · MSC.1/Circ.1039 and 1040
The obligation
Why it is required
SOLAS Chapter IV requires the radio installation to be maintained by one of three methods, and most vessels choose shore-based maintenance under IMO Resolution A.702(17). The annual radio survey under SOLAS I Regulation 9 verifies the installation against the Safety Radio Certificate. EPIRB annual testing and shore-based maintenance follow MSC.1/Circ.1039 and MSC.1/Circ.1040.
Service intervals at a glance
| Equipment and work | Interval | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Radio installation: radio survey | Annual | SOLAS I/9 |
| EPIRB: test | Annual | MSC.1/Circ.1039 and MSC.1/Circ.1040 |
| Voyage data recorder: performance test | Annual | As required by the flag |
A summary of the intervals described on this page. The instruments cited and the requirements of the vessel's flag and class prevail; the scope is confirmed for each enquiry.
Scope of work
Complete coverage.
Clearly defined.
A concise view of the equipment we service. Your quotation confirms the work required for your vessel.
Emergency communications
EPIRB, SART and SSAS.
- Inspection and functional testing
- Battery and hydrostatic release-unit replacement
Navigation & maintenance
Gyrocompass and supporting navigation equipment.
- Annual service and maintenance checks
- Shore-based maintenance, repairs and spare parts
How we prove competence
Why us
- Surveys performed by radio surveyors recognised by the relevant flag administrations
- VDR annual performance test carried out under the maker's authorisation
- Survey report and SBM documentation issued in the format the certificate requires
- Deficiencies rectified in the same attendance wherever spares allow
Deliverables
What you receive
- Annual radio survey report
- Shore-based maintenance agreement and certificate
- EPIRB and SART test records with the next due dates
- VDR APT certificate where carried out
From our work
GMDSS Radio Survey in the field
OUR SERVICE REGIONSTürkiye. Europe.
Türkiye. Europe.
One point of contact.
Our own teams in Türkiye and Europe coordinate your vessel’s service and supply requirements. Choose a country to see the port directory and local coordination details.
Where we attend vessels for GMDSS radio survey
- Türkiye
- Tuzla, Izmit, Yalova, Aliaga, Izmir, Mersin, Iskenderun and other ports in the directory
- Netherlands
- Rotterdam, Europoort, Moerdijk, Vlissingen, Amsterdam and other ports in the directory
- Belgium
- Antwerp, Ghent, Zeebrugge and other ports in the directory
- Germany
- Hamburg, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven and other ports in the directory
- France
- Dunkirk, Le Havre, Saint-Nazaire, Marseille and other ports in the directory
Calling in the United States? New York & New Jersey service enquiries are coordinated through our authorised partner network.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is shore-based maintenance?
One of the three maintenance methods allowed by SOLAS Chapter IV. Under IMO Res. A.702(17) an approved shore organisation takes responsibility for the GMDSS installation, which is the option most cargo vessels use.
Does the EPIRB have to be tested every year?
Yes. The annual test checks the unit, the battery expiry, the HRU expiry and that the registration and coding match the current owner and flag.
Do you do the VDR annual performance test?
Yes, under the maker's authorisation, with the certificate the flag requires.
Can the radio survey be combined with the safety equipment work?
Yes. It is one of the service lines we combine in a single attendance.
Combine in the same attendance
Other services
Fire Fighting (FFE)
Portable and fixed systems, BA and EEBD, detection.
More
Lifeboat, Davit & Winch
Annual thorough examination, overhaul and release gear.
More
Load Test
Five-yearly dynamic tests with certified water bags.
More
Liferaft & LSA
Approved liferaft station, HRU, lifejackets, loose LSA.
More
Calibration
Gas detectors, ODME, OWS, UTI, gauges, thermometers.
More
Analysis
Foam, dry powder, sprinkler water, breathing air, potable water.
More
Ship Supply
IMPA coded supply from our own warehouses.
MoreBEFORE YOUR ENQUIRY
Preparing a GMDSS radio survey enquiry
Vessel and survey scope
Provide IMO number, flag, class, sea area and the requested survey or inspection. Attach the current equipment list and previous survey record.
Equipment identification
Include radio, satellite equipment, EPIRB, SART and VDR/SVDR maker and model details where relevant to the enquiry.
Attendance planning
Send ETA/ETD, berth and agent details. Survey acceptance, equipment-specific work and any required authorisation are confirmed before attendance.
