(R) 4 Guidelines for Surveys for the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

 (RI) 4.1 Initial surveys – see part "General" section 4.1

(RI) 4.1.1 For the radio installations, including those used in life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the examination of plans and designs should consist of:

(RI) 4.1.1.1 establishing the sea areas declared for operation, the equipment installed to fulfil the functional requirements for the sea areas of operation, the methods adopted to ensure the availability of the functional requirements and the arrangements for supply of an emergency source of energy (if any) (SOLAS 74/88 regs.II-1/43 and IV/1 to 15);

(RI) 4.1.1.2 establishing which radio equipment is to be surveyed and, if duplication of equipment is used as a means of ensuring the availability of the functional requirements, establishing which is the "basic equipment" and which the "duplicated equipment" (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/15) (additional radiocommunications equipment provided other than for SOLAS compliance should be noted);

(RI) 4.1.1.3 confirming all SOLAS equipment complies with appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by IMO (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

(RI) 4.1.1.4 examining the plans for the provision and position of the radio installation, including sources of energy and antennas (SOLAS 74/88 regs.II-1/43, IV/6, IV/14 and V/19); and

(RI) 4.1.1.5 examining the plans for the provision and positioning of the radio life-saving appliances (SOLAS 74/88 reg.III/6).

(RI) 4.1.2 For the radio installations, including radio life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the survey during construction and after installation should consist of:

(RI) 4.1.2.1 examining the position, physical and electromagnetic protection and illumination of each radio installation (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/6);

(RI) 4.1.2.2 confirming the provision of equipment for the radio installation with due regard to the declared sea areas in which the ship will trade and the declared means of maintaining availability of functional requirements (SOLAS 74/88 regs.III/6, IV/7 to 11, 14 and 15);

(RI) 4.1.2.3 confirming the ability to initiate the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radiocommunication service, from the position from which the ship is normally navigated (SOLAS 74/88/06 regs.IV/4, 7 to 11);

(RI) 4.1.2.4 examining all antennas, including:

(RI) 4.1.2.4.1 visually checking all antennas, including Inmarsat antennas, and feeders for satisfactory siting and absence of defects (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

RI) 4.1.2.4.2 checking insulation and safety of all antennas;

(RI) 4.1.2.5 examining the reserve source of energy, including:

(RI) 4.1.2.5.1 checking there is sufficient capacity to operate the basic or duplicated equipment for 1 hour or 6 hours, as appropriate (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.5.2 if the reserve source of energy is a battery:

(RI) 4.1.2.5.2.1 checking its siting and installation (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.5.2.2 where appropriate, checking its condition by specific gravity measurement or voltage measurement;

(RI) 4.1.2.5.2.3 with the battery off charge, and the maximum required radio installation load connected to the reserve source of energy, checking the battery voltage and discharge current;

(RI) 4.1.2.5.2.4 checking that the charger(s) are capable of recharging the reserve battery within 10 hours (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.5.2.5 checking that information of ship's position is provided continuously and automatically to all two-way communication equipment (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/18);

(RI) 4.1.2.6 examining the VHF transceiver(s), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.6.1 checking for operation on channels 6, 13 and 16 (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/7 and 14);

(RI) 4.1.2.6.2 checking frequency tolerance, transmission line quality and radio frequency power output (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

(RI) 4.1.2.6.3 checking for correct operation of all controls including priority of control units (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

(RI) 4.1.2.6.4 checking that the equipment operates from the main, emergency (if provided) and reserve sources of energy (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.6.5 checking the operation of the VHF control unit(s) or portable VHF equipment provided for navigational safety (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/6);

(RI) 4.1.2.6.6 checking for correct operation by on-air contact with a coast station or other ship;

(RI) 4.1.2.7 examining the VHF DSC controller and channel 70 Digital Selective Calling (DSC) watch receiver, including:

(RI) 4.1.2.7.1 performing an off-air check confirming the correct Maritime Mobile Service Identity is programmed in the equipment (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

(RI) 4.1.2.7.2 checking for correct transmission by means of a routine or test call to a coast station, other ship, onboard duplicate equipment or special test equipment;

(RI) 4.1.2.7.3 checking for correct reception by means of a routine or test call from a coast station, other ship, onboard duplicate equipment or special test equipment;

(RI) 4.1.2.7.4 checking the audibility of the VHF/DSC alarm;

(RI) 4.1.2.7.5 checking that the equipment operates from the main, emergency (if provided) and reserve sources of energy (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.8 examining the MF/HF radiotelephone equipment, including:

(RI) 4.1.2.8.1 checking that the equipment operates from the main, emergency (if provided) and reserve sources of energy (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.8.2 checking the antenna tuning in all appropriate bands;

(RI) 4.1.2.8.3 checking that the equipment is within frequency tolerance on all appropriate bands (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

(RI) 4.1.2.8.4 checking for correct operation by contact with a coast station and/or measuring transmission line quality and radio frequency output;

(RI) 4.1.2.8.5 checking receiver performance by monitoring known stations on all appropriate bands;

(RI) 4.1.2.8.6 if control units are provided outside the navigating bridge, checking that the control unit on the bridge has first priority for the purpose of initiating distress alerts (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/9, 10, 11 and 14);

(RI) 4.1.2.9 examining the HF radiotelex equipment, including:

(RI) 4.1.2.9.1 checking that the equipment operates from the main, emergency (if provided) and reserve sources of energy (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.9.2 confirming that the correct selective calling number is programmed in the equipment;

(RI) 4.1.2.9.3 checking correct operation by inspection of recent hard copy or by a test with a coast radio station (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/10 and 11);

(RI) 4.1.2.10 examining the MF/HF DSC controller(s), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.10.1 checking that the equipment operates from the main, emergency (if provided) and reserve sources of energy (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RI) 4.1.2.10.2 confirming that the correct Maritime Mobile Service Identity is programmed in the equipment;

(RI) 4.1.2.10.3 checking the off-air self-test program;

(RI) 4.1.2.10.4 checking operation by means of a test call on MF and/or HF to a coast radio station if the rules of the berth permit the use of MF/HF transmissions (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/9, 10 and 11);

(RI) 4.1.2.10.5 checking the audibility of the MF/HF DSC alarm;

(RI) 4.1.2.11 examining the MF/HF DSC watch receiver(s), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.11.1 confirming that only distress and safety DSC frequencies are being monitored (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/9 to 12);

(RI) 4.1.2.11.2 checking that a continuous watch is being maintained while keying MF/HF radio transmitters (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/12);

(RI) 4.1.2.11.3 checking for correct operation by means of a test call from a coast station or other ship;

(RI) 4.1.2.12 examining the Inmarsat Ship Earth Station(s), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.12.1 checking that the equipment operates from the main, emergency (if provided) and reserve sources of energy, and that where an uninterrupted supply of information from the ship's navigational or other equipment is required ensuring such information remains available in the event of failure of the ship's main or emergency source of electrical power (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/13 and 14);

(RI) 4.1.2.12.2 checking the distress function by means of an approved test procedure where possible (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/10, 12 and 14);

(RI) 4.1.2.12.3 checking for correct operation by inspection of recent hard copy or by test call;

(RI) 4.1.2.13 if appropriate, examining the NAVTEX equipment (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/7, 12 and 14), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.13.1 checking for correct operation by monitoring incoming messages or inspecting recent hard copy;

(RI) 4.1.2.13.2 running the self-test program if provided;

(RI) 4.1.2.14 examining the Enhanced Group Call equipment (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/7 and 14), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.14.1 checking for correct operation and area by monitoring incoming messages or by inspecting recent hard copy;

(RI) 4.1.2.14.2 running the self-test program if provided;

(RI) 4.1.2.15 if appropriate, examining the radio equipment for receipt of maritime safety information by HF Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/7, 12 and 14), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.15.1 checking for correct operation by monitoring incoming messages or inspecting recent hard copy;

(RI) 4.1.2.15.2 running the self-test program if provided;

(RI) 4.1.2.16 examining the 406 MHz satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) (SOLAS 74/88 regs.IV/7 and 14), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.16.1 checking position and mounting for float free operation;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.2 carrying out visual inspection for defects;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.3 carrying out the self-test routine;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.4 checking that the unique beacon identification code is clearly marked on the outside of the equipment and, where possible, decoding the unique beacon identification code confirming it is correct;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.5 checking that the unique beacon identification code programmed in the EPIRB corresponds with the unique beacon identification code assigned by or on behalf of the Administration;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.6 checking that the MMSI number if encoded in the beacon corresponds with the MMSI number assigned to the ship;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.7 checking the battery expiry date;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.8 if provided, checking the hydrostatic release and its expiry date;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.9 checking the emission on operational frequencies, coding and registration on the 406 MHz signal without transmission of a distress call to the satellite;

(RI) 4.1.2.16.10 checking that the EPIRB has been subject to maintenance at intervals not exceeding five years at an approved shore-based maintenance facility (SOLAS 74/00 reg.IV/15.9);

(RI) 4.1.2.16.11 if possible, checking the emission on operational frequencies, coding and registration on the 121.5 MHz homing signal without transmission of a distress call to the satellite;

(RI) 4.1.2.17 examining the two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus (SOLAS 74/88 reg.III/6), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.17.1 checking for correct operation on Channel 16 and one other by testing with another fixed or portable VHF installation (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/14);

(RI) 4.1.2.17.2 checking the battery charging arrangements where re-chargeable batteries are used;

(RI) 4.1.2.17.3 checking the expiry date of primary batteries where used;

(RI) 4.1.2.17.4 where appropriate, checking any fixed installation provided in a survival craft;

(RI) 4.1.2.18 examining the search and rescue locating device(s) (SOLAS 74/88/08 regs.III/6, IV/7 and 14), including:

(RI) 4.1.2.18.1 checking the position and mounting;

(RI) 4.1.2.18.2 monitoring response on ship's 9 GHz radar;

(RI) 4.1.2.18.3 checking the battery expiry date; and

(RI) 4.1.2.19 examining the test equipment and spares carried to ensure carriage is adequate in accordance with the sea areas in which the ship trades and the declared options for maintaining availability of the functional requirements (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/15).

(RI) 4.1.3 For the radio installations, including those used in life-saving appliances, the check that documentation, etc., has been placed on board should consist of:

(RI) 4.1.3.1 checking for a valid radio licence issued by the flag Administration (ITU RR Article 24);

(RI) 4.1.3.2 checking the radio operator's certificates of competence (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/16 and ITU RR Article 56);

(RI) 4.1.3.3 checking the radio record (log) (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/17 and ITU RR App.11);

(RI) 4.1.3.4 checking the carriage of up-to-date ITU publications (ITU RR App.11);

(RI) 4.1.3.5 checking the carriage of operating manuals for all equipment (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/15); and

(RI) 4.1.3.6 checking the carriage of service manuals for all equipment when at-sea maintenance is the declared option (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/15).

(RI) 4.1.4 For the radio installations, including those used in life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the completion of the initial survey should consist of:

(RI) 4.1.4.1 the surveyor preparing and forwarding a survey report, indicating clearly the organization he or she represents, to the relevant authorities, detailing results of the survey and recording omissions and deficiencies, if satisfied, the relevant authorities should issue a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate and the associated Record of Equipment (form R).

 (RP) 4.2 Periodical surveys – see part "General" section 4.4

(RP) 4.2.1 For radio installations, including radio life-saving appliances, on cargo ships the examination of current certificates and other records should consist of:

(RP) 4.2.1.1 checking the validity, as appropriate, of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate and the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.2 checking, as appropriate, the validity of the Polar Ship Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.3 checking that the ship's complement complies with the Minimum Safe Manning Document (SOLAS 74/00/12 reg.V/14) (SOLAS 74/88 reg.V/13(b));

(RP) 4.2.1.4 checking the validity of the International Ship Security Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.5 checking the validity of the International Load Line Certificate or International Load Line Exemption Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.6 checking the validity of the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.7 checking the certificates of class, if the ship is classed with a classification society;

(RP) 4.2.1.8 checking, where appropriate, the validity of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk or the Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;

(RP) 4.2.1.9 checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

(RP) 4.2.1.10 checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk;

(RP) 4.2.1.11 checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.12 checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.13 confirming, when appropriate, the validity of the International Energy Efficiency Certificate (MARPOL Annex VI, regs.6.4 and 6.5);

(RP) 4.2.1.14 checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Ballast Water Management Certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.15 checking that the ship's complement complies with the Minimum Safe Manning Document (SOLAS 74/88 reg.V/13(b));

(RP) 4.2.1.16 checking that adequate information is on board to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained;

(RP) 4.2.1.17 checking that the master, officers and ratings are certificated as required by the STCW Convention;

(RP) 4.2.1.18 confirming that any new equipment has been properly approved before installation and that no changes have been made such as would affect the validity of the certificate;

(RP) 4.2.1.19 confirming that a record has been kept in the period since the last survey to the satisfaction of the Administration and as required by the Radio Regulations (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/17);

(RP) 4.2.1.20 checking documentary evidence that the actual capacity of the battery has been proved in port within the last 12 months (SOLAS 74/88 reg.IV/13);

(RP) 4.2.1.21 confirming that the provisions of (RI) 4.1.3 have been met;

(RP) 4.2.1.22 checking that the annual test has been carried out for the Satellite EPIRB and, if applicable, shore-based maintenance has been carried out at intervals not exceeding five years (SOLAS 74/04 reg.IV/15); and

(RP) 4.2.1.23 confirming the availability of the International Anti-Fouling System Certificate (AFS 2001 annex 4 reg.2) when applicable.

(RP) 4.2.2 For radio installations, including radio life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the periodical survey should consist of:

(RP) 4.2.2.1 the provisions of (RI) 4.1.2.

(RP) 4.2.3 For radio installations, including those used in radio life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the completion of the periodical survey should consist of:

(RP) 4.2.3.1 after a satisfactory survey, endorsing the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate; and

RP) 4.2.3.2 if a survey shows that the condition of a ship or its equipment is unsatisfactory, see part "General" section 4.8.

 (RR) 4.3 Renewal surveys – see part "General" section 4.5

(RR) 4.3.1 For the radio installations, including those used in life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the examination of current certificates and other records should consist of:

(RR) 4.3.1.1 the provisions of (RP) 4.2.1, except for the validity of the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.

(RR) 4.3.2 For the radio installations, including those used in radio life-saving appliances, of cargo ships the renewal survey should consist of:

(RR) 4.3.2.1 the provisions of (RI) 4.1.2.

(RR) 4.3.3 For the radio installations, including those used in radio life-saving appliances, on cargo ships the completion of the renewal survey should consist of:

(RR) 4.3.3.1 after a satisfactory survey, issuing the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate as per the provisions of (RI) 4.1.4.