GMDSS equipment Maintenance requirements
In this article we look at the GMDSS equipment Maintenance requirements
1) The GMDSS equipment shall be so designed that the main units can be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration or readjustment.
2) Where applicable, equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection and on-board maintenance purposes.
3) Adequate information shall be provided to enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained, taking into account the recommendations of the Organization.
4) Adequate tools and spares shall be provided to enable the GMDSS equipment to be maintained.
5) The Administration shall ensure that radio equipment required is maintained to provide the availability of the functional requirements and to meet the recommended performance standards of such equipment.
6) On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A1 and A2, the availability shall be ensured by using such methods as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, or a combination of these, as may be approved by the Administration.
7) On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a combination of at least two methods such as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, as may be approved by the Administration.
8) While all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain the GMDSS equipment in efficient working order to ensure compliance with all the functional requirements, malfunction of the equipment for providing the general radiocommunications 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.
Ref : SOLAS
The GMDSS equipment Maintenance requirements could be varrying as per the make of the GMDSS equipment and be even different for various equipments. The ones listed above are required to be complied by all the GMDSS equipments on all vessel.
