Safety Radio Survey (aka) SRT/SRC and or GMDSS Radio Survey

Safety Radio Survey (aka) SRT/SRC and or GMDSS Radio Survey

In a series of articles that is about to follow in the topic GMDSS Radio Survey or commonly known as SRT or SRC, we intend  to highlight the importance of the GMDSS radio communication equipment on board the vessel and how to prepare the station for Survey. The author of this blog is a 2nd Class COP certificate holder from Government of India, Ministry of Communications and has sailed for over 20 years as Radio Officer and is also a very well know Radio Surveyor with all leading IACS societies in India, viz, Class NK, DNV GL, Lloyds, ABS, BV, IRS etc.

Let us start with the basic requirements that has to be in place prior to the Class surveyor's visit to the vessel to carryout GMDSS Survey

• DOCUMENTATION: the  following ITU documents  are mandatory to be present on board during the radio survey:-
• List of Coast Stations - by ITU - Latest edition
• List of Ship Stations - By ITU - Latest edition
• List of Radio Determination and Special Services Stations - By ITU - latest edition
• Manual for use by maritime mobile services - Latest edition.
• SOLAS - Latest edition with amendments
• IAMSAR - latest edition.
• Performance Standards of GMDSS Equipment as per IMO
• Radio Log book - duly signed by the master and the designated person responsible for GMDSS (either 2/off or 3/off or c/off and or designated by master of the vessel)
• The above documents, even though the usage on board in today's advanced communication system is very limited or rather nil, it is compulsory to have the latest editions on board.
• The following ALRS (Admiralty List of Radio Signals) are also required to be maintained on board with the weekly corrections updated and signed by the concerned officer on board.
• ALRS - Volumes 1 (all sub parts), volume 2,volume 3, Volume 5:- Special emphasis is to be given to volume 5 - it is known as Global Maritime Distress and Safety system (GMDSS). An interesting point to note here is that - ALRS publications are not mandatory as per IMO requirement or as per SOLAS. How ever, due to its day to day usage and since it has all relevant information handy, it is necessary that the above has to be on board.

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NOTE: The article above and subsequent ones to follow are general guide lines based on the experience of the author as a Radio Surveyor for over 20 years. Please check with respective Class and or Flag administration for further requirements.