Implementation of Revised Performance Standards for GMDSS Radiocommunication Equipment as set out in Resolutions MSC.511(105), MSC.512(105) and MSC.513(105)

* A& :'j -.* lr,lr "o? : qq fr fr i{d , ( frr6 f,' R q/ R G ro sV qE ,R *I {{M qE mNT { r,0 f F { I iN lD wIA \Jztny ffigysi;i1ip;'9, o\r rlr rrr\ " NNETRY Of PORTS, SHIPPII{G AIID WATEffi{AYS _q d.- {e €"!l rlN {lul = .* "*. *. frq€{ rsrRtlncq, 5q{ imil.rrom w' MUMBAI DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF SHIPPING, File No. 25-25ll /2024-NT-DGS Date:09.02.2024 Merchant Shippine Notice No. 04 of 2024 Subject: Imnlementation of Revised Standards for GMDSS Radiocommunication Equipment as set out in Resolutions MSC.511(105). MSC.S12(105) and MSC.511(105!ree, 1. Whereas, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 105th session has adopted following amendments which entered into force since 01 January 2024: a) amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 197 4 brought through resolution MS C.a96( I 05 ) ; b) amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (1988 SOLAS Protocol) notified brought through resolution MSC.a97(105); c) amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft,2000 (2000 HSC Code) brought through resolution MSC.499(105); and d) amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (2009 MODU Code) brought through resolution MSC.506(105). 2. Whereas, the Maritime Safety Committee has also adopted revised Performance Standards for the shipborne GMDSS Radiocommunication equipment. The MSC recommended Govemments to ensure that GMDSS Radiocommunication equipment installed on or after 01 January 2024 shall conform to following revised performance standards not inferior to those as adopted through: a) resolutions MSC.5ll(105) on Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling; b) resolutions MSC.512(105) on Performance standards for shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communication, digital selective calling and reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information; and c) resolutions MSC.513(105) on Performance standards for Inmarsat-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications. g4{,il1,*, rik, H ($ efi fiur RRd'r, qr{ PiaF Ar{s, 6ig{'fd ts, 6igwf ) gqi- 4ooo42 gth Floor, BETA tsufild[ng, l-Think Techno Campus, Kanjur Mllage Road, Kanjurmarg (E), MumbaiAAO0/.2 frtna No.: +91-22-2 st52o4onw3 *wr"r,., +g1-zz-zs1ig02g/35 {tfirumait: dgshipdgs@nic.in aEsl$e/}Yebstta: www.dgshipping.gov-in3. Whereas, the Maritime Safety Committee, vide resolution MSC.I/Circ.l460lRev.4 dated 30 June 2023, has approved the guidance on the validity of radiocommunication equipment installed and used on ships, taking into account concems over the availability of VHF radiocommunication equipment compatible with the frequencies and channelling arrangements set out in the Appendix l8 of the ITU Radio Regulations. This guidance recognizes that incompatibility may exist between VHF radiocommunication equipment installed on ships and on shore, and the revised frequencies and channelling arrangements in Appendix l8 of the ITU Radio Regulations. Also the guidance on procedures for updating shipborne navigation and communication equipment (MSC.l/Circ.1389) notes that updates to application software and firmware to meet changes in IMO and ITU regulatory requirements are needed. 4. Whereas, the Maritime Safety Committee, at its l07th session (31 May to 9 June 2023),having considered information provided by International Electrotechnical Commission (lEC) and Committee International Radio-Maritime (CIRM) on the availability of GMDSS equipment after I January 2024, noted that considerable work had been carried out by the radio manufacturing industry and the standards'organizations to develop the new equipment required. However, some of the performance standards incorporate new features which still require specification from other organizations. Therefore, the MSC concluded that new shipbome VHF radio installations, shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations or Inmarsat-C ship earth stations may find it difficult to conform with the revised performance standards as specified in para 2 above to be available for installation w.e.f.0l January 2024. 5. In view of the foregoing, the following provisions are required to be complied by all concemed stakeholders: a) for ensuring GMDSS communication capability and the availability of appropriate GMDSS radiocommunication equipment, and without prejudice to the arrangements contained in Appendix 18 of the ITU Radio Regulations, VHF radiocommunication equipment should be updated to application software and firmware to meet the changes in the IMO and ITU regulatory requirements, following the first radio survey after 0l January 2028; b) for VHF, MF, MF/HF and Inmarsat-C installations, the applicability of revised Performance standards has been extended until 0l January 2028; and c) for VHF, MF, MF/HF and Inmarsat-C installations, the applicability of older Performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolutions 4.803(19), A.804(19), 4.806(19) and A.807(19) respectively, is to be continued until 01 January 2028. 6. Having considered the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the required applicability and implementation as stated above, the Directorate invites the attention of all Ship owners, Ship operators, Vessels, Ship Masters, Recognized Organizations, OEM/manufacturers, Service stations and other stakeholders concerned to ensure compliance with this Notice. 7. This is issued with the approval of Nautical Adviser to the Government of India. Yours faithfully, t;?{. 6 (Balunkeshor Mohapatra) Senior Radio Surveyor-cum-ADG (Tech) Page2 of2