NT-Radio/Circular No. 10 of 2023 - Testing and maintenance of EPIRB. and testing of other GMDSS radioequipment by approved service stations or shore-based maintenance facilities-reg.

**Executive Summary** This circular (NT-Radio/Circular No. 10 of 2023), issued by the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai on March 16, 2023, addresses the testing and maintenance of EPIRBs and other GMDSS radio equipment on ships. It reiterates the requirements for annual and five-yearly maintenance, specifying that only DG Shipping approved service stations or shore-based maintenance facilities can perform these tasks. Surveyors are advised to ensure strict compliance with the circular during annual/periodical/renewal safety radio surveys of ships. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Regulatory Compliance:** * SOLAS Regulation 7.1.5 mandates that every ship be equipped with an EPIRB. * Regulation 15.9 specifies the testing and maintenance requirements of EPIRBs. * **EPIRB Testing Requirements:** * EPIRBs must be annually tested for operational efficiency (emission on operational frequencies, coding and registration). * On passenger ships, testing must occur within three months before the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate expiry date. * On cargo ships, testing must occur within three months before the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate expiry date, or within three months before or after the anniversary date. * EPIRBs must undergo maintenance at intervals not exceeding five years by an approved shore-based maintenance facility. * **Approved Service Providers:** * Annual testing and maintenance of EPIRB and GMDSS radio equipment during safety radio surveys must be conducted by DG Shipping approved service stations or shore-based maintenance facilities. * **Testing Standards:** * Testing and maintenance must follow the guidelines of MSC Circulars MSC.1/Circ.1039/Rev.1 (five-yearly) and MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.2 (annually) using suitable test equipment and trained personnel. * Unauthorized testing or deviations from standardized procedures outlined in MSN 11 of 2022 and the Merchant Shipping Distress & Safety Radiocommunication Rules, 1995, are prohibited due to potential operational complications and false distress alerts. * **Compliance Enforcement:** * Surveyors of MMD/DGS and IRS are instructed to ensure strict compliance with the circular during ship safety radio surveys. **Impact Analysis** **Ship Owners/Operators** * **Impact:** Must ensure EPIRB and GMDSS radio equipment testing and maintenance are performed by DG Shipping approved service providers. * **Action Required:** Verify that current service providers are DG Shipping approved and schedule testing according to specified intervals. **DG Shipping Approved Service Stations/Shore-Based Maintenance Facilities** * **Impact:** Increased demand for services and need to adhere to strict testing standards. * **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with MSC Circulars and maintain updated approvals. **Surveyors (MMD/DGS and IRS)** * **Impact:** Responsible for enforcing compliance with the circular during ship safety radio surveys. * **Action Required:** Verify the approval status of service providers and adherence to testing procedures. **Principal Officers, Mercantile Marine Department** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing and overseeing the compliance of the circular at their respective departments. * **Action Required:** Ensure that surveyors and relevant personnel are aware of the circular and its requirements. **The Indian Register of Shipping, HOD-STAT (STS Division)** * **Impact:** Must ensure that they are also following the guidelines while surveying the vessels. * **Action Required:** Ensure the guidelines of this circular are being followed. **INSA/ICCSA** * **Impact:** This circular can affect the operations of INSA/ICCSA. * **Action Required:** Compliance with the requirements of this circular.

Key Entities Referenced