| FOM-3.14 |
Fleet Operations Manual Navigation GMDSS Tests |
Doc No.: FOM-3.14
Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD |
All vessel shall carry out the GMDSS test as per frequency stated below and record in the GMDSS log as per flag state requirement.
Daily - To be recorded along with the Ship’s position
| a. | The proper functioning of the DSC facilities shall be tested at least once each day, without radiation of signals, by use of the means provided on the equipment. Normally the same can be carried out designated as ‘Self-test’ on the equipment. |
| b. | Batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radio installations shall be tested daily, and where necessary, brought up to the fully charged condition. Also known as Battery on/off load test. It is carried out by placing the equipment on DC mode. Any unprecedented drop in the voltage (more than 2 volts is to be reported and investigated). On DC mode, the voltage when no transmission is carried out is called ‘Off Load Voltage’ and when a transmission is being carried out in called ‘On Load Voltage’. |
| c. | Printer(s) shall be checked daily to ensure there is an adequate supply of paper. |
| d. | Emergency light test on GMDSS console to carried out (switch on- switch off, verify operational condition) |
| Pre-sailing test are all the test which form a part of the daily tests as above are to be performed and log down. | |
| Weekly - To be recorded (preferably every Saturday) | |
| a. | The proper operation of the DSC facilities shall be tested at least once a week by means of a test call when within communication range of a coast station fitted with DSC equipment. If the coast station does not reply, conduct a test call with another ship in vicinity and file same. In absence of same conduct, a modem loop test. Where a ship has been out of communication range of a coast station fitted with DSC equipment for a period of longer than one week, a test call shall be made on the first opportunity that the ship is within communication range such as a coast station. |
| b. | Reserve power supplies to GMDSS equipment other than batteries (e.g. emergency generator) |
| c. | Where reserve source of energy are batteries requiring maintenance (non-maintenance free type), density of electrolyte shall be tested using hydrometer or alternate suitable method. |
| Monthly - To be recorded (preferably at the end of the month) | |
| a. | Each EPIRB and satellite EPIRB shall be tested at least once a month to determine its capability to operate properly using the means provided on the device and without using the satellite system. Normally the same can be carried out designated as ‘Self-test’ on the equipment. |
| b. | Each search and rescue radar transponder shall be checked at least once a month using the in-built test facility and checked for security and signs of damage Normally the same can be carried out designated as ‘Self-test’ on the equipment. |
| c. | A check shall be made at least once a month on the security and condition of all batteries providing a source of energy for any part of a radio installation. The battery connections and compartment shall also be checked. |
| d. | A check shall be made at least once a month on the conditions of all aerials and insulators. Note: if any aerials fitted on main mast work aloft permit to be issued. |
| e. | Each survival craft two-way VHF equipment shall be tested at least once a month on a frequency other than 156.8 MHz (VHF Channel 16). |
| f. | Enhanced group calling (EGC) function |
| Annually - To be recorded | |
| a. | The Batteries to be discharged and charged again, ensure batteries are fully charge within 10hrs. Ref. SOLAS Chapter IV reg. 13.6 This capacity test to be carried out when the vessel in port or at anchorage. Complete NAV-24 once the test is done. |
| Date and Time UTC | Station To | Station From | Operator's Action or Remarks | Frequency, Channel, or Satellite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 April 2008 / 0500 Z | Vessel Position 05-06N 112-05E | Daily test carried out as per below and found satisfactory: Self-Test for VHF, MF/HF Equipment. Battery On/Off Load: 24/26 Volts. Printer has sufficient paper. |
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| 12 April 2008 / 1530 Z | Vessel Position Alongside Rastanura Berth no. 2 | Pre-Sailing test carried out as per below and found satisfactory: Self-Test for VHF, MF/HF Equipment. Battery On/Off Load: 24/26 Volts. Printer has sufficient paper. |
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| 15 April 2008 / 1250 Z | Weekly test carried out as per below and found satisfactory: Test Call made with Wiloma Station successfully. Emergency Generator tried out. |
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| 30 April 2008 / 1520 Z | Monthly test carried out as per below and found satisfactory: EPIRB self-test carried out. SART tested on the X Band radar. Batteries water level/density & connections checked (in case of maintenance-free batteries, not required). All aerials and insulators checked. All three-survival craft VHF equipment checked on frequency other than Ch 16. |