Radio and navigation equipment is a frequent source of Port State Control deficiencies. Many of them can be avoided with a short check before arrival.
For GMDSS, confirm the annual radio survey is in date and the records and test reports are complete. Check EPIRB and SART battery and hydrostatic release expiry dates, and make sure GMDSS VHF handhelds are charged and their batteries are within date.
For the VDR, confirm the annual performance test has been completed and the Certificate of Compliance is on board, and check the beacon battery expiry. For navigation equipment, check the gyrocompass service record, radar performance, ECDIS chart and software updates, and that the magnetic compass deviation card is current.
Visiotech engineers carry out GMDSS annual radio surveys under class, VDR annual performance tests and gyro, radar, ECDIS and compass services at port, and Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM) agreements keep these on a predictable annual schedule.
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