Regulation 12
SCHEDULE 2U.K.Equipment tests and reserve power checks
This schedule has no associated Explanatory Memorandum
1. At least once every day—U.K.
(a)the proper functioning of the DSC facilities must be tested, without radiation of signals, by use of the means provided on the equipment;
(b)batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radio installations must be tested and, where necessary, brought up to the fully charged condition.
2. At least once every week—U.K.
(a)subject to paragraph 3, the proper operation of the DSC facilities must be tested by means of a test call, when within communication range of a coast station fitted with DSC equipment;
(b)where the reserve source of energy is not a battery (for example, a motor generator), the reserve source of energy must be tested.
3. 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 must be made on the first opportunity that the ship is within communication range of such a coast station.U.K.
4. At least once every month—U.K.
(a)each satellite EPIRB must be examined to determine its capability to operate properly, particularly its ability to float free (where required to do so) in the event of the ship sinking, its security and for signs of damage;
(b)each search and rescue locating device (radio or AIS) must be checked for security and signs of damage;
(c)each survival craft two-way VHF equipment must be tested on a frequency other than 156.8 MHz (VHF Channel 16);
(d)a check must be made on—
(i)the security and condition of all batteries providing a source of energy for any part of a radio installation; and
(ii)the battery connections and compartment.
5. In this Schedule—U.K.
“AIS” means automatic identification system;
“DSC” means Digital Selective Calling being a technique using digital codes which enables a radio station to establish contact with, and transfer information to, another station or group of stations, and complying with the relevant recommendations as specified in Section 5 of Annex 1 to Merchant Shipping Notice 1874 (M+F) Amendment 4();
“EPIRB” means an emergency position indicating radio beacon capable of transmitting a distress alert ... through the COSPAS/SARSAT polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band;
“mobile-satellite service” means a radiocommunication service between—
(a)
mobile earth stations and one or more space stations, or between space stations used by this service; or
(b)
mobile earth stations by means of one or more space stations,
and this service may also include feeder links necessary for its operation;
“satellite EPIRB” means an EPIRB which is in the mobile-satellite service.
Textual Amendments
Commencement Information