Consistent Testing of Ships' GMDSS Equipment

Daily, Monthly, and Weekly Testing of Ships' GMDSS Equipment

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ( GMDSS ) has made significant progress in the shipping industry. The system was established to improve maritime radio communications and distress and safety procedures.

The most significant benefit of GMDSS equipment is that it significantly reduces the likelihood of a ship disappearing without a trace, enabling search and rescue ( SAR ) operations to be initiated quickly and accurately, directing personnel to the scene of a distress incident.

The days of ships having dedicated radio operators operating radio equipment are over. With the implementation of the GMDSS, every ship's officer holding a General Operator's Certificate (GOC) and a license is authorized to use GMDSS equipment and conduct radio communications when necessary.

To ensure the proper and effective operation of GMDSS equipment in emergencies, seafarers must understand its purpose and perform the necessary onboard maintenance to keep it in good working order and maximize its utilization. Every seafarer responsible for the system must rigorously test all GMDSS equipment daily, weekly, and monthly to ensure its safety and reliability. We must never forget that it is our best friend in times of distress at sea.

Maritime vessels must be able to perform the nine functional requirements of the GMDSS system:

• Ship-to-shore distress alert
• Ship-to-ship distress alert
• Ship-to-ship distress alert
• Search and rescue (SAR) coordination
• On-scene communications
• Transmission and reception of emergency locator signals
• Transmission and reception of MSI messages
• General radio communications
• Bridge-to-bridge communications
• This can be ensured through regular testing of GMDSS equipment.

GMDSS equipment and systems include VHF DSC/RT, MF/HF DSC/RT, Inmarsat, Search and Rescue Signal ( SART ), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon ( EPIRB ), Navigational Warning and Emergency System ( NAVTEX ), and VHF two-way lifeboats.

Daily Testing of GMDSS Equipment

Digital Selective Calling ( DSC ) equipment must be tested for proper operation at least once daily, without transmitting signals and using the equipment's internal test function. Daily testing checks internal connections, transmitter output power, and the display. Testing procedures may vary between equipment brands.

The daily test procedure for FURUNO VHF equipment is as follows:

1. In standby mode, press the SHIFT key, then press the TEST key. The "Test in Progress" window will briefly display, and an audible and visual alarm will sound.

The display will show the test screen. If the equipment is operating normally, the results will appear as shown below. However, in some cases, or if the equipment is malfunctioning, "NG" may be displayed. In this case, the daily test must be repeated twice. If the problem persists, the landside service engineer must be notified immediately.

2. Press the "Cancel" key to stop the alarm. To stop the daily test, press the "Cancel" key again.

MF/HF equipment should also be tested daily to ensure it is functioning properly in an emergency.

1. Press the [3/TEST] key to start the test. Rotate the rotary knob to select "Daily Test," then press Enter. After a few seconds, the screen will display the test results; the equipment is operating normally. After the test results are displayed, an audible alarm will sound, and the alarm light will flash several times.

2. Press the "Cancel" key to end the test and return to the normal screen.

The battery providing backup power should also be checked daily. First, use a voltmeter connected to the charger to check the battery voltage while the unit is powered on and off. Under no-load conditions: When no equipment is connected, the battery reading should be 24 volts or slightly higher.

Under load conditions: Disconnect the AC power and record the battery voltage. Press the PTT button on the HF/AM/HF transceiver on an idle, non-distress radio frequency. The voltage will drop depending on the load. If the voltage drops by more than 10%, the battery is low or not fully charged. In this case, the battery must be charged.

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Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Battery

It is also important to check that all printers are functioning properly and that there is sufficient paper.

Test the Digital Distress System (DSC) facilities for proper operation at least once a week by making a test call on one of the six distress and safety frequencies within the coverage area of ​​a coast station equipped with DSC equipment. Test calls can be sent to coast stations in the following ways:

MF/HF DSC:

1. From the DSC standby screen, press the [2/DSC] key, then press the [ENTER] key to open the "Call Type" menu.

2. Rotate the [ENTER] key to select "Test Call," then

2. Rotate the [ENTER] key to select "Test Call," then press the [ENTER] key. Press the [ENTER] key again to open the "Coast Station ID" menu.

3. Use the numeric keys to enter the seven-digit ID of the coast station you want to call, depending on the area you are sailing in, and press the [ENTER] key. Coast station IDs can be found in the "List of British Naval Radio Signals," Volume 1 - Maritime Radio Stations.

4. Now, press the [ENTER] key to open the DSC frequency list. (Note that the priority will automatically be selected from "Safe.")

5. Rotate the [ENTER] key to select the appropriate frequency, then press the [ENTER] key.

6. Now, press the [CALL] key to send the test call to the appropriate coast station.

After the test call is successfully sent, you will receive a notification from the coast station. An audible alarm sounds upon receiving a notification.

Typically, the deckhand will not receive any notifications from the coast station. In this case, we often assume that the coast station did not send a notification. However, this may not be the case.

The problem may also lie with our equipment. To ensure the integrity of our medium/high frequency (MF/HF) equipment, it is best to send a test call to another station using a different frequency. Even if we do not receive any notifications, if possible, send a test call to a passing vessel. Instead of entering the coast station ID, enter the passing vessel's Mobile Maritime Identity ( MMSI ).

It is best to contact the vessel and confirm that they received the test call. We can also ask them to send a test call to ensure that their equipment's reception is functioning properly.

It is also recommended to conduct a station-to-station test using the VHF DSC system.

1. Press the "Connect" key. This will open the message creation screen, where you can select the call type. Rotate the channel knob to select the test call.

2. Enter the station ID (in this case, your vessel's MMSI number) and press the "Connect" key to send.

An audible and visual alarm will sound, and a test call will be received on another VHF radio. Press the "Cancel" button to end the test call.

Monthly GMDSS Equipment Test

Emergency Alarm Beacon (EPIRB):

The Emergency Alarm Beacon (EPIRB) must be checked by performing a self-test without using the satellite system. No emergency signals will be transmitted during the self-test. During the self-test, the battery voltage, output power, and frequency will be checked. The EPIRB must also be inspected for any physical damage. The expiration date of the battery module and the hydrostatic pressure release device must be checked. Also, ensure that the safety clip is properly installed and securely in place.

To perform a self-test on the JOTRON EPIRB:

First, remove the EPIRB from its bracket.

Then, lift the spring-loaded switch on the top of the EPIRB to the test position.

If the test is successful, the test LED will flash a series of times, then illuminate steadily, and then flash brightly again after approximately 15 seconds. A green light will illuminate at the end, indicating a successful test.

EPIRB Testing on Board

After the test is completed, release the switch and return the EPIRB to its bracket.

SART:

The Search and Rescue Transceiver (SART) also features a self-test mechanism to test the beacon's operational functionality. The SART uses the ship's X-band radar for testing. Testing is best performed in open waters to avoid interference with the radar display.

Remove the SART from the mounting bracket.

One person should hold the SART radar scanner in front of the ship. This can be done from the cockpit wing. Then, briefly rotate the SART to the left to the TESTPREVUE position to place it in the test position.

SART

Visible light and an audible beep indicate that the SART is active.

At the same time, monitor the radar screen to ensure the correct mode. When set to a 12-meter range, at least 11 concentric circles will appear on the radar screen. The distance between the dots is approximately 0.64 nautical miles . SART Radar

Also, visually inspect the SART radar for any signs of physical damage. Also, note the battery expiration date. The safety clip should be in place.

Portable Lifeboat VHF Two-Way Equipment

All lifeboat VHF two-way equipment should be tested at least monthly to ensure proper operation in an emergency. Testing should be performed on a frequency other than VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The battery expiration date should be checked and replaced as needed.

1. Press the power switch to turn the device on or off.

2. To select a different channel, press the CH key and use the arrow keys to select the desired channel. The selected channel number and frequency will appear on the display.

3. Press the PTT (Push to Talk) button to communicate with another radio and test its receive and transmit functions. Anyone can approach the VHF receiver and receive the test call from the handheld radio.

Handheld VHF Radio

When you press the PTT button and start transmitting, the "TX" symbol will appear on the screen. The TX indicator indicates the presence of a carrier at the antenna output.

When receiving a signal, the "RX" symbol will appear on the screen.

Jotron TX Indicator

NAVTEX:

Navtex is an equally important device in the GMDSS system and a source of maritime safety information. It also has a test function that allows you to check the battery, keypad, LCD screen, read-only memory (ROM), and random access memory (RAM). It is recommended to test the Navtex and detect any malfunctions. The test procedure for Furuno Navtex models is as follows:

1. Press the MENU/ESC key to open the main menu.

2. Use the navigation arrows to select "SERVICE" and press ENT. The SERVICE submenu contains the "TEST" option. Use the down arrow to select "TEST" and press ENT. Select "YES" and press ENT again. The test will begin, and the results will appear on the screen after a few seconds.

If the test is successful, the result will display "OK"; otherwise, "NG" (failed) will be displayed.

The operation of each switch is also verified.

The receiver test screen appears as follows:

Test results can be printed and saved to the GMDSS logbook.

INMARSAT:

INMARSAT also provides diagnostic tests to verify its operation. The following are the steps to run diagnostic tests on the FURUNO INMARSAT unit. Press the F7 key on the keyboard to display the "Options" menu. Use the down arrow to open the "Test" menu and select "Diagnostic Test." Click "Yes" to start the test.

FURUNO INMARSAT

After the test is complete, the results will be displayed on the screen as shown below. Use the ESC key to return to the main menu.

The PV test, or performance verification test, can be performed monthly. This test includes receiving a test message from the Local Earth Station (LES), sending a message to the LES, and performing a distress alert test. As mentioned above, the PV test can be turned on from the "Test" menu in "Options."

While the test is in progress, the status displays "Testing."

After the PV test is complete, the status changes to "Inactive."

The test results can be viewed under "PV Test Results" in the "Test" menu. Test results can be printed and recorded. The BBER code on the display panel indicates the error rate. "Pass" indicates no errors. "Pass" indicates successful test completion.

PV Test Results

GMDSS Batteries:

The connections and battery compartments should also be inspected. The electrolyte level and specific gravity of each battery should be checked and recorded. Sulfate reduces the specific gravity, thereby reducing battery capacity. However, these inspections are not necessary for maintenance-free compact batteries.

VHF Antennas

A monthly visual inspection of all antennas is recommended to ensure proper installation and to inspect the cables for any potential damage. The antennas are located on Monkey Island . Any dirt or salt residue should be removed. It is also important to inspect the condition of the antennas and insulation with the assistance of an electrician. Before performing any work, ensure that the equipment is powered off and insulated.

The GMDSS system allows ships in distress to transmit alerts using various radio systems. Therefore, it is essential to keep all GMDSS equipment in optimal operating condition. To this end, daily, weekly, and monthly inspections are essential. Only in this way can the safety of the vessel and its crew be ensured.