Radio, GMDSS and navigation equipment
EPIRB and SART checks, GMDSS handheld radios, AIS annual tests, magnetic compass adjustment and preparation for the annual radio survey.
Why it matters
Radio equipment rarely fails in a way the crew notices. A beacon battery that expired last year, a hydrostatic release past its date or a handheld VHF that no longer holds a charge only shows up at the survey, or in an emergency.
From 2028 there is one more thing to plan for: VHF sets have to work with the revised maritime channel plan by the first radio survey after 1 January 2028, and some older radios will not.
What we do
Scope of work
- 01
EPIRB and SART
Annual test of the beacon, battery and hydrostatic release replaced before their dates, and shore-based maintenance arranged when it is due.
- 02
GMDSS handheld radios
Portable VHF transceivers, their primary batteries and chargers checked; replacements supplied.
- 03
AIS
Annual test of the AIS transponder and its configuration, with the report the radio surveyor will ask for.
- 04
Magnetic compass
Compass adjustment and a new deviation card after repairs, cargo changes or when the deviation grows.
- 05
Radio survey preparation
Pre-survey checks of the GMDSS installation so the annual radio survey goes smoothly, arranged with an approved radio surveyor.
- 06
Two-way radios
UHF radios for deck and engine teams supplied, programmed and repaired.
Intervals
When it is due
Typical intervals under the IMO instruments listed. Your flag, class or the maker's manual can ask for more; we check before we quote.
| Item | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| EPIRB annual test | 12 months | SOLAS IV/15.9, MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.2 |
| EPIRB shore-based maintenance | Not exceeding 5 years | SOLAS IV/15.9, MSC/Circ.1039 |
| AIS annual test | 12 months | MSC.1/Circ.1252 |
| VHF equipment for the revised channel plan | By the first radio survey after 1 January 2028 | MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5 |
What you get
- Test reports for EPIRB, SART and AIS
- Deviation card after compass adjustment
- Photos and plain notes on every unit that failed, with a quote for the fix
- Next due dates in your customer portal
Rules we work to
- SOLAS IV
- SOLAS V/18 and V/19
- MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.2
- MSC/Circ.1039
- MSC.1/Circ.1252
- MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5
References are summaries for planning. The current text of each instrument, your flag's interpretation and the maker's instructions always apply.
Often booked together
Request service
Book it for the next port call.
A vessel name, an IMO number and an ETA are enough to get a quote moving. Attach last year's certificates if you have them.