Guidance

MIN 700 (M+F) Radio communications – delay to IMO performance standards

Updated 16 December 2024

Summary

This Marine Information Note (MIN) is intended to provide awareness and advise UK flag vessels that revised International Maritime Organization (IMO) performance standards affecting Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio communication equipment installed on or after 1 January 2024 have now been delayed until 1 January 2028.

1. IMO Performance Standards

1.1 The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its 105th session adopted amendments to SOLAS 1974 (in IMO resolution MSC.496(105)) which will enter into force on 1 January 2024.

1.2 MSC 105 adopted the following resolutions to apply to shipborne GMDSS radio communication equipment installed on or after 1 January 2024:

1.2.1 MSC.511(105) on Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling;

1.2.2 MSC.512(105) on Performance standards for shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communication, digital selective calling and reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information; and

1.2.3 MSC.513(105) on Performance standards for Inmarsat-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications.

1.3 MSC 107 was made aware that it was unlikely that equipment compliant with the above standards could be made available and placed on the market by 1 January 2024.

1.4 Following discussions, the Committee agreed to amend the installation date to be 1 January 2028.

1.5 Therefore, for UK ships where the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 (as amended) apply, the UK permits installation on or before 31 December 2027, of:

1.5.1 shipborne VHF radio installations conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolution A.803(19), as amended;

1.5.2 shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolutions A.804(19), as amended and A.806(19), as amended; and

1.5.3 Inmarsat-C ship earth stations conforming to performance standards not inferior to those specified in the annex to resolution A.807(19), as amended.

1.6 However, should equipment compliant with the revised performance standards be available prior to this date, it may be installed.

1.7 Further information can be found in IMO MSC.1/Circ.1676 (Delays affecting the availability of new GMDSS equipment compliant with the revised performance standards set out in resolutions MSC.511(105), MSC.512(105) and MSC.513(105)).

More information

Radio Spectrum & Technical Standards Unit

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Bay 2/24

Spring Place

105 Commercial Road

Southampton

SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 81 7200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

General enquiries: [email protected]

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.