GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
1 General inspection checklist
Ensure that all required equipment is available, according to the sea
areas in which the vessel is certified to operate (VHF with DSC,
MF/HF with DSC, EPIRB, SART, AIS, SES, NAVTEX, batteries, etc.),
including both primary and duplicate units where required.
Check the availability and validity of documents on board, including
the radio operator certificate, safety radio certificate, licenses for
ship radio stations, SBM certificate, radio log book, the latest ITU
publications, equipment manuals, last survey/inspection reports.
Ensure all devices are correctly labeled with MMSI
and the ship's call sign.
Inspect antennas and connections for corrosion, damage,
or loose fittings.
Confirm proper installation and accessibility of equipment.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
2 VHF & MF/HF radios with DSC
Perform functional tests on the required frequencies,
including voice tests.
Conduct checks on the DSC controller and watch receiver.
Check the operation of the radio transmitter and receiver.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
3 EPIRB
Ensure the EPIRB is type-approved and certified for GMDSS.
Check the latest SBM report (it must be performed every 5 years).
Check the registration details in relevant databases or verify
the presence of a registration certificate.
Examine the device for physical damage.
Perform a self-test and confirm that LED/audio indicators function
correctly.
Check the decoded data (15-bit HEX, 121-bit full message, position).
Test emissions on both 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz frequencies
and carry out the necessary performance checks.
Inspect the battery and hydrostatic release unit (HRU) expiration
dates, and inform the crew about the replacement schedule for both.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
4 Radar SART and AIS-SART
Ensure the SART is type-approved and certified for GMDSS.
Inspect for physical damage and correct storage location.
Check for operating instructions and the marking of the location.
Conduct a self-test and verify LED/audible signal.
Check battery expiration date.
Ensure the lanyard is intact and securely attached.
Perform functional tests using a tester; verify that the SART
parameters comply with performance standards for radar SART;
test its performance with X-band radar.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
5 NAVTEX receiver
Ensure the device is powered and operational.
Perform functional tests to check the receiver's ability to receive
messages on all service frequencies and accurately decode and
display them.
Check printout or digital log for recent messages.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
6 AIS station
Verify the on-board installation.
Check the static information of AIS.
Check the dynamic information of AIS.
Check the voyage related information of AIS.
Carry out performance tests using a tester.
Conduct an on-air performance test.
Inspect the normal performance on both GPS sources -
internal and external.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
7 SES
Check for physical damage to terminals, antennas, and cables.
Ensure proper mounting and labeling.
Confirm proper antenna alignment and secure mounting.
Perform link test (PV test).
Ensure up-to-date software/firmware and check system logs
for errors.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
8 Power supply & battery backup
Check main and emergency power sources for all GMDSS equipment.
Verify battery voltage and load test performance.
Ensure automatic switch to a backup source in case of main/
emergency power loss.
Confirm compliance with minimum operational time requirements.
GMDSS & AIS inspection cheat sheet:
A quick guide for radio surveyors
9 Final steps
Document all findings and test results.
Advise the crew on any deficiencies and required corrective actions.
Issue a compliance report or inspection certificate if all criteria
are met.
Ensure the vessel crew understands basic emergency procedures
related to GMDSS equipment.
Professional advice:
Using a multifunctional GMDSS and AIS tester such as the
MRTS-7M simplifies testing of mentioned equipment and
provides accurate trustworthy results.
