Liberia publishes note for implementation of revised SOLAS chapter IV

Liberia Maritime Authority published a marine operations note regarding the amendments to SOLAS CHAPTER IV: Radiocommunications.

This document was published on 03 October 2023.

Purpose

The purpose of this Marine Operations Note is to inform shipowners, operators, recognized organizations, and Masters of the implementation of a revised SOLAS Chapter IV: Radiocommunications and the new requirements and regulatory amendments that affect maritime radiocommunication equipment, GMDSS, and vessel operations.

Background

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted comprehensive amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV: Radiocommunication during the 105th meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). These amendments updated the requirements of Chapter IV concerning GMDSS, the transmission and receipt of Maritime Safety Information (MSI), and re-formatted and revised specific sections of SOLAS Chapter IV related to the radiocommunication equipment required by vessels. The revised SOLAS Chapter IV addresses the modernization of GMDSS and the future use of modern communication systems in the GMDSS and maritime communications, while removing obsolete requirements from SOLAS Chapter IV.

Effective 01 January 2024, the revised and updated SOLAS Chapter IV will be implemented.

Liberian-flagged ships must comply with the requirements of the revised Chapter IV as of that date unless a waiver or extension of the compliance has been promulgated by IMO or an exemption has been granted by the Administration.

Requirements: New and Amended

The document details specific amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV, including changes to definitions, functional requirements, radio equipment, and equipment requirements for different sea areas. Some notable changes include:

• Removal of certain definitions and addition of new ones.
• Clarification of GMDSS functions for ships at sea.
• Changes in requirements for radio equipment, including radar SARTs, AIS-SARTs, and NAVTEX.
• Amendments to performance standards for VHF radio installations, MF and MF/HF radio installations, and Inmarsat C ship earth stations.
• Changes in Sea Area definitions and the removal of some alternative methods of compliance.

Notable Changes and Revisions

The document highlights key changes, including the removal of mandatory Inmarsat-C system installation, changes to NAVTEX and NBDP requirements, and the redefinition of Sea Area 3.

A table is provided in the document to show the equipment required for different sea areas and GMDSS services, including VHF DSC, MF/HF DSC, RMSS SES (INM-C/Iridium), receivers for MSI, EPIRBs, radar-SARTs, and portable GMDSS VHF transceivers.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Amendments to SOLAS CHAPTER IV: Radiocommunications