Marshall Islands: notices on AIS, EPIRBs, EPRDS, and GMDSS

The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, on December 1st, 2022, published three notices referring to Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), programming, testing, and disposition of satellite EPIRBs and EPRDs, as well as Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) radio logbooks.

Automatic Identification Systems

The purpose of this Notice is to clarify the transportation requirements for Automatic Identification Systems on ships flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

These requirements are applicable to all ships of 300 gross tons and upwards engaged on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 gross tons and upwards not engaged on international voyages, and all passenger ships of any size whatsoever.

Also, all ships to which SOLAS V/19 applies must be equipped with an approved Automatic Identification System.

This document replaces document Rev. 03/16. Its content is simplified, and there are no new requirements.

For more information, please see the link at the bottom of the article.

Programming, Testing, and Disposition of Satellite EPIRBs and EPRDs

This Notice contains the frequency and unique identification code assigned to the satellite Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) for vessels, and Emergency Personal Radio Devices (EPRDs), such as Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), designed for individuals in distress.

This Notice supersedes Rev. 12/14, and it has been updated to include PLBs and a national requirement that EPIRBs and EPRDs are properly disposed of to avoid false alerts.

This Notice applies to all vessels flying the flag of the Republic of the Marshall Islands that are equipped with EPIRBs and EPRDs.

For more information, please see the link at the bottom of the article.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems Radio Logbooks

The purpose of this Notice is to establish the requirements of the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for keeping Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) Radio Logbooks and includes a sample format for them.

This Notice applies to all ships sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands and equipped with GMDSS.

This document replaces Revision Sep/2020. It was edited to make it clearer, but there was no change to the requirements.

It should be recalled that on January 1st, 2024, IMO Resolution MSC.496(105) will replace the text of SOLAS Chapter IV, which refers to radio communications. But this will not change the requirements in this Notice.