UK issues advisory on delay to IMO performance standards for GMDSS radio communication equipment

UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency on 1 December 2023 published a marine information note regarding radio communications – delay to IMO performance standards.

This 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.

IMO Performance Standards Update:

1.1 The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), during its 105th session, adopted amendments to SOLAS 1974 (IMO resolution MSC.496(105)), effective from 1 January 2024.

1.2 MSC 105 introduced resolutions for shipborne GMDSS radio communication equipment post-1 January 2024:

1.2.1 MSC.511(105) - VHF radio installations with voice communication and digital selective calling.

1.2.2 MSC.512(105) - MF and MF/HF radio installations with voice communication, digital selective calling, and reception of maritime safety and search and rescue information.

1.2.3 MSC.513(105) - Inmarsat-C ship earth stations with transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications.

1.3 MSC 107 acknowledged challenges in meeting the 2024 deadline and agreed to extend the installation date to 1 January 2028.

1.5 For UK ships under the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016, installation of equipment meeting specified performance standards is permitted on or before 31 December 2027.

1.6 Installation of compliant equipment before 1 January 2028 is allowed.

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)).

All regulations can be found at legislation.gov.uk

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

Radio Communications – Delay to IMO Performance Standards

The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016