This extension has been granted due to the intricate process of integrating new features into the performance standards. The extension allows Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) more time to develop GMDSS equipment that aligns with these new standards.

During this extended period, we want to assure you that we will continue to supply the existing GMDSS equipment. This equipment is fully compliant with the previous standards, as specified in resolutions A.803(19), A.804(19), A.806(19), and A.807(19).

The specific GMDSS equipment to which the performance standards apply are:

• Shipborne VHF radio installations
• Shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations
• Inmarsat-C ship earth stations

It is important to note that the transition from Circular MSC.1/Circ.1460 Rev.3 to Rev.4 extends the deadline for updating VHF radiocommunication equipment until after the first radio survey post January 1, 2028. However, individual flag states may have their own regulations.

We recommend contacting your respective flag state authorities to ensure compliance.

No immediate action is required on your part at this time. Rest assured; we will continue to provide compliant GMDSS equipment that adheres to the previous standards. We maintain close communication with our OEMs and will keep you informed about the availability of equipment that meets the new standards.

Please “click” on the ABS logo on our SERVICES page for the download of above mentioned certificates.

Above mentioned procedure is called EPIRB Shore Based maintenance (EPIRB SBM).

Recently, port state authorities, Class societies (during GMDSS survey), and vetting inspections are checking whether during the EPIRB battery exchange, an proper SBM procedure has been followed (paper proof of the SBM procedure has to be on board of the vessel, together with the manufacturers authorisation of the EPIRB SBM facility that has carried out the test).

Often, EPIRB SBM procedure and material required, is more expencive than an new EPIRB, so we are offering to all of our customers an new EPIRB unit, with programming to the ships particulars (MMSI/CallSign) included in the price of the EPIRB.

New EPIRB is covered with the warranty, battery and initial SBM certificate are valid for next 5 Years.

Equipment installed on or after 1 July 2019 should be type-approved to the amended performance standards.

Equipment should include an interface for alert management in accordance with resolution MSC.302(87) for Performance standards for Bridge Alert Management (BAM).

The subject models are designed to turn the clock back 19.6 years (19th December 1999), and will continue to work incorrectly under normal use, however, there is no influence on its positioning operation.

As a result, the following abnormalities will occur in some equipment:

• Date information will be displayed erroneous;
• The erroneous date will be output to external equipment (!Voyage Data Recorder!)

Type approval can be downloaded by clicking on the DNV logo on our SERVICES page.