Was SOLAS Chapter IV compliance verified during the survey?

Yes. The survey verified the operational readiness and compliance status of the vessel’s GMDSS equipment according to applicable SOLAS Chapter IV requirements.

Marine Radio Survey & GMDSS Inspection Project

Q: What was the scope of the Radio Survey Project for the 42,650 DWT Bulk Carrier?

The project included inspection and operational assessment of the vessel’s GMDSS and marine communication systems during scheduled dry-dock attendance at Subic, Philippines. The survey covered equipment testing, documentation verification, and compliance assessment.

Q: Why was the Radio Survey carried out during dry-dock?

Dry-dock attendance provides an opportunity to inspect, test, repair, and renew communication equipment while the vessel is undergoing scheduled maintenance activities.

Q: Did PAMS provide repair and improvement recommendations?

Yes. PAMS provided technical recommendations for equipment repairs, battery renewal, programming verification, component replacement, and communication system improvements.

PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services carried out an independent Radio Survey Project for a 42,650 DWT Bulk Carrier during scheduled dry-dock attendance at Subic Port, Philippines. The survey included comprehensive inspection, operational testing, and compliance verification of the vessel’s GMDSS and marine communication systems in accordance with SOLAS Chapter IV requirements. The technical assessment covered radio equipment condition, emergency communication readiness, documentation verification, and recommendations for repairs, renewal, and system improvements.

Radio Survey Project Overview

PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services was appointed to perform a detailed Radio Survey and GMDSS Communication System Assessment for a 42,650 DWT Bulk Carrier during its scheduled dry-docking period at Subic, Philippines.

The project objective was to verify the operational condition, reliability, and compliance status of the vessel’s communication and distress safety equipment while the vessel was undergoing maintenance activities.

The survey provided an independent technical evaluation of the radio installation, identifying any deficiencies requiring correction before vessel re-delivery.

Survey Scope of Work

The Radio Survey included inspection and testing of the following equipment:

GMDSS Communication Systems

● VHF Radio with DSC capability
● MF/HF Radio installation
● Satellite communication equipment
● NAVTEX receiver
● AIS communication system
● GPS input verification
● Radio antennas and associated cabling

Emergency Communication Equipment

Inspection and operational verification of:

● 406 MHz EPIRB
● Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)
● AIS-SART (where fitted)
● Portable Survival Craft VHF Radios
● Emergency radio batteries
● Battery chargers and charging systems

Radio Equipment Testing & Verification

During the dry-dock attendance, technical checks were performed to confirm:

● Correct operation of radio communication systems
● Transmitting and receiving capability
● DSC functionality
● MMSI programming accuracy
● Emergency communication readiness
● Equipment certification validity
● Battery condition and expiry dates
● Antenna and connection condition

Documentation Review

The vessel’s radio documentation was reviewed, including:

● Ship Radio Station License
● GMDSS Radio Log Book
● Radio maintenance records
● Equipment certificates
● EPIRB registration details
● Battery replacement records
● Previous radio survey reports

Any documentation gaps were identified and recommendations provided.

Findings & Recommendations

The survey findings provided the vessel operator with a clear technical condition assessment and included recommendations related to:

● Equipment repair requirements
● Replacement of expired batteries
● Radio programming verification
● Communication equipment renewal
● Maintenance improvement actions
● Compliance enhancement measures

The recommendations assisted the vessel management team in maintaining reliable communication capability and avoiding potential statutory deficiencies.

Repair & Renewal Support

Following the inspection, PAMS provided technical consultancy support for:

● GMDSS equipment repairs
● Radio component replacement
● Portable VHF radio renewal
● Battery replacement planning
● Equipment programming verification
● New communication system installation support

Project Outcome

The Radio Survey Project successfully verified the condition and operational readiness of the vessel’s communication systems during dry-dock attendance.

The inspection supported:

✔ SOLAS Chapter IV compliance readiness
✔ Reliable emergency communication capability
✔ Improved GMDSS equipment performance
✔ Identification of corrective maintenance requirements
✔ Reduced risk of Port State Control deficiencies
✔ Enhanced vessel operational safety

PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services continues to provide independent marine radio surveys, GMDSS inspections, and technical consultancy services for commercial vessels worldwide.

Radio Survey Project FAQ

What was the scope of the Radio Survey Project for the 42,650 DWT Bulk Carrier?

The project included a complete inspection and operational assessment of the vessel’s GMDSS and marine communication systems during scheduled dry-dock attendance at Subic, Philippines. The survey covered radio equipment testing, documentation verification, and compliance assessment.

Why was the Radio Survey carried out during dry-dock?

Dry-dock attendance provides an ideal opportunity to inspect, test, repair, and renew communication equipment while the vessel is undergoing scheduled maintenance, reducing operational disruption and improving compliance readiness.

Which GMDSS equipment was inspected during the project?

The inspection included VHF DSC radios, MF/HF communication systems, AIS, EPIRB, SART, portable survival craft VHF radios, emergency batteries, antennas, and associated communication system components.

Was SOLAS compliance verified during the Radio Survey?

Yes. The survey included verification of GMDSS equipment operational readiness and compliance with applicable SOLAS Chapter IV requirements for vessel communication and distress safety systems.

What documentation was reviewed during the survey?

The review included the Ship Radio Station License, GMDSS Radio Log Book, maintenance records, equipment certificates, EPIRB registration details, battery records, and previous radio survey documentation.

Did the project include repair and replacement recommendations?

Yes. Technical recommendations were provided for equipment repairs, battery renewal, programming verification, component replacement, and communication system improvements where required.

Can PAMS support new radio installation projects?

Yes. PAMS provides technical consultancy support for new GMDSS installations, VHF radio replacement, communication system upgrades, programming verification, and commissioning assistance.

What was the outcome of the Radio Survey Project?

The project provided the vessel operator with an independent assessment of communication system condition, identified corrective actions, and supported continued safe operation and compliance readiness.

Ready to Proceed?

Request a survey, inspection, audit, certification, or technical consultancy service. Describe your vessel, offshore asset, or project requirements and our technical team will respond within 4 business hours.