SOLAS Chapter V GMDSS Equipment Inspection & Test Checklist

GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) daily equipment tests are required under SOLAS Chapter IV Regulation 15 to ensure all distress communication systems are functional at all times. The equipment required depends on the sea area (A1 through A4) in which the vessel operates. All GMDSS equipment must be tested daily at sea, and any deficiency must be logged and reported to the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) if it affects distress capability. This checklist covers the daily tests f

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Quarterly
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: Radio Officer
  • Total Items: 18
  • Compliance: SOLAS 1974 as amended, IMO Resolution MSC, ISM Code

VHF DSC and Channel 16 Watchkeeping

VHF watchkeeping on CH16 is mandatory at sea; DSC controller must maintain watch on CH70 per SOLAS IV/12.

  • VHF DSC controller maintaining continuous watch on CH70?
  • VHF maintaining watch on CH16 (voice distress channel)?
  • DSC position update from GPS source current (not more than 4 hours old)?
  • VHF MMSI programmed and confirmed correct?

MF DSC Daily Test (Sea Area A2)

For vessels operating beyond 25 nm from shore (Sea Area A2), MF DSC must be tested daily per SOLAS IV/15.

  • MF (2182 kHz) receiver functional; maintaining watch on 2187.5 kHz DSC?
  • MF DSC daily test transmission sent on 2187.5 kHz self-test?
  • MF emergency antenna connection inspected and secure?

HF DSC and Inmarsat-C (Sea Area A3)

For vessels operating beyond range of MF (Sea Area A3), HF DSC or Inmarsat-C is required per SOLAS IV/10.

  • HF DSC controller receiving and transmitting on at least one international HF distress frequency?
  • Inmarsat-C terminal logged into satellite; message receipt and sending tested today?
  • Enhanced Group Call (EGC) receiver active for Maritime Safety Information?

NAVTEX Receiver and Safety Messages

NAVTEX receiver provides Maritime Safety Information broadcasts. Verify receiver is operational and correctly programmed.

  • NAVTEX receiver functional and programmed for relevant transmitters for current sea area?
  • NAVTEX messages reviewed at start of each watch for navigational warnings?
  • Any NAVTEX navigational warnings relevant to today's route?
  • Navigational warnings affecting today's voyage (describe or None):

Daily GMDSS Test Log Entry

SOLAS IV/15 and ship's SMS require a daily GMDSS test entry in the radio log.

  • All daily GMDSS tests completed and results logged in radio log?
  • Any GMDSS equipment deficiencies found today (describe or None):
  • Vessel position at time of tests (lat/lon):
  • Radio officer or OOW signature:

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Why Use This SOLAS Chapter V GMDSS Equipment Inspection & Test Checklist?

This solas chapter v gmdss equipment inspection & test checklist helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for radio officer professionals, this checklist covers 18 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.

Ensures compliance with SOLAS 1974 as amended, IMO Resolution MSC, ISM Code. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SOLAS Chapter V GMDSS Equipment Inspection & Test Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 18 inspection items across 5 sections: VHF DSC and Channel 16 Watchkeeping, MF DSC Daily Test (Sea Area A2), HF DSC and Inmarsat-C (Sea Area A3), NAVTEX Receiver and Safety Messages, Daily GMDSS Test Log Entry. It is designed for transportation & logistics operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this SOLAS Chapter V GMDSS Equipment Inspection & Test Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Radio Officer professionals in the transportation & logistics industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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