How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report?

1 Follow the guidelines

The first step to ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report is to follow the guidelines and procedures established by the relevant authorities and organizations. Depending on your flag state, vessel type, area of operation and equipment configuration, you may need to comply with different requirements and standards. For example, you may need to follow the International Maritime Organization (IMO) resolution A.1106(29), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendations, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, the SOLAS convention, and the GMDSS manual. You should also consult your equipment manufacturer's manuals and instructions for specific test methods and parameters.

2 Use the right tools

The second step to ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report is to use the right tools and instruments for testing and measuring your equipment. You should have a set of calibrated and certified test equipment that can perform various tests on your GMDSS equipment, such as power output, frequency accuracy, modulation, sensitivity, selectivity, antenna matching, battery capacity, alarm activation, and distress alerting. You should also have a test log or a test report template that can help you record the test results and observations in a clear and consistent format. You can find some examples of test logs and templates on the ITU website or on some maritime service providers' websites.

3 Check the details

The third step to ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report is to check the details and verify the information in your report. You should make sure that your report includes all the relevant information, such as the vessel name, call sign, MMSI number, IMO number, flag state, date and time of the test, test location, test equipment used, test results, comments, recommendations, and signatures. You should also check that your report is free of errors, omissions, inconsistencies, and ambiguities. You should use clear and precise language, avoid jargon and abbreviations, and use units and symbols correctly. You should also proofread your report for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting.

4 Keep the records

The fourth step to ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report is to keep the records and copies of your report for future reference and inspection. You should store your original report in a safe and secure place on board, and make copies for your shipowner, operator, manager, or agent. You should also send copies to the relevant authorities and organizations, such as your flag state administration, your classification society, your radio accounting authority, your coast station, and your GMDSS service provider. You should keep your records for at least two years, or longer if required by your flag state or other regulations.

5 Update the report

The fifth step to ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report is to update the report whenever there is a change or modification in your equipment or configuration. You should perform a new test and inspection whenever you install, replace, repair, or upgrade any of your GMDSS equipment, or whenever you change your area of operation or your vessel type. You should also update your report if there is any change in the regulations or standards that affect your equipment or testing. You should document the changes and modifications in your report, and indicate the date and reason for the update.

6 Seek feedback

The sixth and final step to ensure the quality and accuracy of your GMDSS equipment test report is to seek feedback and advice from experts and peers. You should consult with your equipment manufacturer, your GMDSS service provider, your flag state administration, your classification society, or other qualified professionals if you have any questions or doubts about your equipment or testing. You should also share your report with other GMDSS operators or technicians, and ask for their opinions and suggestions on how to improve your report. You should be open to constructive criticism and learn from your mistakes and experiences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?