Amendments to SOLAS II-1, III, IV, and V on modernization of GMDSS – MSC.496(105)
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) requirements have been updated to enable the future use of modern communication systems whilst removing carriage requirements for obsolete systems. The definitions of the sea areas A1 to A4 have also been amended to reflect that the geographical area of coverage may vary between various satellite service providers.
These amendments affect SOLAS chapters II-1, III, IV, and V, and the appendix (Certificates) and the 1988 SOLAS Protocol (MSC.497(105)). The requirements for communication equipment have been moved from SOLAS Chapter III on life-saving appliances to Chapter IV on radio communications.
These requirements will apply to all ships of 300 GT and above. The existing SOLAS certificates do not have to be reissued before they expire because of the reorganization of SOLAS Chapters III and IV.
Consequential amendments have been made to the 1994 and 2000 High-Speed Craft (HSC) Codes, the Special Purpose Ships (SPS) Code, and the Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU) Code.
Owners are recommended to refer to the IMO resolutions mentioned above and be guided accordingly.
Deputy Admin Manager at Caverton Helicopters Company
4moI know Funmi so well we worked together in Caverton, very good at what she does