MSC.1-Circ.1460-Rev.4-GuidanceOnTheValidityOfRadiocommunicationsEquipmentInstalledAndUsedOnShips(Secretariat)

INTERNATIONALEMARITIMEORGANIZATION4 ALBERT EMBANKMENTLONDON SE1 7SRTelephone:+44(0)2077357611Fax:+44(0)2075873210MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.430June2023GUIDANCE ON THE VALIDITY OF RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENTINSTALLED AND USED ON SHIPSThe Maritime Safety Committee,at its 107th session(31 May to 9 June 2023),approved the guidance set out in the following paragraphs,taking into account concerns overthe availability of VHF radiocommunication equipment compatible with the frequencies andchannelling arrangements set out in Appendix 18 of the ITU Radio Regulations (RR)-Edition 2020.This guidance recognizes that incompatibility may exist between VHFradiocommunication equipment installed on ships and on shore,and the revised frequenciesand channelling arrangements in Appendix 18 of the RR.2This circular replaces MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.3,which indicated the need for updatingexisting VHF radiocommunication equipment following the first radio surveyafter 1 January 2024.3The ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences in 2012,2015 and 2019 madeextensive changes to Appendix 18 of the RR.While these changes do not affect the GlobalMaritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS),they do affect the use of other frequenciesused for VHF meteorological,navigational and urgent marine information broadcasts,portoperations and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).According to the Performance standards forshipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling(resolution MSC.511(105)),VHF radiocommunication equipment should comply with the RR.The Guidance on procedures for updating shipbome navigation and communicationequipment (MSC.1/Circ.1389)notes that updates to application software and firmware to meetchanges in IMO and ITU regulatory requirements are needed.To ensure GMDSS communication capability and the availability of appropriateGMDSS radiocommunication equipment,and without prejudice to the arrangementscontained in Appendix 18 of the RR,VHF radiocommunication equipment should be updatedfollowing the first radio survey after 1 January 2028,at the earliest,so that it meets thearrangements that will be in force by then.6Member States are invited to bring this information to the attention of the appropriatenational authorities and all other parties concerned.I:CIRCMSC1MSC.1-Circ.1460/Rev.4.docxIMOMARPOL AT 50OUR COMMITMENT GOES ON