GMDSS: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
GMDSS findings usually come from the logbook: daily, weekly and monthly tests, battery checks and EPIRB and SART tests that match the equipment.
Do this before the inspector arrives: Do the GMDSS battery on/off-load test and update the log.
What the inspector wants to see
- GMDSS log with daily, weekly and monthly tests
- Battery on-load and off-load test records
- EPIRB and SART test records
Questions inspectors ask about GMDSS
How often is VDR data downloaded?
Quarterly, per the company in the notes.
Can the LRIT Sat-C and SSAS Sat-C be used interchangeably?
No.
How is Sea Area A3 now defined?
An area outside A1 and A2 within coverage of a recognised mobile satellite service (Inmarsat or Iridium) supported by the ship's SES, with continuous alerting.
Is NBDP still part of GMDSS equipment?
No. NBDP is now redundant and no longer part of GMDSS equipment.
What rules apply to portable two-way radios?
Keep them on trickle charge at all times, do not test on Ch 16, and know the limits on using non-IS radios outside the bridge.
What is the difference between a distress alert and a distress message?
Hold the distress button about 4 s to send the alert; holding longer may bring up a list to choose the nature of distress.
There are 33 GMDSS questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real GMDSS observations, and how to avoid them
Bridge officer was unfamiliar with the NAVAREA warning procedure; NAVAREA I warnings in force were missing and GMDSS was not set to receive them.
Avoid it: Set EGC receivers for the current NAVAREA and keep a file of warnings in force.
Also logged as a learning gap: NAVAREA I warnings in force were not on board and the GMDSS receivers were not configured for that area.
Avoid it: Check receiver area settings when entering a new NAVAREA and log the warnings in force.
21 NAVTEX stations were selected, most irrelevant to the ship's position off Ulsan, Korea; reset to stations within 250-400 nm.
Avoid it: Select only NAVTEX stations covering your area and update the selection as the voyage goes on.
Received VHF DSC messages were not recorded in the GMDSS log.
Avoid it: Log every DSC message received, including distress relays and tests.
Interviewee could not show how to mount the SART in a lifeboat or liferaft, or explain its lanyard and telescopic pole, despite recent training.
Avoid it: Practise SART mounting: the higher it is, the longer its detection range, so use the pole.
There was no company procedure requiring the AIS to be switched off, or its aerial isolated, alongside terminals where hydrocarbon gas may be present.
Avoid it: Follow ISGOTT on radio transmissions alongside and ask the office to add AIS guidance if it is missing.
The operator had no guidance on using the survival craft portable two-way VHF radios for non-emergency communication.
Avoid it: Know company rules on using survival craft VHFs day to day and how charge is kept for emergencies.
The ship used the flag's GMDSS radio log as instructed, but there was no procedure for monthly and yearly GMDSS and satcom testing and maintenance.
Avoid it: Follow a written routine for daily, weekly, monthly and annual GMDSS tests and record each one.
Who answers for GMDSS
Second Officer, Third Officer. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse GMDSS before your next inspection.
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