Netherlands has issued a document relating to the SOLAS Chapter IV

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has issued a document relating to the SOLAS Chapter IV.

Regarding the use of analogue/digital VHF channels and Iridium installations for GMDSS configurations, the Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate (NSI) requires compliance with the Netherlands Statement on the implementation of WRC-15 decisions.

Ships under the Netherlands jurisdiction, flying the Dutch flag, and relevant VHF equipment providers in the Netherlands must ensure that VHF channels 21, 22, 23, 80, 81, 82, and 83 remain programmed for analogue modulation until the first radio survey after January 1, 2024.

Resolution MSC.436(99) introduces the definition of 'recognized mobile satellite service.' In this context, the term 'Inmarsat ship earth station' has been replaced by 'recognized mobile satellite service.'

Ships must have a radio facility to receive maritime safety information via a recognized mobile satellite service enhanced group calling system if they are operating in certain sea areas without an international NAVTEX service.

Inmarsat's 'SafetyNET' system for EGC ensures full coverage for GMDSS A3 sea area.

On the other hand, Iridium's 'SafetyCAST' system for MSI reception is not yet globally available.

Ships under the Dutch flag may have an Iridium GMDSS system with an MED/wheelmark certificate, but they should mitigate risks when relying on Iridium SafetyCAST for MSI in areas where operational capability hasn't been declared by a corresponding MSI provider.

Currently, only the Inmarsat-C terminal, through the SafetyNET system, fully meets the functional requirement of transmitting and receiving maritime safety information for the entire GMDSS sea area A3.

If a type-approved Iridium terminal is installed, certain conditions must be followed, and the relevant certificate(s) should state the additional requirements.

For not mechanically propelled sail passenger ships (COS), an additional type-approved Inmarsat-C device must be temporarily installed when sailing in areas without Iridium coverage or an international NAVTEX service.

For other ships, a type-approved Inmarsat-C device must be temporarily installed alongside non-complying mobile satellite services if the voyage takes place in areas lacking Iridium coverage or an international NAVTEX service.

In both cases, the temporary Inmarsat-C device must be inspected and tested by an NSI-approved radio service company.

If the ship owner plans to replace the Inmarsat-C terminal with an Iridium installation under these conditions, they should contact the ships RO for further instructions.

This document was issued on 22 July 2023 and entered into force on 21 July 2023.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

ItoS - SOLAS Chapter IV - Radiocommunications

MSC.436(99): Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as Amended