Netherlands issued a document in regard to SOLAS Chapter IV - Radiocommunications

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has issued a document in regard to SOLAS Chapter IV - Radiocommunications.

Regarding the forthcoming revision of SOLAS Chapter IV and in line with the guidance provided by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the validity of radio communication equipment used on ships (MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.2), the NSI (Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate) stipulates the following requirements:

1. Vessels navigating in waters under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands.
2. Vessels registered under the flag of the Netherlands.
3. Manufacturers, service providers, and type approval entities for VHF equipment, either based in the Netherlands or offering their services to Dutch-flagged vessels.

These entities are mandated to adhere to the obligations outlined in the Netherlands Statement concerning the implementation of decisions from WRC-15 that pertain to the future utilization of analog/digital channels, as specified in RR Appendix 18.

This compliance is essential to ensure that, until the first radio inspection after January 1, 2024, the VHF equipment on board retains the programming for analog modulation on VHF channels 21, 22, 23, 80, 81, 82, and 83.

This document was issued on 18 September 2023.

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

ItoS - SOLAS Chapter IV - Radiocommunications