Radio survey enables a ship to navigate through a specific sea area by verifying and confirming its readiness with the help of a qualified radio inspector. Maritronics provides the finest services in radio surveys with their expert engineers.
Historical Background
The Titanic Disaster and SOLAS
In 1912, the Titanic struck an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the ocean. This tragedy made the maritime industry realize the need for international safety regulations.
In 1914, during the gathering of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization, the first Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention was passed. It was further amended in 1960 and 1974, and to this day, new amendments continue to be made to the 1974 version.
Purpose of Radio Surveys
Radio survey procedures involve communication, navigation, and safety equipment checks onboard the vessel. It ensures that the ship is safe to sail without causing damage to the vessel or the people on board.
Equipment Standards
Radio survey equipment should be able to check all the relevant measurements required by the guidelines laid down by SOLAS Chapter IV and specified in IMO Resolutions A.997 and A.948.
SOLAS Regulations and Exemptions
SOLAS regulations concerning radio communications, unless otherwise stated, do not apply to:
Ships of war and troopships
Cargo ships of less than 300 gross tonnage
Ships not propelled by mechanical means
Wooden ships of primitive build
Role of Qualified Radio Surveyors
A radio survey must be performed by a qualified surveyor with knowledge of:
SOLAS conventions
Associated standards
ITU Radio regulations
The surveyor uses suitable test equipment to ensure all required measurements are carried out.
Training and Watchkeeping Requirements
According to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), revised in 1995 and 2010, radio operators must:
Maintain watch on frequencies specified in the Radio Regulations and SOLAS Convention
Regularly check the operation of radio equipment and energy sources
Report failures to the ship’s master
If surveyors identify unsafe conditions or certificate mismatches, corrective measures must be implemented before the ship can leave port.
Surveys for Passenger Ships
Passenger ships must undergo:
Initial survey before entering service
Renewal survey every 12 months (with exceptions)
Additional surveys as required
Surveys for Cargo Ships
Cargo ships must be maintained with:
Surveys of life-saving appliances and equipment
Surveys of radio installations
Surveys of structure, machinery, and equipment
Surveys of Radio Installations
Cargo ship radio installations, including those in life-saving appliances, are subject to:
Initial survey before entering service
Renewal survey at intervals not exceeding five years
Periodical survey within three months before or after each certificate anniversary
Additional surveys, similar to passenger ship requirements
Surveys ensure radio installations meet all regulatory requirements for safety and performance.
Expertise of Maritronics
Maritronics houses some of the best radio surveyors in the UAE. Their expertise ensures ships meet international standards and sail smoothly.
Class-Approved Surveyors
Maritronics surveyors are approved by leading international classification societies, including:
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Bureau Veritas (BV)
Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
Korean Register of Shipping (KR)
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping (LR)
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK)
RINA Services
For more details, visit Maritronics
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