SOLAS Communication Carriage Requirements for Your Vessel

SOLAS Communication Carriage Requirements for Your Vessel: A Comprehensive Overview

SEANAV MARINE offers deep expertise in global regulations surrounding communication systems onboard vessels. In compliance with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and related maritime regulations such as Fire Fighting Communications (Chapter II-2, Reg. 10), Life Saving Appliances (Chapter III), GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, Chapter IV), LRIT (Long Range Identification and Tracking, Chapter V), and ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security, Chapter XI-2), we ensure your vessel is fully equipped to meet these critical standards.

We have outlined the required communication equipment based on vessel size and operational sea areas. Please refer to the respective sections for further details on specific requirements for your vessel.

---

Key Communication Equipment by Vessel Size and Sea Area

Ships between 300 – 499 GT (Gross Tonnage)

Cargo Ships

• VHF + DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
• Duplicated VHF+DSC
• DSC Watch Receiver (Ch. 70)
• NAVTEX (Navigational Telex)
• Satellite EPIRB 406 MHz
• Backup Power Source with Automatic Battery Charger
• Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM)
• 2-Way Radio Telephones (GMDSS and Fire Fighting)
• SAR Locating Device (Radar-SART or AIS-SART)
• General Alarm & Public Address Systems
• X-band RADAR
• SSAS – Ship Security Alert System
• Annual Radio & AIS Surveys
• Service & Maintenance Agreements

Passenger Ships

• VHF + DSC
• Duplicated VHF + DSC
• DSC Watch Receiver (Ch. 70)
• NAVTEX
• Passenger Aero VHF
• GMDSS Alarm Panel
• Satellite EPIRB 406 MHz
• Backup Power Source with Automatic Battery Charger
• Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM)
• 2-Way Radio Telephones (GMDSS and Fire Fighting)
• SAR Locating Device (Radar-SART or AIS-SART)
• General Alarm & Public Address Systems
• X-band RADAR
• SSAS – Ship Security Alert System
• Annual Radio & AIS Surveys
• Service & Maintenance Agreements

Ships 500 GT and Upward

Cargo Ships

• VHF + DSC
• Duplicated VHF + DSC
• DSC Watch Receiver (Ch. 70)
• NAVTEX
• Satellite EPIRB 406 MHz
• Backup Power Source with Automatic Battery Charger
• Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM)
• 2-Way Radio Telephones (GMDSS and Fire Fighting)
• SAR Locating Device (Radar-SART or AIS-SART)
• General Alarm & Public Address Systems
• X-band RADAR
• Annual Radio & AIS Surveys
• Service & Maintenance Agreements

Passenger Ships

• VHF + DSC
• Duplicated VHF + DSC
• DSC Watch Receiver (Ch. 70)
• NAVTEX
• Passenger Aero VHF
• GMDSS Alarm Panel
• Satellite EPIRB 406 MHz
• Backup Power Source with Automatic Battery Charger
• Shore-Based Maintenance (SBM)
• 2-Way Radio Telephones (GMDSS and Fire Fighting)
• SAR Locating Device (Radar-SART or AIS-SART)
• General Alarm & Public Address Systems
• X-band RADAR
• SSAS – Ship Security Alert System
• Annual Radio & AIS Surveys
• Service & Maintenance Agreements

Ships 300 – 499 GT in Sea Area A1 + A2, A1 + A2 + A3

The communication requirements are enhanced with systems like MF SSB (Medium Frequency Single Sideband), Inmarsat C, LRIT Reporting Functions, and Satellite EPIRBs for both Cargo and Passenger ships.

Ships 500 GT and Upward in Sea Area A1 + A2 + A3

For vessels operating in these extended sea areas, additional equipment like Inmarsat C (or GMDSS Mini-C) including EGC Receiver, MF/HF SSB with DSC + NBDP, and more rigorous SAR locating systems are mandatory.

---

Want More Information?

Our expert team at SEANAV MARINE is ready to assist with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your vessel’s communication systems. Contact us for detailed advice and tailored solutions based on your specific requirements.