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In
continuation of M. S. Notice No. 18 of 1998 and in supersession
of any other instruction in this regard, compliance with
the following with immediate effect is requested.
The directorate General of Shipping having
noticed that excessive number of false distress alerts imposes
a considerable and unnecessary burden on Rescue Coordination
Centres (RCCs), leading to adverse effect on seafarers?
confidence in the GMDSS and serious impact on real distress
situation at sea.
A.Draws attention of all Ship Masters and
Crew to the guidelines for the avoidance of distress alerts
as adopted in IMO Resolution A. 814(19) .
B.Urges manufacturers, suppliers and installers
of EPIRBs to ensure that the satellite EPIRB location on
board, its installation (including the release and activation
mechanism) and handling procedures, preclude unwanted activation
and the EPIRBs supplied to Indian ships should comply with
the requirement of IMO Resolution A. 814(19).
C.Requires, in view of the IMO Resolution
A.814(19), that, existing satellite EPIRBs on board the
Indian cargo ships not complying with the standards mentioned
in the said Resolution are phased out in a gradual manner
as follows :-
(i) At lease one float-free EPIRB on board
the Indian cargo ships must comply with the requirement
of the above resolution on or before the next SRT survey
or by 1.2.2000, whichever is earlier.
(ii) Manually activated satellite EPIRB
required in accordance with the M.S. (Distress & Safety
Radio Communication) Rules, 1995, should be replaced by
an EPIRB complying with the above resolution on or before
1.2.2002 or at the expiry of the battery life whichever
is earlier.
Sd/-
(Capt. L.K. Panda)
Nautical Surveyor
For Nautical Adviser to the Govt. of India
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