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In continuation of M. S.
Notice 5 & 14 of 1998 the Directorate General of Shipping
is concerned with the excessive number of false distress
alerts which are being detected frequently. The false distress
alerts impose a considerable & unnecessary burden on
Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs). These may have adverse
effects on seafarers' confidence in the GMDSS and could
also have a potentially serious impact on a real distress
situation and on safety of life at sea.
In this connection, the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) has adopted Resolution A.814(19).
The Directorate General of Shipping urges
all ship owners to ensure that EPIRBs fitted on board their
ships comply with the GUIDELINES FOR AVO1D1NG FALSE DISTRESS
ALERTS as annexed to the above-referred Resolution.
In this connection, ship owners' attention
is specially invited to Guideline 2.4 of the above-referred
Resolution.
"MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS
AND INSTALLERS SHOULD: ENSURE THAT THE SATELLITE EPIRB POSITION
ON BOARD, INSTALLATIONS (INCLUDING THE RELEASEAND ACTIVATION
MECHANISMS) AND HANDLING PROCEDURES PRECLUDE UNWANTED ACTIVATION
(DESIGNING THE EPIRB SO THAT WHEN IT IS OUT OF ITS BRACKET
IT MUST ALSO BE IMMERSED IN WATER TO ACTIVATE AUTOMATICALLY,
AND SO THAT, WHEN OPERATED MANUALLY, A TWO-STEP ACTIVATION
ACTION IS REQUIRED) "
Sd/-
(Capt. R. K. Awasthi)
Nautical Surveyor
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