NEWS

MSC.1/Circ.1676 invites flag Administrations to permit the continued installation of such equipment approved to the older performance standards until 1 January 2028.

New installations of such equipment installed after 1 January 2028 must conform to performance standards specified in the annexes to resolutions MSC.511(105), MSC.512(105) and MSC.513(105).

MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.4 effectively moves the compliance date for VHF radiocommunication equipment to meet the new channelling requirements from 1 January 2024 to the first radio survey after 1 January 2028.

The amended Appendix 18 requires 4-digit channels rather than the previous 2-digit channels.

For newer VHF equipment, which is not already compatible with the amended RR, compatibility might be achieved by a software update. Older VHF equipment may have to be replaced.

The requirements of SOLAS Chapter IV related to provision of HF direct-printing telegraphy (NBDP) equipment will effectively be deleted when the revised Chapter IV enters into force on 1 January 2024. As such, any requirements related to HF NBDP have been removed from the recently published MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.4.

Owners and operators should confirm with their VHF GMDSS radiocommunications installation manufacturer whether software updates or replacement equipment are needed, ahead of the new 2028 deadline.