Pursuant to the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, and in order to ensure that the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) radio equipment is maintained to provide the functional requirements to meet the recommended performance standards of such equipment, the following maintenance methods on board Philippine registered vessels according to the sea area of navigation is hereby required:

a. Duplication of Equipment
b. Shore-based maintenance
c. At-sea electronic maintenance capability

1. On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A1 and A2, the availability shall be ensured by using any one (1) of the above methods.

2. On ships engaged on voyages in sea areas A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a combination of at least two (2) of the above methods.

3. The person required to perform At-sea electronic maintenance capability should be a holder of a General Operator Certificate (GOC) and First Class Radio Electronic Certificate (REC).

4. Shore-based maintenance companies should be registered with the Commission.

This Circular shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 12 April 1999

(SGD.) JOSEPH A. SANTIAGO
Commissioner

(SGD.) NESTOR C. DACANAY
Deputy Commissioner

(SGD.) AURELIO M. UMALI
Deputy Commissioner