Download PDF

1. SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.1.6 requires all ships irrespective of size to have a receiver for a global navigation satellite system or a terrestrial radio navigation system, or other means, suitable for use at all times throughout the intended voyage to establish and update the ship’s position by automatic means.
2. Global Positioning Satellite System (GPSS) equipments installed on ships to fulfil above SOLAS regulation includes following categories of equipments:
   • Global positioning system (GPS) equipment.
   • Global navigational satellite system (GLONASS) equipment.
   • Differential global position system (DGPS) equipment.
   • Differential global navigation satellite system (DGLONASS) equipment and
   • Combined global position system and global navigation satellite system (GPS/GLONASS) receiver equipment.
3. Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has issued Marine Notice No. 4-033-6 (copy attached) providing IMO performance standards for each of the abovementioned Global Positioning Satellite System (GPSS) Equipment in effect as of April 2016.
4. To comply with SOLAS, newly installed GPSS equipment must meet current International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements. Previously installed GPSS equipment must meet IMO requirements in effect at the time of installation.
5. Performance standards in effect as of April 2016 include, but are not limited to:
   • IMO Resolution MSC.112(73), Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for Ship borne Global Positioning System (GPS) Receiver Equipment, adopted 01 December 200
   • IMO Resolution MSC.113(73), Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for Ship borne GLONASS Receiver Equipment, adopted 01 December 2000
   • IMO Resolution MSC.114(73), Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for Ship borne DGPS and DGLONASS Maritime Radio Beacon Receiver Equipment, adopted 01 December 2000
   • IMO Resolution MSC.115(73), Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for Ship borne Combined GPS/GLONASS Receiver Equipment, adopted 01 December 2000
6. Ship owners and operators are advised to contact their radio service companies to ensure that the GPSS equipment installed onboard complies with SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.1.6 and meets the applicable performance standards, taking in to consideration any other relevant IMO guidance.

Enclosure:

1. Marshall Islands Marine Notice No. 4-033-6 Reg “Approved Global Positioning Satellite System (GPSS) Equipment”.