GMDSS inspection and testing
Annual and renewal GMDSS radio inspections by MD Electronics, carried out with calibrated instruments, controlled procedures and supervisor review.
MD Electronics is applying to ABS for service supplier recognition covering inspection and testing of radio communication equipment. The certificate number and scope will appear here exactly as printed when the certificate is issued.
What we inspect and test
GMDSS annual and renewal inspections
The full radio installation against the vessel's certificate and the flag's requirements, with a written report.
VHF, MF/HF and DSC
Transmitter output, receiver sensitivity, DSC calling and acknowledgement, MMSI programming and channel plans, tested on calibrated instruments.
406 MHz EPIRB inspection
Registration checked against the vessel, battery and hydrostatic release dates, mounting and stowage, built-in self-test.
SART and AIS-SART inspection
Stowage, battery date and self-test.
AIS installation check
Static data against the vessel's particulars, position source, antenna and power supply, unit status indications.
NAVTEX
Receiver operation, station and message selection, printer or display and antenna.
Reserve power and batteries
Reserve source of energy, charging, capacity and changeover under load.
Standards we work to
- SOLAS 1974 as amended, Chapter IV
- IMO performance standards for shipborne radio equipment
- ITU Radio Regulations
- MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.1, annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs
- MSC.1/Circ.1252, annual testing of AIS
- Flag administration requirements for the vessel surveyed
Test capability
Calibrated test equipment carried aboard for each function below. Calibration records travel with the survey report.
How the work is controlled
Every survey follows a controlled procedure, uses instruments within their calibration interval, and ends in a documented report that a supervisor reviews before it leaves the company. Deficiencies, complaints and corrective actions are recorded against the job.
Request the technical package
Classification society surveyors reviewing MD Electronics can request the radio service program package: company outline, personnel designations and qualifications, equipment register with calibration history, controlled procedures, reference register, checklists and sample reports.
Confirm your email address, and the request goes to our program manager for approval. An approved request receives a download link valid for seven days, good for one download, issued in your name. The package is not available to customers or the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a GMDSS annual inspection cover?
The radio installation as a whole: VHF, MF/HF and DSC equipment, the 406 MHz EPIRB, SART or AIS-SART, NAVTEX, the reserve source of energy and batteries, antennas and cabling, and the documentation on board. The radio equipment is tested with calibrated instruments; beacons and the AIS are inspected for registration, condition, battery and release dates and self-test. The results are recorded in a written report.
Which vessels need a GMDSS radio survey?
Ships subject to SOLAS Chapter IV, and any vessel whose flag administration or classification society requires a periodic radio inspection. The interval and scope follow the certificate the vessel carries; we confirm both against the flag's requirements before the visit.
What does the EPIRB inspection cover?
The beacon's registration against the vessel, its battery and hydrostatic release expiry dates, mounting and stowage, and the built-in self-test. Where the vessel's certificate requires the full annual 406 MHz beacon test under MSC.1/Circ.1040/Rev.1, we confirm the arrangement when the inspection is booked.
Is AIS part of the inspection?
Yes, as an installation check: static data against the vessel's particulars, position source, antenna and power supply, and the unit's own status indications. Performance testing to MSC.1/Circ.1252 is confirmed when the inspection is booked.
Is MD Electronics an ABS service supplier?
ABS service supplier recognition is in progress. When the certificate is issued, this page will show the certificate number and the scope exactly as printed on it. Until then no such claim is made here or in our reports. Classification society surveyors reviewing the application can request the technical package through the surveyor access panel on this page.
What does a surveyor receive through the access panel?
The technical package for the radio service program: company outline, personnel designations and qualifications, the equipment register with calibration history, controlled procedures, the reference register, checklists and sample reports. Each request is verified by email and approved individually; the package is issued to the named surveyor and is not available to customers or the public.
Where does MD Electronics carry out GMDSS work?
From our base in Tacoma, Washington, throughout Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest, and in Alaska. Work is done at the pier, in the yard or at anchor, with instruments carried aboard.