This is to notify the procedures of surveys of S-VDR to be fitted on board ships constructed before 1 July 2002 and of shore-based maintenance of satellite EPIRBs fitted on board ships, which are required by the 2004 amendments to SOLAS 1979 entering into force on 1 July 2006.

1. Installation of S-VDR

(1) Implementation Schedule of Installation
An S-VDR is to be fitted on board in accordance with regulation V/20.2 of SOLAS, 1974, as amended, as follows:
(i) In the case of cargo ships of 20,000 gross tonnage and upwards, at the first dry-docking after 1 July 2006 but not later than 1 July 2009.
(ii) In the case of cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 20,000 gross tonnage, at the first dry-docking after 1 July 2007 but not later than 1 July 2010.

(2) Performance Standards and Installation
An S-VDR is to be of a type-approved in accordance with performance standards specified in IMO Resolution MSC.163(78). In case where a VDR is installed as a substitution for an S-VDR, the VDR is to be of a type-approved in accordance with performance standards specified in IMO Resolution A.861(20).
Here are the main points for installation.
(i) Final recording medium is to be installed in a protective capsule of either a fixed or float-free type.
(ii) In case of failure of the S-VDR, an audible and visible alarm should be given in the wheel house.
(iii) If an interface unit is available from the radar manufacturer and can be built in the radar, radar data are to be recorded. However, if it is impossible to supply radar data to S-VDR then AIS data are to be recorded. AIS data may optionally be recorded in addition to radar data.
(iv) Electrical power of an S-VDR is to be supplied from ship's main source and emergency source. Emergency source is to be capable of supplying its power for 18 hours. In case where batteries are used as emergency source, a battery capacity calculation sheet is to be submitted as an additional document to those listed on (4) (i) ? (v) below.
(To be continued)