The Radio Log
	Compulsory GMDSS vessels are required to keep a radio log in a specified format and various items must be recorded in that logbook. For non-compulsory GMDSS vessels, the various licensing authorities have differing views as to what is required but a logbook in the GMDSS format would certainly suffice. The radio logbook itself must be kept close to the radio and it must be retained on board for inspection by any authorised person. Some administrations, require that the completed radio logbook for compulsory vessels be returned to them. The instructions for this are printed in the logbook.
	Entries Required for Compulsory GMDSS Vessels
	The GMDSS radio logbook is divided into three sections. Section A This contains the required particulars of the vessel such as registration information, name of owner etc., and details of the radio certification. It also states the two methods of maintenance of the equipment that have been chosen. Two of the following three methods must be chosen. Duplication of equipment - all essential equipment must be duplicated. On-board maintenance by certified engineer - this would have to be by a certified First or Second Class radio engineer. Shore support maintenance programme. If the shore support is chosen, details of the nominated company must be given. Section B This section lists the GMDSS qualified persons on board and the numbers of their certificates. Many vessels require at least two operators holding at least the General Operator's Certificate. Also in this section, the person must be named who is designated by the Master as having primary responsibility for radio communications in the event of a distress situation. Section C This is the diary section of the logbook. Some administrations require that this section is completed in duplicate so a copy can be retained on board when the log itself is returned to the administration. The following items must be recorded. (1). A summary of communications relating to distress, urgency or safety traffic. It must include dates, times, details of vessels involved and their positions. (2). A record of important incidents connected with the radio service, such as: Any breakdown or serious malfunction of the equipment Any breakdown of communications with a Coast Station, Land Earth Station or satellite Adverse radio propagation conditions, such as ionospheric static, atmospheric noise or other interference Serious breach of radio procedure by other stations Any significant incidents concerning the exchange of commercial traffic, such as disagreement over charges or non-receipt of messages. (3). The position of the ship once a day, either in relation to a geographical point or as latitude and longitude. (4). Details and results of tests and checks carried out. These tests include: a. Daily: i. The proper functioning of the DSC equipment should be tested daily by using in-built test facilities without radiating signals. ii. Batteries providing energy for any part of the radio installations must be checked and if necessary brought to full charge. iii. Printers, including the Navtex, must be checked for an adequate supply of paper. b. Weekly: i. The proper functioning of the DSC equipment must be tested by means of a test call when within range of a DSC Coast Station. This should be done on the MF or HF calling frequencies rather than on the distress frequencies if possible. Test calls are not permitted on VHF channel 70. ii. Any reserve sources of power, such as a stand-by generator, must be tested weekly. iii. Each hand-held VHF radio for the survival craft must be tested but not on channel 16. The batteries for these radios should be charged as required. c. Monthly: i. Each EPIRB and SART should be examined monthly for signs of damage and each should be tested with its in-built test system. Care must be taken to ensure that no signals are radiated from the EPIRB while testing. ii. The operator must check the condition of all batteries each month and ensure that they are well secured. Terminals and connections must be checked for security and in the case of lead/acid batteries, the specific gravity of each cell should be taken and noted in the log. iii. All antennas should be checked for condition and the antenna mounts and supports checked for security. All insulators, rigid antennas, and protective domes for satellite antennas should be cleaned as required.