Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 5-3-2000)
The guidelines are mandated pursuant to Republic Act No. 3846, as amended, and Republic Act No. 3396.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) promulgated the guidelines.
The guidelines address the requirement of SOLAS regulation IV/15.9.
The examination must include: checking position and mounting for float-free operation, visual inspection for defects, carrying out the self-test routine, checking the EPIRB identification marking and decoding transmitted identity information, checking battery expiry date, inspecting hydrostatic release and its expiry date if provided, checking the 406 MHz signal frequency without distress transmission, checking the 121.5 MHz homing signal frequency if possible without activating the satellite, verifying maintenance by an approved testing or servicing station, and remounting the EPIRB after the test while ensuring no transmission has started.
Suitable test equipment capable of performing all the relevant measurements required in the guidelines should be used.
A written report of the test must be submitted to the NTC, Radio Regulation and Licensing Department within ten (10) days after the testing.
No, the frequency of the 406 MHz signal must be checked without transmitting a distress call to the satellites.
The battery expiry date must be checked to ensure it has not expired.
The hydrostatic release ensures the EPIRB floats free in water in case of an emergency, and its expiry date ensures it is still functional and reliable.
This circular takes effect immediately and supersedes all other circulars, orders, or instructions or any part thereof which are inconsistent with it.