Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 6-3-2000)
The purpose is to provide guidelines for the participation of non-convention ships (less than 300 G.T.) in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) on Philippine-flagged vessels engaged in international trade.
It complies with R.A. 3846, R.A. 3396, the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention as amended, and the recommendation of the Maritime Safety Committee.
Philippine-flagged non-convention ships of less than 300 gross tonnage (G.T.) engaged in international trade.
The required equipment includes: 1) Marine type SSB/HF and VHF transceiver, 2) Satellite EPIRB, 3) 9 GHz SAR radar transponder, 4) NAVTEX receiver, and 5) At least two units of two-way VHF radio equipment (GMDSS type-approved).
The satellite EPIRB generates signals containing the ship's position and identification code in case of distress.
It transmits signals to indicate the ship's position in distress and appears as a bearing on the radar screen of the rescuing ship.
Yes. They may voluntarily carry DSC equipment with radiotelephone capability operating on GMDSS frequencies or an INMARSAT ship earth station (SES).
The Circular takes effect immediately upon adoption, which is March 1, 2000.
It supersedes any existing NTC order, circular, instruction, memorandum or part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Circular.
It was signed and adopted by Commissioner Joseph A. Santiago and Deputy Commissioners Nestor C. Dacanay and Aurelio M. Umali.