Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 4-3-2000)
The guidelines are pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 3346, Republic Act No. 3396, and the requirements set out in Regulation 4/13 of the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, as amended.
The reserve source or sources of energy is to supply radio installations for conducting distress and safety radio communications in the event of failure of the ship's main and emergency sources of electrical power.
On ships constructed after 1 February 1995, the reserve source must supply energy for at least one (1) hour.
For ships constructed before 1 February 1995 without a self-contained emergency source of electrical power, the reserve source must operate for at least six (6) hours.
Yes, the reserve source of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required to illuminate the radio controls for operating all radio installations.
The rechargeable accumulator batteries must have means of automatic charging capable of recharging them to minimum capacity within 10 hours, and their capacity must be checked by fully discharging and recharging at intervals not exceeding 12 months when the ship is not at sea.
The batteries must be installed to ensure the highest degree of service, reasonable lifetime, reasonable safety, temperature control within manufacturer’s specifications whether charging or idle, and capability to provide required hours of operation under all weather conditions when fully charged.
Yes, the reserve sources of energy must be independent of the propelling power of the ship and the ship’s electrical system.
There must be means to ensure continuous supply of such input information in case of failure of the ship’s main or emergency electrical power source.
The Circular took effect immediately upon adoption on 01 March 2000.