Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 7-3-2000)
The purpose is to adopt standards and set rules governing shore-based maintenance requirements and the establishment of Radio Repair Service centers in the Philippines, to enable the National Telecommunications Commission to monitor all shore-based maintenance companies, and to accredit such companies operating within and outside the country.
It is defined as an entity engaged in the repair, service, calibration, or maintenance of maritime radio communication and navigational equipment on board Philippine Registered GMDSS vessels.
A company must secure an accreditation permit as a Shore-based Maintenance Company from the National Telecommunications Commission before entering into contracts with ship companies or operators.
Only duly accredited shore-based maintenance companies authorized by the National Telecommunications Commission are permitted to perform such tasks.
Technical personnel must hold at least a valid 1st class Radiotelephone (PHN) or Radiotelegraph (RTG) certificate with Radio Electronic Certificate (REC) and proof of training from equipment manufacturers.
Grounds include violation of any provision of the Circular or relevant laws, false statements in applications or reports, failure to comply with conditions, and failure to amicably settle disputes with contracting companies.
The Commission must provide written notice stating cause to the permittee. The order takes effect 15 days after notice receipt unless the permittee files a written petition for a hearing. If no petition is filed, the order becomes final and executory.
They must have diagnostic equipment such as frequency meters, RF power meters, multimeters, insulate meters, battery testing meters, oscilloscopes, RF and AF signal generators, and reflectometers covering HF to UHF bands.
No, only companies accredited by the National Telecommunications Commission may advertise or enter contracts for the repair, calibration, service, and maintenance of maritime radio communication and navigational equipment on Philippine Registered GMDSS vessels.