Reserve Source(s) of Energy Requirements
- Every ship must have a reserve source or sources of energy dedicated to supplying radio installations.
- Purpose is to maintain distress and safety radio communications during failure of main and emergency power.
- Capacity requirements vary by ship construction date:
- Ships constructed after 1 February 1995: operate radio installations for at least 1 hour.
- Ships constructed before 1 February 1995 with self-contained emergency power: 1 hour.
- Ships constructed before this date without such emergency power: 6 hours.
- Reserve sources are not required to simultaneously supply independent HF and MF radio installations.
Independence from Main Power Systems
- Reserve energy sources must be independent of:
- The ship's propelling power.
- The ship's electrical system.
Permitted Use of Reserve Energy
- Reserve energy may be used to power necessary electrical lighting for radio controls.
Requirements for Rechargeable Accumulator Batteries
- If the reserve source is rechargeable batteries:
- Automatic charging means must be provided, capable of recharging to minimum capacity within 10 hours.
- Battery capacity must be tested by full discharge and recharge over 10 hours, at least once every 12 months when the ship is not at sea.
Installation Standards for Accumulator Batteries
- Battery placement and installation must ensure:
- Highest degree of service and reasonable lifespan.
- Adequate safety.
- Battery temperatures remain within manufacturer’s specifications during charge or idle states.
- Fully charged batteries meet minimum operation hours under all weather conditions.
Continuous Supply of Navigational or Other Equipment Inputs
- If uninterrupted data input from ship's navigational or other equipment is essential for radio performance:
- Means must be provided to ensure continuous supply during failure of main or emergency electrical power.
Effectivity and Supersession
- This memorandum circular takes effect immediately upon issuance.
- Supersedes any inconsistent existing NTC orders, circulars, instructions, or memoranda.