1 There has been concern that many GMDSS operators on board ships have a lack of familiarization regarding operational performance during Distress, Urgency and Safety communications,aswellaswithsimpletechnicalelements,whichisvitalforthesafetyoflife
at sea.
2 Takingintoaccounttheaboveconcerns, it is recommended that:
.1 theship'ssafetymanagementsystemshouldprovideforallpersonnelwhomaybe required to operate the GMDSS equipment to receive familiarization and ship-specific training, on joining the ship, and at appropriate intervals thereafter;
.2 familiarization, drills and onboard training of the GMDSS equipment should allow GMDSS operators to demonstrate their familiarization at any time;
.3 suchfamiliarizationshouldbeverifiedduringflagStateinspectionsorportState control; and
.4 ifsuchverificationturnsouttobenegative,theCompanyshouldtakeappropriate measures according to the flag State Administration requirements.