5 Conformance test
5.1 The conformance test should be conducted either by a recognized ASP or by an authorized testing ASP.
5.2 Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 5.2.1 and 5.2.2, the conformance test should be conducted using a communication system which provides coverage in all sea areas for which the ship is certified to operate.
5.2.1 Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 5.2 and 5.2.2, the results of the conformance test are not in any way prejudiced by the location or whereabouts of the ship when the conformance test is conducted.
5.2.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 5.2, for ships constructed before 31 December 2008 and certified to operate in sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4, the conformance test for sea area A4 may be conducted separately taking into account the provisions of regulation V/19-1.4.1.3.
5.3 For ships constructed on or after 31 December 2008, the conformance test should be:
- conducted after the completion of the initial survey of the radio installation, provided such survey has indicated that, as far as the radio installation is concerned, the ship meets the related requirements for the issue of a radio related certificate; and
- satisfactorily completed prior to the issue of a radio related certificate.
5.4 For ships constructed before 31 December 2008, the conformance test should be:
- conducted prior to the date on which a ship would need to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of regulation V/19-1; and
- satisfactorily completed prior to the amendment of the record of equipment to document compliance with the requirements relating to Long-range identification and tracking system.
5.5 Administrations should establish, for ships constructed before 31 December 2008, dates, ahead of the dates stipulated in regulation V/19-1.4.1 for the phased in implementation of the requirement to transmit LRIT information, by which the conformance testing should be carried out with a view to ensuring the timely compliance of the ships entitled to fly their flag with the requirements of regulation V/19-1.