Survival-craft portable VHF radios
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether portable two-way VHF sets are charged, watertight, intrinsically safe where required and ready for on-scene survival-craft communication, with officers able to configure, cross-check, test and respond to failure of the actual equipment fitted.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What safety function does survival-craft portable vhf radios provide?
Portable two-way vhf sets are charged, watertight, intrinsically safe where required and ready for on-scene survival-craft communication.
2How is the complete function tested?
Conduct a short approved radio check on the rechargeable battery, inspect sealed reserve batteries and verify controls, audio and charging without consuming emergency capacity.
3What is its principal limitation?
Range is limited by antenna height and battery; sealed primary batteries may be restricted to emergency use and routine testing can exhaust or invalidate them.
4What is your response if it fails?
Use another serviceable survival-craft set or suitable GMDSS portable, conserve power, improve antenna height and replace the defective set or battery.
5Show the latest test and operational evidence.
Link the dated record to the actual unit, test method, result, defect response and restoration; a panel lamp test alone is not sufficient where the full signal path can be tested.
Where an observation may arise
The responsible officer cannot explain safe use, limitations or failure response.
Testing does not prove the required operational function or remote indication.
The sealed emergency battery has been used for routine tests or drills.
Rechargeable batteries or chargers are defective.
Sets cannot be removed quickly or are separated from required batteries.
Master's practical note
Check both battery types. A working radio on its training battery can conceal an expired or missing sealed emergency battery.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Intrinsically safe certification is required where sets may be used in hazardous tanker areas. Battery use and testing must follow the manufacturer instructions.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 4.4.3
- SOLAS Chapter III regulation 6
- IMO Resolution MSC.149(77)
- ITU Radio Regulations
Last reviewed: 2026-09-11