CMRT CMRT Regulatory Compliance & Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of the USCG COI (Certificate of Inspection) in relation to radar equipment?
- It certifies individual technicians to work on radar
- It confirms that a US-flag vessel's safety equipment, including required radar, meets regulatory standards for its route and service (Correct answer)
- It authorizes new radar frequencies
- It replaces the FCC station license for commercial vessels
Correct answer: It confirms that a US-flag vessel's safety equipment, including required radar, meets regulatory standards for its route and service
The USCG COI certifies that a US-flag vessel meets applicable safety regulations for its service, which includes verification that required navigational equipment such as radar is installed and operational.
Question 2: Under FCC Part 80 rules, what must a marine radar technician do before opening or modifying a type-accepted radar transceiver?
- Obtain written permission from the vessel owner only
- Ensure they are a licensed FCC radio technician (GMDSS Maintainer) and follow manufacturer service procedures to preserve type acceptance (Correct answer)
- File a report with the USCG district office
- Apply for a new FCC station license
Correct answer: Ensure they are a licensed FCC radio technician (GMDSS Maintainer) and follow manufacturer service procedures to preserve type acceptance
Modifications that alter the RF characteristics of type-accepted equipment can void the authorization; only qualified technicians following approved procedures may service the transmitter.
Question 3: What is the significance of the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) for radar technicians on SOLAS vessels?
- GMDSS replaces all radar requirements on passenger ships
- GMDSS maintenance requirements mandate that a qualified radio maintainer or shore-based maintenance contract ensures navigational electronics including radar remain operational (Correct answer)
- GMDSS only applies to VHF equipment
- GMDSS requires radar to transmit AIS data
Correct answer: GMDSS maintenance requirements mandate that a qualified radio maintainer or shore-based maintenance contract ensures navigational electronics including radar remain operational
SOLAS GMDSS regulations require either a shipboard qualified maintainer or an approved shore-based maintenance agreement to keep all GMDSS and associated navigation equipment, including radar, operational.
Question 4: Which classification society activity directly affects whether a vessel's radar installation remains certificated?
- Cargo booking review
- Annual or periodic class survey where radar and navigational aids are tested and records reviewed (Correct answer)
- Hull ultrasonic survey only
- Engine room inspection only
Correct answer: Annual or periodic class survey where radar and navigational aids are tested and records reviewed
Classification society surveyors verify radar performance against type-approval standards and check maintenance records during scheduled surveys; deficiencies can result in conditions of class.
Question 5: What must a CMRT technician record when replacing a major radar component such as a magnetron?
- Only the purchase receipt
- Date of replacement, component part number and serial number, hours of operation, technician name, and post-replacement performance test results (Correct answer)
- The vessel's next port of call
- Insurance policy number
Correct answer: Date of replacement, component part number and serial number, hours of operation, technician name, and post-replacement performance test results
Complete replacement records—including part details, operational hours, technician identity, and performance verification—are required for survey compliance and warranty purposes.
Question 6: Under US regulations, which vessels operating on inland and coastal waters may be required to carry radar by the USCG in addition to SOLAS requirements?
- Only vessels carrying hazardous cargo
- US-flag vessels subject to CFR Title 46 subchapters, including uninspected towing vessels, passenger vessels, and certain offshore supply vessels, per specific subchapter rules (Correct answer)
- Only vessels over 500 GT
- No additional vessels beyond SOLAS requirements
Correct answer: US-flag vessels subject to CFR Title 46 subchapters, including uninspected towing vessels, passenger vessels, and certain offshore supply vessels, per specific subchapter rules
46 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) subchapters for towing vessels (subchapter M), passenger vessels (subchapter T/K/H), and OSVs specify radar requirements beyond SOLAS for domestic US operations.
CMRT CMRT Regulatory Compliance & Documentation 2
What is the purpose of the USCG COI (Certificate of Inspection) in relation to radar equipment?