CMRT CMRT Regulatory Compliance & Documentation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which US federal agency has primary regulatory authority over the type approval and licensing of marine radar equipment?
- US Coast Guard (USCG)
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (Correct answer)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Correct answer: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The FCC regulates the radio frequency emissions of marine radar equipment in the US, requiring type acceptance under Part 80 of FCC rules.
Question 2: Under SOLAS regulations, which vessel types are required to carry radar equipment?
- Only cargo vessels over 10,000 GT
- All SOLAS ships, including cargo ships of 300 GT or more on international voyages and all passenger ships (Correct answer)
- Only tankers and bulk carriers
- Vessels carrying more than 500 passengers only
Correct answer: All SOLAS ships, including cargo ships of 300 GT or more on international voyages and all passenger ships
SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 mandates radar for all passenger ships and cargo ships of 300 GT and upward engaged on international voyages.
Question 3: What is 'type approval' for marine radar equipment?
- A technician certification exam
- Official testing and certification confirming equipment meets international performance standards before it can be installed on SOLAS vessels (Correct answer)
- A maintenance log signed by the ship's captain
- A training program for radar operators
Correct answer: Official testing and certification confirming equipment meets international performance standards before it can be installed on SOLAS vessels
Type approval certifies that a radar model has been tested by a recognized authority and meets IMO/IEC performance standards, allowing it to be legally installed on SOLAS vessels.
Question 4: How often must radar equipment on SOLAS vessels undergo a statutory survey by a recognized organization?
- Every 10 years
- Annually as part of the Safety Equipment Survey cycle (or as required by flag state) (Correct answer)
- Only at newbuild
- Every 6 months
Correct answer: Annually as part of the Safety Equipment Survey cycle (or as required by flag state)
Radar and other navigational aids are inspected during the annual Safety Equipment Survey required by SOLAS, with more detailed checks during periodic surveys.
Question 5: Which document must be maintained on board to record radar maintenance, repairs, and calibration?
- Voyage log only
- Equipment maintenance log or the ship's planned maintenance system (PMS) records (Correct answer)
- Officer of the watch handover note
- Cargo manifest
Correct answer: Equipment maintenance log or the ship's planned maintenance system (PMS) records
A maintenance log or PMS record documents all radar servicing, repairs, and calibration events, providing evidence of compliance during surveys.
Question 6: Which IEC standard defines general environmental and electrical requirements for shipborne radio equipment, including radar?
- IEC 60945 (Correct answer)
- IEC 61000-4-5
- IEC 62388
- IEC 60529
Correct answer: IEC 60945
IEC 60945 specifies the environmental testing and EMC requirements that marine electronic equipment, including radar, must satisfy to achieve type approval.
CMRT CMRT Regulatory Compliance & Documentation 1
Which US federal agency has primary regulatory authority over the type approval and licensing of marine radar equipment?