Instrumentation testing, surveys, maintenance, and records
What the exam tests
This domain tests survey cycles, onboard maintenance, and the records that prove testing. Questions often combine a certificate date, an equipment test, and a missing log entry.
Core rules
SOLAS Chapter I requires initial, annual, intermediate and renewal surveys for cargo ships, with the certificate validity tied to the survey regime. The ISM Code requires planned maintenance, and the records must show that alarms, detectors, radio equipment, batteries and steering gear were tested. GMDSS checks have daily, weekly and monthly elements, including equipment condition, DSC test calls where required, battery checks and EPIRB inspection. Fire detection and alarm systems need periodic functional tests. Compass deviation is checked and a deviation card or log maintained. Records must identify the equipment, date, result, defect and corrective action.
Worked example
A Safety Radio Certificate renewal is due, but the monthly radio battery record is missing for two months. The equipment may still work, but the surveyor cannot verify the maintenance history. The ship should produce the manufacturer's test schedule, the radio log, and a statement of corrective action before the survey. If the battery capacity test fails, the certificate should not be issued until the battery is replaced and retested.
Traps
Do not treat a successful test as a substitute for a record. Do not use an expired EPIRB battery because the beacon still self-tests. Do not confuse the annual survey with the renewal survey. Do not backfill a log after a Port State Control inspection; the record must be contemporaneous.