(1) Equipment shall be so designed that the main
units can be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration or
readjustment.
(2) Where applicable, equipment shall be so constructed
and installed that it is readily accessible for inspection and on-board
maintenance purposes.
(3) Adequate information shall be provided to
enable the equipment to be properly operated and maintained taking
into account the recommendations of the Organization.footnote
(4) Adequate tools and spares shall be provided
to enable the equipment to be maintained.
(5) The Administration shall ensure that radio
equipment required by this chapter is maintained to provide the availability
of the functional requirements specified in regulation
4 and to meet the recommended performance standards of such
equipment.
(6) On vessels engaged on voyages in sea areas
Al and A2, the availability shall be ensured by using such methods
as duplication of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic
maintenance capability, or a combination of these, as may be approved
by the Administration.
(7) On vessels engaged on voyages in sea areas
A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a combination
of at least two methods such as duplication of equipment, shore-based
maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability, as may be
approved by the Administration, taking into account the recommendations
of the Organization.footnoteHowever, the Administration
may exempt a vessel from the requirement of using two methods and
allow the use of one method, taking account of the type of vessel
and its mode of operation.
(8) While all reasonable steps shall be taken
to maintain the equipment in efficient working order to ensure compliance
with all the functional requirements specified in regulation 4, malfunction of the equipment
for providing the general radiocommunications required by regulation 4(h) shall not be considered
as making a vessel unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the vessel
in ports where repair facilities are not readily available, provided
the vessel is capable of performing all distress and safety functions.