Please be reminded that the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulation II-2/10 regarding fire fighters’ communication was amended by International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution MSC 338(91).
This resolution added paragraph 10.4 to clarify that “a minimum of two (2) two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter’s communication shall be carried on board.” These radio devices are to be of an explosion proof type or intrinsically safe.
This amendment applies to all new SOLAS ships constructed on or after 01 July 2014. Existing ships (those constructed before 01 July 2014) are required to comply not later than the first safety equipment survey after 01 July 2018.