Regulation V/12(p) of the 1988 Amendments to 1974 SOLAS Convention specifies the requirements for installation of a radio direction finder and for exemption from the installation on certain conditions.

The Government of Kingdom of Denmark has notified parties concerned by means of IMO Circular SLS.14/Circ.163 that under Regulation V/12(p), a Global Positioning System receiver (GPS) is accepted as an equivalent radionavigation equipment to the radio direction finder.

The conditions and procedures for equivalent arrangement based on the notification by the Government of Kingdom of Denmark are re-produced as per below for your reference.

Conditions and Procedures for Equivalent Arrangement to Installation of a Radio Direction Finder on Danish Ships

1. Conditions for equivalent arrangement
To be fitted with a GPS receiver fulfilling the requirements of IMO resolution A.819(19)
2. Procedures
(1) Shipowners and shipbuilders who wish to request a GPS receiver to be accepted as an equivalent to a radio direction finder are requested to submit an application with the manufacturer name and the type/model of GPS receiver to NK branch offices.
(2) A branch office which has received the application from an applicant, where GPS receiver is fulfilled the conditions for equivalent arrangement, carries out an SE survey and after ascertaining satisfactory condition of GPS receiver, issues "General Statement" regarding equivalent arrangement. After that, the radio direction finder may be taken away.
An Exemption Certificate is not issued on this matter.


Department in charge: Material and Equipment Department
Tel: 03-5226-2020
Fax: 03-5226-2019