The Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (SRC) is one of the three core statutory safety certificates mandated under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended. It confirms that the ship’s radio and communication systems comply with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) requirements.
Together with the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate (SCC) and the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (SEC), the SRC forms part of the essential safety certification set for SOLAS-class vessels.
What is the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate?
The SRC demonstrates that a ship is equipped with the necessary radio and communication installations to ensure distress alerting, search and rescue coordination, and routine maritime communication.
It is issued by the Flag State Administration or its Recognized Organization (RO), usually a classification society, after successful surveys and tests of all radio and GMDSS systems.
Key Areas Covered by the SRC
- Distress Alerting Systems
VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC).
MF/HF radio with DSC and NBDP (where required).
Satellite communications equipment (Inmarsat-C, Fleet77, or equivalent).
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Correctly registered with the Flag Administration.
Tested and programmed for automatic distress transmission.
- Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs) / AIS-SARTs
Adequate number carried as per SOLAS requirements.
Fully functional and tested.
- Power Supply for Radio Systems
Main and emergency power sources for radio equipment.
Dedicated reserve batteries capable of at least 1 hour of operation.
- GMDSS Sea Area Compliance
Ships must carry equipment according to the sea area they operate in:
A1: VHF DSC coverage (20–30 nm from coast).
A2: MF DSC coverage (up to ~150 nm offshore).
A3: Inmarsat satellite coverage (between ~70°N and 70°S).
A4: Polar regions requiring HF DSC systems.
- Routine and Safety Communications
Facilities for ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and on-scene communications.
NAVTEX or SafetyNET receivers for Maritime Safety Information (MSI).
- Testing and Maintenance
Radio logbook entries maintained as per GMDSS rules.
Weekly and daily tests for all equipment.
Availability of qualified GMDSS radio operators.
Issuance and Validity
Issuing Authority: Flag State or Recognized Organization (class society).
Validity: Up to 5 years, subject to:
Annual Surveys for functionality checks.
Periodic testing by approved radio inspectors.
The certificate is invalid if equipment is not properly maintained or tested.
Who Requires the SRC?
All cargo ships of 300 GT and above on international voyages.
Passenger ships, regardless of size, must also comply with GMDSS requirements.
Importance of the SRC
- Maritime Safety – Ensures ships can send and receive distress alerts in emergencies.
- Global Compliance – Mandatory under SOLAS and GMDSS framework.
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Effectiveness – Guarantees ships can be located and assisted quickly.
- Port State Control (PSC) – One of the key certificates checked during inspections.
Combined Cargo Ship Safety Certificate (CSSC)
Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), the SCC, SEC, and SRC may be merged into a single Cargo Ship Safety Certificate (CSSC). This simplifies documentation and survey scheduling.
Conclusion
The Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (SRC) is essential for verifying that a ship’s GMDSS and communication systems meet international safety standards. It ensures that ships remain connected, traceable, and capable of raising alarms in emergencies—safeguarding lives, property, and the marine environment.
