8.1 In the GMDSS, ships are not necessarily required to carry radio personnel on board for the purpose of maintenance of equipment. The following are three options which ships may choose as methods to ensure the availability of equipment:

� duplication of equipment;

� shore-based maintenance;

� at-sea electronic maintenance capability (on-board maintenance).

8.2 As prescribed in regulation IV/15.7 of the 1988 SOLAS amendments, for ships which navigate in GMDSS sea areas A1 or A2, availability shall be ensured by using at least one of the three methods; ships which navigate in sea areas A3 and A4 shall employ a combination of at least two of the above three options.

8.3 SOLAS regulation IV/15.7 requires Administrations to take into account the recommendations of IMO when they nationally approve the methods to be employed in order to ensure availability in sea areas A3 and A4. The recommendations of IMO are given in annex 2-10 (resolution A.702(17)).

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