Regulations for maritime equipment
Considered maritime radio equipment is all equipment that is intended for the transmission of radio signals and is designed for use at sea. Examples of equipment are maritime VHF, MF, HF, AIS and Radar. There are two principal sets of rules that set requirements for radio engineering and to some extent functional requirements for maritime equipment:
- Regulations relating to EEA approval of maritime radio equipment set requirements for radio equipment that is used by vessels regulated by the SOLAS Convention. Certified radio equipment is marked with the wheel mark as shown below.
- Regulations relating to EEA requirements for radio equipment set requirements for maritime radio equipment not covered by the Regulations relating to EEA approval of maritime radio equipment. This is typically radio equipment that is used by leisure vessels and utility vessels that are not regulated by the SOLAS Convention. This equipment is CE marked as shown below..
The Regulations above implement relevant parts of the Maritime Equipment Directive - (MED) and Radio Equipment Directive into Norwegian law.
It is important to be aware that Nkom does not conduct any form of test or approval of maritime radio equipment before this is launched onto the market. It is the manufacturer or the manufacturer's representative itself that declares that the product satisfies all relevant requirements stipulated in the applicable regulations. Nkom's task is to check equipment placed on the market. Nkom checks whether the product actually complies with the relevant regulations as the manufacturer has claimed in the Declaration of Conformity. For equipment that falls under the Regulations relating to EEA approval of maritime radio equipment, a notified body shall issue a certificate that states that the product complies with relevant requirements specified in the Regulations.
Do you intend to purchase maritime radio equipment?
If so you must ensure that the equipment you purchase is correctly marked and has a Declaration of Conformity. You may purchase the radio equipment outside Norwegian borders.