Ships should update their SOLAS-required VHF radio equipment to follow the latest ITU channel arrangements by the first radio survey scheduled on or after 1 January 2028, or earlier, as appropriate. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) shared this guidance in MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5 on 27 January 2025. In this article, Master Systems explains what the circular says and what ship owners can do about it.

What Is MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5?

It is a guidance circular from the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee. The committee approved it at its 109th session in December 2024. The title is Guidance on the Validity of Radiocommunications Equipment Installed and Used on Ships.

The circular replaces the earlier version, Rev.4. That version said existing VHF equipment needed updating after the first radio survey following 1 January 2028. The new version says the equipment should comply by the first radio survey on or after 1 January 2028, or earlier, as appropriate.

Why Are VHF Channels Changing?

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) holds World Radiocommunication Conferences. In 2012, 2015 and 2019, these conferences made large changes to appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations. This appendix sets the frequencies and channel arrangements for marine VHF.

As a result, some VHF radios may not match the current channel arrangements. The IMO recognises that equipment installed on ships and on shore may be incompatible with the new arrangements.

Does This Affect Distress Calls?

No. The changes do not affect the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Distress and safety communication stays the same.

However, the changes do affect other VHF uses. These include:

• Weather broadcasts
• Navigational and urgent marine information broadcasts
• Port operations
• Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)

These other uses are where an outdated radio may cause problems.

Which Equipment Is Covered?

The circular covers all VHF radio equipment that SOLAS requires on board. Specifically, it names regulations IV/7.1.1, 7.1.2 and 7.1.6. It also includes the duplicated equipment required under regulations IV/15.6 and 15.7.

In addition, the performance standards in resolution MSC.511(105) say that shipborne VHF equipment should comply with the Radio Regulations. Meanwhile, MSC.1/Circ.1389 explains that software and firmware updates are needed when IMO or ITU requirements change.

What Is the Deadline?

Compliance is expected by the first radio survey scheduled on or after 1 January 2028, or earlier, as appropriate. The circular also says ships should be able to send and receive VHF radiotelephony with shore facilities in their area of operation. It notes that some administrations may have already introduced the new channels before 1 January 2028.

What Should Ship Owners Do Now?

Starting early avoids last-minute stress. Here are practical steps:

1. Check your radios. List every VHF unit on board, including the duplicated sets.
2. Look at the channel plan. Find out whether each unit supports the latest appendix 18 arrangements.
3. Ask about updates. In some cases, a software or firmware update may be enough. In other cases, the unit may need replacing.
4. Know your trading areas. Find out which new channels ports and VTS centres in your regions already use.
5. Plan around your survey. Match any work to your next radio survey date.

How Master Systems Can Help

Master Systems works with ship owners and operators on marine navigation and communication equipment. If you are unsure whether your VHF radios meet the latest channel arrangements, our team can help you review your setup and plan the next step. Contact Master Systems to talk through your vessel’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for updating VHF radio equipment on ships?

The equipment should comply by the first radio survey scheduled on or after 1 January 2028, or earlier, as appropriate.

Does the VHF channel change affect GMDSS?

No. The IMO states that the changes do not affect GMDSS. They affect other VHF uses, such as weather and navigational broadcasts, port operations and VTS.

Which ships does this apply to?

It applies to ships carrying VHF radio equipment required by SOLAS regulations IV/7.1.1, 7.1.2 and 7.1.6. This includes duplicated equipment under regulations IV/15.6 and 15.7.

Can a software update fix the problem?

Sometimes. The IMO notes that software and firmware updates are needed to meet new regulatory requirements. Whether an update is enough depends on the radio, so check with the manufacturer or a marine equipment supplier.

What happens if my radio does not support the new channels?

You may not be able to communicate on newly introduced channels with shore facilities that already use them. The circular expects ships to be capable of VHF radiotelephony with shore facilities in their area of operation.

What replaced MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.4?

MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5, dated 27 January 2025, replaces it.

Where can I get help checking my VHF equipment?

A marine equipment specialist such as Master Systems can review your installed radios and advise on updates or replacements.