1 July, 2008
Guidelines for Navigation and Radio Communication Equipment MaintenanceJapan Marine Equipment Association
Navigation Equipment Group
Unlike production of consumer equipment and automobiles, production of navigation and radio
communication equipment used in the maritime industry could be described as “multi-product andlow-volume”. In addition, with the rapid innovation in technology taking place today, there have been
dramatic changes in and obsolescence of the parts - especially electrical and electronic parts - which
comprise such equipment and the period of availability relating to these key components from partsmanufacturers has been declining every year.
Under these circumstances it has been a challenge for equipment manufacturers to secure parts necessary
for repair work in carrying out product maintenance and there have been cases where the problem has
hampered this task within relatively short timeframes after discontinuation of equipment production,
greatly inconveniencing users in the process.
This policy, “Guidelines for Navigation and Radio Communication Equipment Maintenance” (see Note)and related arrangements and preparations have been developed and established by our Group in effort tominimize this problem and provide assurance to equipment users.
Note: This policy applies to the products for ocean-going and coastal vessels only and does not
apply to the products for fishing and pleasure crafts.
Applicable Equipment
In principle, this policy includes all types of navigation and radio communication equipment for
ocean-going and coastal vessels but excludes the following categories.
a. Equipment manufactured to special customer specifications.
b. Certain equipment such as satellite system-based emergency position indicating
radio beacons (satellite EPIRB), etc., which has less than a 10-year service life.
c. Equipment which utilizes consumer products such as personal computers, etc.
Maintenance Support
Maintenance support should be assured on all equipment for a minimum period of ten years from the end ofproduction. In addition, ongoing maintenance support should be provided beyond this period, dependingon the availability of the parts necessary for equipment repair. In cases where such parts are no longer
readily procurable and if requested by the user, the equipment manufacturer should consult with the user
regarding relevant aspects such as delivery and pricing of the required parts in coping with this issue on anindividual basis.
However there may be unavoidable circumstances where maintenance support on equipment cannot beprovided because of the unavailability of the required parts or other factors.
Information Disclosure
Information pertaining to discontinuation of specific equipment and maintenance periods should beprovided as appropriate on the equipment manufacturer’s website, in instruction manuals, etc.
Prior information should be furnished in cases where the manufacturer may be unable to provide
maintenance support on equipment because of the unavailability of the required parts or other factors.
OtherThese Guidelines have been established in agreement with each member company and reflects the views ofthe Group. These Guidelines do not in any way compel individual companies to deal with individual
cases, nor are they intended to bind the companies in any manner.
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