As per SOLAS, Chapter 3, Regulation 6,
1. Paragraph 2 applies to all passenger ships and to all cargo ships of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards. With respect to ships constructed before 1 February 1992, paragraph 2 shall apply not later than 1 February 1995. However, ships other than cargo ships of 300 tans gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage which do not comply with paragraph 2 shall comply with all applicable requirements of chapter III of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, in force prior to 1 February 1992.
2. Radio life-saving appliances
2.1 Two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus
2.1.1 At least three two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on every passenger ship and on every cargo ship of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards. At least two two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus shall be provided on every cargo ship of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage. Such apparatus shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. If a fixed two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus is fitted in a survival craft it shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.
2.1.2 Two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus provided on board ships prior to 1 February 1992 and not complying fully with the performance standards adopted by the Organization may be accepted by the Administration until 1 February 1999 provided the Administration is satisfied that they are compatible with approved two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus.
2.2 Radar transponders At least one radar transponder shall be carried on each side of every passenger ship and of every cargo ship of 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards. At least one radar transponder shall be carried on every cargo ship of 300 tons gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 tons gross tonnage. Such radar transponders shall conform to performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. The radar transponders shall be stowed in such locations that they can be rapidly placed In any survival craft other than the liferaft or liferafts required by regulation 26, Alternatively, one radar transponder shall be stowed in each survival craft other than those required by regulation 26.
3. Distress flares Not less than 12 rocket parachute flares, complying with the requirements of regulation 35, shall be carried and be stowed on or near the navigating bridge.
4. On-board communications and alarm systems
4.1 An emergency means comprising either fixed or portable equipment or both shall be provided for two-way communications between emergency control stations, muster and embarkation stations and strategic positions on board.
4.2 A general emergency alarm system complying with the requirements of regulation 50 shall be provided and shall be used for summoning passengers and crew to muster stations and to initiate the actions included in the muster list. The system shall be supplemented by either a public address system or other suitable means of communication.
Ships year of built and the compatible radio installations comply to the latest applied SOLAS/ IEC/ISO/ITU requirements.
The follow up of the massive required updates to adapt existing ships to comply in the last 10 years were found a lot, costly and guess what were a must.