Radio survey is a set of testing services provided for a vessel to verify and confirm its readiness and safety for navigation in appropriate sea area. The condition of the ship and its equipment shall be maintained to conform with the provisions of the SOLAS regulations to ensure that the ship in all respects will remain fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship or persons on board.

After Titanic disaster in 1912, the world's community understood the necessity to bring maritime safety rules on international level. IMCO (Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization) gathered and elaborated the first International Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention in 1914. This convention had not luck to be applied because of the World War I. In consequence, the SOLAS Convention was recast and updated in 1960 and 1974. Present days the consolidated redaction of 1974 with continuous amendments is in use.

Radio Surveys should be carried out in accordance with SOLAS Convention, reference is made to the "IMO Resolution A.1156 (32) - SURVEY GUIDELINES UNDER THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION (HSSC), 2021".

• Ships of war and troopships.
• Cargo ships of less than 300 gross tonnage.
• Ships not propelled by mechanical means.
• Wooden ships of primitive build

It is stated that initial and annual radio survey, issuance, renewal and endorsement of Safety Radio Survey Certificates of radio installations on SOLAS ships should be carried out in accordance with the rules laid down in IMO resolution A.1156 (32). The radio survey should always be performed by a fully qualified radio surveyor who has adequate knowledge of the IMO`s relevant Convention, particularly SOLAS and associated performance standards, and appropriate ITU Radio Regulations. The radio survey should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of performing all relevant measurements required by these Guidelines. It is considered as very important that the responsible radio operator (holding a GOC or ROC certificate) is properly instructed and trained in how to use the GMDSS radio equipment.