GMDSS

 Knowledge of:

  • The GMDSS structure 

 

© https://www.raadbeco.com/en/gmdss/
© https://www.raadbeco.com/en/gmdss/

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a worldwide system that uses satellites and radio to help ensure the safety of ships, boats, and aircraft. The GMDSS is made up of a variety of systems and equipment, including: 

  • Digital Selective Calling (DSC): Allows ships to automatically monitor distress and calling channels. DSC-equipped radios can transmit, acknowledge, and relay distress alerts. 
  • Inmarsat: A satellite network that provides worldwide communications, except for the polar regions. 
  • Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB): A beacon that can be detected globally by the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. 
  • Search and Rescue Transponder (SART): A portable radar transponder that helps locate survivors of vessels that have sent a distress alert. 
  • NAVTEX: A coastal broadcast system. 
  • SafetyNet: A high seas broadcast system. 
  • Maritime Safety Information (MSI): A broadcast of safety-related information, such as navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts. 

The GMDSS is mandated for international ships by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). The specific radio carriage requirements depend on the ship's area of operation.

Understands:

  • GMDSS is part of the SOLAS convention


 

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): 

GMDSS

The GMDSS is a communications system that ensures ships in distress can be located and rescued. It was established in 1988 by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and is mandated by the SOLAS convention. 

SOLAS

The SOLAS convention is an international treaty that regulates the safety of life at sea. Chapter IV of the SOLAS convention covers radiocommunications and includes the GMDSS. 

The GMDSS requires ships to carry certain radio equipment, such as satellite emergency position-indicating radiobeacons (EPIRBs) and search and rescue transponders (SARTs). The GMDSS also requires governments to provide radiocommunication services and establish shore-based facilities to support GMDSS communications. 

The GMDSS complements the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979, which coordinates search and rescue efforts

Understands:

  • VHF DSC, Navtex, EPIRBs and SARTs are part of the GMDSS as well as VHF marine radio in Sea Area A1 

 

The GMDSS is a maritime communications system that uses satellite and terrestrial radio communication to improve the chances of saving lives in distress situations. 

 

Sea Area A1
Sea Area A1

What is Sea Area 1 under GMDSS?

A1=Sea-area VHF coverage, 10-20NM offshore

GMDSS A1 area is a maritime area that is within the range of a VHF coast station.

An area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous digital selective calling (ch70) alerting and radiotelephony services are available, as defined by the International Maritime Organisation.