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Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats and aircraft.
GMDSS consists of several systems, some of which are new, but many of which have been in operation for many years. The system is intended to perform the following functions: alerting (including position determination of the unit in distress), search and rescue coordination, locating (homing), maritime safety information broadcasts, general communications, and bridge-to-bridge communications. Specific radio carriage requirements depend upon the ship's area of operation, rather than its tonnage. The system also provides redundant means of distress alerting, and emergency sources of power.
Recreational vessels do not need to comply with GMDSS radio carriage requirements, but will increasingly use the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Marine VHF radios. Offshore vessels may elect to equip themselves further. Vessels under 300 gross tonnage (GT) are not subject to GMDSS requirements.
KEYWORDS: surveyor, radio survey, gmdss surveyor
SOLAS Ships
Ships subject to the Chapter IV of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention have to fit GMDSS equipment. These include all ships engaged on international voyages except:
- Cargo ships less than 300 gross tonnage,
- Ships of war and troopships,
- Ships not propelled by mechanical means,
- Wooden ships of primitive build,
- Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade,
- Fishing vessels, and
- Ships being navigated within the Great Lakes of North America.
Large Yacht Code (LY3) Radio requirements
Chapter 16 RADIO
16.1 Application
16.1.1 This section applies to all vessels.
16.2 Radio Communications: The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
16.2.1 Each vessel should carry sufficient radio equipment to perform the following distress and safety communications functions throughout its intended voyage: .
1 transmitting ship to shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means, each using a different radio communication service; .
2 receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts; .
3 transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts; .
4 transmitting and receiving search and rescue co-ordinating communications; .
5 transmitting and receiving on-scene communications; .
6 transmitting and receiving signals for locating by radar; .
7 transmitting and receiving maritime safety information; and .
8 transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications.
16.2.2 Existing vessels should carry sufficient radio equipment for distress and safety communications to the satisfaction of the Administration. The radio equipment carried should not be less than that specified in Table 1 of this section.
16.2.3 Notwithstanding the requirements in Table 1 of this section, it is strongly recommended that existing vessels regardless of size should carry the radio equipment according to the area of operation specified in Table 2.
16.3 Radio Installations
16.3.1
Resources
TABLE 1
Notes: 1. An INMARSAT Ship Earth Station OR a MF/HF radiotelephone with DSC may be fitted for operations over 60 miles from a safe haven. When a vessel operates north of 70 degrees North, or south of 70 degrees South, an INMARSAT Ship Earth Station and MF/HF is required due to lack of coverage also, IRIDIUM is recommended. 2. If the vessel is sailing in an area where an international NAVTE
TABLE 2
Notes: 1 If the vessel is sailing in an area where an international NAVTEX service is not provided then the NAVTEX receiver should be supplemented by an additional means of receiving MSI transmissions such as the Inmarsat enhanced group calling system.
2 Incorporating direct-printing telegraphy or an alternative means of receiving MSI transmissions in the Sea Areas in which the vessel is ope