2 - Comun Mar Complete

GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM
General
Operator’s
Certificate for
GMDSS
1
GMDSS
GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND

SAFETY SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION TO
✓ GMDSS
✓ FUNCTIONS
✓ EQUIPMENT
✓ SEA AREA
2
1- GMDSS Introduction
• Until now the main

principle has been
that a ship in distress
should alert other
ships. Now the main
principle is that the
ship in distress should
alert a land base
station.
3
• Radio has been foundation of the
distress and safety system used by
ships at sea. The first instance of
the use of radio to save lives at sea
was in 1899.
• The first international agreement
was established under the
auspices of the predecessor to the
International Telecommunication
agreement (ITU). Many of the
operational procedures for morse
telegraphy established at the turn
of the century have been
maintenance to the present day
4
• The GMDSS provides a reliable
ship-to-shore communications
path in addition to ship - to - ship
alerting communications. The new
system is automated and use ship
to shore and ship to ship alerting
means of terrestrial radio and
satellite radio paths for alerting
and subsequent communications.
• The GMDSS apply to all cargo
ship of 300 gross tonnages
and above, and to all passenger
ships, regardless of size, on
international voyages.
5
2- Statutory framework of the Maritime Mobile Service
6
2.1 International Convention of life at sea
• The SOLAS Convention
has become one of the
main instruments of the
IMO.
• The GMDSS used by most
of the world‘s shipping
until 1992, is defined by
chapter IV of the SOLAS
Convention and the ITU
Radio Regulations (RR).
7
• SOLAS Chapter IV applies to 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.
8
• The GMDSS is a largely,
but not fully, automated
system which requires
ships to have a range of
equipment capable of
performing the nine radio
communication functions
of the GMDSS in
accordance with
Regulation 4-1 of the
SOLAS Convention.
9
• Radio communication
during a distress situation
for search and rescue
operations was a difficult
problem. The solution to
the demand for user
friendly radio
communications is
GMDSS available since the
1st of February 1992.
10
GMDSS Certificates
• It is required that all GMDSS
ships have qualified
personnel onboard who can
operate the radio
equipment. This will
normally mean that the
ship's master and watch
keeping officers on the
bridge will have a General
Operating Certificate, G.O.C
• Officers on ships navigating in coastal waters within sea area A1,are
required to have a Restricted Operators Certificate, R.O.C.
11
GMDSS – On Watch
GMDSS requires that you should be able to operate the radio equipment for all distress,
urgency and safety communication on the bridge. The watch keeping officer is also the
radio operator onboard. That might be you. 12
2.1.1. Functional requirements
Functions - General
GMDSS is developed to ensure safety communications all around the
world. Every water is defined as being one of four sea areas. Your ship
must be equipped according to the requirements for the sea area where
you operate.
13
The GMDSS is a largely, but not fully, automated system which requires ships to
have a range of equipment capable of performing the nine radio communication
functions of the GMDSS in accordance with Regulation 4-1 of the SOLAS
Convention.
14
There are nine important functions in GMDSS
1- transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and

independent means, each using a different radio communication service;
2- reception of shore-to-ship distress alerts;
3- transmission and reception of ship-to-ship distress alerts;
15
1- transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts
Distress alerting is the rapid and successful reporting of a distress

incident to a unit which can provide or co-ordinate assistance.* This
would be a rescue co-ordination centre (RCC) or another ship in the
vicinity. When an alert is received by an RCC, normally via a coast station
or coast earth station, the RCC will relay the alert to SAR units and to
ships in the vicinity of the distress incident. A distress alert should
indicate the ship’s identification and the position of the distress and,
where practicable, its nature and other information which could be used
for rescue operation.
16
2- reception of shore-to-ship distress alerts;
The relaying of a distress alert from an RCC to ships in the vicinity of a

distress incident is made by satellite communication or by terrestrial
communication, using appropriate frequencies. In either case, to avoid
all ships in a large sea area being alerted, an ‘‘area call’’ is normally
transmitted so that only those ships in the vicinity of the distress
incident are alerted. On receipt of a relayed distress alert, ships in the
area addressed are required to establish communication with the RCC
concerned to enable the assistance to be co-ordinated.
17
3- transmission and reception of ship-to-ship distress alerts;
The communication arrangements under the GMDSS are

designed to enable distress alerting to be performed in all three
directions – ship-to-shore, ship-to-ship and shore-to-ship – in all
sea areas (regulation IV/ 4.1.1–4.1.3). The alerting function is
based on both satellite and terrestrial means and the initial distress
alert is primarily transmitted in the ship-to-shore direction. When
the distress alert is transmitted by DSC on VHF,MF or HF, ships
within DSC range of the ship in distress will also be alerted (ship-
to-ship alerting).
18
4-transmission and reception of search and rescue co-ordinating communications;
5- transmission and reception of on-scene communications;
6- transmission and reception of signals for locating;
7- transmission and reception of maritime safety information;

19
4-transmission and reception of search and rescue co-ordinating
communications;
SAR co-ordinating communications (regulation IV/4.1.4)
In general these are the communications necessary for the co-ordination of ships
and aircraft participating in a search and rescue operation following a distress alert
and include communications between RCCs{ and any ‘‘on-scene commander
(OSC)’’{or ‘‘co-ordinator surface search (CSS)’’ in the area of the distress incident.
For SAR operations messages are transmitted in both directions, as distinct from
‘‘alerting’’, which is generally the transmission of a specific message in one direction
only, and distress and safety traffic by radiotelephony and direct-printing telegraphy
will normally be used for passing such messages.
20
5- transmission and reception of on-scene communications;
On-scene communications (regulation IV/4.1.5)
On-scene communications normally take place in the MF and VHF bands on

frequencies designated for distress and safety traffic, by radiotelephony or
direct-printing telegraphy. These communications between the ship in distress
and assisting units relate to the provision of assistance to the ship or the
rescue of survivors.
When aircraft are involved in on-scene communications they are normally
able to use 3023, 4125 and 5680 kHz. In addition, SAR aircraft can be
provided with equipment to communicate on 2182 kHz or 156.8 MHz or both,
as well as on other maritime mobile frequencies.
21
6- transmission and reception of signals for locating;
Locating (regulation IV/4.1.6)
Locating is the finding of a ship/aircraft in distress or its survival craft or

survivors, as defined by regulation IV/2.1.8. In the GMDSS this function is
performed by means of 9 GHz SAR radar transponders (SARTs) carried by
the ship in distress or its survivors, whose position is indicated when the
SART is interrogated by the searching unit’s 9 GHz radar. Use of the
frequency 121.5 MHz in most satellite EPIRBs is provided for homing by
aeronautical SAR units.
22
7- transmission and reception of maritime safety information;
Promulgation of maritime safety information (MSI) (regulation IV/4.1.7)
Ships need to be provided with up-to-date navigational warnings and

meteorological warnings and forecasts and other urgent maritime safety
information (MSI). MSI is made available by narrow-band direct printing
telegraphy broadcasts, using forward error correction, on the frequency 518
kHz (International NAVTEX service – regulation 2.1.7) and, for ships which
navigate beyond the NAVTEX coverage, by broadcasts via the Inmarsat
enhanced group call (EGC) system (known as the International SafetyNET
system).
A high-seas MSI broadcast system by HF direct-printing telegraphy is under
development.
23
There are nine important functions in GMDSS
8- transmission and reception of general radio communications to and

from shore-based radio systems or networks; and
9- transmission and reception of bridge-to-bridge communications.
24
8- transmission and reception of general radio communications to and
from shore-based radio systems or networks; and
General radiocommunications (regulation IV/4.1.8)
General radiocommunications in the GMDSS are those communications

between ship stations and shore-based communication networks which
concern the management and operation of the ship and may have an impact
on its safety (regulation IV/2.1.5). These communications can be conducted
on any appropriate channel, including those used for public correspondence.
Examples are orders for pilot and tug services, chart replacement, repairs,
etc.
25
9- transmission and reception of bridge-to-bridge communications.
Bridge-to-bridge communications (regulation IV/4.1.9)
Bridge-to-bridge communications are inter-ship safety communications

conducted from the position from which the ship is normally navigated
(regulation IV/2.1.1), normally performed by VHF radiotelephony.
26
2.1.2 Sea Areas
27
2.1.2.1 Definitions of Sea Areas
The GMDSS is based on the concept of using

four marine communication sea areas to
determine the operational, maintenance and
personnel requirements for maritime radio
communications.
28
Sea area A1 means an area within the radiotelephone

coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which
continuous DSC alerting is available, as may be defined
by a Contracting Government. Such an area could
extend typically about 30 nautical miles (nm) from the
coast station (SOLAS Chapter IV,Reg. 2-12).
29
Sea – Areas A1
The GMDSS equipment requirement is determined by the area of operation

of a ship, independently of its size. The following four areas have been
defined. A1, is the area within range of a VHF Coast Station with DSC.
30
Sea area A2 means an area, excluding sea area A1,

within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF
coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is
available, as may be defined by a Contracting
Government. For planning purposes this area typically
extends to up to 150 nm offshore, but would exclude any
A1 designated areas. In practice, satisfactory coverage
may often be achieved out to around 300 nm offshore
(SOLAS Chapter, IV, and Reg. 2- 13).
31
Sea – Areas A2
A2 – area within range of an MF Coast Station with DSC but outside

area A1.
32
Sea area A3 means an area, excluding sea areas A1

and A2, within the coverage of an International Mobile
Satellite Organization (Inmarsat) geostationary satellite in
which continuous alerting is available, This area lies
between about latitudes 76° north and 76° south, but
excludes A1 and/or A2 designated areas (SOLAS
Chapter IV,Reg. 2-14).
33
Sea – Areas A3
A3 - within coverage of the INMARSAT

satellite system but outside the areas A1
and A2. 34
Sea area A4 means an area outside sea areas A1, A2

and A3. This is essentially the Polar Regions, north and
south of about 76° of latitude, but excludes any other
areas (SOLAS Chapter IV,Reg. 2-15).
35
Sea – Areas A4
A4 all areas outside A1, A2 and A3 that is the polar areas.

36
2.1.3 Carriage Requirements
Equipment carriage requirements for ships at sea depend upon the sea area
in which the ship is sailing. Furthermore, ships operating in the GMDSS are
required to carry a primary and a secondary means of distress alerting.
This means having VHF DSC as a primary system for a ship near coastal
areas, backed up by a satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
(EPIRB).
A ship operating in an offshore ocean area could have Medium-Frequency

DSC, High-Frequency DSC or Inmarsat satellite communications as a
primary system backed up by a satellite EPIRB. The type of equipment used
in the primary system is determined by the sea area in which the ship will be
navigating.
37
The carriage requirements are defined in SOLAS chapter IV, Reg. 7 to 9 for
the four sea areas. Table 1 shows how the SOLAS Regulations would
translate into the bare minimum carriage requirements for the four sea areas.
The majority of ships will, however, be fitted with a more comprehensive radio
installation.
38
• Imagine a modern bridge,
equipped in accordance
with GMDSS. Modern
technology ensures
immediate distress
alerting, rapid
transmission of distress
and safety messages and
efficient communications
during search and rescue
operations at sea.
39
2.1.3.1. Details of equipment specifications A1, A2, A4 and A4
40
2.1.3.2. Details of carriage requirements
Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:
a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and

receiving DSC and radiotelephony (Minimum ch70, ch06,
ch13 and ch16) a radio installation capable of maintaining
a continuous DSC watch on VHF channel 70 (ch70)
41
VHF radio is used for short distance
voice communications to other ships
or to shore. VHF shall include or be
connected to the VHF DSC.
VHF channel 16 may only be used for

distress, urgency and very brief safety
communications and for calling to
establish other communications
which should then be conducted on a
suitable working channel. If possible,
ships should keep watch on channel
13 as well.
42

a search and rescue locating device capable of operating either in the 9
GHz band or on frequencies dedicated for Automatic Identification
System (AIS).
43

A receiver capable of receiving international Navigational Text Message
(NAVTEX) service broadcasts if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area
in which an international NAVTEX service is provided
44

A radio facility for reception of maritime safety information by the Inmarsat
enhanced group calling system if the ship is engaged on voyages in any area
of Inmarsat coverage but in which an international NAVTEX service is not
provided.
45

An EPIRB which shall be capable of trans-mitting a distress alert through the
polar orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band
46

Every passenger ship shall
be provided with means
for two-way on-scene
radio communications for
search and rescue
purposes using the
aeronautical frequencies
121.5 MHz and 123.1 MHz
from the position from
which the ship is normally
navigated 47
2.1.3.3. Means of ensuring availability of ship station equipment
The means of ensuring the availability of equipment are determined by the

sea areas in which the ship sails (SOLAS Chapter IV, Reg. 15).
In sea areas A1 and A2, the availability of equipment shall be ensured by
using one of the following methods:
− duplication of equipment;
− shore-based maintenance;
− at-sea electronic maintenance; or
− a combination of the above, as may be approved by the Administration.
In sea areas A3 and A4, the availability of equipment shall be ensured by

using a combination of at least two of the above mentioned methods, as may
be approved by the Administration.
48
2.1.3.3. Means of ensuring availability of ship station equipment
SOLAS regulation IV/15.7 requires Administrations to take into account the

recommendations of IMO when they nationally approve the methods to be
employed in order to ensure availability in sea areas A3 and A4.
The recommendations of IMO are given in annex 2-10 (resolution A.702(17)).
49
Equipment – VHF-DSC
This is a VHF DSC. Digital selective calling (DSC) is an automatic calling system for
terrestrial radio communications. Ships can transmit a distress alert containing the most
important facts about the distress, the ship’s identity and her known position at a
specified time Via VHF DSC channel 70. Subsequent communication will then follow on
VHF radio telephony channel 16.
50
Equipment – MF/HF
This is an MF/HF radio, used for communication over radiotelephony or radio telex. The
MF/HF shall include or be connected to the MF/HF DSC. Specific frequencies are
designated in the one MF band and five HF Bands for distress traffic by telephony and by
telex. In the MF band the frequency for voice communications is 2182 kHz
51
Equipment – MF/HF DSC
This is an MF/HF D.S.C. radio. DSC is an abbreviation for Digital Selective Calling and is
an automatic calling system for terrestrial radio communication.
Ships can transmit a distress alert containing the most important facts about the
distress. Subsequent communication will then follow on MF or HF distress and safety
frequencies using radiotelephony or radio telex.
There is one DSC, one telephony and one telex frequency in each of the six MF/HF
bands. 52
Equipment – MF/HF DSC
Content of transmission:
✓ The ship’s identity – MMSI
✓ Distress frequency
✓ Nature of distress
✓ The ship’s last known position
✓ The time the position was valid
✓ Subsequent communication on
telephony or telex
Ships with MF/HF DSC must maintain watch on MF 2187.5 kHz and the HF
frequency 8414.5 kHz and at least one of the other DSC frequencies.
If DSC equipment is updated from GPS, the ship’s position is automatically
updated. Otherwise the ship’s position must be updated manually every 4 hours
53
Equipment - RadioTelex
A radio telex installation is mandatory if the ship is required to
carry an HF radio installation. The radio telex equipment can be
used as an alternative to radiotelephony in a distress situation and
to receive M.S.I. broadcasts.
54
Equipment - INMARSAT
The INMARSAT system consists of four satellites in geostationary orbit above

the equator at approximately 35,700 kilometres altitude. The satellite
communications technology ensures that your distress or safety call gets
through, regardless of atmospheric or weather conditions.
55
This is the coverage for the Atlantic Ocean Region West satellite,
position: longitude; 53 degrees West latitude; on the Equator.
56
The Atlantic Ocean Region East satellite, position: longitude; 15.5

degrees West, latitude; on the Equator.
57
This is the Indian Ocean Region satellite, position: longitude; 64

degrees East, latitude; on the Equator
58
The Pacific Ocean Region satellite, position: longitude; 178 degrees

East, latitude; on the Equator. 59
The INMARSAT System covers the entire world between latitudes

70 degrees North and 70 degrees South.
60
The INMARSAT-B system provides two way telephony and telex communication. The
telephone channel can also be used for fax, and data communications. A “Push”
button gives distress priority for a telephone or telex call.
Equipment – INMARSAT C
INMARSAT-C is a store and forward messaging system. A message from

a ship can be sent to a telex, fax or computer ashore. You can send a
distress alert with the ship's identity and position by pressing the distress
button. And the INMARSAT-C is one way to receive Maritime Safety
Information.
62
Equipment – NAVTEX
NAVTEX is a coastal system for automatic broadcasting of maritime
safety information, M.S.I.. M.S.I. via NAVTEX consists of navigational
and meteorological warnings and other urgent, safety related
messages to ships. Search and Rescue Information is an important
example.
63
GMDSS ships that navigate beyond coverage of NAVTEX shall be able to receive MSI
either via INMARSAT-C or via HF radiotelex.
Equipment - MSI
INMARSAT provides the SafetyNET service for MSI via satellite

using the enhanced group call facility E.G.C.
65
Equipment - EPIRB
An EPIRB, Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon is a
small portable piece of
equipment capable of
transmitting alerting signals via
satellite.
Cospas-Sarsat satellites can

receive signals from EPIRBS
anywhere in the world on four
hundred and six mega hertz
66
Equipment – COSPAS/SARSAT EPIRB
Cospas-Sarsat is a low polar orbit satellite system with global coverage for distress
alerting. The signals from the EPIRB are directly forwarded to ground stations (LUT) or
temporarily stored by the satellite then forwarded when the satellite comes within the
direct view of a ground station.
Older Epirbs transmitting on Aircraft VHF frequencies are to be discontinued by 2009.
67
Equipment – INMARSAT EPIRB
Another type, of EPIRB works over the INMARSAT system and provides instant
alerting except for the polar areas. Inmarsat has announced that this service
will be discontinued from December 2006
68
Equipment – SART
It can be very difficult to locate a small life raft or lifeboat at sea, especially in bad
weather. The Search and Rescue Radar Transponder, abbreviated SART, was developed
to aid with this task. The SART is triggered by the pulse from a 3 cm, 9 gigahertz radar,
and automatically transmits a series of 12 dots which can be identified on the radar
display of a nearby ship or helicopter.
69
Equipment – SART
The water tight portable VHF is used for

on-scene communications between life
rafts, ships and rescue units. It may also
be used for onboard communications.
Batteries intended for use in distress

situations may not be used for on-board
communication.
70
Equipment - Books
Safety of Life at Sea
✓ The international convention SOLAS defines the GMDSS
✓ Functions, carriage requirements, watches, maintenance etc.
Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary

✓ Standard phrases used in communication for navigations at sea, in
port approaches, in waterways and harbours.
List of Coast Stations

✓ Correspondent services
✓ Charges
✓ Maritime mobile-satellite systems information
✓ GMDSS coast stations 71
Equipment - Books
List of Call Signs and Numerical Identities
✓ MMSI ship numbers
List of Ship Stations

✓ Lists of the radio equipment that individual ships carry
✓ Call sign and numerical identity of specific ships
List of Radio Determination and Special Service Stations

✓ Information about stations transmitting meteorological bulletins,
navigational warnings, time signals etc.
72
Equipment - Books
International Telecommunications Union’s Manual
✓ Regulations about frequencies
✓ Procedures for distress and safety communications etc
GMDSS Master Plan

✓ Information on shore-based facilities for satellite and terrestrial
communications for the GMDSS. VHF, MF and HF coast stations.
INMARSAT Coast Earth Stations. MSI service and Rescue Coordination
Centres etc.
IAMSAR Manual
✓ International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Manual, a
guide for conducting search and rescue operations
73
GMDSS

SAFETY SYSTEM - TECHNOLOGY
INTRODUCTION TO
✓ BASIC TECHNOLOGY
✓ PROPAGATION
✓ EQUIPMENT
74
BASIC INTRODUCTION
The ability to transmit and receive radio waves is a fascinating subject. The following
sequences should give you some of the fundamentals of radio communication. This
will help to understand how radio signals are propagated, short range, long range as
well as satellite communications. 75
BASIC – RADIO CYCLES
Radio cycles or radio waves are electrical magnetic waves moving very quickly through the
atmosphere. One complete cycle consists of the wave starting in the reference point such as zero
amplitude, travelling through a positive and a negative value and returning to the original reference
point zero. Six Hertz means 6 complete cycles during one second, common radio frequencies start at
around 15 kHz. 76
BASIC – THE FREQUENCY SPECTRUM
The electromagnetic spectrum as defined by modern science ranges

from extremely long radio waves to ultra short cosmic rays.
77
THE FREQUENCY SPECTRUM
BASIC – EMISSION CLASSES
Information such as speech, music, television pictures, telex and facsimile can be superimposed onto
the “carrier.” Two methods are called AMPLITUDE MODULATION (AM) and FREQUENCY
MODULATION (FM). To allow orderly radio communications without interference, and non-wasteful
utilization of the radio spectrum, the International Telecommunications Union decides the allocation
of frequencies, power limits and Classes of emissions for specific maritime services. You will find the
Emission Classes in the list of Coast Stations and ITU manuals.
79
BASIC – EMISSION CLASSES
A3E (AM Double Side Band) used for broadcasting services
F1B used for Radio telex, NAVTEX, DSC MF/HF

J3E (AM Single Side Band) used for MF and HF telephony
F3E used for VHF telephony
80
BASIC – REFLECTED WAYS 1
Radio waves are

transmitted from one
point to another via
ground waves, sky
waves, direct waves
and reflected waves.
The HF radio waves
radiated into space
from the antenna are
refracted to the
ionosphere and back
to the earth Surface.
81
BASIC – REFLECTED WAYS 2
Direct and refracted radio waves are typical examples of

VHF radio waves.
82
BASIC – ATMOSPHERIC LAYERS 1
Atmospheric layers: Up to four
distinct layers can be present in
the ionosphere at any time. These
layers are very important for the
propagation.
During day light hours the
radiation of the sun produces four
ionosphere layers. These are:
The D layer at about 75000 meters
The E layer at about 100000 meters
The F1 layer at about 225000

meters The F2 layer at about 320000 meters
83
BASIC – ATMOSPHERIC LAYERS 1
At sunset the ionospheric layers

change.
The D layer disappears,
The E layer is at about 100000

meters.
The F layers combine into one at

250000 meters.
84
PROPAGATION –VHF DAY TIME
At sunset the ionospheric layers change.
✓ The D layer disappears,

✓ The E layer is at about 100000 meters,
✓ The F layers combine into one at 250000 meters.
85
PROPAGATION –VHF NIGHT TIME
At night time use the same frequencies, the VHF channels. 86

PROPAGATION – MF DAY TIME
The MF radio is a medium range radio for communication ship

to ship and ship to shore. One example: use one specific MF
frequency during day time to communicate with another ship.
87
During night time you will be communicating with this ship and
another ship as well if you use the same MF frequency. 88
Considerations should be
taken to the difference in
time zones.
In case of day and night
zones in signal path, 12
MHz is a good alternative.
HF day time. You transmit
a radio call via HF 16
MegaHertz from South of
Africa to Australia
successfully. If your call is
between day and night
zones, twelve mega hertz
is a good alternative.
89
PROPAGATION – HF DAY TIME 4 MHz
HF day time. 4 MegaHertz will not get you through.

If your call is between day and night zones, twelve mega hertz
is a good alternative. 90
PROPAGATION – HF NIGHT TIME 16 MHz
HF night time. Suddenly 16 MegaHertz will not work.

If your call is between day and night zones, twelve mega hertz is
a good alternative.
91
PROPAGATION – HF NIGHT TIME 8 MHz
Again you transmit a radio call from South of Africa to Australia

successfully.
If your call is between day and night zones, twelve mega hertz is a good
alternative. 92
PROPAGATION – SATELLITE DAY TIME
Satellite daytime. You transmit a radio call via satellite for long range
communications. We’re talking about transcontinental traffic from one
ocean to another via satellite. 93
PROPAGATION – SATELLITE NIGHT TIME
You transmit your radio call successfully, long-range communications

still using the same frequencies at nightime.
94
EQUIPMENT – INTRODUCTION
This Bridge is equipped according to GMDSS. In the following

slides you will receive guidance through a typical setup.
95
EQUIPMENT – VHF RADIOS
The VHF radio is used for short-range radio communications to
other ships or to shore.
96
EQUIPMENT – DSC
Digital Selective Calling, DSC
is an automatic calling system
for terrestrial radio
communications. Ships can
transmit distress alerts
containing the most important
fact about the distress, the
identity of the ship and its
position. This goes very quickly
as the DSC is connected to the
different nautical systems on
the bridge, such as GPS.
Subsequent communication
will then follow on
radiotelephony.
97
EQUIPMENT – MF/HF RADIOS
This is an MF/HF radio system
98
EQUIPMENT – MF/HF RADIOS
This is an MF/HF radio system with the DSC system
99
EQUIPMENT – INMARSAT B
An INMARSAT-B system is used for telephony, telex, fax and data

communications. 100
EQUIPMENT – INMARSAT B
This control panel

gives you
information about
the satellite, and
you can switch
between satellites,
for example select
one when you are
in the Atlantic
Ocean.
101
EQUIPMENT – INMARSAT C
The INMARSAT-C system is a store and forward system used for

telex and data communications. Telex messages can be routed to
ordinary fax machines ashore. You can receive Maritime Safety
Information, MSI, via INMARSAT-C.
102
The antenna is
small and shall be
installed in order to
ensure that it will
stay in line of sight
with the satellite.
103
The transceiver interfaces a

computer to the satellite systems.
This transceiver contains the
transmitter and the receiver to
ensure safe communication via
satellite to the Coast Earth
Station.
104
EQUIPMENT – EPIRB
You can activate and deactivate the EPIRB by yourself as well. The
batteries should keep the EPIRB activated for at least 48 hoursThe
EPIRB should automatically float free at a maximum depth of four
meters. It should then be automatically activated. 105
EQUIPMENT – SART
This is a SART, Search and

Rescue Transponder.
The range of the SART
depends on where you have
been able to put it on your life
raft and the height of
transmitting radar antenna on
the rescue ships.
106
EQUIPMENT – NAVTEX
Via this NAVTEX you will receive MSI as nautical and meteorological
warnings. Certain groups of coast stations transmit in MF frequency 518
kHz on a time sharing basis. Coast stations may use 490 kiloHertz for
transmissions in national languages. And 4209.5 kiloHertz is also used
for NAVTEX transmissions through the NBDP (radiotelex) equipment.
107
EQUIPMENT – ELECTRICAL POWER
And finally, the Power supply
sources onboard. If the main
source of electrical power
suddenly fails the
accumulator provides power
for at least one hour to your
radio systems and the
emergency source will take
over when it is ready. All this
should be done
automatically. The
emergency generator shall
be able to last for at least 18
hours.
108
GMDSS

SAFETY SYSTEM - OPERATION
INTRODUCTION TO
✓ VHF RADIO
✓ VHF DSC
✓ MF/HF RADIO
✓ MF/HF DSC
✓ MF/HF RADIO TELEX (NBDP)
✓ INMARSAT B AND C
✓ EPIRB, SART, PORTABLE VHF
✓ NAVTEX 109
VHF RADIO - CONTROLS
This is a VHF Radio telephone
SELECT CHANNEL Fast one button
channel selection for
distress calls.
Channel selection used

Adjust the squelch
in the USA (All
level
channels are simplex)
Normally, correct
frequency information
is automatically fed
from the DSC unit to
the VHF transceiver.
110
VHF RADIO – DISTRESS ALERT
Press the button for fast distress Channel selection. Normally, correct
frequency information is automatically fed from the DSC unit to the VHF
transceiver. Press the transmit button to send your distress call.
For example:
Mayday,.. Mayday,... Mayday,... This is...
sierra, lima, charlie,echo,.... sierra, lima,
charlie,echo,.... sierra, lima, charlie,echo....
Position...five zero degrees north....zero zero
zero degrees, five four decimal three minutes
west... We have had a collision and are
sinking, we need immediate assistance to
abandon ship... Twenty men onboard... Good
visibility, calm sea... This is...sierra, lima,
charlie, echo Over.
111
VHF DSC - CONTROLS
Moves the selection

box on the display in
the direction indicated
Opens the Main Menu
Opens the Distress Alert Menu

Used for cancelling a
from any menu or program
choice
Lift lid and press for at least 5 seconds. From 0-
Stops a distress alert
5 sec the button will flash and there will be a
warning signal
Used for finally
confirming a choice Starts to transmit DSC calls other than distress
alerts
VHF DSC – DISTRESS ALERTS
A DSC distress alert consists of: The ship’s identity, MMSI number,
nature of distress, the ship’s last known position, the time the position
was valid, and the type of subsequent communication.
When the DSC equipment is connected to GPS, the ship’s position

is automatically updated. Otherwise the ship’s position must be
updated manually every 4 hours.
113
VHF DSC – UNDESIGNATED DISTRESS ALERTS
A distress alert can be transmitted at any time by lifting the lid and
pressing the distress button for 5 seconds. The nature of distress will
be undesignated. Content of undesignated distress alerts:
Ship’s identity (MMSI). Position: The position from the GPS or the manually
inserted values
Nature of distress:
Undesignated Type of communication: Telephony
Time: The time the The distress alert will be sent on channel 70
position was valid
114
VHF DSC – DESIGNATED DISTRESS ALERTS
If time permits, a distress alert containing more detailed information can
be composed by selecting the “Distress Menu” button.
✓ Use arrow keys to select nature of distress: "Listing" in Distress Menu and then press
"Enter".
✓ Confirm the position and the time it was valid by pressing "Enter".
✓ Transmission of distress alert to be Confirmed or Cancelled. Press “Enter” to Confirm.
✓ Start transmission of the distress alert by lifting the lid and pressing the distress button for 5
seconds..
✓ The distress call attempt is transmitted as 5 consecutive calls on channel 70.
✓ Press the distress Menu Button 115
VHF DSC – DESIGNATED DISTRESS ALERTS
Waiting for acknowledgement after the distress alert has been sent.
The call attempt is automatically repeated after a random delay of

between 3 ½ to 4 ½ minutes.
The automatic repetition of the distress call attempt is terminated
automatically on receipt of a DSC distress acknowledgement.
116
VHF DSC: GENERAL ALERTS – DISTRESS, SAFETY AND URGENCY
To transmit a Distress, Urgency or Safety DSC Use the arrow keys to select "Distress and Safety
call, select the Main Menu Calls" from the main menu and press Enter
Use arrow keys to select Urgency and then Use arrow keys to select All Ships and then press
press Enter Enter
VHF DSC: GENERAL ALERTS – DISTRESS, SAFETY AND URGENCY
Select channel for message by pressing Confirmation of announcement to be

Enter. If you press "NO", CH 16 will transmitted or cancelled. Press Send.
disappear and you will have to select a
channel by using the keyboard.
You have sent an all ships alert

successfully.
MF/HF RADIO – CONTROLS
This is an MF /HF Radio
Adjustment of receiver sensitivity
when AGC is switched off.
Adjustment of sound level
Switches on AGC (Automatic Gain

Control) and manual control of Selecting class of emission J3E
sensitivity is disabled (upper side band)
Switches off AGC (Automatic Gain

Control) and manual control of Selecting class of emission F1B
sensitivity is enabled. (telex)
119
MF/HF RADIO – CONTROLS
This is an MF /HF Radio Entering of receiver/transmitter
frequencies and channel numbers
Terminating keyboard operations

ENTER must be pressed to terminate
all keyboard operations initiated by
Change of receiver frequency RX, TX, RCL and numeric keys
Recalling stored Fast setup for 2182 kHz. Pressing this

receiver/transmitter frequencies key will instantly change receiver and
transmitter frequency to 2182 kHz
Change of transmitter frequency and select SSB/J3E mode
120
MF/HF DSC – CONTROLS
Stops a distress alert
Used for finally

confirming a choice
Moves the selection

box on the display in
Digits from 0 to 9 the direction indicated
Opens the Main Menu
Opens the Distress Alert Menu

Used for cancelling a choice from any menu or program
Lift lid and press for at least 5 seconds.
From 0-5 sec the button will flash and Starts to transmit DSC calls
there will be a warning signal other than distress alerts
121
MF/HF DSC – TRANSMITTING DISTRESS ALERTS
A DSC distress alert consists of: The ship’s identity, nature of distress,
distress alert frequency, the ship’s last known position, the time the
position was valid, and type of subsequent communication – by Radio
telex or Radiotelephone.
When the DSC equipment is connected to a GPS, the ship’s position is
automatically updated. Otherwise the ship’s position must be updated
manually every 4 hours.
122
MF/HF DSC – UNDESIGNATED DISTRESS ALERTS
A distress alert can be transmitted at any time by lifting the lid and
pressing the distress button for 5 seconds. The nature of distress will be
undesignated. Content of undesignated distress alerts:
Ship’s identity (MMSI). Position: The position from the GPS or the manually
inserted values
Nature of distress:
Undesignated Type of communication: Telephony
Time: The time the
position was valid The distress alert will be sent on channel 2187.5 kHz
123
MF/HF DSC – DESIGNATED DISTRESS ALERTS
Waiting for a DSC acknowledgement or a telephony

acknowledgement on 2182 kHz.
The distress call attempt is transmitted on the selected DSC distress

frequency or frequencies.
124
RADIO TELEX: ARQ (AUTOMATIC REPETITION REQUEST) METHOD
The Automatic Repetition Request , A.R.Q., can be used between two

stations only and consists of sending data in small blocks of three characters
then listening for the receiving stations to request either the next block or
retransmission of the last block because of an error.
125
RADIO TELEX: ARQ (AUTOMATIC REPETITION REQUEST) METHOD
ARQ - Automatic Repetition Request

✓ Each information packet is confirmed received by the receiving station
before the next packet is sent.
✓ Guarantees error-free data.
✓ Automatic exchange of identities guarantees connection with the
requested station.
✓ Communication is possible only between two stations.
126
RADIO TELEX: FEC (FORWARD ERROR CORRECTION) METHOD
Forward Error Correction consists of sending each character twice. This

method is used if there is more than one receiving station. Distress and
safety communications on radio telex in G.M.D.S.S. shall be established
with F.E.C.. Every ship watching the frequency will receive the message
and you will not have to know the identity of the receiving station.
127
RADIO TELEX: FEC (FORWARD ERROR CORRECTION) METHOD
FEC - Forward Error Correction

✓ Each Information Packet is transmitted twice to isolate any errors.
✓ A message may be transmitted to several stations simultaneously.
Does not require transmitters at the receiving stations.
✓ No need to know the identity of the receiving station.
128
INMARSAT B: CONTROLS
129
Printer
Numeric Keys
Telefax
Computer with
keyboard and
monitor for data
and telex The Inmarsat-B
transmission antenna
130
Press the Time & Auto track button to lock your
Inmarsat B equipment to the selected satellite
Press this button to adjust the azimuth angle

clockwise, until you get maximum signal level
Press the Elevation up button until you get

maximum signal level.
To do a manual satellite set-up, begin by pressing

Display for Gyro, this button
Azimuth, Elevation
and time Press this button to adjust the azimuth angle counter
clockwise until you get maximum signal level.
Signal Level Indicator Press the Elevation down button until you get
maximum signal level
131
INMARSAT B: SATELLITE SET UP
This is the Elevation & Azimuth

map for region AOR-West.
From your position you can see

that the azimuth of the satellite
is approximately 230° and its
elevation is around 50°.
132
INMARSAT B: TELEPHONY DISTRESS CALL
Lift the handset.
Lift the lid and press the distress button for 5 seconds.
Now press the # button to initiate the distress call.
You have now initiated a telephony distress call to your default
land earth station. In this case it is Goonhilly in the UK. Inform
the land earth station about your distress.
134
RAFT EQUIPMENT
EPIRB - CONTROL
✓ The transmitter sends the identity of the ship.
✓ The TEST Button is used when required for testing the

EPIRB, for routine checking or surveys, but without
activating satellites. This should be done by authorized
persons only.
✓ Switch for resetting to automatic stand-by mode.
✓ The BATTERY must last for at least 48 Hrs of

transmission. The battery normally requires replacement
after five years and Shall be marked with its expiry date.
135
RAFT EQUIPMENT
EPIRB - OPERATION
✓ The EPIRB floats free if the ship sinks.

✓ It is activated automatically when exposed to water.
✓ The EPIRB should, when possible, be attached to the
life raft with a line
136
GMDSS

SAFETY SYSTEM - PROCEDURES
INTRODUCTION TO
✓ OPERATION GUIDANCE FOR GMDSS
✓ DISTRESS, URGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC
✓ DISTRESS ALERT VHF DSC
✓ DISTRESS ALERT MF/HF DSC
✓ DISTRESS ALERT INMARSAT-B
✓ DISTRESS ALERT INMARSAT-C
✓ EPIRB AND SART
✓ SEARCH AN RESCUE
✓ FALSE ALARM
137
IMO GMDSS operating guidance for masters of ships in distress situations
The first of three main questions:

Is the vessel sinking or to be abandoned. Your ship is to be
abandoned . You may have time only for the quickest effective alerting
by DSC or INMARSAT. If not just collect your EPIRB, SART and
portable VHF and board your lifeboat or raft. 138
The second question for you: Is immediate help needed? If you don’t
need to leave the ship immediately – Transmit your Distress Alert by DSC
or INMARSAT. When you receive a response, follow up by detailed
communications with RCC and Other Ships. If you do not receive a
response to your Distress alerts, Switch on the EPIRB and SART
manually on board your ship. 139
The third question for you: Is there a potential problem?

Send an Alert by DSC or INMARSAT.
Communicate by Radio or INMARSAT when a response is received
from RCC or other ships.
140
1. EPIRB will float free and activate automatically if it cannot be

taken into survival craft.
2. Where necessary, ships should use any appropriate means to

alert other ships.
3. Nothing above is intended to preclude the use of any and all

available means of distress alerting. 141
DISTRESS, URGENCY AND SAFETY TRAFFIC: INTRODUCTION
G.M.D.S.S. is developed to ensure distress and safety communications

all around the world. G.M.D.S.S. gives a very easy distress alerting
ship-to-shore using the push button distress alerting. This is followed by
subsequent communications such as distress traffic, search and rescue
and on-scene communications. 142
DISTRESS CALL BEFORE GMDSS OR NON-SOLAS VESSELS
This is a typical distress call

before GMDSS:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.
THIS IS SEAWIND, SEAWIND,
SEAWIND MAYDAY SEAWIND
MY POSITION IS FIVE ZERO
DEGREES, TWO SIX
DECIMAL SEVEN MINUTES
NORTH ZERO ZERO ZERO
DEGREES FIVE FOUR
DECIMAL THREE MINUTES
WEST FIRE IN THE ENGINE
ROOM, NEED IMMEDIATE
ASSISTANCE, TWENTY MEN
ONBOARD, VISIBILITY
GOOD, ROUGH SEA. OVER
143
GMDSS DISTRESS ALERT
The distress alert in GMDSS shall
be sent through a satellite or the
MF/HF and VHF bands using
digital selective calling, DSC. To be
followed by traditional subsequent
communications to ensure that the
rescue operation starts as soon as
possible.
The distress alert indicates the

ship’s identification, M.M.S.I., the
nature of distress, the position, the
time the position was valid and the
preferred type of subsequent
communication.
DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM RCC
An R.C.C. or C.R.S. receiving a distress alert shall transmit the acknowledgement

on the distress calling frequency on which the call was received and it should be
addressed to all ships. The acknowledgment should include the identification of the
ship whose distress call is being acknowledged.
145
DISTRESS RELAY
The coast station should then transmit a distress relay call when the
person responsible for the coast station considers that it’s appropriate to
do so. 146
DISTRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY VESSEL
A ship acknowledges the distress alert by radiotelephony on the distress
frequency for the band in which the DSC distress alert or distress relay alert
was received. That is 2182 kHz on MF, appropriate HF frequency on HF,
and channel 16 on VHF. Here is one example:
MAYDAY 987654321
987654321
987654321 THIS IS
SIERRA LIMA
UNIFORM BRAVO,
SIERRA LIMA
UNIFORM BRAVO,
SIERRA LIMA
UNIFORM BRAVO
RECEIVED MAYDAY.
147
DISTRESS TRAFFIC
Distress traffic is all
communications relating to the
immediate assistance required
by the ship in distress,
including search and rescue
communications and on-scene
communications.
Distress traffic by
radiotelephony shall be
prefixed by the distress signal
“mayday”.
DISTRESS TRAFFIC
In order to maintain radio silence in the area of distress the station in
charge of the operations and the ship in distress can impose radio
silence on stations interfering with the distress traffic: ALL STATIONS,
ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS SEELONCE MAYDAY.
All other ships than the ship in
distress and the station in charge
of the distress radio traffic may
impose radio silence on interfering
stations with the following
procedure:
ALL STATIONS SEELONCE
DISTRESS THIS IS
ENTERPRISE, ROMEO GOLF
INDIA ECHO.
149
DISTRESS TRAFFIC
Until the distress traffic has ceased all other stations should leave the distress
frequencies entirely to the rescue communications. The rescue coordinating
centre in-charge of the operation shall indicate that the distress traffic for this
operation has finished by sending the following message MAYDAY, ALL
STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS. THIS IS LANDSEND RADIO,
LANDSEND RADIO, LANDSEND RADIO SEELONCE FEENEE 150
URGENCY TRAFFIC
The urgency signal “PAN PAN” indicates that the calling station has an urgent message concerning the safety
of a person or a ship. The urgency traffic shall be an announcement made on one of the distress and safety
calling frequencies. For example terrestrial communications via DSC. The urgency message shall then be sent
on radiotelephony or radio telex on the distress and safety traffic channel.
PAN PAN, PAN PAN, PAN PAN, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS. THIS IS MARCOM
MARCOM MARCOM SIERRA, LIMA, UNIFORM, BRAVO POSITION FIVE ZERO DEGREES TWO SIX
DECIMAL SEVEN MINUTES NORTH ZERO ZERO ZERO DEGREES FIVE FOUR DECIMAL THREE
MINUTES WEST WE ARE DISABLED AND ADRIFT PLEASE BE ALERT
URGENCY TRAFFIC
When there is no longer a need for specific actions to this urgency the
following message shall be sent: ALL STATIONS, ALL STATIONS, ALL
STATIONS. THIS IS MARCOM MARCOM MARCOM, SIERRA LIMA
UNIFORM BRAVO WE ARE NO LONGER ADRIFT MY PAN PAN AT ZERO
ONE TWO FIVE UTC IS CANCELLED.
152
URGENCY TRAFFIC
The safety signal consists of the word “SECURITE”. It indicates that

the calling station has an important navigational or meteorological
warning to transmit. 153
SAFETY TRAFFIC
The safety signal can be sent either via satellite or via terrestrial system.
The safety signal shall be an announcement made on one of the
distress and safety frequencies using for example terrestrial
communications via DSC. The safety message shall normally be sent
on radiotelephony or radio telex on the distress and safety channel.
SECURITE SECURITE
SECURITE ALL STATIONS, ALL
STATIONS, ALL STATIONS.
THIS IS ZERO ZERO TWO
ONE NINE TWO THREE FOUR
FIVE “LYNGBY” RADIO,
LISTEN ON CHANNEL TWO
FOUR FOR GALE WARNING
NUMBER THREE ONE SEVEN
154
DISTRESS ALERT VHF DSC
2. Nature of Distress is Collision. Using arrows

1. Press "Distress Menu” button click on “Collision” and press “Enter”
3. Check that your position is correctly 4. Approve or the distress alert when ready.
shown. Click “Enter” when ready Press Enter to continue
5. Lift lid and press button for at least 5

seconds.
Your distress alert is now transmitted. Approximate
coverage is a circle with a radius of 20 nautical miles.
Your distress alert is received by several ships and the
coast station
7. Press “Stop” to silence the alarm. Check that

the received message is an acknowledgement of
your distress alert
6. Press the PPT button on the handset to

send your distress message.
This is an example of a typical distress communication:
(1st RADIO VOICE ) MAYDAY THIS IS TWO SIX FIVE FIVE THREE
FOUR ZERO ZERO ZERO SIERRA, KILO, UNIFORM, GOLF. WE’VE
HAD A COLLISION AND NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. TWENTY
MEN ONBOARD, GOOD VISIBILITY, CALM SEA, OVER
(2nd RADIO VOICE ) MAYDAY SIERRA, KILO, UNIFORM, GOLF

SIERRA, KILO, UNIFORM, GOLF SIERRA, KILO, UNIFORM, GOLF
THIS IS “LYNGBY” RADIO, “LYNGBY” RADIO, “LYNGBY” RADIO.
(RECEIVED MAYDAY).
Your VHF distress alert is relayed by the coast station to other ships
in the area. They acknowledge on radiotelephony and the associated
rescue coordination centre will lead the search and rescue operation. 158
DISTRESS ALERT MF DSC
2. Nature of Distress is Collision. Using arrows

1. Press "Distress Menu” button click on “Collision” and press “Enter”
3. Check that your position is correctly 4. Approve or the distress alert when ready.
shown. Click “Enter” when ready Press Enter to continue
5. Lift lid and press button for at least 5

seconds. Your distress alert is now transmitted. Approximate
coverage is a circle with a radius of 150 nautical
miles. Your distress alert is received by several ships
and the coast station. The coast station transmits a
distress acknowledgment on MF DSC.
6. Press “Stop” to silence the alarm. Check that

the received message is an acknowledgement of
your distress alert
7. Press the Transmit button on the handset

to send your distress message.
You have sent a distress alert on MF DSC indicating that subsequent
communication will follow on radiotelephony. It is recommended that you
send your distress message on 2182 kHz and wait for the coast station to
reply. This is an example of a typical distress communication
(1ST RADIO VOICE): MAYDAY THIS IS TWO SIX FIVE FIVE THREE
FOUR ZERO ZERO ZERO, SIERRA KILO UNIFORM GOLF. WE’VE HAD
A COLLISION AND NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. TWENTY MEN
ONBOARD, GOOD VISIBILITY, CALM SEA, OVER
(2ND RADIO VOICE): MAYDAY SIERRA KILO UNIFORM GOLF SIERRA
KILO UNIFORM GOLF SIERRA KILO UNIFORM GOLF THIS IS LYNGBY
RADIO, LYNGBY RADIO, LYNGBY RADIO.
RECEIVED MAYDAY
Your MF distress alert is relayed by the coast station to other ships in the
area. They acknowledge on radiotelephony and the associated rescue
coordination centre will lead the search and rescue operation.
162
DISTRESS ALERT HF DSC
You are the officer on watch on MARCOM SIERRA LIMA UNIFORM BRAVO.
Your position is in the South Pacific.
Example Situation: (Intercom Voice) This is the captain speaking. I have just
received the report from the chief engineer. We have severe damage in the
welding between two shell plates and are making water, send out a distress alert
on HF DSC. 163
2. Nature of Distress is Listing. Using arrows click

1. Press "Distress Menu” button on “Listing” and press “Enter”
3. Approve your position at the time it was

valid. Click “Enter” when ready.
6. Select “Multi”
4. There are one MF and five HF frequencies
available. Which one to use depends on the
time of day, the season of the year and the sun
spots. Use 2 MHz to alert ships in the vicinity.
Use 8 and 16 MHz to alert a coast station.
Select 2 MHz, 8 MHz and 16 MHz by using the
arrows. Press "Enter" to confirm each choice.
7. Select “Telephony”
8. Approve the distress alert. Press “Enter”.
9. Lift lid and press the distress button for 5

seconds
You are now transmitting a distress alert to a coast station

and another ship.
167
10. MARCOM is waiting for a DSC

acknowledgement from a coast station or a 11. Press “Stop” for the alarm. Check that
telephony acknowledgement on 2182 kHz the received message is an
from a ship in the vicinity. acknowledgement of your distress alert
12. Press the "Transmit" button to send your

distress message
You are now transmitting a distress alert to a coast station and
another ship.
1st Radio Voice) MAYDAY THIS IS TWO SIX FIVE FOUR

THREE TWO ZERO ZERO ZERO SIERRA, LIMA, UNIFORM,
BRAVO. LISTING, TWENTY CREWMEMBERS, NO INJURIES,
GOOD VISIBILITY, CALM SEA, NEED IMMEDIATE
ASSISTANCE. OVER
(2nd radio Voice) MAYDAY SIERRA, LIMA, UNIFORM, BRAVO.

SIERRA, LIMA, UNIFORM, BRAVO. SIERRA, LIMA, UNIFORM,
BRAVO. THIS IS RIO GALLEGOS RADIO, RIO GALLEGOS
RADIO, RIO GALLEGOS RADIO, RECEIVED MAYDAY.
169
Your distress Alert is now relayed by Rio Gallegos Radio to other ships
in the area. They will acknowledge on radiotelephony and the
associated rescue coordination centre will lead the search and rescue
operation. 170
DISTRESS ALERT INMARSAT-B TELEPHONE
To make an Inmarsat-B distress alert call to Goonhilly, UK, using

telephony, we lift the handset, and then lift the lid and press the distress
button for 5 seconds. To make a distress alert call to Goonhilly, we dial 2*#.
171
DISTRESS ALERT INMARSAT-B TELEX
How to make a distress call on telex to Goonhilly, UK?

1. Press the telex button.
2. On the distress panel, press the red button for 5 seconds.
172
4. The GA+ stands for Go Ahead. You can now start

typing your message
3. We use the arrow keys to

select Goonhilly from the
menú and press “Send”.
173
5. We are now writing “GA+” on your terminal. This

indicates that your distress message is sent and that
you are waiting for a response.
174
6. You are now writing “GA+” on your terminal. This indicates that your distress
message is sent and that you are waiting for a response.
175
DISTRESS ALERT INMARSAT-C
1. To make a distress call, press the distress button for 5 seconds.

Pressing the big, red alert button is the fastest way of sending the
distress alert. As you can see this alert will be unspecified if you keep
pressing the red buttons. A better way if you have the time is to send
the distress alert by using the distress menu.
176
DISTRESS
ALERT
INMARSAT-C
1. We go to distress and click to select coast station Goonhilly and confirm by clicking
Yes = Enter
2. Check the position and confirm by clicking Yes = Enter
3. Click to select distress type Listing and confirm by clicking Yes = Enter
4. Now send your distress alert. Lift the lid and press the distress button for 5 seconds
DISTRESS ALERT INMARSAT-C
Wait for an acknowledgement from an RCC. If you do not get an

acknowledgement within 5 minutes, repeat the distress alert procedure.
In the second picture the distress alert has been transmitted

successfully on INMARSAT-C.
178
EPIRB AND SART
EPIRB
In the life raft
Situation: The EPIRB is set to STANDBY in the life raft, which means
that it will be activated automatically when it is in the water.
Once the EPIRB is in the water it’s

transmitting your distress alert via
satellite and can be located. Make sure
the EPIRB is attached to your raft with
a line.
179
EPIRB AND SART
EPIRB On the bridge
Situation: All the equipment on the bridge is out of order due to an

electrical black-out. You need to send a distress alert. Activate your
EPIRB manually by clicking the ON position.
180
EPIRB AND SART
SART In the life raft
Situation: You are in the life raft and you need to

activate your SART.
First, you remove the safety pin. Once the safety pin is
out, the SART is set to on
Your SART will now be activated by radar pulses and

send out reply pulses, making it easier to locate you. 181
EPIRB AND SART
SART On the bridge
Situation: Activate your SART

manually by removing the
safety pin.
If there is a ship within 10

nautical miles, Your position
will be indicated on their radar
like this
182
SEARCH AND RESCUE
The ferry Marcom has sent out
a distress alert. The ship is
heavily listing and might sink.
There are only a few
passengers onboard together
with the crew.
The ferry was returning from
the dockyard where it was
being repaired and it was
supposed to start cruising
again next week. A search and
rescue operation has already
started and another ferry has
been asked to lead this
operation in the distress area.
183
SEARCH AND RESCUE
A search and rescue operation will be coordinated in order to get

efficient activities going as soon as possible. You will find these in the
operation:
✓ RCC – Rescue Coordination Centre. A unit responsible for
promoting efficient organisation and for coordinating the operations
within its region
184
SEARCH AND RESCUE
RSC – Rescue Sub Centre. A unit subordinate to a Rescue

Coordination Centre, established to complement the RCC within a
smaller region.
OSC – On Scene Commander. The specially trained commander of a

rescue unit designated to coordinate search and rescue operations.
CSS – Coordinated Surface Search. An ordinary ship other than a

rescue unit designated to coordinate surface search and rescue
operations. (This might be you).
Coast Station --. The coast station is the communications link between
units at sea and the Rescue Coordination Centre. This could also be
the Coast Earth Station for satellite communications.
185
SEARCH AND RESCUE
Example situation:
You are the officer on watch. You
have received the distress alert
via MF/HF DSC specifying listing
and the position of the ship in
distress.
You are asked to become the Co-ordinator of surface search (CSS).

You communicate with the ship in distress. They are bringing EPIRB,
SART and portable VHF in their life rafts. You are sending an
acknowledgment via MF radio 2182 kHz to the coast station and they
ask you to become the coordinator of the surface search, CSS.
It is important to communicate with the ship in distress. You are told that
they are abandoning the ship and that they will bring EPIRB, SART and
portable VHF in the life rafts.
186
SEARCH AND RESCUE
You can now see the position of their SART on your radar screen. It is
now your responsibility to relay this position to other ships in the area
and to the coast station. 187
SEARCH AND RESCUE
Datum is the point where

the life rafts are most
likely to have drifted to.
Use R=10 miles for initial
search area.
It might take some time before the first ship arrives in the distress area.
The life rafts without SART's have drifted away from their initial
position. Their most probable position, or datum, and the search area
have to be calculated. 188
SEARCH AND RESCUE: Parallel Track Search Method
In this case we have

4 ships to conduct
the search and
therefore they will
search in parallel
track.
The distance
between the search
track is called
spacing and is here
indicated as S miles.
189
SEARCH AND RESCUE: Expanding Square Search Method
When only one ship arrives on

scene it should proceed
directly to the datum and start
an expanding square search.
If possible the datum may be

marked by placing a life raft as
a floating marker.
190
SEARCH AND RESCUE: Sector Search Method
When only one ship arrives

on scene and the position of
the search target is known
within enclosed limits it is
better to start a sector
search. All turns are 120
degrees to starboard. Start
the search at the datum, all
legs should be 2 nautical
miles. Upon completion of
the first search reorient the
pattern 30 degrees to the
right and search again.
191
SEARCH AND RESCUE: RADAR Search Method
This table on the left shows

the radar detection ranges.
As you can see the range

depends on your radar
scanner height and the size of
the target.
192
SEARCH AND RESCUE: Track Spacing & Visibility Search Method
The track spacing for

visual search
depends on the size
of the search object
and the
meteorological
visibility.
You can find this table
in the IAMSAR
manual, which should
be on your bridge.
193
SEARCH AND RESCUE
You are now approaching the life rafts and you are reporting your search
operation to the coast station. You ask one of the ships to pick up the
survivors and then you report the result of this rescue operation to the
coast station.
194
SEARCH AND RESCUE
IMO have adopted the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and
Rescue Manual to provide guidance to the master of any vessel which
might be called upon to conduct search and rescue operations at sea for
persons in distress. You should find this book onboard and we do
recommend that you study it.
195
FALSE ALERTS
In 1993 the “Falmouth” Rescue Coordination Centre received 860

GMDSS distress alerts but only 26 of them were real. The staff have to
follow up every call which takes a lot of time. Even six years later the high
rate of false alerts had hardly been reduced. 196
FALSE ALERTS: What to do in case you have sent a false alert?
When you are in this situation and send out the distress call, you do not
want your help to be delayed because of other false alerts. So if you by
accident have sent out a false alert you need to know how to recall it
before it triggers a rescue operation. 197
FALSE ALERTS VHF DSC
Situation: You have unfortunately sent a false distress alert on VHF
DSC. Then you should use the VHF radio to send a message on
channel 16.
198
FALSE ALERTS VHF DSC
All stations, all stations, all stations. This is marcom, sierra, lima, uniform,
bravo, two six five four three two zero zero zero in position four five degrees,
one one minute south, four nine degrees three five minutes west. Cancel my
distress alert on 1st of may, one five three zero UTC, master Marcom, sierra,
lima, uniform, bravo, two six five four three two zero zero zero, 1st of may,
one five three five UTC.
All stations, all stations, all stations. This is Marcom, sierra, lima, uniform,
199
FALSE ALERTS MF/HF DSC
Situation: You have sent a false distress alert by mistake on MF

DSC 2MHz band or HF DSC 4MHz, 6MHz, 8MHz, 12MHz or 16
MHz. Bands
200
Set up the correct frequency on
the MF/HF radio either 2182
kHz , 4125 kHz, 6215 kHz,
8291 kHz, 12290 kHz, or 16420
kHz as suitable. Press the 2182
for quick tuning in MF band.
Now press the transmit button

to send your message about
the false alert.
201
This is what you should send on Radio Telephone:

All stations, all stations, all stations. This is marcom, sierra, lima, uniform,
All stations, all stations, all stations. This is Marcom, sierra, lima, uniform,
202
FALSE ALERTS INMARSAT-C
Situation: You have sent a false
distress alert on Inmarsat-C.
The MRCC responds with this
message on the left. You should
next cancel your false distress
alert.
You must prepare and send a

cancellation message like the
one on the left.
203
Then you press “Transmit” and
Select LES (Land Earth
Station/Coast Station).
Select the LES Goonhilly
204
Select the correct

priority. Now send
your reply.
Finally, you have

successfully sent the
message about your false
alert on Inmarsat-C.
205
FALSE ALERTS: SUMMARY
In case you have sent a false alert:
✓ Keep watch at the GMDSS station, wait for an acknowledgement.
✓ Communicate with the Rescue Coordination Centre that has
acknowledged the false alert.
✓ If no acknowledgement is received, contact any RCC or Coast station.
✓ Make sure that all radio operators are aware of the serious
consequences of a false alarm.
✓ Be careful with equipment that you are not familiar with.
✓ Routine testing should only be allowed under supervision of a
designated operator.
✓ EPIRBs should only be tested by qualified personnel.
The best way to avoid false alerts is to make sure that all personnel
on the bridge are regularly trained on how to send distress alerts on
the ship’s radio equipment.
206
GMDSS

SAFETY SYSTEM - APPLICATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO
✓ ABANDONING SHIP
✓ MAN OVERBOARD
✓ A POTENTIAL PROBLEM
✓ FIRE ONBOARD
207
ABANDONING SHIP
Situation: you are the officer on
watch on M.V. MARCOM, call
sign - sierra, lima, uniform,
bravo (SLUB).
All the equipment on the pictures

is available. In addition to the
main communication equipment
on the bridge you also have
EPIRB, SART and portable VHF.
208
ABANDONING SHIP
The ship’s position is in the Atlantic Ocean, North East of

South America.
209
ABANDONING SHIP: RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE
If time is limited you should send distress alert by using

automatic calling systems:
✓ INMARSAT-C
✓ VHF or MF/HF DSC (depending on your location)
If there is enough time you should continue your distress call

by:
✓ INMARSAT-B telephony
✓ MF/HF telephony or telex
Before abandoning the ship you must remember to bring the

EPIRB, SARTs and portable VHFs to the lifeboat or life raft.
210
MAN OVERBOARD
Situation: You are the officer on
watch on M/V Atos, call sign:
golf, hotel, india, mike and your
position is west of Aalborg. On
the bridge are you, the captain
and able seaman Jones.
All the equipment on the pictures
is available. In addition to the
main communication equipment
on the bridge you also have
EPIRB, SART and portable VHF.
211
MAN OVERBOARD PROCEDURE
First send out the distress alert immediately. Start “a man over board”
manoeuvre.
Recommended alerting procedure

It is of great importance to start with the shortest range alerting method:
✓ VHF DSC and subsequent communication on VHF, channel 16.
When Time permits:

✓ MF/HF DSC and subsequent communication on MF 2182 kHz.
If there is no answer to your initial call on VHF or MF: Set up your

INMARSAT B system for distress or urgency priority and use two digit
code (39) to contact Maritime Assistance.
212
A POTENTIAL PROBLEM
Situation: you are the officer on watch on M/V DANCER, call sign: echo,
romeo, india, foxtrot. On the bridge are you and able seaman Wright.
Your electrical blackout has given you an immediate problem. You can no
longer manoeuvre. The chief engineer reports that it will take at least two
hours to fix the problem.
213
A POTENTIAL PROBLEM PROCEDURE
Recommended procedure
Transmit an Urgency Alert to the ships closest to you by:

✓ Sending an All Stations Call by VHF DSC, and radiotelephony on
VHF, channel 16 or MF DSC and RT 2182 Kilo Hertz.
Next, alert the nearest coast station to forewarn ships a little further
away by;
✓ Sending an All Stations Call by MF DSC, 2187.5 kHz and
radiotelephony on MF2182 kHz.
If there is no answer, try other systems:

✓ HF DSC and subsequent communication on HF Telephony or Telex.
✓ INMARSAT C
✓ INMARSAT B
✓ Radiotelex
214
FIRE ONBOARD
Situation: you are the officer on watch on M/V Grace, delta, lima,
india, mike. On the bridge are you and able seaman Wright. You are
outside coast station VHF and MF coverage.
215
FIRE ONBOARD PROCEDURE
Recommended procedure
ALERT THE RCC /COAST STATION IMMEDIATELY AND ASK FOR

SUITABLY EQUIPPED VESSELS TO ASSIST OR STANDBY FOR
RESCUE:
✓ BY INMARSAT-B or INMARSAT-C
✓ HF DSC alert on 8, 12 or 16 MHz band and radio telephony on
8291, 12290 or 16420 kHz
NEXT ALERT SHIPS CLOSER AT HAND BY

✓ MF DSC 2187.5 kHz and radiotelephony on MF 2182 kHz.
✓ Then VHF DSC and VHF Ch 16
If there is no answer to your distress alert: Activate the EPIRB manually

Activate the SART manually.
216

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GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM

GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND

• Until now the main

1- transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and

Distress alerting is the rapid and successful reporting of a distress

The relaying of a distress alert from an RCC to ships in the vicinity of a

The communication arrangements under the GMDSS are

4-transmission and reception of search and rescue co-ordinating communications;

5- transmission and reception of on-scene communications;

6- transmission and reception of signals for locating;

7- transmission and reception of maritime safety information;

On-scene communications normally take place in the MF and VHF bands on

Locating is the finding of a ship/aircraft in distress or its survival craft or

Ships need to be provided with up-to-date navigational warnings and

8- transmission and reception of general radio communications to and

9- transmission and reception of bridge-to-bridge communications.

General radiocommunications in the GMDSS are those communications

Bridge-to-bridge communications (regulation IV/4.1.9)

Bridge-to-bridge communications are inter-ship safety communications

The GMDSS is based on the concept of using

Sea area A1 means an area within the radiotelephone

The GMDSS equipment requirement is determined by the area of operation

Sea area A2 means an area, excluding sea area A1,

A2 – area within range of an MF Coast Station with DSC but outside

Sea area A3 means an area, excluding sea areas A1

A3 - within coverage of the INMARSAT

Sea area A4 means an area outside sea areas A1, A2

A4 all areas outside A1, A2 and A3 that is the polar areas.

A ship operating in an offshore ocean area could have Medium-Frequency

Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:

a VHF radio installation capable of transmitting and

VHF channel 16 may only be used for

Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:

Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:

Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:

Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:

Every ship shall be provided in accordance with SOLAS IV, Reg. 7:

The means of ensuring the availability of equipment are determined by the

In sea areas A3 and A4, the availability of equipment shall be ensured by

SOLAS regulation IV/15.7 requires Administrations to take into account the

The INMARSAT system consists of four satellites in geostationary orbit above

The Atlantic Ocean Region East satellite, position: longitude; 15.5

This is the Indian Ocean Region satellite, position: longitude; 64

The Pacific Ocean Region satellite, position: longitude; 178 degrees

The INMARSAT System covers the entire world between latitudes

INMARSAT-C is a store and forward messaging system. A message from

INMARSAT provides the SafetyNET service for MSI via satellite

Cospas-Sarsat satellites can

The water tight portable VHF is used for

Batteries intended for use in distress

Standard Marine Navigational Vocabulary

List of Coast Stations

✓ MMSI ship numbers

List of Ship Stations

List of Radio Determination and Special Service Stations

GMDSS Master Plan

GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND

The electromagnetic spectrum as defined by modern science ranges

A3E (AM Double Side Band) used for broadcasting services