Marconi invented radio in the year 1895. In 1899 the first distress call through wireless communication was made in England when a ship rammed into a lighthouse. Later, it was understood how wireless communication would help save lives at sea. Initially, distance was a major concern and a limitation in wireless communication.
Introduction of Satellites in Maritime Safety
In 1960, International Maritime Organisation recognized how satellites can be used in search and rescue operations at sea. In 1976, International Maritime Satellite Organization was established to provide Emergency Maritime service. IMSO was later changed to International Mobile Satellite Organization (Inmarsat).
In 1988, IMO amended the basic requirement of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). After almost 10 years, in 1999, with development in wireless technology, a full-fledged implementation of GMDSS happened. With scientific development in wireless technology, satellites, and digital technology, GMDSS advanced, ensuring the safety of passengers as well as cargo vessels embarking on international voyages.
Purpose of Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems
Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) ensure that no ship in distress vanishes without a trace and that every life is saved at sea. According to GMDSS, every ship needs to be equipped with satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons and NAVTEX receivers, so that ship safety information is received automatically.
NAVTEX is a device that produces output through a printer or a scrollable display. It is a vital part of GMDSS. The system ensures that every ship at sea can communicate with onshore stations anytime, from any location, in times of distress or emergency.
Components and Functions of GMDSS
The GMDSS uses both satellite and radio systems, each with its limitations regarding geography and range. The system is capable of communicating between ships as well.
The system includes:
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB): Alerts rescue authorities with location and vessel identity.
Search and Rescue Transponder (SART): Reacts automatically to radar emissions.
Maritime Safety Information (MSI): Provides navigational warnings, meteorological information, and distress alerts.
GMDSS has nine basic functions that must be provided on ships:
Transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts using radio communication
Receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts
Transmitting and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts
Transmitting and receiving search and rescue coordinating communications
Transmitting and receiving on-scene communications
Transmitting and receiving signals for locating
Transmitting and receiving maritime safety information
Transmitting and receiving general communications
Transmitting and receiving bridge-to-bridge communications
Sea Areas Classification
The requirements for communication and MSI equipment depend on the sea area in which the ship is operating.
Area A1: VHF coast station coverage (up to 20–30 miles off coast) with continuous alerting.
Area A2: Beyond A1 but within MF range (up to 100 miles off coast) with continuous alerting.
Area A3: Coverage of Inmarsat satellites (between 70° N and 70° S, excluding polar regions).
Area A4: HF communication for polar regions not covered by satellites.
Ships within 35 miles from the coast carry VHF-DSC communication. Ships sailing up to 400 miles from shore need both VHF-DSC and MF-DSC systems. Ships beyond A3 or in polar areas must rely on Inmarsat satellites or HF communications.
SOLAS Compliance and Implementation
Every ship that complies with the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention must implement GMDSS. This includes all passenger ships regardless of size and cargo ships of 300 gross tons and above.
GMDSS is not limited to ocean-going vessels; many administrations worldwide enforce the use of GMDSS-compatible VHF maritime radios for all vessels.
Maritronics and GMDSS Solutions
Maritronics is one of the leading marine service companies in the UAE providing maritime solutions to shipping companies worldwide. Their experts guide clients in purchasing the right marine equipment and understanding its functionalities.
GMDSS systems can be purchased and implemented with the help of Maritronics experts.
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