GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. It is a new system for automated and rapid response to a search and rescue. This system was mandatory for ship installation as of February 1, 1999. In order for this system to function as required by Solas chapter IV, we have to be familiar with the different system that supports the GMDSS. One system that is used by GMDSS is the Inmarsat Geostationary satellite. It is geostationary in the sense that its satellite is geosynchronous with the earth’s rotation and its satellites are situated along the equator and thus covers only up to 70 degrees North and South from the equator. This system is used by our Inmarsat terminals such as Inmarsat A/B, C, Mini-m, Inmarsat EPIRB, etc. Another support system is the COSPAS-SARSAT system. This system is used by our COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB for global distress alerting. Unlike the Inmarsat Epirb where the coverage is limited, the Cospas-sarsat employs global coverage as its satellite is polar orbiting. Then lastly we have the Maritime Mobile Services on VHF, MF and HF bands for our Navtex, VHF/MF/HF DSC, Radiotelephony and Radiotelex. Proceed to the Mersar section for PDF and PPT downloads and more of these resources >>

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) were enforced by SOLAS and were mandatorily installed by ships as of February 1, 1999. With the introduction of this new system, the Morse code was phased out. Since the general concept of the GMDSS is to provide rapid and automated alerting for search and rescue during a distress incident, Solas made provisions (Solas Chapter IV) to govern this system particularly the 9 Communication Functional Requirements and shall be used by ships to the fullest of its capability. The nine communications and the means of communication method used are as follows:
1. Distress Alerting (Ship to shore) – EPIRB; DSC; INMARSAT.
2. Distress Alerting (Shore to ship) –Digital Selective Calling (DSC); SafetyNET service; and Navtex.
3. Distress Alerting (Ship to ship) –VHF Channel 16 and 13; and either by VHF, MF or HF DSC.
4.   SAR Co-ordinating Communications - Transmission/reception of Maritime Safety Information, NAVTEX or SafetyNET; and through voice communications using MF/HF or VHF or Inmarsat. 5.  On-Scene Communication - Voice communications using MF/HF or VHF
6.Locating - RADAR (9GHz); and SART(Search and Rescue Radar Transponder)
7.Transmission/Reception of Maritime Safety Information – Navtex and SafetyNET
8.General Radiocommunications - DSC to set up a telephone or telex link on MF/HF or VHF; and the Inmarsat network
9. Bridge-to-Bridge Communications – normally carried out by VHF and MF/HF.
The Nine Communication Functions are explained in much detailed information at the MERSAR Section. This includes the provisions as stated by Solas Chapter IV. You may also download the resources in PPT and PDF format.

The introduction of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) enhances the communication and alerting system among ship stations as well as stations ashore. This system was enforced for mandatory installation as of February 1, 1999 to passenger vessels and cargo vessels of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages. During that date the Morse code was phased out. This new system provides rapid and automated alerting and will increase the chance of rescue following a distress incident as satellite, locating and other equipments were integrated into the system. The system is designed to be capable of performing the communication functions described by SOLAS chapter IV. Continue to the MERSAR page>>

Under old traditions of the sea and various provisions of laws internationally, merchant ships are obligated to assist those in distress at sea whenever they can safely do so. Their responsibility to render assistance to a distressed vessel or aircraft is based on compassionate factors and as established by international practice. Specific obligations can be found in several conventions, including Annex 12 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, and Regulation V/33 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 1974).

Hence,  the Merchant Ships Search and Rescue download page was established to provide education and training resources to benefit the students and instructors in the Maritime Profession, especially the students of Capitol University particularly the College of Maritime Education and anyone interested in learning the role of Merchant ships during Search and Rescue Operation. The PowerPoint download is provided for free and is proudly my own work. Click here to go to MERSAR main download page. For more Maritime Education powerpoints go to the Download Section.