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NAUTICAL SCIENCES
1. Introduction:
In this assignment, we will scrutinize the Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System (GMDSS). We will analyse and explain the concept behind the GMDSS
used at sea, along with its organizational structure and operational procedures.
Particular attention will be given to how the system functions during the distress
situation, ensuring that my vessel in dander can alert authorities and nearby ships
of the predicament and receive immediate assistance.
2.Main themes
2.1 Brief History
In 1895, Italian engineer Guglielmo Marconi
invented the radio, and by 1899, it was first used to
send a distress signal after a ship collision near the
English coast. Wireless quickly proved valuable for
saving lives, though it had distance limitations. By
the 1960s, the IMO recognized the role of satellites An image of Guglielmo
in maritime rescue and later established Inmarsat Marconi
in 1976. In 1988, the GMDSS was adopted under SOLAS, and it became
fully implemented on 1 February 1999.
2.2 What is GMDSS?
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an
internationally agreed-upon system of safety procedures, equipment, and
communication protocols to enhance safety and facilitate the rescue of
distressed ships, boats, and aircraft. Mandated by the IMO under the
SOLAS convention, GMDSS ensures that ocean-going ships over 300 gross
tonnage have radio equipment for emergency communication. Its primary
goal is to ensure prompt responses to distress calls, preventing delays in
search and rescue operations
2.3 GMDSS consist of:
Digital Selective
Calling
Emergency
Positioning Indicator
Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
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NAUTICAL SCIENCES
Maritime Safety
Search and Rescue
Information
locating
(MSI)
2.4 The concept of the GMDSS
equipment (SAR)
NAVTEX
The basic concept of GMDSS is that search and rescue authorities
ashore, as well as shipping in the vicinity of the ship facing immediate
danger, will be rapidly alerted to a distress incident so that they can
assist in a co-ordinated SAR operation without wasting IRIDIUM
time. & INMARSAT
2.6 GMDSS Sea Areas
Sea Area Range Equipment carried on
GMDSS compliant vessel
Sear area 1 20-50 M VHF DSC
HANDHELD VHF
EPIRB
SART
NAVTEX
Sea Area 2 35-400 M As above plus
DSC-equipped MF
radiotelephony
Sea Area 3 70° N to As above plus
70° S DSC-equipped HF
radiotelephony
One INMARSAT and/ Iridium
GMDSS
Sea Area 4 Above 70° As above plus
N or S DSC-equipped HF
radiotelephony
2.6.1 Different frequence band
1. Medium Frequence: 300 kHz to 3 MHz
2. High Frequences: 3MHz to 30 MHz
3. Very High Frequencies: 30 MHz to 300MHz
Very High Frequences
o Maritime communication ranges from 156 MHz to 174 MHz.
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NAUTICAL SCIENCES
UTI Frequency Usage
channel (MHz)
09 156.450 Durban Port Control
14 156.700 Cape Town Port Control
16 156.800 Distress, Urgency, and Safety
communication
70 156.525 Digital Selectively calling
75&76 156.775 & Avoid interference on channel 16
156.825 (guard channels)
2.7 Organizations
Organizations Function
IMO Sets safety rules and regulations regarding the
usage of GMDSS
ITU Allocate radio frequency
COSPAS- Manages satellite distress alerts
SARSAT
Inmarsat Provide commercial satellites services
2.8 How does it GMDSS works when in my distress situation?
My ship MV supersize experiences distress in Sea Area A3 outside MF/HF
shore station range but within Inmarsat satellite coverage the first action I
will activate the Inmarsat-C terminal. Pressing and holding the distress
button for five seconds sends an automatic digital alert via satellite to the
nearest Land Earth Station. This alert, which includes the ship’s identity,
GPS position, and a coded distress message. It will quickly direct to the
appropriate Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC). The RCC can then initiate
and coordinate search and rescue operations.
Simultaneously, I will send a distress using the VHF radio's Digital
Selective Calling (DSC) function on Channel 70. This alerts all ships and
coast stations within the line of site. Immediately after sending the DSC
alert, I will order officer on the watch to switch to VHF Channel 16 and
issue a Mayday call, giving details of the ship’s position, nature of distress,
and assistance required. This allows nearby vessels to respond quickly,
possibly providing immediate support while long range help is on the way.
I would have already activated the Emergency Position-Indicating
Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Which is activated automatically when it floats
free or I can turn it on manually. Once activated, it transmits a signal via
the 406 MHz frequency to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, including the
vessel’s GPS position and ID. This signal is received by ground stations
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NAUTICAL SCIENCES
Although NAVTEX and SafetyNET receivers cannot send messages,
they play supportive roles. NAVTEX can provide ongoing safety
warnings and updates during the distress period while we are still
cruising in the life raft. Meanwhile, RCCs may use SafetyNET which is
a satellite-based broadcast system to alert other vessels in the region
about the incident and direct them to the scene.
Finally, because the fire has become uncontrollable. We launch and
board in the Life raft with an activated Search and Rescue Radar
Transponder (SART) . When rescue vessels approach, their X-band
radar will trigger the SART, causing it to emit a series of dots or arcs on
their radar screens, guiding them directly to our life raft location.
Together, these GMDSS components ensure a layered and reliable
response system satellite based for long-range alerts, VHF for nearby
communication, and emergency beacons for backup ensuring no
distress call goes unanswered.
3. Conclusion
The GMDSS has transformed maritime safety by ensuring that no
distress call goes unanswered. It brings structure and speed to
emergencies where every second counts. While technology plays a
vital role, its true strength lies in the people trained to use it. At sea,
where conditions can change in moments, the GMDSS stands as a
crucial lifeline between danger and rescue.
.
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NAUTICAL SCIENCES
APPENDIX
Distress call:
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
THIS IS MV SUPERSIZE MV SUPERSIZE MV SUPERSIZE
(CALL SIGN Zulu Tango Romeo one two three four × 3)
OVER
Distress Message:
MAYDAY
MV SUPERSIZE, CALL SIGN Zulu Tango Romeo one two three four
MMSI number 6 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
POSITION IS 24 DEGREES 13 DECIMAL 7 MINUTE SOUTH
002 DEGREES 29 DECIMAL 5 MINUTE EAST
MY VESSEL IS ON FIRE
REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
WEATHER IS FINE, CURRENT WEST 2 KNOTS
12 ADULTS ONBOARD
EMBARKING INTO ONE LIFE RAFT
OVER
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BIBLIOGRAPH ( Havard referencing)
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