GMDSS Basic Equipment

All ships to which the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended in 1988, applies are required to carry the GMDSS radio equipment, depending on the se areas in which they operate.

One of the basic principles on which the GMDSS carriage requirements is based is a functional requirement to ensure the capability of transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts by at least two separate and independent means. The capability of performing other communications functions is also required. There are specific carriage requirements for ships according to the sea area(s) in which they operate.

Carriage requirements for GMDSS radio equipment can be summarized as follows:

· Sea area A1 ships will carry VHF equipment and either a satellite EPIRB or a VHF EPIRB;

· Sea area A2 ships will carry VHF and MF equipment and a satellite EPIRB;

· Sea area A3 ships will carry VHF, MF, a satellite EPIRB and either HF or satellite communication equipment;

· Sea area A4 ships will carry VHF, MF and HF equipment and a satellite EPIRB;

· All ships will carry equipment for receiving MSI broadcasts.

2. Answer the following questions

1. When and where was it decided that a new global maritime distress and safety system should be established?

2. What requirements was the old maritime distress and safety system based on?

3. What sub-systems does the old system include?

4. What is the basic concept of the GMDSS?

5. What ship’s areas of operation are designated?

6. What is the basic equipment of the GMDSS?

3. Read the following text, translate it and be ready to speak on the types of the GMDSS messages

Standard GMDSS Messages

I. Standard Distress Message

1. Structure

Upon receipt of a DSC Distress Alert acknowledgement the vessel in distress should commence the distress traffic on one of the international distress traffic frequencies such as VHF Channel 16 or frequency 2182 kHz (if not automatically controlled) as follows:

MAYDAY

THIS IS….

- the 9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity code (MMSI) plus name/call sign or other identification of the vessel calling

- the position of the vessel

- the nature of distress

- the assistance required

- any other information which might facilitate rescue

1. Example

MAYDAY

THIS IS TWO-ONE-ONE-TWO-THREE-NINE-SIX-EQIGHT-ZERO MOTOR VESSEL “BIRTE” CALL SIGN DELTA ALPHA MIKE KILO

POSITION SIX TWO DEGREES ONE ONE DECIMAL EIGHT MINUTES NORTH

ZERO ZERO SEVEN DEGRESS FOUR FOUR MINUTES EAST

I AM ON FIRE AFTER EXPLOSION

I REQUIRE FIRE FIGHTING ASSISTANCE

SMOKE NON-TOXIC OVER