Shipping Emergencies - The GMDSS

The basic concept of the GMDSS is that search and rescue authorities ashore, as well as shipping in the immediate vicinity of the ship in distress, will be rapidly alerted to a distress incident so they can assist in a co�ordinated search and rescue operation with the minimum of delay.

 

The system also provides for urgency and safety communications and the dissemination of maritime safety information, including navigational and meteorological warnings. This means that every ship will be able, irrespective of the area in which it operates, to perform those communication functions considered essential for the safety of the ship itself and of other ships operating in the same area.

 

Although satellites play an important part in the GMDSS, terrestrial radio is still important. The GMDSS combines various subsystems � which all have different limitations with respect to coverage � into one overall system, and the oceans are divided into four sea areas: