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GLOBAL MARINE DISTRESS AND SAFETY
SYSTEM (GMDSS) |
What is GMDSS?
The Global Maritime Distress
and Safety System (GMDSS) is a new international system using improved
terrestrial and satellite technology and ship-board radio systems. It ensures
rapid alerting of shore-based rescue and communications authorities in the event
of an emergency. In addition, the system alerts vessels in the immediate
vicinity and provides improved means of locating survivors.
GMDSS was developed through
the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and represents a significant
change in the way maritime safety communications are conducted. While it is
mandatory for all ships subject to the
International Convention for the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) (cargo ships
300 gross tons or greater and all passenger vessels, on international voyages),
GMDSS will impact on all radio-equipped vessels, regardless of size. All SOLAS
ships are required to fully comply with GMDSS as from February 1, 1999.
Why GMDSS?
GMDSS was developed to SAVE
LIVES by modernizing and enhancing the current radio communications system. By
utilizing satellite and digital selective calling technology, GMDSS provides a
more effective distress alerting system. It improves the current system by:
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increasing the
probability that an alert will be sent when a vessel is in distress;
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increasing the
likelihood that the alert will be received;
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increasing the
ability to locate survivors;
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improving rescue
communications and coordination; and
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providing
mariners with vital maritime safety information.
GMDSS Equipment
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
The traditional marine radio
(VHF/MF/HF) has been enhanced with the addition of a feature known as DSC. This
feature enables vessels to automatically maintain the required watch on distress
and calling channels instead of the current aural listening watch. A DSC
receiver will only respond to the vessel’s unique Maritime Mobile Service
Identity number (MMSI#), similar to a telephone number, or to an "All Ships" DSC
call within range. Once contact has been made by DSC, follow-up communications
take place by voice on another frequency.
Satellite Communications
The Inmarsat satellite network provides global communications, except for
the polar regions. In areas without any VHF or MF DSC shore facilities, Inmarsat
A, B or C terminals are used for distress alerting and communications between
ship and shore. Inmarsat provides an efficient means of routing distress alerts
to Search and Rescue (SAR) authorities.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio beacon (EPIRB)
GMDSS makes use of the
COSPAS-SARSAT Satellite System which provides global detection of 406
Megahertz (MHz)
EPIRBs. These beacons are small, portable, buoyant, and provide an effective
means of issuing a distress alert anywhere in the world. Float free EPIRBs
(class 1) have been required on most Canadian commercial vessels 20m or more in
length since 1989, and are highly recommended for all vessels. Owners must
register these
EPIRBs in the national beacon database (1-800-727-9414).
Search
And Rescue Transponder (SART)
SARTs are portable radar
transponders used to help locate survivors of distressed vessels, which have
sent a distress alert. They are detected by radar and therefore operate in the
same frequency range as radars carried onboard most vessels. SARTs transmit in
response to received radar signals and show up on a vessel’s radar screen as a
series of dots, accurately indicating the position of the SART. In the event
that a ship must be abandoned, SARTs should be taken aboard survival craft.
Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
Maritime Safety Information
broadcasts, which comprise distress alerts, SAR information, navigational and
weather warnings, as well as forecasts, can be received in three different ways
in GMDSS:
1.
NAVTEX receivers are fully automatic and receive broadcasts in coastal
regions up to 300 nautical miles offshore.
2.
Inmarsat-C terminals receive Enhanced Group Call - SafetyNET (EGC)
broadcasts for areas outside NAVTEX coverage.
3.
HF Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) receivers can be used where service
is available as an alternate to EGC.
GMDSS Sea Areas - International
Although ship-to-ship alerting
is still an important function in GMDSS, the emphasis is on two way
communications between ships and shore facilities. All GMDSS ships must be
capable of communicating with the shore and transmitting a distress alert by two
different means. The equipment carried by a GMDSS ship is therefore determined
by its area of operation and the availability of shore-based communications
services.
There are four "Sea Areas"
defined internationally in the GMDSS:
Sea Area A1 Within range of
shore-based VHF DSC coast station (40 nautical miles)
Sea Area A2 Within range of shore-based MF DSC coast station (excluding sea
areas A1)(150 nautical miles)
Sea Area A3 Within the coverage of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite
(approximately 70°N to 70°S) (excluding sea areas A1 &
A2)
Sea Area A4 The remaining areas outside sea areas A1, A2 & A3 (polar regions)
GMDSS Sea Areas - Canada
In Canada, as a result of
consultations with the Canadian marine industry, it has been decided to
implement sea areas A1 on the east and west coasts. Outside of A1 will be an A3
sea area with an A4 sea area in the Arctic.
Consideration was given to the
implementation of an A2 sea area, but due to budgetary constraints and the
marine industry’s preference for sea areas A1 and A3, sea area A2 is not being
planned at this time nor are sea areas for the Great Lakes and St Lawrence
River.
On Canada’s east and west
coasts, VHF DSC implementation is scheduled to begin in 1998 to cover the
busiest areas. Full implementation, similar to today’s VHF coverage, is planned
to be completed in 2002. A1 sea areas will be declared as shore facilities are
provided. In the Canadian Arctic, communications will be augmented by providing
HF DSC and NBDP services planned for February 1, 1999, at which time, sea area
A4 will be declared.
Vessel Compliance
GMDSS requirements for all
SOLAS ships on international voyages have been established by the IMO. February
1, 1999 is the date set for full compliance.
Requirements for Canadian
commercial vessels, not subject to SOLAS, are currently being developed in
consultation with the marine industry through the Canadian Marine Advisory
Council (CMAC).
The carriage of GMDSS
equipment on pleasure craft will not be mandatory, however, it is recommended
that they carry GMDSS equipment as applicable to their area of operation. Also,
for additional safety, vessels equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) or
LORAN-C are encouraged to connect this equipment to DSC and/or satellite
communications equipment capable of transmitting a pre-formatted distress alert.
Communications Between GMDSS Vessels & Non-GMDSS Vessels
After February 1,1999, GMDSS
ships will be maintaining an automated listening watch on VHF DSC ch 70 and MF
DSC 2187.5 kHz. This will create the situation, during the transition to GMDSS,
where vessels fitted with traditional, non-GMDSS radio equipment, may have
difficulties alerting or contacting a GMDSS ship. The Coast Guard is addressing
this by monitoring both GMDSS and traditional distress frequencies during the
transition. Although the final date for the cessation of mandatory watch keeping
on VHF ch 16 by SOLAS ships is under review by the IMO, all vessels should fit
VHF DSC as soon as practicable to keep the transition period short.
Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic
Services (MCTS) Centres
To help ease the transition to
GMDSS and bridge the communication gap between the two systems, Canadian Coast
Guard MCTS Centres will continue to monitor VHF ch 16 and MF 2182 kHz, the
current distress and safety channels, until 2003. Once Canada’s sea areas have
all been implemented, lower cost DSC equipment is available, and it is
determined that these services are no longer required, these listening watches
will be discontinued.
To supplement the broadcasting
of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) on NAVTEX and INMARSAT EGC, MCTS Centres
will continue safety broadcasts using the existing VHF continuous marine
broadcast system.
Canadian Rescue Co-ordination Centres (RCC) and Maritime
Rescue Sub-Centres (MRSC)
Canadian RCCs and MRSCs will
continue to receive distress alerts transmitted by vessels and relayed via MCTS
or satellite. When a GMDSS distress alert is received, the centre must re-issue
an "all ships" broadcast in the vicinity so that vessels in the immediate area
are aware and can respond. Search and Rescue will task aircraft and vessels at
this time. If a distress alert is sent in error, the Coast Guard MCTS Centre or
RCC/MRSC should be notified immediately so that these resources can be
"stood-down".
Operator Proficiency
A major concern for the marine
community is the number of false alerts that are being experienced on some GMDSS
sub-systems, especially DSC and INMARSAT-C. Since the large percentage of false
alerts is attributed to a lack of operator proficiency, it is especially
important that operators of GMDSS fitted vessels receive instruction in the
proper operation of their GMDSS equipment. Instruction is currently available
through various training institutes across Canada.
There are two GMDSS operator
certificates issued by Canada:
General Operators
Certificate (GOC) - Required on most
compulsory fitted GMDSS vessels operating outside sea area A1. This certificate
involves a two week training course including a written and practical exam.
Restricted Operators
Certificate (ROC) with Maritime Qualification
- Basic certificate for operators of compulsory fitted GMDSS vessels operating
in an A1 sea area. It is also recommended for operators of GMDSS equipment on
voluntary fitted vessels. This certificate is obtained by successfully
completing an approved written exam. The Canadian Power & Sail Squadron is the
licensed provider of the Restricted Operators Certificate with Industry Canada.
This information was compiled
in 1997 by the Canadian GMDSS Working Group in cooperation with the RCC Halifax
GMDSS Implementation Team under the authority of the Canadian Coast Guard -
Rescue, Safety and Environment Response Directorate and the Marine
Communications and Traffic Services Directorate and by Transport Canada - Marine
Safety
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