GMDSS Manual (2024 Edition) - KJ970E

The 2024 edition contains the latest information emanating from the IMO project on the modernization of the GMDSS, which was completed in 2022 and led to the overall revision of relevant SOLAS regulations and many other mandatory and non-mandatory IMO instruments related to the GMDSS. This edition also includes:

• An introduction to the GMDSS, including a description of the GMDSS concept;

• A description of the components of the GMDSS, carriage requirements and operational procedures;

• Detailed information regarding terrestrial and satellite-based radiocommunication systems used in the GMDSS;

• Information concerning ongoing work at IMO related to future radiocommunication systems and services;

• Information on promulgation of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information, including NAVTEX and enhanced group call services;

• Excerpts from the relevant SOLAS regulations for the GMDSS;

• Supporting IMO resolutions relevant to the GMDSS;

• The current GMDSS Master Plan, giving the details of the coastal infrastructure and services provided by Member States; and

• Extracts from the ITU-R Radio Regulations giving the radio regulatory background.

The Manual is intended for use by ship personnel, shore operators, trainers, administrations, regulators and anyone concerned with ship radiocommunications.

Foreword

Since its establishment in 1959, the International Maritime Organization and its Member Governments, in close cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and with other international organizations, notably the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO), and with the Cospas-Sarsat partners, have striven to improve maritime distress and safety radiocommunications.

The culmination of this work was the entry into force and implementation of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) in February 1999.

The intent of this Manual is to provide in a single comprehensive publication an explanation of the principles upon which the GMDSS is based, the radiocommunication requirements and recommendations for its implementation, the operational performance standards and technical specifications to be met by GMDSS equipment, and the procedures for and method of operation of the various radio services which form the GMDSS and the Master Plan for the GMDSS.

Foreword

Abbreviations

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Basic concept of the GMDSS

Part 3: Communications systems in the GMDSS

Part 4: GMDSS equipment carriage requirements

Part 5: Operational procedures for the GMDSS

Part 6: Shore-based SAR communication network and operation

Part 7: Master Plan for the GMDSS

Part 8: Maintenance of equipment in the GMDSS

Annex 1: Regulations of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, relevant to the GMDSS

Annex 2: IMO Assembly and MSC resolutions relevant to the GMDSS

Annex 3: Radio equipment (IMO Performance Standards and related ITU-R Recommendations)

Annex 4: GMDSS Service

Annex 5: GMDSS Master Plan

Annex 6: MSC Circulars relevant to the GMDSS

Annex 7: COM and COMSAR Circulars relevant to the GMDSS

Annex 8: Articles and appendices of Radio Regulations relevant to the GMDSS

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.