GMDSS
The GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) is the internationally agreed system of radio communication equipment, procedures and protocols that ensures a ship in distress can raise the alarm and receive assistance anywhere in the world. Mandatory under SOLAS for most commercial ships, it automated and globalised maritime distress alerting, replacing older manual radio watch.
GMDSS integrates several technologies according to the sea areas a ship trades in: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for automated distress alerts, satellite communications (Inmarsat and others), NAVTEX and satellite services for safety information (weather, navigational warnings), EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) that transmit a ship's identity and position in an emergency, and SARTs for locating survival craft. The system ensures ship-to-shore distress alerting, search-and-rescue coordination, and the broadcast of maritime safety information. GMDSS is a cornerstone of maritime safety, tied to the ship's bridge and radio equipment and to the international search-and-rescue framework. It is fundamental to the safety of life at sea.
GMDSS is the safety net that ensures no ship is ever out of reach of rescue — automated, satellite-backed distress alerting that works anywhere at sea. Mandatory under SOLAS and tied to the international search-and-rescue system, it is a cornerstone of the safety of life at sea and a core part of every ship's bridge and radio outfit.
What is an EPIRB?
An Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon that automatically transmits a ship's identity and position in a distress situation, part of the GMDSS.
What does GMDSS do?
Ensures ships can send and receive distress alerts, coordinate search and rescue, and receive maritime safety information anywhere in the world.