Implementing GMDSS: Challenges and Solutions for Vessel Operators

Posted on May 15, 2024 at 09:05 PM

Communication through emergencies could be challenging, with all the procedures and rules your ship crew needs to follow, thus, implementing an effective GMDSS system becomes necessary.  

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a mandatory system by the IMO to boost safety and distress communications in international waters.

Today, we are going to share with you all about the global maritime distress and safety system, with details about the challenges and benefits related to the GMDSS components, operations, and products.  

What Is the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)?      

After attending the global maritime law training courses in London, you will know that the GMDSS manual was established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in the SOLAS convention and became operational in 1999.

Moreover, the GMDSS stands for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, which includes all the globally designed procedures, agreed equipment types, and selective radio communication protocols to improve maritime safety and security, especially in distress and emergencies.   

The great thing about the automated GMDSS is that it can effectively and quickly transmit and receive safety and distress signs with any nearby ship, or approved ashore-based marine station around the world.   

Furthermore, the use of developed GMDSS service is easy and possible by any sailor in the crew who can pull the defined alert button on the console to send a rapid voice message, not only the GMDSS radio master operator. 

What Are the Components of GMDSS?  

To establish an effective global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) then you need to follow the international rules and principles regarding the equipped GMDSS ships and completion of agreed GMDSS training.  

Moreover, you need to install and integrate this basic and standard required equipment into your international ship to boost safety and distress communications at sea:

• Radio Communications:

To develop a GMDSS ship, there are specific types of international radio communication solutions that must be installed to establish a reliable and comprehensive radio signal and communication among ships and ground coastal stations with real coverage. This includes VHF, MF/HF functions, and worldwide satellite communication systems.

• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs): 

These global distress tools can boost search and rescue operations on the sea when rapidly transmitting a ship's position in an emergency, typically via radio to coastguard officers in the vicinity, or nearby shipping ships.

• Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs): 

SARTs are advanced GMDSS devices that, when activated, provide radar visibility, turning the ship online, to assist in locating a vessel in distress.

• NAVTEX (Navigational Telex):   

NAVTEX is part of the electronic GMDSS system that is used to broadcast maritime safety information, weather forecasts, and navigational warnings to ships on the international sea.

• Automatic Identification System (AIS):   

AIS tracking is used for ship safety, and collision avoidance by transmitting and receiving complete data about a ship's identity, position, course, and speed.

The Functional Activities of GMDSS:

Before sharing more details with you about the global maritime distress and safety system on the sea, let us share with you the main activities done by the GMDSS:

• Emergency and Distress Messages.

• Vessel-to-Vessel Routine Communications. 

• Vessel-to-Shore Routine Communications.

The Main Challenges of GMDSS:

Although the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) is not something new in the maritime industry, it is still developing and facing many challenges:

• High Technical Requirements: 

The designed global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) requires the use of advanced equipment and technology in ships, which require specific conditions and infrastructure to be installed, meaning that old ships will need big updates and even new vessels. 

• Regulatory Compliance:     

Meeting the strict regulations of GMDSS set by the IMO is necessary to avoid penalties and ship detentions, and ensure safety. However, this includes careful following of the ship equipment maintenance schedules, testing protocols, and reporting standards.

• Money and Time:   

The GMDSS products and components need professional installation and regular maintenance to ensure safety in all sea distress situations. But that will come with big demands and huge financial and time investment from shipowners and operators. 

• Quality Personnel Training: 

To ensure the proficient operation and maintenance of the GMDSS equipment to guarantee an effective response to distress sea situations demands, then you will need to hire expert employees or train your own team which is time and cost-consuming. But will for sure come back with great benefits.

• Cybersecurity: 

All the integrated digital technologies and communications into the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) increase the threats of cyber-attacks through onboard networks and satellite communication channels. Thus, you need to carefully follow the maritime cybersecurity regulations. 

The Key Benefits of GMDSS:

Despite all the challenges, no one can ignore the amazing benefits attached to the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS), including:

• GMDSS Can Save Lives: 

The GMDSS can save lives at sea, whether we are talking about crew or passengers, as it has the power to enhance the chances of rescuing vessels and individuals when installing a reliable and standardised GMDSS for distress communication.

• Automated and Fast Distress Alerting: 

The great thing about the GMDSS is that it can immediately automate the distress altering with its EPIRBs and SARTs components to ensure that nearby vessels and maritime rescue coordination centres can instantly respond and assist.

• Possibility for Routine and Group Calls: 

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSSS) boosts the efficiency of maritime communication with features that enable routine and group calls between vessels, shore stations, and maritime authorities.

• Enhanced Situational Awareness:   

GMDSS provides data about navigational warnings, weather forecasts, and other safety-related information which enhance situational awareness for mariners and support informed decision-making to ease risks at sea.

Last but not least,

All of the listed details highlight the importance of GMDSS in the maritime industry and why the IMO is focusing more and more on the integration of this safety system on international ships.

Thus, training your ship team to operate and maintain the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) is more than necessary if you are planning to grow and develop your maritime business.