Posted: August 14th, 2022
Evaluating GMDSS Modernization Efforts to Enhance Maritime Communications
Evaluating GMDSS Modernization Efforts to Enhance Maritime Communications
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a set of international regulations and technical standards that ensure the safety of navigation by providing emergency communications for ships at sea. The GMDSS was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1988 and entered into force in 1999. However, since then, the maritime communication technologies have evolved significantly, and some of the systems used by the GMDSS have become obsolete or inadequate. Therefore, the IMO has initiated a process of modernization of the GMDSS, which aims to allow the use of modern communication systems, while removing the requirements for carrying obsolete systems.
The modernization of the GMDSS involves an extensive scope of regulatory work. Dozens of relevant resolutions, standards and circulars are being amended. The main document that contains the regulations for the GMDSS is the SOLAS Chapter IV on Radiocommunications, which is being revised together with related IMO instruments. The draft amendments will be approved in late 2021 and adopted in 2022, with a view to entering into force on 1 January 2024.
The following are some of the key changes that will appear in the updated GMDSS:
– The number of service providers and technologies used in the GMDSS is expanding, so more generic requirements and definitions will apply to them. For example, references to Inmarsat devices and services will be removed from the relevant documents and replaced with definitions that better reflect current realities (“recognized mobile satellite service” instead of “Inmarsat”, for example). Explicit references to providers of Maritime Safety Information (MSI), such as NAVTEX, EGC, will be replaced by more general definitions, etc.
– The definition of the sea area A3 will change. Sea areas A1 and A2 will remain the same, contrary to area A3. In the updated SOLAS Chapter IV, sea area A3 will be defined as an area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the coverage of a recognized mobile satellite service supported by a shipboard radio station, in which continuous alerting is available. Thus, the sea area A3 will vary depending on the type of mobile satellite service: if Inmarsat is used, the area remains unchanged; if Iridium is used, A3 will become global (merging of the areas A3 and A4); if a regional satellite system is used, the area A3 will be limited to the coverage zone of this system.
– All the requirements for communication equipment will be described in one SOLAS chapter. The provisions for communication equipment in SOLAS Chapter III (life-saving appliances and arrangements) will be moved to Chapter IV (radio communications).
– The NBDP (Narrow Band Direct Printing) function for MF/HF radio installations will be removed. This function was used for transmitting MSI via telex messages, but it has been replaced by more efficient methods.
– The use of digital selective calling (DSC) for distress alerting will be enhanced. DSC is a technique that allows selective calling of individual or group stations using digital codes. DSC can also be used for transmitting distress alerts with position information. The updated GMDSS will require all ships to have DSC capability on VHF channel 70 and MF/HF frequencies.
The modernization of the GMDSS is expected to enhance the maritime communications by providing more options and flexibility for ship operators and authorities. It will also improve the reliability and efficiency of distress alerting and safety information dissemination. However, it will also pose some challenges for implementation and compliance, such as ensuring compatibility and interoperability among different systems and providers, updating existing equipment and software, training personnel and conducting radio surveys.
References:
– Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore. (2021). Modernization of GMDSS – Entry into force on 1 January 2024 of amended SOLAS Chapter IV. Retrieved from https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com/newsroom/modernization-gmdss-entry-force-1-january-2024-amended-solas-chapter-iv
– GMDSS Testers. (2020). How will the GMDSS change after its modernization? 5 key points to know. Retrieved from https://gmdsstesters.com/radio-survey/general/how-will-the-gmdss-change-after-its-modernization-5-key-points-to-know.html
– International Maritime Organization. (2018). Modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Retrieved from http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Navigation/Pages/GMDSS.aspx
– International Maritime Organization. (2020). Report to MSC 102 on outcome of COMSAR 17 – Modernization of the GMDSS. Retrieved from https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/OurWork/Safety/Navigation/Documents/COMSAR%2017%20Report%20to%20MSC%20102.pdf
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