GMDSS EQUIPMENT
Under GMDSS rules and regulations all ships 300 gross tons or over, are required to carry specific communications equipment based upon their Sea Area of Operation. Different equipments and subsystems are used in the GMDSS System to ensure availability in time of need, each subsystem has its own limitations with respect to geographical coverage and services provided. General equipment is required on all GMDSS ships as a basic configuration. Additional equipment is required as a ship travels within the Sea Areas (not NAVAREAS).
All GMDSS equipment (except INMARSA T ship earth stations) must Type Accepted by the Federal Communications Commission. It might be noted that INMARSAT terminals are commissioned by the INMARSAT Organization through an Earth Station after the equipment is installed.
GMDSS equipment is required to conform with the general requirements of CFR 80.1101 (a) and the specific performance requirements in CFR 80.1101 (b).
GMDSS equipment must be specifically authorized for GMDSS use, 'and except for existing 406 Mhz EPIRBs, must have a label affixed to the equipment.
The following tables will indicate the proper equipment to be used in the various Sea Areas (these may be reproduced to have a handy table available):
