While at sea each compulsory GMDSS vessel must comply with nine functional requirements. (47CFR 80.1081). These are:
1 Receiving Shore-to-Ship Distress Alerts
2 Transmitting and Receiving Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinating Communications
3 Transmitting and Receiving On-Scene Communications
4 Transmitting and Receiving Locating Signals
5 Transmitting and Receiving Maritime Safety Information
6 Transmitting and Receiving Bridge to Bridge Communications
7 Transmitting and Receiving General Communications with Shore-based Facilities
8 Transmitting and Receiving Distress Alerts by two separate, independent means
Before getting underway it is the GMDSS Radio Operator's duty to make sure that all the nine functional requirements are valid and this is entered in the Radio Log. Remember that a ship cannot sail if anyone of the nine functional requirements cannot be met.
