GMDSS
It must also noted that the primary purpose of GMDSS is to automate and improve emergency communications for the world's shipping industry.
This would be a large task and it was decided that the implementation would be in phases. To be effective the system would: a) consist of a number of frequencies, modes and system to accomplish this mission. b) each system would have its own limitations with respect to geographical coverage and services. c) the basic concept of alerting SAR .authorities ashore and vessels in the area of the distressed vessel.
As different ships operated in different area a method of communications was devised to accommodate these areas. Sea areas were drawn and equipment carriage, maintenance used for those areas consisted of the following (defined in 47CFR80. 1 069):
1. Sea Area A1 (Approx 25 NM from shore)
An area within radiotelephone coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which continuous digital selective calling (DSC) alerting is available.
2. Sea Area A2 (Up to approx 150 NM from shore)
In an area within MF radiotelephone coverage of at least one coast station at which continuous DSC is available.
Area A2 excludes sea area A 1.
3. Sea Area A3 (Within INMARSA T coverage)
An area within the coverage of an INMARSAT satellite in which continuous alerting is available (approx 70N to 70S). Area A3 excludes sea areas A 1 and A2.
4. Sea Area A4 (Primarily Polar regions)
All areas outside of sea area A 1 , A2 and A3. relies primarily on HF communications.
It should be noted that these sea areas are defined in the Federal Communications Commission rules CFR 47 part 80 (80.1069). The FCC regulates all of our communications needs, assigning equipment standards, frequency assignments for the United States Maritime fleet. (FCC is in concert with IMO as USA is a member of (MO) and other communications needs.
Personnel requirements of GMDSS required the operators of the radio equipment be a licensed Radio Operator and that only GMDSS Radio Operator License could be the only acceptable license for this system. The FCC did not allow the other radio operator license to be valid for this new GMDSS service. There was no allowing the holder of a 1 or 2nd class Radio telegraph license (those required to be a Radio Officer) to be automatically endorsed or changed to a GMDSS Radio Operator. It was a new license and those wishing to obtain the GMDSS Radio Operator must take the FCC test for this license.
At least each vessel under GMDSS must carry at lease two GMDSS Radio Operators on GMDSS compulsory vessels, one of the qualified GMDSS Radio Operators must have primary responsibility for radio communications during distress incidents AND a qualified GMDSS Radio Operator must serve as a backup. (47CFR 80.1073)
Both operators must be designated to perform distress, urgency and safety communications. One operator must be designated as the Primary GMDSS Operator. A single operator for these functions is not acceptable regardless of the vessels sea area of operation.
Equipment carriage on board all compulsory vessels will be determined by the sea area in which they operate. It is mandatory that all compulsory vessels be fitted with the GMDSS equipment.
