GMDSS for recreational vessels 

So, why should you fit GMDSS equipment to your pride and joy?

The GMDSS is not just a system for ocean going Merchant Vessels. The GMDSS is designed to cater for all types of craft - from a kayak to a VLCC.

The Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organisation has issued a circular which urges administrations to enforce the equipping of their vessels with GMDSS compatible VHF equipment.

IMO resolution MSC 77 (69), adopted 13 May 1998.

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE

URGES Governments:

To require all new VHF radio equipment manufactured for, or installed on or after 1 February 1999 on, seagoing vessels to which the 1974 SOLAS Convention does not apply to be fitted with facilities capable of transmitting and receiving distress alerts by DSC on VHF Channel 70;

To require all seagoing vessels to which the 1974 SOLAS Convention does not apply, but which are required to carry a radio installation under national legislation, to be fitted with a radio installation which includes facilities for transmitting and receiving distress alerts by DSC on VHF channel 70 no later than 1 February 2005;

To encourage seagoing vessels being voluntarily fitted with VHF radio equipment to be fitted also with facilities for transmitting and receiving distress alerts by DSC on VHF channel 70 no later than 1 February 2005; and

To require all vessels being fitted with facilities in accordance with sub-paragraph .1 to .3 above, to maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16 until 1 February 2005, and to require personnel operating such equipment to be adequately trained, taking into account ITU Resolution 343 (WRC-97);


Whilst many administrations have yet to incorporate GMDSS requirements in their national legislation, GMDSS technologies will eventually permeate their way into common use.

More information on the Australian arrangements may be found here.

Why DSC?

Whilst Inmarsat systems, particularly Inmarsat C, are now becoming small enough to fit in just about any vessel, they still remain out of the financial reach on the average small boat user - prices for an Inmarsat C system are in the region of five to ten thousand dollars.

The GMDSS communications system with the most potential for recreational users is DSC.

Yes, the system is not without its shortcomings. However, if used correctly, DSC greatly improves your chances of getting a distress message through to the rescue authorities and surrounding vessels.

A simple push button operation sends a distress call.

All GMDSS vessels in range receive the call directly.

If you are called, an alarm will sound.

In addition, DSC automates your radio - no more listening to hash and noise on HF nor idle chatter on VHF.


VHF DSC for small vessels

More information on VHF DSC for small vessels may be found at the VHF DSC information web site.

 

Abandon ship!  What next?

DUNSTAN AND ASSOCIATES

The GMDSS specialists