GMDSS, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

 What is GMDSS ?

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System; a global communication service based upon automated system, both satellite based and terrestrial, to provide distress alerting and promulgation of maritime safety information for mariners.
This System entered in to force in February 1999. The requirement for ships to comply with the GMDSS is prescribed by SOLAS Chapter IV and applies to all passenger vessels and all cargo vessels over 300 GRT, if on International Voyage.   

What is the Concept of GMDSS ?

The basic concept is that Search and rescue authorities ashore, as well as shipping in the immediate vicinity of the ship in distress, will be rapidly altered through satellite and terrestrial communication techniques so that they can assist in a coordinated search and rescue operation with the minimum of delay.