The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) plays a pivotal role in the safety of a ship, as it constitutes the internationally established framework for communications, which ensures the immediate and reliable transmission of distress signals, the rapid mobilization of rescue resources, and continuous updates on dangers at sea. By combining satellite and terrestrial systems, GMDSS ensures that ships can transmit or receive critical information regardless of meteorological phenomena or other types of interference, substantially enhancing accident prevention, effective incident response, and, ultimately, the protection of human life at sea.
In the past, before the adoption of GMDSS, sending emergency and distress signals required radiotelegraphy, Morse code system, and wireless listening by the radio operator. The process of being received by a station, as in the case of the sinking of the «Titanic», also required an element of luck. On the other hand, GMDSS is a global coverage system that uses satellite and terrestrial automated radiocommunications.
Through the GMDSS system and the digital transmission of emergency and distress messages, the process has been simplified and accelerated, while the chances of the message being received by coastal stations and passing ships are increased. The system also transmits vital maritime safety information (Maritime Safety Information – MSI).
GMDSS has the capability to send a digital Distress message on all the required frequencies that a ship must carry, depending on the sea areas A1, A2, A3, A4 through which it passes during its voyages. Sending a Distress signal can be completed by pressing a button for five seconds, transmitting all necessary data, including the ship’s position. In addition to the main GMDSS console, there is a second point for sending the distress signal within the bridge. All the system’s safety interlocks aim to ensure the transmission, even if the available time is minimal. The system increases the chances of the message being received by external assistance stations and the rescue of the shipwrecked.
With the distress signal, in addition to passing ships, the state mechanism of the coastal state, the coast guard, and aerial assets can be activated, which ultimately play a huge role in search and rescue operations.
Source: The information for the above article was drawn from the book “Crisis Management” by Ioanna Simoni (Educational Edition of the Eugenides Foundation, Athens 2024).
