Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Manual

The 2009 edition is fully updated and includes:

• Description of the development and the concepts of the GMDSS
• Description of the components of the GMDSS, the carriage requirements and the operational procedures
• Excerpts from the relevant SOLAS regulations for the GMDSS
• Supporting resolutions and circulars relevant to the GMDSS
• The IMO performance standards and related ITU-R Recommendations giving the technical detail of the radio equipment

• The NAVTEX Manual, the International SafetyNet Manual and the revised Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information (2009)

• The current GMDSS Master Plan giving the details of the coastal infrastructure and services provided by member administrations

• Extracts from the ITU-R Radio Regulations giving the radio regulatory background.

The Manual is intended for use by ship personnel, shore operators, trainers, administrations, regulators and anyone else concerned with ship communication.