Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS)

Topic Introduction

This programme provides a technical and regulatory deep-dive into modern distress and safety communications architecture under SOLAS Chapter IV. It examines satellite-based distress alerting, NAVTEX, EPIRB/ELT integration, AIS-SART evolution, Maritime Safety Information (MSI) distribution, and the operational transition toward next-generation digital maritime communications including VDES and e-Navigation frameworks.

Learning Outcome

Participants will be able to design, audit, operate, and supervise GMDSS installations while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational reliability across sea areas A1–A4.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Interpret IMO, ITU and SOLAS communication compliance requirements
2. Configure MF/HF, Inmarsat and satellite distress alert systems
3. Manage MSI dissemination and NAVAREA coordination
4. Conduct GMDSS equipment inspection and certification readiness
5. Integrate GMDSS into bridge resource management procedures
6. Implement emergency communication protocols in multi-hazard scenarios
7. Evaluate cybersecurity risks in maritime communication networks