The Nautical Institute, London, 2001, 268 p. — ISBN 1 870077 58 X.
When the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System entered into force in 1992 under the SOLAS Convention, it heralded a new era in the provision of safety at sea. Founded on the premise that a distress call from a ship at sea should always be heard no matter what the circumstances and, moreover, heard by someone with the capability to act decisively, it made sure that the very latest in mobile communications technology was at the service of the seafarer.
As well as providing a framework for the effective co-ordination of search and rescue operations, it also established a system for the promulgation of safety-related information to ships anywhere in the oceans.
Recognising the inherent risk in having just a single specialist on board with the necessary skills to communicate with other ships and people ashore, the GMDSS introduced the concept that all deck officers should be able to use communications equipment. This guide is written specifically for those non-specialist deck officers who now have to manage and use modern satellite and radio communications equipment.
The guide is divided into three parts:
Part 1 provides an overview of the GMDSS; explains how to receive 'Maritime Safety Information' (weather/navigational information, and shore-to-ship Search & Rescue (SAR) messages) and introduces the concept of a 'communications plan' for each voyage - for receiving the required maritime safety information, maintaining the correct radio watch and using ship reporting systems. Regular tests and checks that should be recorded in the radio log are covered in this part.
Part 2 covers the operating (alerting/making contact and subsequent voice/telex) procedures; for all types of communication (Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine) — for each type of radio/satcom equipment - and which publications may be used for each situation.
Part 3 explains how each piece of radio/satellite communications equipment is physically configured, including ancillary equipment; how to use the main controls on each piece of equipment and what regular (operator) maintenance and checks are required to be carried out on the equipment. Preparing for the periodic 'Ship Radio Survey' is covered here.
