What is GMDSS?
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats, and aircraft.
GMDSS Sea Areas
GMDSS divides the world's oceans into four sea areas:
Sea Area A1 Within range of shore-based VHF coast stations with DSC (typically 20-30 nautical miles from shore).
Sea Area A2 Within range of shore-based MF coast stations with DSC (typically up to 150 nautical miles from shore), excluding A1.
Sea Area A3 Within coverage of Inmarsat geostationary satellites (approximately 70°N to 70°S latitude), excluding A1 and A2.
Sea Area A4 Remaining areas outside A1, A2, and A3 (polar regions).
Required GMDSS Equipment
All SOLAS Vessels (minimum) - VHF radio with DSC (Channel 70) - NAVTEX receiver (518 kHz) - Satellite EPIRB (406 MHz) - SART or AIS-SART (at least 2) - Two-way VHF portable radios (minimum 3) - Float-free EPIRB with GPS
Sea Area A1 - VHF DSC radio - Optional: MF/HF or Inmarsat
Sea Area A1 + A2 - VHF DSC radio - MF DSC radio (2187.5 kHz) - Inmarsat system recommended
Sea Area A1 + A2 + A3 - VHF DSC radio - MF/HF DSC radio OR Inmarsat - EGC receiver (SafetyNET)
Sea Area A1 + A2 + A3 + A4 - VHF DSC radio - MF/HF DSC radio - Inmarsat (HF as backup for polar regions)
GMDSS Radio Surveys
- **Initial survey**: Before the ship enters service
- **Periodical survey**: At intervals not exceeding 5 years
- **Annual survey**: Within 3 months before or after the anniversary date
- **Renewal survey**: At 5-year intervals
EKS Marine GMDSS Services
- Annual and periodical radio surveys
- GMDSS equipment installation
- EPIRB and SART testing and battery replacement
- VHF, MF/HF, and Inmarsat system maintenance
- Pre-PSC inspection preparation
- 24/7 emergency support at all Turkish ports
Contact: info@eksmes.com | +90 216 909 78 53