What Is Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS)?

Introduction to GMDSS

In the 18th century, ships used Morse code to send any distress signal to a coastal authority or other ships during an emergency.

However, this message could not convey the kind of emergency a ship was facing.

Therefore, an internationally agreed safety procedure was adopted by IMO under SOLAS chapter IV, known as GMDSS- Global Maritime Distress Safety System.

GMDSS and Its Uses

On 1st February 1999, the fully implemented GMDSS came into place. It was a set standard for the usage of communication protocol, procedures, and safety equipment to be used by a ship when in distress.

Under GMDSS, all the passenger ships and cargo ships above 300 GT sailing in international waters have to carry equipment as per GMDSS.

Read ->SOLAS requirements for GMDSS 

When a ship uses GMDSS, it basically sends a distress signal via satellite or radio communication equipment. It’s also used as a medium for sending or receiving maritime safety information and general