GLOBAL MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYSTEM

1. PRIMARY ALERTING ( territorial / satellite)

VHF DSC, MF/HF DSC & SAT C
2. SECONDARY ALERTING ( portable)
Cospas sarsat, EPIRB

 SEA AREA A1
With in radio telephone range of atleast 1 VHF CRS within continuous DSC alerting is
available
Approx 25-30 miles from the CRS ( VFH range)
 SEA AREA A2
Excluding sea area A1 but within radio telephone range of at least 1 MF CRS with
continuous DSC alerting is available.
Approx 150-250 miles from CRS ( MF range)
 SEA AREA A3
Excluding sea area A1 & A2, but within coverage of internet of Inmarsat satellite
between 76 degree north and 76 degree south.
( HF DSC can also be used.)
 SEA AREA A4
Excluding sea area A1,A2 & A3 (polar region) above 76 degree north and 76 degree
south. Beyond Inmarsat coverage.
HF DSC distress alerting & cospas Sarsat EPIRB.

DSC DISTRESS ALERTING :

A DSC will automatically be address to “ALL STATION” & will be received only by ships, CRS/
MRCC equipped with DSC with in range of DSC being used.

TWO TYPES OF DSC ALERT:-

1. DESIGNATED
2. UNDESIGNATED

 DESIGNATED:-
NOTE: Refer sea area chart ALRS vol. 5, position to be updated before sending the alert.
 i. The operator has to program the input from a menu before sending the alert.
ii. The alert contain the nature of distress, selected from the distress menu & frequency
selected as per the area.
iii. The subsequent mode of communication may be either voice or NBDP.
iv. This mode is selected by Tx ship.

 UNDESIGNATED :-

NOTE: Position to be checked before sending the alert.

i. Directly pressing of button, on MF/HF DSC- default frequency will always be 2187.5 khz.
ii. Default mode of communication always be voice.
iii. It is used when there is no time to program a designated distress alert.

DISTRESS MENU:-

1. FIRE, EXPLOSION
2. FLOODING
3. COLLISION
4. GROUNDING
5. LISTING & INDANGER OF CAPSIZING
6. SINKING
7. DISABLED & ADRIFT
8. ABONDONING SHIP
9. MOB
10. UNDESIGNATED

TESTING DSC EQUIPMENT:

TWO TYPES OF TEST:-

1. DAILY TEST:- INTERNAL TEST

All VHF, MF/HF DSC equipment is provided with “internal test” facility. No signals are
radiated. This is called self test.

2. WEEKLY TEST:- EXTERNAL TEST

 All MF/HF DSC equipment has <Tx TEST> or <EXT TEST> function which should be used to
address the call to MMSI No. of the CRS listed in ALRS vol 1.
Since the distress frequency is always used, the equipment will automatically selected
“SAFETY” priority for the test call.
This is also called live test.

“NO LIVE TEST ON VHF”

FALSE DISTRESS ALERT:-

 Most false distress alert are caused because of human eror.
 Malfunction of equipment can also send out a false alert.

CANCELLING FALSE DISTRESS ALERT:-

 Switch OFF/ON the DSC equipment to stop repetitions.

 Switch R/T to correspond R/T distress frequency.
 Make R/T broadcast to “ ALL STATION “ giving name of vessel, call sign, MMSI, position
and cancel the false alert.

CANCELLATION MESSAGE:-

ALL STATION x 3 TIMES

THIS IS MT. EAGLE

CALL SIGN / MMSI / POSITION

CANCEL FALSE DISSTRESS ALERT

DATE / TIME UTC.

DSC DISTRESS ALERT- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PROCEDURE

DISTRESS ALERT RECEIVED ON CH 70 FROM A VESSEL IN AREA A1 (SHIP-SHORE)

 Log down the DSC alert, inform master.

 Set watch on R/T CH 16, listen to distress message/ call.
 Wait for a short while for CRS/ MRCC to acknowledge.
 Acknowledge by voice using standard R/T procedure.
 If no voice contact with distress vessel.
  And no acknowledge heard from CRS/ MRCC, by voice or DSC.
 Relay the distress alert ashore by any means.

DISTRESS ALERT RECEIVED ON 2187.5 khz FROM A VESSEL IN AREA A2 (SHIP-SHORE)

 Log down the DSC alert, inform master.

 Set watch on R/T 2182 khz, listen to distress message/ call.
 Wait for a short while for CRS/ MRCC to acknowledge.
 Acknowledge by voice using standard R/T procedure.
 If no voice contact with distress vessel.
 And no acknowledge heard from CRS/ MRCC, by voice or DSC.
 Relay the distress alert ashore by any means.

DISTRESS ALERT RECEIVED ON VHF CH 70 FROM A VESSEL IN AREA A2.

 Log down the DSC alert, inform master.

 Set watch on R/T CH 16, listen to distress message/ call.
 Acknowledge to distress vessel by standard R/T procedure.
 Relay the distress alert ashore by any means.
 If no replies to your voice acknowledge and no distress working heard, then
acknowledge by DSC if alert repeats.

DISTRESS ALERT RECEIVED ON 2178.5 khz FROM A VESSEL IN AREA A3.

 Log down the DSC alert, inform master.

 Set watch on R/T 2182 khz, listen to distress message/ call.
 Acknowledge to distress vessel by standard R/T procedure.
 Relay the distress alert ashore by any means.
 If no reply to your voice acknowledge and no distress working heard, then acknowledge
by DSC if alert repeats.

HF DSC DISTRESS ALERT.

“ DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE “

Eq. distress alert received on 8 Mhz- 8414.5 Khz

 Log down the distress alert, inform master.

 Set watch on R/T 8291 khz, sign on watch, listen to distress message/ call.
 Wait 5 minutes for CRS/ MRCC to acknowledge.
 If no acknowledge heard from CRS / MRCC by voice or DSC.
 Relay the distress alert ashore by any means.

SOME IMPORTANT DISTRESS FREQUENCIES.

DSC CALL FREQUENCY R/T WORK FREQUENCY

VHF- CH. 70 Khz CH. 16 Khz
MF- 2187.5 Khz 2182 Khz
HF- 4207.5 Khz 4125 Khz
HF- 6312 Khz 6215 Khz
HF-8414.5 Khz 8291 Khz
HF-12577 Khz 12290 Khz
HF-16804.5 Khz 16420 Khz

DISTRESS COMMUNICATION BY R/T

All distress R/T communication is preceded by the word signal MAYDAY.

Distress call and message:

MAYDAY (X 3)
This is MT EAGLE (X 3) call sign/ ELHZ
MMSI NO 636317000

MAYDAY
EAGLE/ ELHZ MMSI No 636317000
POSITION 23DEG 50MIN N 075DEG 27MIN W
FIRE AND EXPLOSION IN ENGINE ROOM
REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
18 PERSONS ONBOARD
OVER

DISTRES ACKNOWLEDEGMENT BY VOICE:

R/T (voice) Acknowledgement of a DSC distress alert.

NOTE: DSC distress alert can be acknowledged before RT message transmitted by
distress vessel:
MAYDAY
MMSI No 234326000
THIS IS AMVER/ DOBC (X 3)
RECEIVED MAYDAY
OVER

VOICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOLLOWING A DISTRESS CALL/ MESSAGE RECEIVED ON

R/T

MAYDAY
ROSSETTA/ 3EDC (X 3)
THIS IA AMVER/ DOBC (X 3)
RECEIVED MAYDAY
OVER

MAYDAY RELAY
A station transmitting a distress alert relay and/or message must make it very clearly
that it is not itself in distress by using DSC “DISTRESS RELAY” and RT signal MAYDAY
RELAY.

On receiving a Distress relay alert-

Log down the alert,

Set watch on the corresponding RT frequency and listen for mayday relay call and
message.

MAYDAY RELAY PROCEDURE

MAYDAY RELAY (X 3)

ALL STATION (X3)

THIS IS MT EAGLE ( X 3)

CALL SIGN/ MMSI No.

 MAYDAY

SIGHTED UNKNOWN FERRY SINKING ( or id known)

5 NM SW OF 12DEG 47MIN N 075DEG 43MIN W

ALL VESSEL IN THE AREA TO SEARCH AND RENDER ASSISSTANCE

SART SIGNAL DISPLAYED ON RADAR,

UNABLE TO MAKE RADIO CONTACT

OVER

INMARSAT SYSTEM:

Sending a Distress alert or message via INMARSAT satellite system is a SHIP to SHORE
alert or message, which will not advise other vessel in the vicinity of your distress.

NOTE:- to inform other vessel in the vicinity, send DSC distress alert on MF or HF.

In the Inmarsat system each CES will provide automatic access to its associated MRCC
if DISTRESS PRIORITY is selected on a ship earth stations terminal.

SERVICES AVAILABLE USING SAT-C

 SHIP-SHORE DISTRESS ALERTING.

 SHIP-SHORE DISTRESS MESSAGE
 SHIP-SHORE DISTRESS RELAY MESSAGE USING DISTRESS PRIORITY
 SHIP-SHORE URGENCY/ SAFETY MESSAGE
 SHIP-SHORE ROUTINE MESSAGE ADDRESSED TO A TELEX NUMBER ASHORE
 SHIP-SHORE ROUTINE MESSAGE
 RECEIVING MSI USING EGC SAFETYNET ( to be set up by operator )
 EMAIL

The EGC SafetyNet system is an integral part of inmarsat-C system. It is used to receive
MSI ( maritime safety information ), one of the essential function of GMDSS.

Setting up the SAT “C” and logging in:

 When you switch on the equipment, the equipment does a self test & the
terminal starts to log in on the default Ocean region i.e the terminal transmit via the
satellite to the NCS WITH THE SHIP SAT-C ID. This transmission registers with the NCS
that the terminal is switched on and available for traffic in that ocean region. The
automatic login should never be used.

The procedure for setting up as follows:

 The sat-c terminal has to be set up to meet the safety requirement for reception
of MSI ( safetynet broadcast).
 To “log in”- check vessel present position.
 Check navarea for that position( ALRS VOL V- navarea table)
 Check for the satellite that transmit both, NAV & MET information for the
current navarea the vessel in.
 Log into the satellite above.
 Set up EGC- check additional navarea for intended voyage.
 Identifu the COASTAL AREAS marked in orange colour dotted lines and enter the
ddesignated alphabets for nav area chosen.

NAVTEX

NAVTEX is a terrestrial system for broadcast by navtex station for the coastal waters of the
station. The reception of NAVTEX is limited to the MF propagation range ( usually around 400
NM).

MARITIME SAFETY INFORMATION (MSI)- UNDER THE GMDSS

There are seven basic categories if MSI within the GMDSS.

 Navigation warnings
 Meteorological warning
 Ice reports
 Search and rescue information
 Metrological forecast
 Pilot service message ( not in us)
 Electrical navigation system update message
NAVTEX RECEIVER

The three frequency used by the navtex service are:

MF- 518 Khz: used worldwide for englisg language service

MF- 490 khz: used for local language service

HF- 4209.5 khz: used in tropical ares

The default frequency is 518 khz. The second frequency is selected as required.

PROGRAMMING NAVTEX RECEIVER:

By default the navtex receiver broadcast from all station. Nit is important that the
operator program the receiver for the voyage:

1. To accept or reject broadcasts from navtex station on the voyage. ( B1 character)

(ref. ALRS VOL V navtex maps.)
2. To pre select type of message he wishes to receive. (B2 character)
However as certain messages types contain vital information such as SAR,
Meteorological or navigational warnings (A,B,D & L) these cannot be rejected.

Types of messages:

A- Navigational warnings
B- Meteorological warnings
D- Search and rescue

L- navigational warnings- additional to letter A

ALARM AND TESTING:

Navtex will give audible and visual alarm when it receive message types A,B,D & L. with
most equipment, audible alarms for message types A,B & L can be collectively silenced
by the operator so desired

Type D message cannot be silenced.

There is also an alarm provided for the printer is about to run out of paper or the paper
gets jammed for some reason.

All navtex receiver have an in-built self test facility, the antenna is not tested.

GMDSS BATTERY:

PRECAUTION TAKEN ON BATTRIES:

 Ventilate the battery room before entering to avoid risk of explosion.

 Put the charger off so no gasses are given out by the battery.
 NO naked lights or smoking.
 Use proper protective gear.
 Use insulated tools to prevent the short circuit.
 Batteries should not be topped up while on charge.

CHECKS AND TEST ON BATTERIES:

 By measuring the batterys on load voltage. ( Daily test)

 By measuring the specific gravity ( density) of the electrolyte with an instrument
called hydrometer. ( monthly test)
 Battery room to be ventilated and battery charger switched off before entery.

“The test should be logged in GMDSS logbook part-C”

DAILY TEST ON BATTERIES

ONLOAD AND OFF LOAD TERMINAL VOLTAGES

 Switch off the charger on main switchboard- note the battery voltage- ( off load)
 Switch off the mains to the GMDSS console. ( loss of power alarm sounds)
 The GMDSS equipment automatically changes over to battery supply.
 Press the PTT switch on MF/HF Transceiver- note drop in battery voltage- (on
load)

The drop in voltage should not be more than 1.5 volts.

Drop more than 2 volts. Inspect the batteries and recharge the batteries.

MONTHLY TEST ON BATTERIES

  Specific gravity test.

GMDSS HAND HELD RADIO TELEPHONE APPARATUS:-

 portable two way VHF radio telephone equipment is used for communications
between survival craft and rescue vessel.
 Easy to operate
 Water tight to 1 meter
 Withstand drop from 1 meter
 Visible yellow oe orange color
 Transmitting power- 2 watt to 5 watt depending on manufacturer.

Carriage requirement:

300-500 GT – 2 units

500 and above – 3 units

GMDSS REGULATION REQUIRE THE SETS TO BE TESTED MONTHLY ON ANY CHANNEL

OTHER THAN 16.

MONTHLY CHECKS:

 Check handheld for any external damage.

 Check emergency battery- expiry date.
 Check emergency battery- seal intact.

TO BE LOGGED IN PART “C” OF GMDSS LOGBOOK

COSPAS SARSAT EPIRB

EMERGENCY POSITION INDICATING RADIO BEACON (EPIRB)

PURPOSE OF EPIRB:
1. To send the position of the mobile unit/ survival craft or survivor during SAR
operation.
2. It is a secondary means of ship – shore distress alerting.
Indication of EPIRB Transmission:

EPIRB signal indicates:-

1. One or more person in distress

2. They may be no longer onboard their ship
3. They may have no receiving facilities

EPIRB & AREA OF USE

GMDSS system uses Cospas-Sarsat types of EPIRBs:

TYPE FREQUENCY AREA OF USE

COSPAS – SARSAT 406/121.5 MHz A1, A2, A3 & A4

Frequency 406 MHz- this transmission is picked up by Cospas-Sarsat Satellite.

Frequency 121.5 MHz- this transmission is used by SAR Aircraft with specialized
direction finding equipment to “home in” and locate the EPIRB.

Once EPIRB is activated its operating life is 48 hours.

Monthly test on EPIRB:

 Remove EPIRB from bracket
 Put EPIRB on test position
 It will first check the battery voltage and the output power of 121.5 MHz.
If OK
 Test light rapidly flashes for 15 secs
 Then output of 406 MHz transmitter is checked
If OK
 An inverted message is transmitted and the TEST light will stay on for 45 sec
 A successful test will consist of series of rapid flashes for 15 sec, followed by a
continuous light for 45 sec. TOTAL DURATION OF TEST 1 MINUTE.

Checks on EPIRB:
 Check the physical condition of EPIRB
 Check the container of EPIRB
  Check the seal is intact
 Check the contact points are corrosion free
 Check the lanyard of EPIRB
 Check expiry of HRU

EPIRB manual activation:

 Remove EPIRB from bracket.
 Break seal and pull out pin.
 Flashing of strobe light indicates EPIRB is activated.

SEARCH AND RESCUE RADAR TRANSPONDER (SART)

The purpose of the SART of to aid location of survivors/survival craft during SAR.

SART is an easily portable, small, buoyant, battery operated omni- directional receiver
and transmitter which should be taken into the lifeboat or life raft when abandoning
ship.when switched ON (stand by mode) it will transmit signals only when it receives
( interrogated) signal from an external marine or aircraft radar operating in the 9GHz
(3cm) band.

Carriage requirement
 Vessel over 45 m – require at least 2 SARTS
 A visible location inside the navigation bridge, close to the outer doors, is
recommended .
 The SART should be provided with the mounting pole in order to fulfill the
required height of at least 1 m above sea level.

A SART mounted at height of 1 meter above the water line must be detectable from:

 A distance of at least 5 NM by ships radar having a scanner height of 15 meters.

 A distance of 30 to 40 NM by an aircraft flying at a height of 3000 feet.

ACTIVATION:

 To activate the SART break the seal.

  This will put the SART in standby mode.
 In the standby mode when interrogated by an X band radar there will be a change in
visual light indicator and audible alarm.
 The person holding the SART in distress will be aware that a rescue ship or aircraft is
within the close range.
 The life of battery in standby mode is 96 hours and 8 hours of continuous operation
once interrogated by X band radar.

ONCE INTERROGATED BY “X” BAND RADAR:

 This will give distinctive line of 12 blips (0.6 NM apart) extending outward from the
SARTs position. Along its line of bearing.
 The total length of this line of blips is 8 NM.
 The first blip from the interrogating ships position( i.e the intermost blip or blip
nearest to the ship) indicates the position of the SART.
 As the ship approaches the SART position at approximately 5 NM- 12 blips appear on X
band radar.
 At approximately (1 NM) blips on radar screen to change to 12 wide arcs.
 At close range 12 concentretic circles appears on radar screen.

“THIS INDICATES TO THE RESCUE VESSEL THAT THE SART IS NEAR BY.”

Action taken if your sart interrogated when in life raft:

 Fire pyrotechnics
 Hold SART as high as possible- at 1m above water4 level ( use mounting rod provided)
 Using GMDSS W/Talkie make R/T distress call on ch. 16

MAYDAY (X 3) THIS IS SUMATERA X3, CALL SIGN ACDS22

( TWO DIGITS ADDED TO THE CALL SIGN TO INDICATES THE CALL IS FROM SURVIVAL CRAFT)

MONTHLY CHECKS ON SART:

 Check for physical damage

 Check the expiry of battery
 Securing strap
 Mounting rod
 Seal intact
TESTING 9 GHz SART:

ENSURE THERE IS NO SHIPS IN THE VICINITY

IF THERE IS ANY MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ON CH 16

“ TWO PERSON WITH COMMUNICATION ARE REQUIRED”

 One should have the x band radar switched on and operating on 6 or 12 NM range.
 The other person holding the SART should go to bridge wing or the forecastle ( along
with PPE) where it is exposed to the signals from the radar scanner.
 Then switch the SART to test mode.
 Person at radar will se 12 concentratic circles showing the proximity of the SART.
 The person holding the SART will observe a change in audible and visual alarm to
indicate that SART has been triggered.
Note: the test should be brief ( to be logged in “PART C” Of GMDSS radio log book)