1.3 VHF-GMDSS
VHF-GMDSS The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System carne into force in 1999 and is part of the International Convention concerning the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Its main objective is to prevent accidents by providing Marine Safety Information and at least minimize consequences of marine accidents by means of effective communication. GMDSS will enable a vessel to communicate with Coastal stations and other vessels at any time and under any circumstances. Communication according to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System comprises: - transmission of distress alerts to shore-based stations, including locating (homing) of the vessel in distress; - reception of shore-to-ship alerts; - transmission and reception of ship-to-ship alerts; - transmission and reception of messages concerning Search and Rescue Operations and On- Scene Communications during a SAR operation; - transmission and reception of radio-signals to indicate or determine positions; - transm...