GMDSS
GMDSS consists of several systems, some of which are new, but many of which have been in operation for many years. The system is intended to perform the following functions: alerting (including position determination of the unit in distress), search and rescue coordination, locating (homing), maritime safety information broadcasts, general communications, and bridge-to-bridge communications. Specific radio carriage requirements depend upon the ship's area of operation, rather than its tonnage. The system also provides redundant means of distress alerting, and emergency sources of power.
Recreational vessels do not need to comply with GMDSS radio carriage requirements, but will increasingly use the Digital Selective Calling (DSC)Wwsos VHF radios. Offshore vessels may elect to equip themselves further. Vessels under 300 gross tonnage (GT) are not subject to GMDSS requirements.
SAILOR Maritime Emergency Beacons transmit satellite distress calls in conjunction with the Cospas-Sarsat international satellite search and rescue system, giving rescuers the best possible chance of locating a vessel in difficulty.
The range of reliable and durable SAILOR beacons built by Cobham SATCOM include the standard SART (Search and Rescue Transmitter) and the AIS-SART, with the SAILOR SART II used to locate a survival craft or distressed vessel. The SE-II and SGE-II EPIRBs are suitable for both GMDSS and non GMDSS use for alerting authorities to an incident, and the SGE II EPIRB is enhanced with built-in GPS and SAR services.
