GMDSS Handbook Part-5

GMDSS Handbook

Part - 5 Operational procedures for the GMDSS

5.1 Operational procedures for distress, safety and urgency communications in the GMDSS are prescribed in the Radio Regulations, Articles N39 and N40, given in annexes 9-3 and 9-4, respectively.

5.2 The following documents, reproduced in annex 3, give detailed operational procedures for GMDSS radio equipment:

· Operational procedures for the use of digital selective calling equipment in the maritime mobile service (CCIR Rec. 541, annex 3-2-5);
· Operational procedures for use of direct-printing telegraph equipment in the maritime mobile service (CCIR Rec. 492, annex 3-2-9); and
· Operational and technical characteristics for an automated direct-printing telegraph system for promulgation of navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships (CCIR Rec. 540, annex 3-5-5).

5.3 Actions to be taken by masters of ships in distress situations are summarized in annex 8-12 (GMDSS operating guidance for shipmasters - COM/Circ. 108).