Modernized GMDSS: Changes in Radio Surveys for SOLAS Ships in 2024

In January 2024, the General Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) underwent significant modernization, impacting radio surveys for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) ships. These amendments, outlined in SOLAS Chapter IV, usher in changes to terrestrial radio communications services and equipment standards. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key updates and their implications.

Generic Requirements and Definitions: One notable change is the broadening of requirements and definitions for providers of GMDSS services and technologies. The era of Inmarsat’s monopoly on satellite GMDSS services has ended, with Iridium and potentially China’s BeiDou entering the scene. Consequently, references to specific providers have been replaced with more inclusive terms, reflecting the evolving landscape of mobile satellite services.

Redefined Sea Areas: The definition of Sea Area A3 has been revised, now defined as the region within the coverage of a Recognized Mobile Satellite Service (RMSS) supported by the Ship Earth Station (SES) onboard. This definition varies depending on the satellite service used, impacting the coverage and boundaries of A3. Additionally, Sea Area A4’s existence is contingent on the coverage of mobile satellite providers.

Consolidated Equipment Requirements: All communication equipment requirements are now consolidated within SOLAS Chapter IV. This includes the transition from VHF to satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) in Sea Area A1 and the removal of Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) from GMDSS equipment requirements.

New Equipment Mandates: As of January 1, 2024, vessels navigating Sea Area A3 must be equipped with a Recognized Mobile Satellite Service Ship Earth Station (RMSS-SES). Currently, two options are available: Inmarsat-C and Iridium LT-3100S. It’s crucial for radio surveyors to ensure compliance with these updated mandates and reflect them accurately in certification records.

Deadline Postponement: Implementation of new regulations for VHF maritime mobile band channeling arrangements has been postponed until January 1, 2028. This delay is due to the insufficient availability of compliant VHF radios, ensuring a smoother transition for SOLAS ships.

Performance Standards: Alongside equipment requirements, updated performance standards for various GMDSS equipment came into force in 2024. These standards cover a range of devices, from survival craft portable VHF radiotelephone apparatus to shipborne integrated communication systems used in GMDSS.

In conclusion, the modernization of GMDSS in 2024 brings significant changes to radio surveys for SOLAS ships. By staying informed about these amendments and ensuring compliance with updated regulations and standards, stakeholders can navigate the evolving maritime safety landscape effectively. For more detailed information, refer to the relevant circulars and resolutions provided by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Refer to circular COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.2

AMENDED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR GMDSS EQUIPMENT, WHICH ENTERED INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 2024:

• Resolution MSC.507(105): System performance standard for the promulgation and coordination of maritime safety information using high-frequency narrow-band direct-printing (supersedes resolution A.699(17))
• Resolution MSC.508(105): Performance standards for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF (NAVTEX) and HF (revises and consolidates resolutions A.700(17) and MSC.148(77))
• Resolution MSC.510(105): Performance standards for search and rescue radar transponders (supersedes resolutions A.530(13) and A.802(19))
• Resolution MSC.511(105): Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling (revises resolution A.803(19))
• Resolution MSC.512(105): Performance standards for shipborne MF and MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communication, digital selective calling and reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue (revises and consolidates resolutions A.804(19) and A.806(19))
• Resolution MSC.513(105): Performance standards for Inmarsat-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications (revises resolution A.807(19))
• Resolution MSC. 515(105): Performance standards for survival craft portable two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus (revises resolution MSC.149(77) and A.809(19))
• Resolution MSC. 516(105): Amendments to the Performance standards for radiocommunication equipment (Resolution MSC.80(70))
• Resolution MSC.517(105): Performance standards for a shipborne integrated communication system (ICS) when used in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) (revises resolution A.811(19))Refer to resolution MSC.496(105)