IMO GMDSS Manual 2024 EditionView all products in IMO Navigation and Rescue

IMO GMDSS Manual 2019 Edition II970E

The Manual is for ship personnel, shore operators, trainers, administrations, regulators and anyone concerned with ship communication.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Manual provides, in a single comprehensive publication, an explanation of the principles upon which the GMDSS is based, the radiocommunication requirements and recommendations for its implementation, the operational performance standards and technical specifications to be met by GMDSS equipment, and the procedures for and method of operation of the various radio services which form the GMDSS and the Master Plan for the GMDSS.

The 2024 edition contains the latest information emanating from the IMO project on the modernization of the GMDSS, which was completed in 2022 and led to the overall revision of relevant SOLAS regulations and many other mandatory and non-mandatory IMO instruments related to the GMDSS.

This edition also includes;

• An introduction to the GMDSS, including a description of the GMDSS concept
• A description of the components of the GMDSS, the carriage requirements and the operational procedures
• Detailed information regarding terrestrial and satellite-based radiocommunication systems used in the GMDSS
• Interim guidance on technical requirements for Inmarsat Fleet Safety service
• Information concerning ongoing work at IMO related to future radiocommunication systems and services
• Information on the promulgation of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information, including NAVTEX and enhanced group call services
• Excerpts from the relevant SOLAS regulations for the GMDSS
• Supporting IMO resolutions relevant to the GMDSS
• The current GMDSS Master Plan, giving the details of the coastal infrastructure and services provided by Member States
• Extracts from the ITU-R Radio Regulations, giving the radio regulatory background.