Released On 6th Feb 2023

A Basic Guide to GMDSS Radio Equipment

In our Marine Radio section, you’ll see a wide range of radios with GMDSS features. It’s worth explaining what this crucial safety feature is and what it does in a little more detail, as GMDSS capability is legally required on certain types of ship and leisure craft.

What is GMDSS?

GMDSS stands for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. This globally coordinated system was developed by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) as part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. 

GMDSS became fully effective in 1999, its purpose being to rapidly automate essential ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore messages, using both satellite systems and traditional radio technologies.

What does GMDSS do?

• Although GMDSS can be used for routine communication, its most important function is for transmitting or receiving safety information to or from other vessels or coastguards about navigation hazards, weather conditions and distress calls. 
• GMDSS can also reduce the risk of a rescue situation arising in the first place, as it requires ships to receive broadcasts of maritime safety information which can alert them to dangers.
• GMDSS devices transmit relevant location and vessel identification information. The global connections of the system makes it easier for coastguards, rescue services and other vessels in the vicinity to quickly coordinate resources where assistance is needed, or simply relay important safety information (about hazardous weather conditions, for example) to vessels in the area. 
• In some real-life emergency situations at sea, a radio operator may not have time to send an SOS call, so GMDSS also provides for automatic distress alerting and locating. 

Which types of vessel does GMDSS apply to?

International law requires certain types of ship to have GMDSS radio equipment on board. 

Compulsory

All passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers, when travelling in the open sea, must have GMDSS radio equipment installed. In addition, commercial ships of 300 gross tons and over, must carry it, too. Certain smaller vessels, including some fishing boats, must also have GMDSS equipment fitted. Most offshore yacht races also insist that competitors must have a GMDSS system on board. 

Voluntary

In the UK, it’s voluntary for smaller leisure craft to fit GMDSS equipment, but HM Coastguard strongly recommends that they install GMDSS with DSC (Digital Selected Calling is a method of transmitting distress messages via VHF to other vessels, or to land-based maritime services). 

Full details of GMDSS ship requirements, as outlined by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, can be found here.

Recommended GMDSS radios

RadioTrader sells a number of fixed-mount VHF marine radios with GMDSS. We’re happy to advise you on the best marine radio for your needs, but you might be interested in the following models.

Icom GM600

The Icom GM600 VHF Transceiver has passed rigorous environmental testing and quality assurance processes, and meets the GMDSS VHF and MF/HF radio requirements as required for SOLAS regulated commercial vessels at sea. It also meets the Marine Equipment Directive (MED)“Wheel Mark” requirements for European merchant ships. A dedicated, built-in Class-A DSC receiver automates distress and safety communication.

View the Icom GM600 product page for more information and pricing. 

Icom GM800

The Icom GM800 is a fixed mobile radio designed for Class A DSC operation. It’s a fully equipped GMDSS MF/HF communication system for Commercial SOLAS regulated vessels, and it meets the MED Wheel Mark requirements for European merchant ships. 

The built-in DSC provides automated distress and safety communication; the dedicated DSC watch-keeping receiver constantly scans the six distress channels in rotation. The GM800 is capable of sending a distress relay call. 

Also includes: AT-141 Automatic Antenna Tuner, HS-98 Handset, clearly labelled directional keypad, speaker with superior, clear audio, 4.3-inch colour TFT LCD with night mode.

View the Icom GM800 product page for more information and pricing. 

Icom IC-GM1600E

With its bright yellow body, the Icom IC-GM1600E is a highly visible, GMDSS-compliant survival craft VHF handheld two-way radio. It features the latest search and rescue technology, and is designed to perform even in the harshest of environments. The IC-GM1600E also meets "Wheel Mark" MED certification and SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) international standards for life rafts and their emergency equipment.  

View the Icom IC-GM1600E product page for more information and pricing.

For assistance selecting the right GMDSS-featured radio equipment, please get in touch with us here at RadioTrader.

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