Technology and development of the future global maritime distress and safety system

The utilization of radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony for the communication between ships at sea and between a ship and a station on land has also provided the possibility to send out calls for help in cases of maritime distress. However, it has been found that the conventional forms of communication do not yet provide adequate safety in all cases involving maritime distress situations at sea. In 1973, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has, therefore, recommended to develop a 'Future Global Maritime Distress and Safety System' (FGMDSS). FGMDSS is to utilize the services of maritime communication satellites, and distress messages are to be transmitted automatically to a central station which is to be established for the direction of rescue operations in maritime distress situations. Attention is given to details regarding the various FGMDSS functions, the introduction of new techniques, the employment of digital signals, the digital selective call, automation, satellite communication systems, and further developments.