Australian Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Handbook

The "Australian Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Handbook" is a comprehensive guide produced by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to ensure the safe operation of ships equipped with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Introduction to GMDSS:

   • The handbook begins with an introduction to the history, function requirements, and basic concept of the GMDSS. It explains the areas of operation under the GMDSS and introduces the GMDSS Master Plan.

2. General Principles and Features of Maritime Mobile Service:

   • This section covers priorities of communications in the Maritime Mobile Service, types of stations in the service, frequencies and frequency bands, and characteristics of frequencies.

3. Requirements of Maritime Mobile and Satellite Services:

   • It outlines the functional requirements of ship stations, equipment carriage requirements for SOLAS ships, and specific details on portable survival craft VHF radiotelephone apparatus and maritime survivor locating systems (Man Overboard devices).

4. GMDSS Equipment and Systems:

   • The handbook covers various GMDSS equipment and systems, including Inmarsat systems, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) equipment, Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) equipment, MF, HF, and VHF equipment, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), Shipborne Automatic Identification System (AIS), and the Navtex system.

5. Search and Rescue Operations:

   • It provides detailed procedures for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, including ship reporting systems and distress urgency and safety communications procedures.

6. Maintenance and Testing:

   • The handbook includes sections on routine testing, battery maintenance, equipment maintenance, and routine communications procedures to ensure the continuous operation of GMDSS systems.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the GMDSS system, from its historical context to practical operational guidelines. It covers all aspects of GMDSS, including the principles of maritime mobile services, the requirements for maritime mobile and satellite services, and the specific equipment and systems used in the GMDSS.

Critical Reception

There is no specific critical reception available for the handbook as it is a technical guide rather than a literary work. However, its comprehensive nature and the fact that it is produced by a reputable maritime safety authority suggest that it is highly regarded within the maritime industry for its accuracy and utility.

Availability

The handbook is available for free download from the AMSA website, or it can be ordered in printed form for $10 per book. The ISBN for the 2018 edition is 978-0-9806416-8-4.

In summary, the "Australian Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Handbook" is a critical resource for maritime professionals, providing a detailed and comprehensive guide to the GMDSS system. Its structured approach ensures that users have a thorough understanding of the principles, equipment, and operational procedures necessary for safe maritime operations.