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Chapter 4Chapter 4

GMDSS(Global Maritime Distress and Safety System)

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• History• Carriage Requirements• Digital Selective Calling (DSC)• Sea Areas• Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

(EPIRB)• Navigational Text Messages (NAVTEX)• Automatic Identification System (AIS)• Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)• Summary

OverviewOverview

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Good ReferenceGood Reference

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• Analog VHF-FM dates back to post WWII

• 1978 SOLAS adopted digital standards which became GMDSS

• Adds digital calling and identification to marine radio

• Scenario

• GMDSS takes the “Search” out of Search and Rescue

HistoryHistory

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• GMDSS is mandatory, since 1999, for Commercial vessels Large vessels Large private vessels on international voyages

• Voluntary for Recreational boaters

• USCG Vessels are GMDSS equipped (compliant) CONUS VHF will be GMDSS compliant by 2009

Carriage RequirementsCarriage Requirements

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GMDSS Basic ConceptGMDSS Basic Concept• Digital Selective Calling for MF, HF, VHF &

INMARSAT Radios

• Digital Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is embedded in radio transmissions>>

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• DSC and GMDSS

• Why DSC Distress Calling

• Classes of DSC radios

• GMDSS Distress Call Elements

• Nature of Distress Options

• Distress DSC Calling

• Routine DSC Calling

Digital Selective Calling

Digital Selective Calling

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DSC and GMDSSDSC and GMDSS

• Digital Selective Calling is a key feature Combined with VHF, MF and HF radios Combined with INMARSAT satellite radios

• New radios, since 1999, must have DSC• VHF-FM/DSC uses Channel 70• Automatic transmission of distress call

By pressing

Automatically resent until acknowledged>>

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VHF-FM/DSC RadioVHF-FM/DSC Radio• All normal VHF-FM functions plus DSC

Automatic distress calling Individual and group DSC calling

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• Increased reliability Distress call is repeated until acknowledged

• Automatic transmission of vessel’s location When interfaced to a GPS receiver

• Information on captain and vessel From the MMSI database

• Reduced incidences of hoax distress calls From MMSI they know who you are False distress alert is a felony offense

Fines of up to $5,000 Plus cost incurred by SAR forces

Why DSC Distress Calling

Why DSC Distress Calling

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• Class D is for VHF radios carried by: Recreational boaters Commercial fishing vessels Other non-SOLAS regulated vessels

• Internally, it has two receivers One dedicated to DSC Channel 70 Other for general voice communications

• Class SC101 is discouraged• Other classes are described in “The

Boatowner’s Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radio”

Classes of DSC RadiosClasses of DSC Radios

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• Basic Elements MMSI Nature of distress

Operator selected Default is “Undesignated”

Vessel’s position (fix) If interfaced with GPS receiver If entered manually

Time of fix If interfaced with GPS receiver If entered manually

• Interface DSC radio with GPS receiver! NMEA 0183

DSC Distress SignalDSC Distress Signal

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• Abandoning• Adrift• Capsizing• Collision• Disabled• Explosion• Fire

Nature of DistressNature of Distress

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• Flooding• Grounding• Listing• MOB (Man

Overboard)

• Piracy• Sinking• Undesignated

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DSC Distress Calling - 1

DSC Distress Calling - 1

• Press & hold “DISTRESS” button for 5 sec

• Then switch to channel 16 and initiate voice MAYDAY call Say “Mayday” three times, followed by

“this is” and the boat’s name Give MMSI (only once) Say “over”

• DSC automatically continues to send channel 70 DSC distress call until acknowledged Initially 5 times Then repeated every 3 to 4 min until

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• Distress call without GPS

• Distress call with interfaced GPS

DSC Demo #1DSC Demo #1

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Link to DSC Simulator

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• Remember DSC distress alert includes MMSI Nature of distress

“Undesignated” suggests most dire emergency If time – select nature of distress from list

Vessel’s position Time of fix

• From the MMSI, the Rescue Coordination Center retrieves information about the captain and vessel

DSC Distress Calling - 2

DSC Distress Calling - 2

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• Immediately turn off DSC transceiver• Then, turn the radio back on• Make a voice broadcast on channel 16:

“All Stations” giving the vessel’s name, call sign and MMSI

Cancel the distress alert verbally, giving date and time

• False distress alert is a felony offense Fines of up to $5,000 Plus cost incurred by SAR forces

Accidental Distress Alert

Accidental Distress Alert

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• First, enter MMSI of vessel to be called• Next enter a desired working frequency• Then press “SEND” or “ENTER” key

Digital hail transmitted on Channel 70 Target radio sounds incoming call alert To answer, press “SEND” or “ENTER” key Radios automatically switch to working freq

• Both parties talk on working frequency• If called radio does not answered

Logs incoming call (like an answering machine)

Routine DSC CallingRoutine DSC Calling

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• DSC hail, followed by voice on working channel

• Position request

DSC Demo #2DSC Demo #2

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Link to DSC Simulator

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Sea AreasSea Areas• A1 - Shore out to 20 nm• A2 - From 20 out to 100 nm from shore• A3 - Over 100 nm from shore 70º N to

70º S• A4 - Polar regions above 70º

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Sea Area A1Sea Area A1

• Within range of USCG shore-based VHF DSC radios – typically out to at least 20 nm Channel 70 for DSC calling and distress Channel 16 for voice calling and distress

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Sea Area A2Sea Area A2• Within range of USCG shore-based MF

DSC radios – typically out to 100 nm Excludes Sea Area A1 2187.5 KHz for DSC calling and distress 2182.0 KHz for voice calling and distress

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Sea Area A3Sea Area A3

• Within INMARSAT satellite coverage Between 70º N to 70º S Excludes Sea Areas A1 and A2

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Sea Area A4Sea Area A4

• Polar Regions (above 70º) Excludes Sea Areas A1, A2 and A3 No assured communications Use High Frequency SSB voice (6216 / 8291

KHz)

• FYI - Arctic / Antarctic circles are at 66º 34’

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Maritime Mobile Service Number (MMSI)

• Structure

• Obtaining

• Duration

• Programming

MMSIMMSI

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• Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) Unique to each vessel EPIRB emergency beacons use a different

registration number Obtained from NOAA See chapter 8

• Nine digit number Country prefix (MID) of 3 digits Station identifier of 6 digits

Ends in “0” if boating internationally Ends in 1 to 9 if boating only domestically

MMSI StructureMMSI Structure

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• International boaters: Includes to Canada, Mexico and Bahamas Electronically at: www.fcc.gov/formpage.html Or mail FCC Form 605 Schedule B to FCC

• Domestic boaters, normally electronically at: BoatUs: www.boatus.com/mmsi Sea Tow: www.seatow.com USPS at: www.usps4mmsi.com Or mail FCC Form 605 Schedule B to FCC

Obtaining a MMSIObtaining a MMSI

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FCC Form 605 Schedule B

FCC Form 605 Schedule B

Page 1

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FCC Form 605 Schedule B

FCC Form 605 Schedule B

Page 2

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• Valid for 10 years if issued by FCC Renew within 60 days of expiration

• No limit if issued by Registered Agent Will be contacted every 3 years

to see if information is still current

• KEEP IT CURRENT! Search and Rescue information

Duration of MMSIDuration of MMSI

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• Register one MMSI per entire vessel

• Consult your users guide & follow instructions

• Test calls with another DSC radio

• DO NOT TEST “Distress Alerts” (DO NOT PRESS “Distress” button)

Programming MMSIProgramming MMSI

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EPIRBEmergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacon

EPIRBEmergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacon

• Cat I – 406 / 121.5 MHz beacon Float free Automatically activated

• Cat II – 406 / 121.5 MHz beacon Removed from storage bracket Manually activated

• Cat I or II with GPS Improved position reporting

• Some include a strobe light

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• Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking

SARSAT SystemSARSAT System

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SARSAT ElementsSARSAT Elements

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RCCs and their AORsRCCs and their AORs

RSCSAN JUAN

RCC ALAMEDA

RCCSEATTLE

RCC JUNEAU

RCCNORFOLK

RCCHONOLULU(CG / PACOM) RCC

MIAMI

RCC VICTORIA

RCCNEW ORLEANS

RCC CLEVELAND

AFRCCLANGLEY

AKRCC ELMENDORF

RCC HALIFAX

RCCTRENTON

USCG for Maritime Alerts

USAF for Inland Alerts RCCBOSTON

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• 406 MHZ search area approx 2.6 nm wide• 406 MHz with GPS search area 100 meters wide

EPIRB with GPSEPIRB with GPS

406 MHz-only Search Area 2 to 3 hours

Search Time

406 MHz with GPS Search Area Minimal Search Time

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• Must be done immediately after purchase $10,000 fine if unregistered EPIRB activated

• Can be done online at: www. beaconregisteration.noaa.gov

• Required information 15 digit EPIRB ID number Type of EPIRB Owners name, address, and contact info Vessel info (name, color, size, homeport,

etc.) Primary and alternate 24-hour emergency

contact phone numbers

EPIRB RegistrationEPIRB Registration

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Registration FormRegistration Form

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• EPIRBs with internal GPS are best

• Register with NOAA after purchase• Cat I is float free; automatically

activates• Cat II have to be released and manually

activated (turned on)• Once turned on, leave it on!

Until rescued Will operate for minimum of 48 hours

• Take with you if you abandon the vessel

EPIRB UtilizationEPIRB Utilization

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• Actual frequency of 406.028 MHz Beacon and data picked up by satellite Hex character is a digitally encoded signal 5 watts for at least 48 hours

• 121.5 MHz Used for homing by SAR 50 to 100 milliwatts for at least 48 hours

• Uses lithium battery Shelf life of 5 years Replace (by dealer) before expiration date

EPIRB Technical – 1EPIRB Technical – 1

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• EPIRB digital transmission gives: Country of beacon registration ID of vessel or airplane If internal GPS, position information

• Store and forward LEO satellite

• LUT, using Doppler, calculates search area

• MCC retrieves and forwards registration info to the RCC

EPIRB Technical - 2EPIRB Technical - 2

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EPIRB RentalEPIRB Rental• From Boat US

Cat II EPIRB They do the registration Details on their web site at:

www.boatus.com/foundation/EPIRB/

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Personal Locator Beacons

Personal Locator Beacons

• 406 / 121.5 EPIRB with internal GPS

• Must be registered as an EPIRB• Size and weight of a cellular phone• Can also be used on land when:

hiking, skiing, camping, hunting, etc.

• Not for use in cities or cars• Severe penalties for deliberate

misuse

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NAVTEXNAVTEX• Navigation warnings, weather forecasts

and warnings, search and rescue notices, and Notices to Mariners

• Part of GMDSS at 518 kHz

• Daytime range of about 400 nm

• Nighttime range of up to 600 nm

All messages are in English

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Canadian coverage of much of Great Lakes

USCG NAVTEX SitesUSCG NAVTEX Sites

Kodiak, Ala

Guam (not shown)

Honolulu, HI

Astoria, OR

Pt. Reyes, CA

Cambria, CA

Chesapeake, VA

Savannah, GA

Miami, FL

Cape Cod, Mass

New Orleans, LA

San Juan, PR

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• Four character header 1st character identifies the transmitting

station 2nd character identifies the subject

A = Navigational warningB = Meteorological warningD = Search & Rescue informationE = Meteorological forecasts

3rd & 4th characters are the message number

Header is transmitted twice per message• Modulation 170 Hz FSK at 100 baud• Some countries also broadcast NAVTEX,

in their local language, on 490 kHz

NAVTEX MessagesNAVTEX Messages

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Automatic Identification SystemAutomatic Identification System

• AIS shares positions & intentions Collision avoidance In Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Sea Area A1

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AIS DisplaysAIS Displays• Similar to Radar

With info tag provided by other vessel Check out www.marinetraffic.com/ais/

Our VesselNear collision warning

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AIS DataAIS Data

• From ship’s GPS and other sensors• Data transmitted:

Vessel identification Speed Heading Other information for Class A vessels

• Time sensitive data every 2 to 10 seconds Other data every 6 minutes

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• Class A for commercial vessels Required since 31 Dec 2004

• Class B for recreational boats FCC type accepted in 2008 Not required by Dept of Homeland

Security• Receive-only AIS installations• Master (shore) station

Also identifies buoys and other NavAids Can create virtual NavAids

AIS Additional InfoAIS Additional Info

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• Uses VHF Channels 87B & 88B at 12.5 watts• 2,250 self-organizing slots per data ring (2) • Similar to cellular phone technology

AIS Technical Information

AIS Technical Information

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Radar with SART replies

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SARTSART

Search And Rescue Transponder (SART)

SART units

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• In life raft Mount as high as possible Secure and turn on

• Responds to X-band radars (9.2 to 9.5 GHz) Helps locate life raft Displayed on radar as 12 inline dots or

arcs• Uses Lithium batteries

5-year life Standby for 96 hours Reply to X-band radars for over 8 hours

SARTSART

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• MF and HF radios covered in Chapter 7a

• INMARSAT covered in Chapter 7b

Other ComponentsOther Components

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• DSC (VHF channel 70) Takes the “Search” out of Search &

Rescue• Distress calling

Press the red button for 5 seconds transmits the nature of the distress location and time MMSI ID

Retransmits until acknowledged• Routine calling

Takes the place of channel 16 voice hail Automatically switches radio to working

freq If not answered, like an answering

machine

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• Sea Areas A1 VHF-FM to 20 nm off shore A2 MF/HF 20 to 100 nm off shore A3 INMARSAT over 100 nm 70º N to

70º S A4 HF beyond 70º N or 70º S

• EPIRB Cat I and II digital ID on 406.028 MHz 121.5 MHz beacon for SAR homing Leave on until rescued

will last at least 48 hours Can be rented from Boat US

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• NAVTEX Text messaging system at 518 kHz Worldwide system; all messages in

English• AIS

Data exchange between vessels used for collision avoidance

USCG ashore can insert virtual ATONs Not required for recreational boaters

• SART Life raft X-band radar transponder

Summary - 3Summary - 3

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