The Boatowner's Guide to GMDSS and Marine Radio

1st Edition
0071463186 · 9780071463188
The new digital Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS) is revolutionizing emergency communications and international search-and-rescue at sea. Clearly and concisely, this one-of-a-kind guide presents what you should know about using digita… Read More
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Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1: What is GMDSS?

Communications at Sea: A Brief History

Evolution of GMDSS

What Makes GMDSS a Superior System?

Sea Areas

Choosing the Correct Band

When Will GMDSS be Activated?

Chapter 2: VHF-DSC Outfitting

Features of VHF-DSC

Choosing a VHF-DSC Radio

Registering Your Radio

The Ship Station License

Installing a VHF-DSC Radio

Testing DSC Capabilities

Chapter 3: VHF-DSC Use – Routine Communications

Maritime Radiotelephone Frequencies

Watch Requirements

Calling Frequencies

Selecting the Working Channel

Procedures for Calling—Voice

Procedures for Calling—DSC

Procedures for Fleet Calling—DSC

Chapter 4: VHF-DSC Use—Emergency Procedures

A Digital Distress Broadcast is the Most Efficient Way to Call for Assistance

The Undesignated Distress Alert

The Designated Distress Alert

Acknowledging a Distress Alert

Relaying a Distress Call

Canceling a Valid Distress Alert

Canceling a False Distress Alert

Maintaining Radio Silence

Direction Finding

Prudence

Closure of a Distress Situation

Urgency and Safety Alerts

Chapter 5: Port Operations – Voice, Digital and AIS Systems

Coping with Crowded Harbor Traffic

Channel 13

Channels 06 and 22A

The Automatic Identification System

Chapter 6: MF/HF Services for Sea Areas A2 and A3

Boating Further Offshore

Calling and Distress Frequencies

Distress and Calling Procedures

Chapter 7: Inmarsat, NAVTEX, SafetyNET and Amver for Sea

Area A3

Inmarsat Network

NAVTEX

SafetyNET

Amver

Chapter 8: EPIRBs, SARTs and Other Useful Tools

The Emergency Position-indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

Personal Locator and Man Overboard Beacons

Search and Rescue Transponders

Appendix 1. VHF Radiotelephone Frequencies – United States

Appendix 2. VHF Radiotelephone Frequencies—Canada

Appendix 3. VHF Radiotelephone Frequencies—International

Appendix 4. MF Single-sideband Marine Radiotelephone Frequencies

Appendix 5. HF Single-sideband Marine Radiotelephone Channels

Appendix 6. Emergency Radio Procedures

Appendix 7. Mayday Template

Glossary

References

Index

About the US Power Squadrons

CD-ROM Instructions

The new digital Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS) is revolutionizing emergency communications and international search-and-rescue at sea. Clearly and concisely, this one-of-a-kind guide presents what you should know about using digital marine radios for emergency assistance and enhanced safety.