Global Maritime Distress and Safety System Simulator

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) simulator was designed and built as the result of a collaborative effort between the Canadian Coast Guard College and Internav Ltd., a Nova Scotia based company specializing in Marine Technology Engineering.

The Marine Communications and Traffic Service (MCTS) specialists developed the GMDSS's functional specifications and its realistic training environment. The GMDSS simulator provides an accurate representation of the GMDSS equipment. It also provides fully integrated communications, which allow students access to all communications systems simultaneously.

The GMDSS simulator is equipped with six student workstations and an instructor station that can accommodate two instructors. The instructor positions can be configured independently to address individual student needs; as well, a complete range of shore facilities can be configured to represent Coast Radio Stations, Rescue Co-ordination Centres, and other related agencies.

Features and Capabilities

The six student stations contain the following simulated equipment:

• INMARSAT - C with Enhanced Group Call (EGC) receiver
  
• VHF Radiotelephone
  
• VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Controller
  
• MF/HF Radiotelephone
  
• MF/HF DSC Controller
  
• Telex Over Radio (TOR)
  
• GC 500 Navigational Instrument - LORAN C/GPS
  
• 2182 Watch Receiver
  
• 24 hours clock

The instructor station contains the following simulated equipment:

• Two independent positions
  
• Hands-free communications capabilities
  
• Simulation status array for continuous updating of student station status
  
• Realistic simulation of atmospheric effects including static interference and radio wave propagation
  
• Recording of all data and communications events for immediate post-scenario evaluation
  
• 24 hours clock that runs real, compressed or expanded time