Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a new international system using improved terrestrial and satellite technology and ship-board radio systems. It ensures rapid alerting of shore-based rescue and communications authorities in the event of an emergency. In addition, the system alerts vessels in the immediate vicinity and provides improved means of locating survivors.

GMDSS was developed through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and represents a significant change in the way maritime safety communications are conducted. While it is mandatory for all ships subject to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) (cargo ships 300 gross tons or greater and all passenger vessels, on international voyages), GMDSS will impact on all radio-equipped vessels, regardless of size. All SOLAS ships will be required to fully comply with GMDSS by February 1, 1999.

For more details about GMDSS visit the following Global Maritime Distress and Safety System webpage.

GMDSS - Central and Arctic Region

Great Lakes

Implementation of Marine VHF Digital Selective Calling (DSC) for the Great Lakes is not planned at this time.

Canadian Arctic - Implementation of HF/DSC

The Canadian Coast Guard, Central and Arctic Region, operates a High Frequency Digital Selective Calling (HF/DSC) system at the Iqaluit Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre with a remote receiver site located at Resolute Bay in order to provide continuous HF DSC alerting, voice communications and narrow-band direct printing broadcasting capabilities on a number of selected frequencies in the 4, 6, 8, 12 and 16 MHz radio bands that will cover the Arctic waters above latitude 70 degrees north as the final element of the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in the Canadian Arctic.