GMDSS Modernization Plan

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Overview

The Modernization Plan for the GMDSS was approved by MSC 98, and is included in Annex 11 of document NCSR 4/29.

Actions required by the Plan

Overarching considerations

• The overarching considerations need to be observed throughout the GMDSS Modernization project
• MSC/Circ.803 on Participation of non-SOLAS ships in the GMDSS should be reviewed and generally updated (reference to 2182 kHz alarm signal which has been removed in COLREG by resolutionA.1004(25)/Rev.1)
• Make appropriate revisions to the relevant performance standards for the GMDSS equipment to address the user-friendliness of the GMDSS installations in order to reduce the burden on seafarers.

Functional requirements

• Review the revised functional requirements developed in the High Level Review to ensure that they are consistent with established definitions ITU-R recommendations and the Radio Regulations. Revise as necessary or prepare proposed revisions to ITU-R recommendations or Radio Regulations if appropriate
• Correct the functional requirements in chapter IV with respect to MSI and safetyrelated information
• Add "Security communications"and "Other communications" to the functional requirements in addition to the GMDSS functions
• Add definitions for "Security communications"and "Other communications"
• Align definitions and functional requirements in SOLAS chapter IV and MSC/Circ.1038 with ITU-R Recommendations and the Radio Regulations. Consider incorporating COMSAR/Circ.17 guidance in MSC/Circ.1038 revision.

Provision of GMDSS satellite services and redefinition of Sea Area 3

• A new output is needed to:
  • Revise definition of Sea Area A3, if not completed previously
  • Revise resolution A.801(19) to include additional GMDSS satellite service providers, and to include the new definition for Sea Area A3
  • Revise resolution A.707(17) to take into account additional satellite providers
  • If appropriate, consider who would operate, maintain and finance one single point of distribution where message originators (MSI providers and SAR operators) would deliver their messages
• Editorial revisions are required for the following:
  • Resolution A.1051(27), resolution A.702(17), MSC.1/Circ.1364/Rev.1,MSC.1/Circ.1287/Rev.1, MSC.306(87), COMSAR.1/Circ.50/Rev.3, COMSAR/Circ.37, and COMSAR/Circ.32 –Remove references to "Inmarsat"and instead refer to "recognized mobile satellite service", as well as consequential revisions. Revise references to Sea Areas.

VHF Data Exchange System (VDES)

• If sufficiently developed, a new output is required to prepare technical recommendations and performance standards for VDES service and ship equipment
• The new output to revise chapter IV should allow ships to use VDES service where VDES is available.

NAVDAT

• If sufficiently developed, a new output is required to prepare technical recommendations and performance standards for international NAVDAT service and ship equipment, including a coordination scheme
• The new output to revise chapter IV should allow ships to use NAVDAT service in addition to or in place of NAVTEX in places where NAVDAT is available

Routing of distress alerts and related information

• A new output is needed to develop or revise appropriate instruments to ensure all distress alerts are routed directly to the responsible RCC that is capable of receiving them.

Search and Rescue technologies

• Consider requirements for search and rescue locating devices (AIS-Search and Rescue Transmitters (SART) or 9 GHz radar SART) in lifeboats and liferafts
• Revise SOLAS chapter III and Records of Equipment for locating technology for survival craft
• Continue discussion whether 121.5 MHz direction finders should be on certain categories of ships and if necessary prepare a circular
• Continue discussion on possible benefits of text messaging digital data, and chat messaging capabilities and if appropriate prepare resolution or circular for the purpose
• Update MSC/Circ.1039 on Guidelines for shore-based maintenance of satellite EPIRBs
• Update MSC/Circ.1040/Rev.1 on Guidelines on Annual Testing of 406 MHz Satellite EPIRBs

Revise references to "polar-orbiting" satellite system to reflect the current and future Cospas-Sarsat system.

HF Communications

• Decide on the future role of HF communications in the GMDSS
• Determine the technical basis and the governance for determining the minimum global number of HF GMDSS stations
• Consider revising resolutions A.806(19) and MSC.68(68), annex 3, to include a requirement for frequency scanning and/or Automatic Link Establishment (ALE)
• Revise or revoke MSC.1/Circ.1460
• Revise SOLAS chapter IV as appropriate.

GMDSS carriage requirements

• Revise SOLAS regulations IV/6 to IV/11 to implement changes in SOLAS chapter IV including the functional requirements
• Relocate requirements for GMDSS now in SOLAS chapter III to chapter IV

False alerts

• No specific new actions have been identified. Resolution A.814(19) on Guidelines for the avoidance of false distress alerts should continue to be implemented.

Training

• Model courses need to be revised in accordance with GMDSS Modernization revisions under existing HTW work item on validated model training courses
• Revise Radio Operator's Certificate and operational requirements

Obsolete provisions

• Make appropriate revisions to SOLAS chapter IV to eliminate obsolete provisions
• Resolution A.805(19), COM/Circ.117, COM/Circ.110, and COM/Circ.105, should be considered for revocation

Clarifications

• Align definitions and functional requirements in SOLAS chapter IV and MSC/Circ.1038 with ITU-R and the Radio Regulations. Consider incorporating COMSAR/Circ.17 guidance in MSC/Circ.1038 revision
• Make appropriate clarifications to SOLAS chapter IV
• Revise regulation IV/12.3, resolution MSC.131(75) and COMSAR/Circ.32 to reflect the correct Channel 16 listening watch requirement

See also

• GMDSS