GMDSS Flashcards

How many GMDSS sea areas are there, and what determines which area a vessel is in?

Answer: 4 areas (A1, A2, A3, A4) determined by the range of shore-based communication systems available

There are 4 sea areas: A1 (VHF coverage), A2 (MF coverage, beyond A1), A3 (Inmarsat coverage, beyond A2), and A4 (polar regions, beyond A3). Equipment requirements increase with each area.

What is an 'AIS-SART' and how does it differ from a traditional SART?

Answer: It uses AIS technology to transmit the survivor's GPS position to all AIS-equipped vessels, rather than responding to radar

An AIS-SART transmits an AIS signal with GPS position, which appears on the AIS displays of all nearby vessels. Unlike traditional radar SARTs, it provides an exact position and works with any AIS-equipped vessel.

What is the role of a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the GMDSS?

Answer: To coordinate search and rescue operations, receive distress alerts, and relay maritime safety information

MRCCs (in the UK, HM Coastguard) are shore-based centres that receive distress alerts, coordinate SAR operations, broadcast maritime safety information, and maintain communications watch.

What is Inmarsat and what GMDSS sea area does it primarily serve?

Answer: A satellite communication system primarily serving Sea Area A3, providing global coverage except the polar regions

Inmarsat is a satellite communication system that provides voice and data coverage to Sea Area A3 (between approximately 76°N and 76°S). It does not cover the polar regions (Sea Area A4).

Under GMDSS, what is 'Maritime Safety Information' (MSI)?

Answer: Navigational and meteorological warnings, forecasts, and other urgent safety-related messages broadcast to vessels

MSI includes navigational warnings, meteorological forecasts and warnings, SAR information, and other urgent safety messages. It is broadcast via NAVTEX, SafetyNET, and coast station radio.

What is a 'float-free EPIRB' designed to do?

Answer: Automatically release from its mounting bracket and activate if the vessel sinks, transmitting a distress signal via satellite

A float-free EPIRB is mounted in a hydrostatic release unit that automatically releases the EPIRB if the vessel sinks below a certain depth (typically 1.5-4m). It then activates and transmits a distress signal via the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system.