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What is GMDSS?

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Some 30 years after the first ever communications satellite was put into orbit, the roll out of GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) began in 1992. Although it did not entirely replace radio, GMDSS was aimed at putting satellite technology at the heart of safety communications system for maritime users. The advent of GMDSS saw a major change in the way all communications including commercial messages were handled on ships. It also ensured the demise of the dedicated radio officer. Although probably responsible for saving many lives, the maritime communication system that existed prior to GMDSS suffered from a multitude of limitations. GMDSS is an international system which uses land-based and satellite technology and ship-board radio-systems to ensure rapid, automated, alerting of shore based communication and rescue authorities, in addition to ships in the immediate vicinity, in the event of a marine distress. It was adopted by the IMO by way of amendments to
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Essential equipment for marine communications

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A vast array of marine communications equipment is carried on modern ships. Leaving aside personal devices such as mobile phones and computers able to connect to 3G and 4G data networks or wi-fi hotspots, the lowest level of marine communications is the VHF radio. VHF operates on a range of frequencies with each frequency given a channel number. There are more than 80 channels but not all are used for marine purposes. While many channels are allocated by international agreement for specific purposes, others are reserved for specific communication purposes by national maritime authorities or VTS systems. The following VHF marine frequencies have been set aside by the ITU for particular purposes. These frequencies are internationally accepted by most nations and will be found on all VHF Marine Radios regardless of where or by whom they are manufactured. Channel 16 (156.800 MHz) – The international distress, safety and calling frequency. Channel 70 (156.525 MHz) – Digital Sel
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The next big thing in Maritime Communication - VDES - Vhf Data Exchage System

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USERS AND THEIR NEEDS VDES provides a robust and global data exchange in maritime VHF band, supporting all services which require ship-to-ship, shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications. Therefore, the targeted user communities include: Maritime and Port authorities Sea ports and marinas Ship owners and operators Fishing operators Recreational boating whose main needs can be summarised as follows: safety of life at sea enhanced maritime security maritime communications safety and efficiency of navigation cost effective solutions marine environment protection. The two selected VDES-based services concern maritime authorities and ship owners, involving  all the above-mentioned needs, with more prominence for communication and navigation needs. More in depth, information regarding safety of navigation and environment protection, including Maritime Safety Information (IMO SOLAS V) navigational warnings, meteorological services and warnings, hydrogr
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Ka-band constellations are a future for maritime satcoms

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Inmarsat has ordered satellites for its fifth and sixth generation constellations to expand its Fleet Xpress connectivity services to shipping Inmarsat is investing in its existing and next generation of satellites constellations for maritime broadband in both Ka-band and L-band, with new units being built for 2019 and 2020 launch dates. It has offered Fleet Xpress to shipping since 2016 for multiple online applications, operational communications and a variety of crew welfare services. It combines high bandwidth over Global Xpress Ka-band on the fifth generation constellation of satellites and L-band through FleetBroadband on the fourth generation network. These services will be expanded over the next three years as Inmarsat anticipates it will commission new satellites for Global Xpress and FleetBroadband. In 2019, Inmarsat expects to launch a Thales Alenia Space-built satellite that will augment the existing Global Xpress services. There are already four satellit
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