Handling distress on the full system
Managing a distress on the full GMDSS
- Select the correct bearer for the sea area — VHF, MF/HF DSC or satellite.
- Send the DSC distress alert (with position) or the satellite distress call.
- Follow up by voice or radiotelex, acknowledge received alerts, and relay a distress if the casualty cannot.
- Coordinate with the rescue co-ordination centre, and log all the distress traffic.
Maritime safety information
- Receive maritime safety information (navigational and weather warnings) automatically by NAVTEX and satellite EGC.
- Understand distress alerting, relaying and acknowledgement, and the operator's obligations on receiving an alert.
- Know the procedures to avoid, and to cancel, false alerts.
- Maintain the radio log and the equipment through the voyage.
TIP — Choose the bearer for the area The skill of the GOC operator is matching the bearer to the situation: VHF close in, MF/HF offshore, satellite in the open ocean. Know which is available and reliable where you are.
WARNING — You must act on a received distress On receiving a distress alert the operator has an obligation to respond appropriately — acknowledge, relay if needed, and assist the coordination. A received alert is never simply ignored.