GMDSS Equipment Usage: Seafarers’ Experience

Abstract

Maritime non-commercial communications are performed using the equipment of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). This equipment includes numerous devices of different technologies, features and user interfaces, which every officer of the watch (OOW) must know how to use. Besides, the equipment, i.e., its technology has not changed significantly in the last 30 years. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to collect and analyze information on how often GMDSS devices are used and whether any modernization is needed. The main research method was a questionnaire survey intended for experienced officers. Each question, as well as the answers of the respondents, were analyzed in detail and presented graphically. The results of the survey analysis indicate that the VHF (Very High Frequency) radiotelephone, Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) receiver, and Enhanced Group Call (EGC) receiver are still very used, while Digital Selective Calling (DSC) devices and MF/HF (Medium Frequency/High Frequency) radios (telephone and telex) are almost unused onboard. Additionally, more than 80% of respondents believe that GMDSS needs modernization.

On-board radio communication and its development in a historical perspective

“…43 Additionally, one study has analysed in detail information on how often GMDSS devices are used and whether any modernization is needed. 44 There are studies where oil-tanker collisions have been investigated. According to the results, the reasons for the accidents are the lack of communication between vessels and lack of communication in the management of bridge resources.…”

Analyzing Port State Control Data to Explore Future Improvements to GMDSS Training

“…When examining the time evolution of radio deficiency codes (Figure 4), the radio log (5115) leads the ranking practically from the beginning of the record, which is represented by the red bars in Figure 4b. In article [58], a survey of 112 OOWs presents the perceptions of these professionals regarding future trends in radio logs. It is worth noting that 56% of the deck officers are in favor of automating the recording and storage of the radio log.…”

“…However, it should be noted that out of the 32 respondents who provided additional commentary and expressed their personal opinions on this specific topic, 13 were against the automatic filling of the radio log. It is important to keep in mind that the radio log must contain a record of both sea and radio incidents that are relevant to the radio communications service during In article [58], a survey of 112 OOWs presents the perceptions of these professionals regarding future trends in radio logs. It is worth noting that 56% of the deck officers are in favor of automating the recording and storage of the radio log.…”

“…The project E-GMDSS is an example of how e-learning can solve the Maritime Education and Training (MET) requirements for refreshing radio communications competencies. Even though some technological solutions [58] can alleviate and automate some processes related to the correct use of the GMDSS, in this study deficiencies 5115 and, of course, 5118 have been used as an indicator that identifies a problem of a higher nature, which is the correct qualification of the OOWs in the management of communications equipment. In other words, it is an indicator of ships with safety deficiencies, possibly due to a lack of training in marine communications.…”

Viability and Performance Analysis, at a Physical Level, of a Maritime Communication Network on Medium Frequency

“…The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is a technology that surpassed its intended use when it was implemented on vessels [3]. Its real success consisted in ensuring its presence at a global level.…”