MARITIME RADIO

COMMUNICATION
Radio communication has been the
foundation of safety of life at sea since its
invention by Marconi.

The first instance of use of radio to save

lives at sea started in 1899.

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 THE ITU
The International Telecommunication Union was
established for an effective use of
telecommunication worldwide

The ITU Radio Regulations were framed under

the convention of ITU concerning the type of
radio equipments, allocation of radio
frequencies, operational procedures and radio
personnel for operating the equipments.

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 THE IMO
The International Maritime Organization
was established in 1959. This is a
specialized agency of the United Nations
devoted to Maritime Affairs.

It was the tragic incident of TITANIC with

loss of more than 1500 lives, led to
adoption of the first version of safety of life
at sea ( SOLAS CONVENTION ).
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OLD COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Until 1992, the SOLAS 1974, chapter 4
and the ITU radio regulations defined the
maritime distress and safety system.

Under this system three major manually

operated sub-systems viz. :

500 Khz ( MF ) using morse telegraphy

2182 Khz ( MF ) using radio telephony
156.80 Mhz ( VHF, Ch.16 ) using radio
telephony 4
OLD COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Although it was reliable over many years
following limitations became a matter of
concern :
Aural watch keeping / operator listening to
the signal
manual alerting
Short range :
( MF : 150 NM ) & ( VHF : 50 NM )
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OLD COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
(contd)

Since it is short range, the old system

relies only on SHIP to SHIP distress
alerting and assistance from the vessels
in the vicinity.

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 The NEW SYSTEM GMDSS
Technological advancements in the field of
digital electronics and communication led
to the development of
DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING and
improved satellite communication.

Using the improved communication

techniques, the IMO adopted a new
system called as GLOBAL MARITIME
DISTRESS and SAFETY SYSTEM, to
overcome the limitations of old system. 7
NEW SYSTEM GMDSS (contd)
The new chapter-IV of SOLAS adopted in
1988 defines the requirements of GMDSS.

The new requirements implementation

started in 1992 in a phased manner and
was fully implemented in 1999.

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 CONCEPT OF GMDSS
The basic concept of GMDSS is
that Search and Rescue ( SAR )
authorities ashore as well as ships
in the vicinity will be alerted, so
that they all can assist in a co-
ordinated SAR operation with
minimum delay.

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CONCEPT OF GMDSS (contd)
In other words, the shore based
authority i.e. RESCUE CO-
ORDINATION CENTRE connected
via COAST RADIO STATIONS and
COAST EARTH STATIONS, play a
vital role in GMDSS and act as a
coordinator with all units.

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CONCEPT OF GMDSS (contd)
The ship in distress would receive initial
acknowledgement from shore authority,
thereafter SAR communications would be
controlled by MRCC.

GMDSS also provides URGENCY,

SAFETY and ROUTINE communications.

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 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
ALERTING :
TRANSMISSION of ship shore distress alerts
by two separate and independent means :

PRIMARY - VHF DSC, MF / HF DSC

or
INMARSAT A/B/C

SECONDARY - EPIRB
( used as last resort ) 12
 RECEPTION of shore to ship
distress relay alerts

VHF, MF/HF DSC, NAVTEX receiver,

INMARSAT EGC receiver

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TRANSMISSION / RECEPTION of
ship to ship distress alerts :

VHF, MF/HF DSC

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 COMMUNICATIONS :
1. Transmission ( Tx ) / Reception ( Rx )
of SAR coordinating communication
between MRCC and on-scene
commander ( OSC ) :

VHF RT, MF/HF RT / RADIO TELEX /

INMARSAT A/B/C

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 COMMUNICATIONS (contd):
2. Tx / Rx on-scene communication
between the distressed vessel / survival
craft and SAR ships ( OSC ) / aircrafts

VHF Radio, VHF portable, MF/HF RT /

Radiotelex between ship-ship or ship
aircraft

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 COMMUNICATIONS (contd):
3. Tx / Rx of signals for locating, for homing
or determining bearing towards
distressed vessel / survival craft.

SART, EPIRB signal on 121.5 MHz

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 COMMUNICATIONS (contd):
4. Rx of maritime safety information (
MSI ): messages related to safety of
the ship, navigational and
meteorological warnings etc. :

Navtex,
EGC safetynet,
HF Telex MSI
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 COMMUNICATIONS (contd):
5. Tx / Rx of general radio communication
between ship and CRS / CES / International
network ( company and house etc. ) :

VHF RT ,
MF/HF RT or radio telex and
INMARSAT A/B/C

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 COMMUNICATIONS (contd):
6. Tx / Rx of bridge to bridge
communications ( intership
communication ) on VHF between
navigating officers on watch concerning
navigation / movement of ships.

VHF R/T preferably on channel 13.

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 COMMUNICATIONS (contd):
ALERT : It is an automated call, rapidly
sent, to draw the attention of the
operator, with brief information, using
minimum controls.

MESSAGE : It is the detailed

information sent manually
after the alert.
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 SEA AREAS

SEA AREAS

For the purpose of operational,

maintenance and personal requirements,
the navigable sea areas are designated as
4 operational sea areas :

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 SEA AREAS
(CONTD)
SEA AREA A1 :

Within the R/T coverage sea area of a

VHF CRS with continuous DSC alerting
facility.

Typically from the CRS upto 50 NM.

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 Sea Areas (Contd)
SEA AREA A2 :

Within the R/T coverage sea area of a MF CRS with

continuous DSC alerting facility.

Typically from the CRS upto 400 NM.

If sea area A1 overlaps within A2 then A1 should be

excluded.

i.e Sea area A2 starts from the point where A1

terminates and extends upto 400 NM.
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 Sea Areas (Contd)
SEA AREA A3 :

Within the Inmarsat coverage sea area with

continuous alerting facility. Typically between 70 deg
N to 70 deg S.

Sea area A1 / A2 within A3 should be excluded.

i.e. A3 starts from the point where A1 / A2 terminates.

Sea Area A3 can also be covered

by HF CRS with DSC.
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 Sea Areas (Contd)
SEA AREA - A4 :

Sea area in the polar regions,

excluding area A1, A2, A3.

Typically North of 70 deg N and South of 70

deg S.

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A1 / A2 / A3 Coast Radio Stations

Coast stations providing DSC can be classified as

A1 or A2 or A3 station depending upon its DSC
frequency of operation.

Ch. 70 means VHF CRS with DSC - A1 station

2187.5 KHz means MF CRS with DSC - A2 stn

8414.5 KHz etc. means HF CRS with DSC-A3 stn

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 A1 / A2 / A3 CRS (CONTD)
Combinations of A1/A2/A3 stations are also
available.

The type of station can be obtained from

ALRS VOL.1 or VOL.5

The range of sea area in NM can also be

obtained from ALRS VOL.5.
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 GMDSS RADIO PERSONNEL
AND CERTIFICATES
GMDSS certificates are :
First class Radio Electronic Certificate ( REC 1)
Second class Radio Electronic Certificate
( REC 2 )
General Operators Certificate ( GOC )
Restricted Operators Certificate ( ROC )
The operator holding GOC can keep radio watch
in vessels of category A1, A2, A3 and A4.

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 GMDSS watch keeping
GMDSS vessels while at sea shall
maintain continuous watch depending on
the sea area in which the ship is sailing.
This watch is completely automated.

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 RADIO WATCH
( DEPENDING ON THE SEA AREA )
1. Ch.70 using VHF DSC (A1)
2. 2187.5 KHz using MF DSC (A2)
3. 8414.5 KHz using HF DSC (A3 & A4)
plus one more HF DSC distress
frequency depending on
propagation and distance from the
nearest CRS ( at night 4 or 6 MHz and
day 12 or 16 MHz )
4. INMARSAT A/B/C (A3)
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Maritime Safety Information (MSI) watch

It depends upon the availability of service

1. NAVTEX 518 KHz ( A1 and A2 sea areas )
2. EGC receiver or SAT-C ( A1, A2, A3 sea areas)
3. HF Telex on MSI HF telex frequencies
(A4 sea area )

*** reception of HF Telex in A1, A2 & A3

areas also possible 32
 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT

The continuous availability of GMDSS

equipments on board the vessels are
ensured by following maintenance
strategies :
Duplication of Equipment ( DOE )
Shore Based maintenance ( SBM )
At Sea electronic Maintenance ( ASM )

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 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT
DOE : Same type of one more equipment
installed (or doubled ).
SBM : By arranging maintenance contract
with an authorized shore based Service
Company.
ASM : By employing a qualified service
person like ETO onboard.

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 MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT
GMDSS vessels of category A1 or A2
shall follow ANY ONE of the above
strategies. ( either DOE or SBM or ASM )
GMDSS vessels of category A3 or A4
shall follow ANY TWO of the above
strategies. ( either DOE/SBM or
SBM/ASM or DOE/ASM ).

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS
A. TERRESTRIAL COMMUNICATION :
1. VHF radio with R/T and DSC :
_ operates on VHF band between 156 174 MHz
_ two modes of communications available : simplex
and duplex
_ typical range from station 50 NM (approx) range
depends on the height of the Tx / Rx antenna
_ CH.70 used for VHF DSC
_ VHF ITU channels are used for VHF R/T
_ This equipment is mandatory in all sea areas

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
SIMPLEX _ SINGLE WAY OR ONE WAY
COMMUNICATION.
_ Either the Tx or Rx available at one time
_ Same frequency used for Tx and Rx
_ eg. Channel 16 : Tx freq. : 156.8 MHz
and Rx freq.:156.8 MHz
_ Ship to ship communications, ship to
shore pilot / port
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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
DUPLEX _ TWO WAY COMMUNICATION
_ Both the Tx and Rx available
simultaneously
_ Generally frequency is used for Tx and
Rx are different
_ eg. Ch.24 _ Tx freq.: 157.200 MHz and
Rx freq.: 161.800 MHz
_ Ship shore CRS communication ( link
calls )
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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
SEMI DUPLEX : SIMPLEX ON ONE END
AND DUPLEX ON OTHER END

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
2. MF/HF SSB radio with R/T, Telex and
DSC
_ Operates on Medium frequency and
High frequency bands of 2 MHz and
4,6,8,12,16 ( 22 & 25 MHz also used
except for DSC )

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
_ MF range from CRS upto 400 NM
approx.
_ HF range depends on propogation
condition.
Global coverage.
_ DSC used as initial calling device and
monitors incoming DSC calls.
_ R/T and radiotelex used for subsequent
working communication.
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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
3. SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
INMARSAT A/B/C
_ INMARSAT provides different service
standards like A/B/C/E/Fleet 77
_ INMARSAT terminal onboard the
vessel called as SES ( Ship earth
Station ) operates on ultra high
frequency ( UHF ) band on
1.6 GHz and 1.5 GHz
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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
Global coverage excluding area A4
_ Sat-A and B provide voice, live telex, fax
and data communication
_ Sat-A is analogue version and Sat-B is
digital version

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
_ Sat-C provides data transmission to
store at CES can be forwarded, data,
fax or e-mail.
NO VOICE COMMUNICATION.
_ Sat-C incorporates EGC Rx whereas in
Sat-A/B, a separate EGC Rx has to be
installed to make them GMDSS compliant.
_ INMARSAT-E : L Band 1.6 GHz EPIRB

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
MSI EQUIPMENTS
NAVTEX Receiver:
_ Used for receiving MSI automatically
by means of radiotelex method on MF
band 518 KHz and 490 KHz and on HF
band 4209.5 KHz
_ Meant for coastal areas
_ Range from CRS about 400 NM
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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
EGC Receiver:
_ Used for receiving MSI via INMARSAT
system
_ Generally meant for high seas
_ SAT-C incorporates EGC receiver
_ Operates on UHF band 1.5 GHz

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
MSI HF telex receiver :
_ Used for receiving MSI at high seas via
terrestrial system ( mainly meant for A4
sea area )
_ Can be used as alternate system for
EGC

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
SAFETY EQUIPMENTS
1. VHF PORTABLE :
_ Operates on VHF band between 156 174 MHz
_ Minimum 2 channels are required
_ Ch.16 plus Ch.06 is normally used
_ Normal use for On Scene Communication on the
survival craft
_ water proof, shock proof, single hand easy
operation and attractive colour are some of the
special features of this set.
_ Expected range from a survival craft to SAR unit is
about 5 NM.
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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
2. EPIRB
_ Used as last resort : Secondary means of distress
alert.
_ Used for finding the location of the survivor(s) or for
homing purposes.
_ 3 types of EPIRBs available.
_ VHF EPIRB operates on Ch.70 meant for sea area
A1
_ COSPAS-SARSAT EPIRB operates on 406 MHz and
121.5 M using COSPAS-SARSAT polar satellites.
_ INMARSAT-E EPIRB operates on UHF L-Band 1.6
GHz using Inmarsat Geo-stationery satellites.

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 INTRODUCTION TO GMDSS
EQUIPMENTS ( contd )
3. SART
_ Search and Rescue Radar
Transponder
_ Operates on SHF X-Band 9.2-9.5 GHz
_ Used on survival craft for locating /
homing purposes

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