■ GMDSS

The new system is called the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System(GMDSS).
This system was adopted by the IMO in 1988 and replaces the 500khz Morse code system. The GMDSS provides
a reliable ship-to-shore communication path in addition to ship-to-ship alerting communications. The new system
automated and uses ship-to-shore alerting by means of terrestial radio and satellite radio paths for alerting and
subsequent communications. The GMDSS applies to all cargo ships of 300 gross tons and above, and to all
passenger ships, regardless of size, on internatinal voyages.