GMDSS Radio Survey Blog
For more than 30 years, the GMDSS has been ensuring the safety of navigation by providing emergency communications for ships at sea. However, over time, any system needs to be upgraded: some of the technologies it uses are becoming obsolete, while others, more advanced, need to be introduced.
During the last decade, the GMDSS has been in the process of modernization. SOLAS Chapter IV on Radiocommunications, with the regulations for the GMDSS, is being amended, together with related IMO instruments. It aims to allow the use of modern communication systems in the GMDSS; the requirements for outdated systems are removed. The draft amendments will be approved in late 2021 and adopted in 2022, with a view to entering into force on 1 January 2024.
