MSI and SAR related information broadcast services
1 Depending on where the ship operates, the following services can be used for the
reception of maritime safety information (MSI) and search and rescue (SAR) related
information as part of the GMDSS:
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.1 International NAVTEX Service,footnote which provides the coordinated broadcast and
automatic reception on 518 kHz of MSI and SAR related information by means
of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy using the English language;
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.2 High frequency narrow-band direct-printing (HF NBDP) using radio
telegraphy as defined in Recommendation ITU-R M.688, as amended; and
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.3 International Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service provided by a recognized
mobile satellite service:
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.1 International SafetyNET services,footnote which provides the coordinated
broadcast and automatic reception of MSI and SAR related information
via the Inmarsat enhanced group call system, using the English
language; and
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.2 International Iridium SafetyCast service,footnote which provides the coordinated
broadcast and automatic reception of MSI and SAR related information
via the enhanced group call system, using the English language.
2 The individual MSI and SAR related information broadcast services in the GMDSS are
interdependent. Information that is broadcast via NAVTEX is not necessarily
duplicated over an international EGC service or HF NBDP.
3 SAR authorities may broadcast SAR related information over the services described
in paragraph 1, as required.
Guidance to meet obligations of SOLAS chapter IV
4 In order to meet the requirements in SOLAS regulation IV/7.1.4, ships should be provided with
equipment appropriate for the entire voyage in which the ship is engaged, as
follows:
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.1 a receiver capable of receiving international NAVTEX service broadcasts if
the ship is engaged on voyages in any area in which an international NAVTEX
service is provided; and
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.2 if the ship is engaged in voyages in which an international NAVTEX service
is not provided:
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.1 a receiver capable of receiving HF NBDP service when a ship is
engaged in voyages where such service is provided; or
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.2 receiver(s) capable of receiving broadcasts from an international
EGC service identified in paragraph 1.3 which provide(s) a service
for the operating areas.
5 The GMDSS Master Plan module in GISIS provides necessary information to identify
the coverage area and necessary details for MSI and SAR related information
broadcast services related to each NAVAREA and METAREA. The GMDSS Master Plan
modulefootnote is accessible to all registered Public Account
holders.footnote