2.1.1 The maritime safety information service
of the GMDSS is the internationally and nationally coordinated network
of broadcasts containing information which is necessary for safe navigation,
received in ships by equipment which automatically monitors the appropriate
transmissions, displays information which is relevant to the ship
and provides a print capability. This concept is illustrated in Figure
1.
2.1.2 Maritime safety information is of vital
concern to all ships. It is therefore essential that common standards
are applied to the collection, editing and dissemination of this information.
Only by doing so will the mariner be assured of receiving the information
he needs, in a form which he understands, at the earliest possible
time.
2.1.3 The purpose of IMO resolution A.705(17),
as amended “Promulgation of Maritime Safety Information”
is to set out the organization, standards and methods which should
be used for the promulgation and reception of maritime safety information.