IMO Briefing 34/2007

8 October 2007

IMO publishes new GMDSS Manual (4th edition)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued a complete revision of its comprehensive handbook on the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS), the GMDSS Manual.

The intent of the new GMDSS Manual (formerly the GMDSS Handbook) is to provide, in a single comprehensive publication, an explanation of the principles on which the GMDSS is based, the radiocommunication requirements and recommendations for its implementation, the operational performance standards and technical specifications to be met by GMDSS equipment, and the procedures for and method of operation of the various radio services which form the GMDSS and the Master Plan for the GMDSS.

The Manual is intended for use by ship personnel, shore operators, trainers, administrations, regulators and anyone else concerned with ship communication. It includes:

§ Development and concepts of the GMDSS

§ Components of the GMDSS carriage requirements and operational procedures

§ Excerpts from the relevant SOLAS regulations

§ Supporting resolutions and circulars

§ IMO performance standards and related ITU-R recommendations giving technical details of radio equipment

§ NAVTEX Manual, International SafetyNet Manual and Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information

§ Current GMDSS Master Plan, giving details of coastal infrastructure and services provided by Member Administrations

§ Extracts from the ITU-R Radio Regulations giving the radio regulatory background.

The Manual is available from authorized distributors of IMO publications and via IMO’s Online Bookshop. For further information, please consult the IMO website at www.imo.org .

Technical details:720 pp A4, product code: IC970E, price £95.00, ISBN: 978-92-801-4233-4. Also available on CD at the same price, product code: DC970E, ISBN: 978-92-801-7012-2.

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IMO - the International Maritime Organization - is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

Web site: www.imo.org

Technical details:720 pp A4, product code: IC970E, price £95.00, ISBN: 978-92-801-4233-4. Also available on CD at the same price, product code: DC970E, ISBN: 978-92-801-7012-2.

_____________

IMO - the International Maritime Organization - is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

Web site: www.imo.org

For further information please contact:

Lee Adamson, Head, Public Information Services on 020 7587 3153 (media@imo.org) or Natasha Brown, External Relations Officer on 020 7587 3274 (media@imo.org).