The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is mandatory for most commercial vessels under SOLAS. With major amendments that took effect in January 2024, many vessel operators in East Africa need to act now to stay compliant.
What is GMDSS?
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System — commonly known as GMDSS — is an internationally agreed set of safety procedures, equipment types, and communication protocols designed to enhance maritime safety and coordinate rescue operations at sea. It is mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the SOLAS Convention and applies to commercial vessels worldwide, including those operating in East African waters.
At its core, GMDSS replaces the old morse code distress system with a modern combination of satellite and radio communications. A vessel in distress can transmit its identity, position, and nature of emergency with a single button press — dramatically improving response times from search and rescue services.
Which Vessels Must Comply?
GMDSS requirements apply to:
- All cargo vessels of 300 gross tons (GT) and above on international voyages
- All passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers on international voyages
- Fishing vessels operating beyond coastal waters, depending on flag state rules
If your vessel operates out of Mombasa or any East African port on international routes, GMDSS compliance is not optional — it is a condition of your vessel's certification and a requirement for port state control inspections.
The Four GMDSS Sea Areas
GMDSS divides the world's oceans into four sea areas, each with different equipment requirements:
Sea Area A1 covers the range of VHF coast radio stations — typically up to 20–30 nautical miles from shore. Vessels in this area require a VHF radio with DSC capability on Channel 70.
Sea Area A2 extends to approximately 150 nautical miles from shore, within MF radio coverage. Vessels require MF radio with DSC on 2187.5 kHz.
Sea Area A3 covers most of the Indian Ocean and is within INMARSAT satellite coverage. Vessels in this area must carry either an INMARSAT satellite terminal or MF/HF radio equipment — and since January 2024, at least one Satellite Earth Station (SES) is now required for existing vessels that previously relied solely on MF/HF.
Sea Area A4 covers the polar regions beyond satellite coverage and requires MF/HF radio.
Most commercial vessels operating between Kenya, Tanzania, and international ports operate in Sea Areas A2 and A3 — making full GMDSS compliance with both radio and satellite systems essential.
Critical 2024 GMDSS Amendments — Are You Compliant?
Major amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV on GMDSS radio communications came into force on 1 January 2024. These are among the most significant changes to GMDSS requirements in decades and affect both new and existing vessels.
Key changes include:
- Vessels operating in Sea Area A3 that previously relied only on MF/HF equipment must now install at least one Satellite Earth Station
- Equipment requirements have been modernized — the term "Recognised Mobile Satellite Service" now replaces the previous Inmarsat-specific references, allowing newer satellite systems
- Communication equipment provisions have moved from SOLAS Chapter III to Chapter IV
- New model certificates and record of equipment forms have been issued
If your vessel has not been surveyed since January 2024, there is a strong likelihood that your current equipment configuration no longer meets the updated requirements. A GMDSS radio survey is the only way to confirm compliance.
Minimum GMDSS Equipment Required
Depending on your sea area, a compliant vessel must carry combinations of the following:
- VHF radio with DSC capability (Channel 70 watch)
- MF or MF/HF radio with DSC
- EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) — 406 MHz, registered to the vessel
- SART (Search and Rescue Transponder) or AIS-SART
- NAVTEX receiver for navigational warnings and weather
- Satellite Earth Station (for A3 and A4 operations)
- Survival craft portable VHF radios
Each piece of equipment must be correctly installed, programmed, tested, and certified. A missing or incorrectly programmed EPIRB alone can delay search and rescue operations by several hours — a potentially fatal delay at sea.
GMDSS Surveys in East Africa
For vessels operating under Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, IRS, or ZMA classification, a GMDSS radio survey must be conducted by an approved surveyor. Transocean Marine Surveyors is approved by all four major classification societies operating in East African waters and conducts surveys directly at Mombasa port and surrounding anchorages.
A typical GMDSS survey covers:
- Full inspection of all onboard GMDSS equipment
- Testing of VHF, MF/HF, EPIRB, SART, and NAVTEX systems
- Verification of MMSI programming and vessel identification
- INMARSAT or satellite terminal performance checks
- Survey documentation and certification issuance
- Post-survey deficiency reporting and follow-up support
Don't Wait for a Port State Control Inspection
Port State Control officers in East African ports — including Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar — are increasingly focused on GMDSS compliance following the 2024 amendments. A vessel found non-compliant can face detention, delays, and significant fines.
The safest approach is a proactive survey before your next port call. If your last GMDSS survey was conducted before January 2024, contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your vessel meets the latest SOLAS requirements.