4 - 3

CHAPTER 4

DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

PART I

400A. General

The transition period for implementation of the Global

Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) began on

1 February 1992 and continued to 1 February 1999. This

event marked the most important change in maritime safety

since the advent of radio in 1899. The proven benefits of

satellite communications (high reliability, simple

operation, and multi-modal capacities) are the cornerstone

of this system, which relies heavily on automation and the

extensive use of Inmarsat satellites. The result will be a

total transformation of the existing maritime distress

communications system. For further information on

GMDSS see sec. 400G.

Regulations concerning distress, emergency, and safety

traffic are contained in the Radio Regulations of the

International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Geneva.

Pertinent information is extracted below in condensed

form from the 2001 edition.

ARTICLE 30, GENERAL PROVISIONS:

Section I - Introduction: This Chapter contains the

provisions for the operational use of the Global Maritime

Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which is fully

defined in the International Convention for the Safety of

Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended. Distress, urgency

and safety transmissions may also be made, using Morse

telegraphy or radiotelephony techniques, in accordance

with the provisions of Radio Regulations for distress and

safety communications for non-GMDSS vessels

(Appendix 13), and relevant ITU-R Recommendations.

No provision of these Regulations prevents the use by a

mobile station or a mobile earth station in distress of any

means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its

position, and obtain help.

No provision of these Regulations prevents the use by

stations on board aircraft, ships engaged in search and

rescue (SAR) operations, land stations, or coast earth

stations, in exceptional circumstances, of any means at

their disposal to assist a mobile station or a mobile earth

station in distress.

Section II - Maritime provisions: The provisions

specified in this Chapter are obligatory in the maritime

mobile service and the maritime mobile-satellite service

for all stations using the frequencies and techniques

prescribed for the functions set out herein. However,

stations of the maritime mobile service, when fitted with

equipment used by stations operating in conformity 

Radio Regulations for distress and safety communic

for non-GMDSS vessels (Appendix 13), shall compl

the appropriate provisions of those Regulations.

The International Convention for the Safety of L

Sea (SOLAS), 1974 as amended, prescribes which 

and which of their survival craft shall be provided 

radio equipment, and which ships shall carry portable 

equipment for use in survival craft. It also prescrib

requirements which shall be met by such equipment.

Ship earth stations located at RCCs may be auth

by an administration to communicate for distres

safety purposes with any other station using 

allocated to the maritime mobile-satellite service, 

special circumstances make it essential, notwithsta

the methods of working provided for in these Regula

Mobile stations of the maritime mobile service 

communicate, for safety purposes, with stations o

aeronautical mobile service. Such communications 

normally be made on the frequencies authorized, and 

the conditions specified in the Radio Regulations.

ARTICLE 31, FREQUENCIES FOR THE GLO

MARITIME DISTRESS AND SAFETY SYS

(GMDSS):

Section I - General: The frequencies to be used f

transmission of distress and safety information und

GMDSS are shown in the following tables. In addit

the frequencies listed, coast stations should use 

appropriate frequencies for the transmission of 

messages.

Any emission causing harmful interference to d

and safety communications on any of the di

frequencies identified in the following tables is prohi

The number and duration of test transmissions sh

kept to a minimum on the frequencies identified b

they should be coordinated with a competent author

necessary, and, wherever practicable, be carried o

artificial antennas or with reduced power. However, t

on the distress and safety calling frequencies shou

avoided, but where this is unavoidable, it shou

indicated that these are test transmissions.

Before transmitting for other than distress purpos

any of the frequencies identified below for distres

safety, a station shall, where practicable, listen o

frequency concerned to make sure that no d

transmission is being sent.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 4

Table of Frequencies below 30 MHz

Frequency

(MHz)

Description

of usage

Notes

490 MSI Used only for maritime safety information (MSI) in a national language through th

international NAVTEX system.

518 MSI Used only for MSI in the English language by the international NAVTEX system.

*2174.5 NBDP Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) using NBDP telegraphy

*2182 RT A carrier frequency used for distress and safety communications (traffic) by RT.

2182 kHz uses class of emission J3E.

*2187.5 DSC Used only for distress and safety calls using digital selective calling in accordance w

Radio Regulations.

3023 AERO-SAR An aeronautical carrier (reference) frequency which may be used for intercommun

between mobile stations engaged in coordinated SAR operations, and for commun

between these stations and participating land stations.

*4125 RT A ship station carrier frequency for calling on RT.

4125 kHz is authorized for common use by coast and ship stations for SSB RT on 

simplex basis for call and reply purposes, provided the peak power does not exceed 

The use of this frequency for working purposes is not permitted.

4125 kHz is authorized for common use by coast and ship stations for SSB RT on 

simplex basis for distress and safety traffic.

In the United States, 4125 kHz is authorized for common use by coast and ship stat

SSB RT on a simplex basis, provided the peak power does not exceed 1 kW.

Aircraft stations may use this frequency to communicate with stations of the marit

mobile service for distress and safety purposes, including SAR.

*4177.5 NBDP Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) using NBDP telegraphy

*4207.5 DSC Used only for distress and safety calls using digital selective calling in accordance w

Radio Regulations.

4209.5 MSI Used only for NAVTEX-type transmissions.

4210 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by mea

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

5680 AERO-SAR An aeronautical carrier (reference) frequency which may be used for intercommun

between mobile stations engaged in coordinated SAR operations, and for commun

between these stations and participating land stations.

*6215 RT A ship station carrier frequency for calling on RT.

6215 kHz is authorized for common use by coast and ship stations for SSB RT on 

simplex basis for call and reply purposes, provided the peak power does not exceed 

The use of this frequency for working purposes is not permitted.

6215 kHz is authorized for common use by coast and ship stations for SSB RT on 

simplex basis for distress and safety traffic.

Aircraft stations may use this frequency to communicate with stations of the marit

mobile service for distress and safety purposes, including SAR.

*6268 NBDP Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) using NBDP telegraphy

Note: Except as provided in these Regulations, any emission capable of causing harmful interference to distress, al

urgency or safety communications on the frequencies denoted by an asterisk (*) is prohibited.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 5

*6312 DSC Used only for distress and safety calls using digital selective calling in accordance wi

Radio Regulations.

6314 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

*8291 RT Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) by RT.

*8376.5 NBDP Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) using NBDP telegraphy.

*8414.5 DSC Used only for distress and safety calls using digital selective calling in accordance wi

Radio Regulations.

8416.5 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

*12290 RT Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) by RT.

*12520 NBDP Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) using NBDP telegraphy.

*12577 DSC Used only for distress and safety calls using digital selective calling in accordance wi

Radio Regulations.

12579 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

*16420 RT Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) by RT.

*16695 NBDP Used only for distress and safety communications (traffic) using NBDP telegraphy.

*16804.5 DSC Used only for distress and safety calls using digital selective calling in accordance wi

Radio Regulations.

16806.5 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

19680.5 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

22376 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

26100.5 MSI-HF Used only for the transmission of high seas MSI by coast stations to ships, by means 

NBDP telegraphy, in the maritime mobile service.

Note: Except as provided in these Regulations, any emission capable of causing harmful interference to distress, alar

urgency or safety communications on the frequencies denoted by an asterisk (*) is prohibited.

Table of Frequencies below 30 MHz

Frequency

(MHz)

Description

of usage

Notes
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 6

Table of Frequencies above 30 MHz

Frequency

(MHz)

Description

of usage

Notes

*121.5 AERO-SAR The aeronautical emergency frequency 121.5 MHz is used for the purposes of 

and urgency for RT by stations of the aeronautical mobile service using freque

the band between 117.975 MHz and 137 MHz. This frequency may also be use

these purposes by survival craft stations. EPIRBs use this frequency as indicate

Radio Regulations.

Mobile stations of the maritime mobile service may communicate with station

aeronautical mobile service on the aeronautical emergency frequency 121.5 M

the purposes of distress and urgency only, and on the aeronautical auxiliary fre

123.1 MHz for coordinated SAR operations, using class A3E emissions for bo

frequencies. They shall then comply with any special arrangement between

governments concerned by which the aeronautical mobile service is regulated.

123.1 AERO-SAR The aeronautical auxiliary frequency 123.1 MHz, which is auxiliary to the aero

emergency frequency 121.5 MHz, is for use by stations of the aeronautical mo

service and by other mobile and land stations engaged in coordinated SAR ope

Mobile stations of the maritime mobile service may communicate with station

aeronautical mobile service on the aeronautical emergency frequency 121.5 M

the purposes of distress and urgency only, and on the aeronautical auxiliary fre

123.1 MHz for coordinated SAR operations, using class A3E emissions for bo

frequencies. They shall then comply with any special arrangement between

governments concerned by which the aeronautical mobile service is regulated.

156.3 VHF (Ch. 06) Used for communication between ship stations and aircraft stations engaged in

coordinated SAR operations. It may also be used by aircraft stations to commu

with ship stations for other safety purposes. Ship stations shall avoid harmful

interference to such communications on Ch. 06 as well as to communications b

aircraft stations, ice-breakers and assisted ships during ice seasons.

*156.525 VHF (Ch. 70) Used in the maritime mobile service for distress and safety calls using digital s

calling.

156.650 VHF (Ch. 13) Used on a worldwide basis for ship-to-ship communications relating to the saf

navigation. It may also be used for the ship movement and port operations serv

subject to the national regulations of the administrations concerned.

*156.8 VHF (Ch. 16) Used for distress and safety communications by RT. It may also be used by air

stations for safety purposes only.

*406-406.1 406-EPIRB This frequency band is used only by satellite EPIRBs in the Earth-to-space dir

1530-1544 SAT-COM In addition to its availability for routine non-safety purposes, this frequency ba

used for distress and safety purposes in the space-to-Earth direction in the mar

mobile-satellite service. GMDSS distress, urgency and safety communications 

priority in this band.

*1544-1545 D&S-OPS Use of this band (space-to-Earth) is limited to distress and safety operations, in

feeder links of satellites needed to relay emissions of satellite EPIRBs to earth 

and narrow-band (space-to-Earth) links from space stations to mobile stations.

Note: Except as provided in these Regulations, any emission capable of causing harmful interference to distress, ala

urgency or safety communications on the frequencies denoted by an asterisk (*) is prohibited.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 7

Section II - Survival craft stations: Equipment for

radiotelephony use in survival craft stations shall, if

capable of operating on any frequency in the bands

between 156 MHz and 174 MHz, be able to transmit and

receive on 156.8 MHz and at least one other frequency in

these bands.

Equipment for transmitting locating signals from

survival craft stations shall be capable of operating in the

9200-9500 MHz band.

Equipment with DSC facilities for use in survival craft

shall, if capable of operating in the bands between:

– 1605 and 2850 kHz, be able to transmit on 2187.5 kHz;

– 4000 and 27500 kHz, be able to transmit on 8414.5 kHz;

– 156 and 174 MHz, be able to transmit on 156.525 MHz.

Section III - Watchkeeping:

(A) - Coast stations: Those coast stations assuming a

watch-keeping responsibility in the GMDSS shall maintain

an automatic DSC watch on frequencies and for periods of

time as indicated in the information published in the List of

Coast Stations.

(B) - Coast earth stations: Those coast earth stations

assuming a watch-keeping responsibility in the GMDSS

shall maintain a continuous automatic watch for

appropriate distress alerts relayed by space stations.

(C) - Ship stations: Ship stations, where so equipped,

shall, while at sea, maintain an automatic DSC watch on

the appropriate distress and safety calling frequencies in

the frequency bands in which they are operating. Ship

stations, where so equipped, shall also maintain watch on

the appropriate frequencies for the automatic reception of

transmissions of meteorological and navigational warnings

and other urgent information to ships. However, ship

stations shall also continue to apply the appropriate

watch-keeping provisions of the Radio Regulations for

distress and safety communications for non-GMDSS

vessels (Appendix 13).

NOTE: Listening watches on 2182 kHz are no longer

mandatory. Until 1 February 2005, every ship while at sea

shall maintain, when practicable, a continuous listening

watch on VHF Ch. 16; such a watch shall be kept 

position from which the ship is normally navigated.

Ship stations complying with the provisions of the 

Regulations should, where practicable, maintain a 

on the frequency 156.650 MHz (VHF Ch. 13

communications related to the safety of navigation.

(D) - Ship earth stations: Ship earth stations comp

with the provisions of the Radio Regulations shall, w

sea, maintain watch except when communicating 

working channel.

ARTICLE 32, OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES 

DISTRESS AND SAFETY COMMUNICATION

THE GMDSS:

Section I - General: Distress and safety communic

rely on the use of terrestrial MF, HF and 

radiocommunications and communications using sa

techniques.

The distress alert shall be sent through a satellite 

with absolute priority in general communication ch

or on exclusive distress and safety frequencie

alternatively, on the distress and safety frequencies i

HF and VHF bands using DSC.

The distress alert shall be sent only on the author

the person responsible for the ship, aircraft or other v

carrying the mobile station or the mobile earth station

All stations which receive a distress alert transmit

DSC shall immediately cease any transmission capa

interfering with distress traffic and shall continue 

until the call has been acknowledged.

DSC shall be in accordance with the relevant I

Recommendations.

Each administration shall ensure that su

arrangements are made for assigning and regis

identities used by ships participating in the GMDSS

shall make registration information available to RCC

24-hour day, 7-day week basis. Where approp

administrations shall notify responsible organiz

immediately of additions, deletions and other chan

these assignments. Registration information shall 

accordance with the Radio Regulations (Resolution 3

1626.5-1645.5 SAT-COM In addition to its availability for routine non-safety purposes, this frequency band 

used for distress and safety purposes in the Earth-to-space direction in the mariti

mobile-satellite service. GMDSS distress, urgency and safety communications h

priority in this band.

*1645.5-1646.5 D&S-OPS Use of this band (Earth-to-space) is limited to distress and safety operations, inc

transmissions from satellite EPIRBs and relay of distress alerts received by satell

low polar Earth orbits to geostationary satellites.

9200-9500 SARTS Used by radar transponders to facilitate SAR.

Note: Except as provided in these Regulations, any emission capable of causing harmful interference to distress, alarm

urgency or safety communications on the frequencies denoted by an asterisk (*) is prohibited.

Table of Frequencies above 30 MHz

Frequency

(MHz)

Description

of usage

Notes
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 8

Any GMDSS shipboard equipment which is capable of

transmitting position coordinates as part of a distress alert

message and which does not have an integral electronic

position-fixing system receiver shall be interconnected to a

separate navigation receiver, if one is installed, to provide

that information automatically.

Transmissions by radiotelephony shall be made slowly

and distinctly, each word being clearly pronounced to

facilitate transcription.

The Phonetic Alphabet and Figure Code, and the

abbreviations and prosigns listed below, in accordance

with the Radio Regulations, should be used where

applicable. The Standard Marine Communication Phrases

(published by the International Maritime Organization

(IMO)) and the International Code of Signals

(CDPUBNV102) are also recommended for use. (NOTE:

Three-letter signals (Q Code) are also listed in ACP 131,

Communications Instructions, Operating Signals.)

AA - All After

AB - All Before

ADS - Address

AR - End of transmission (in telegraphy, a bar over the letters

means they are sent as one signal: • – • – • )

AS - Waiting period

BK - Interruption of transmission in progress

BN - All between

BQ - Reply to RQ

BT - Separation between parts of a transmission

C - Affirmative

CFM - Confirm/I confirm

CL - I am closing my station

COL - Collate/I collate

CORRECTION - Cancel last word or group

CP - General call to two or more specified stations

CQ - General call to all stations

CS - Request for call sign

DE - From

DF - Precede time, bearing, possible error

DO - Bearing doubtful, request again at specified time

DSC - Digital selective calling

E - East

ETA - Estimated time of arrival

INTERCO - Signals from International Code will follow

K - Invitation to transmit

KA - Starting signal

KTS - Knots

MIN - Minutes

MSG - Prefix indicating message to or from Master

regarding ship’s operation or navigation

MSI - Marine safety information

N - North

NBDP - Narrow band direct printing telegraphy

NIL - I have nothing to send you

NO - Negative

NW - Now

NX - Notice to Mariners

OK - It is correct

OL - Ocean letter

P - Prefix indicating private radiotelegram

PBL - Preamble, used after question mark in tele

RQ in telephony, or RPT, to request repetition

PSE - Please

R - Received

RCC - Rescue coordination center

REF - Reference

RPT - Repeat

RQ - Request

S - South

SAR - Search and rescue

SIG - Signature, used after question mark in radiotel

RQ in telephony, or RPT, to request repetition

SLT - Radiomaritime letter

SVC - Prefix indicating service message

SYS - Refer to your service message

TFC - Traffic

TR - Land station request for position and next port 

also precedes response

TU - Thank you

TXT - Text

VA - End of work

W - West

WA - Word after

WB - Word before

WD - Word(s) or group(s)

WX- Weather

XQ- Prefix indicating service note

YZ - Plain language

Section II - Distress alerting:

(A) - General: The transmission of a distre

indicates that a mobile unit (ship, aircraft or other 

or person is threatened by grave and imminent dan

requests immediate assistance. The distress alert is 

selective call using distress call format in the ban

for terrestrial radiocommunication or a distress m

format, in which case it is relayed through space s

(The format of distress calls and distress messages 

in accordance with the relevant ITU-R Recommend

The distress alert shall provide the identification 

station in distress and its position. (It may also 

information regarding the nature of the distress, the 

assistance required, the course and speed of the 

unit, the time that this information was recorded 

other information which might facilitate rescue.)

A distress alert is false if it was transmitted with

indication that a mobile unit or person was in distr

required immediate assistance. Administrations rec

false distress alert shall report this infringement

alert:

– was transmitted intentionally;

– was not cancelled in accordance with the 

Regulations (Resolution 349);

– could not be verified as a result of either th

failure to keep watch on appropriate frequen

accordance with the Radio Regulations, or its fa

respond to calls from an authorized rescue auth

– was repeated; or

– was transmitted using a false identity.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 9

Administrations receiving such a report shall take

appropriate steps to ensure that the infringement does not

recur. No action should normally be taken against any ship

or mariner for reporting and cancelling a false distress

alert.

(B) - Transmission of a distress alert:

– (B1) - Transmission of a distress alert by a ship station or

a ship earth station: Ship-to-shore distress alerts are used

to alert RCCs via coast stations or coast earth stations

that a ship is in distress. These alerts are based on the use

of transmissions via satellites (from a ship earth station

or satellite EPIRB) and terrestrial services (from ship

stations and EPIRBs).

Ship-to-ship distress alerts are used to alert other ships

in the vicinity of the ship in distress and are based on the

use of DSC in the VHF and MF bands. Additionally, the

HF band may be used.

– (B2) - Transmission of a shore-to-ship distress alert

relay: A station or RCC which receives a distress alert

shall initiate the transmission of a shore-to-ship distress

alert relay addressed, as appropriate, to all ships, to a

selected group of ships or to a specific ship by satellite

and/or terrestrial means.

The distress alert relay shall contain the identification

of the mobile unit in distress, its position and all other

information which might facilitate rescue.

– (B3) - Transmission of a distress alert by a station not

itself in distress: A station in the mobile or

mobile-satellite service which learns that a mobile unit is

in distress shall initiate and transmit a distress alert in

any of the following cases:

– when the mobile unit in distress is not itself in a

position to transmit the distress alert;

– when the Master or person responsible for the mobile

unit not in distress considers further help is necessary.

A station transmitting a distress alert relay, in

accordance with the Radio Regulations, shall indicate

that it is not itself in distress.

(C) - Receipt and acknowledgment of distress alerts:

– (C1) - Procedure for acknowledgment of receipt of

distress alerts: Acknowledgment by DSC of receipt of a

distress alert in the terrestrial services shall be in

accordance with relevant ITU-R Recommendations. (For

further information on procedures for DSC distress

alerts, acknowledgments and relays see sec. 400J.)

Acknowledgment through a satellite of receipt of a

distress alert from a ship earth station shall be sent

immediately.

Acknowledgment by radiotelephony of receipt of a

distress alert from a ship station or a ship earth station

shall be given in the following form:

– the distress signal MAYDAY;

– the call sign or other identification of the station

sending the distress message, spoken three times;

– the words THIS IS (or DE spoken as DELTA ECHO in

case of language difficulties);

– the call sign or other identification of the station

acknowledging receipt, spoken three times;

– the word RECEIVED (or RRR spoken as ROMEO

ROMEO ROMEO in case of language difficulties);

– the distress signal MAYDAY.

The acknowledgment by direct printing telegrap

receipt of a distress alert from a ship station sh

given in the following form:

– the distress signal MAYDAY;

– the call sign or other identification of the s

sending the distress alert;

– the word DE;

– the call sign or other identification of the s

acknowledging receipt of the distress alert;

– the signal RRR;

– the distress signal MAYDAY.

The acknowledgment by direct printing telegrap

receipt of a distress alert from a ship earth station 

be given by the coast earth station receiving the d

alert, by retransmitting the ship station identity 

ship transmitting the distress alert.

– (C2) - Receipt and acknowledgment of receipt by a 

station, a coast earth station or a RCC: Coast station

appropriate coast earth stations in receipt of d

alerts shall ensure that they are routed as soon as po

to a RCC. Receipt of a distress alert is 

acknowledged as soon as possible by a coast stati

by a RCC via a coast station or an appropriate coas

station.

A coast station using DSC to acknowledge a d

call shall transmit the acknowledgment on the d

calling frequency on which the call was receive

should address it to all ships. The acknowledgmen

include the identification of the ship whose distre

is being acknowledged.

– (C3) - Receipt and acknowledgment of receipt by 

station or ship earth station: Ship or ship earth stati

receipt of a distress alert shall, as soon as po

inform the Master or person responsible for the s

the contents of the distress alert.

In areas where reliable communications with o

more coast stations are practicable, ship statio

receipt of a distress alert should defer acknowled

for a short interval so that receipt may be acknowl

by a coast station.

Ship stations operating in areas where re

communications with a coast station are not pract

which receive a distress alert from a ship station 

is, beyond doubt, in their vicinity, shall, as so

possible and if appropriately equipped, acknow

receipt and inform a RCC through a coast station or 

earth station.

However, a ship station receiving an HF distres

shall not acknowledge it but shall observe the prov

of D below, and shall, if the alert is not acknowledg

a coast station within 3 minutes, relay the distress a

A ship station acknowledging receipt of a distres

in accordance with C3 above should:

– in the first instance, acknowledge receipt of the 

by using radiotelephony on the distress and 

traffic frequency in the band used for the alert;

– if acknowledgment by radiotelephony of the d

alert received on the MF or VHF distress al

frequency is unsuccessful, acknowledge receipt 
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 10

distress alert by responding with a digital selective call

on the appropriate frequency.

A ship station in receipt of a shore-to-ship distress alert

should establish communication as directed and render

such assistance as required and appropriate.

(D) - Preparations for handling of distress traffic: On

receipt of a distress alert transmitted by use of DSC

techniques, ship stations and coast stations shall set watch

on the radiotelephone distress and safety traffic frequency

associated with the distress and safety calling frequency on

which the distress alert was received.

Coast stations and ship stations with NBDP equipment

shall set watch on the NBDP frequency associated with the

distress alert signal if it indicates that NBDP is to be used

for subsequent distress communications. If practicable,

they should additionally set watch on the radiotelephone

frequency associated with the distress alert frequency.

Section III - Distress traffic:

(A) - General and SAR coordinating communications:

Distress traffic consists of all messages relating to the

immediate assistance required by the ship in distress,

including SAR communications and on scene

communications. The distress traffic shall as far as possible

be on the frequencies con tained in Article 31 (see above).

The distress signal consists of the word MAYDAY.

For distress traffic by radiotelephony, when establishing

communications, calls shall be prefixed by the distress

signal MAYDAY.

Error correction techniques in accordance with relevant

ITU-R Recommendations shall be used for distress traffic

by direct printing telegraphy. All messages shall be

preceded by at least one carriage return, a line feed signal,

a letter shift signal and the distress signal MAYDAY.

Distress communications by direct printing telegraphy

should normally be established by the ship in distress and

should be in the broadcast (forward error correction) mode.

The ARQ mode may subsequently be used when it is

advantageous to do so.

The RCC responsible for controlling a SAR operation

shall also coordinate the distress traffic relating to the

incident or may appoint another station to do so.

The RCC coordinating distress traffic, the unit

coordinating SAR operations (the On Scene Commander

(OSC) or Coordinator Surface Search (CSS)) or the coast

station involved may impose silence on stations which

interfere with that traffic. This instruction shall be

addressed to all stations or to one station only, according to

circumstances. In either case, the following shall be used:

– in radiotelephony, the signal SEELONCE MAYDAY;

– in NBDP telegraphy normally using forward error

correcting mode, the signal SILENCE MAYDAY.

However, the ARQ mode may be used when it is

advantageous to do so.

Until they receive the message indicating that normal

working may be resumed, all stations which are aware of

the distress traffic, and which are not taking part in it, and

which are not in distress, are forbidden to transmit on the

frequencies in which the distress traffic is taking place.

A station of the mobile service which, while following

distress traffic, is able to continue its normal service, may

do so when the distress traffic is well established 

condition that it observes the provisions of the 

paragraph and that it does not interfere with distres

When distress traffic has ceased on frequencie

have been used for distress traffic, the RCC contr

SAR operation shall initiate a message for transmis

these frequencies indicating that distress traf

finished.

In radiotelephony, the message referred to in th

paragraph consists of:

– the distress signal MAYDAY;

– the call “Hello all stations” or CQ (spoken as CH

QUEBEC) spoken three times;

– the words THIS IS (or DE spoken as DELTA E

the case of language difficulties);

– the call sign or other identification of the station 

the message;

– the time of handing in of the message;

– the name and call sign of the mobile station which 

distress;

– the words SEELONCE FEENEE.

In direct printing telegraphy, the message referr

the above paragraph consists of:

– the distress signal MAYDAY;

– the call CQ;

– the word DE;

– the call sign or other identification of the station 

the message;

– the time of handing in of the message;

– the name and call sign of the mobile station which 

distress; and

– the words SILENCE FINI.

(B) - On scene communications: On 

communications are those between the mobile 

distress and assisting mobile units, and between the 

units and the unit coordinating SAR operations (t

or CSS).

Control of on scene communications is the respon

of the unit coordinating SAR operations. S

communications shall be used so that all on scene 

stations may share relevant information concern

distress incident. If direct printing telegraphy is 

shall be in the forward error correcting mode.

The preferred frequencies in radiotelephony for o

communications are 156.8 MHz (VHF Ch. 16) an

kHz. The frequency 2174.5 kHz may also be u

ship-to-ship on scene communications using 

telegraphy in the forward error correcting mode.

In addition, the frequencies 3023 kHz, 4125 kH

kHz, 123.1 MHz, and 156.3 MHz (VHF Ch. 06) 

used for ship-to-aircraft on scene communications.

The selection or designation of on scene freque

the responsibility of the unit coordinating SAR ope

Normally, once an on scene frequency is establi

continuous aural or teleprinter watch is maintaine

participating on scene mobile units on the 

frequency.

(C) - Locating and homing signals: Locating 

are radio transmissions intended to facilitate the fin

a mobile unit in distress or the location of survivor
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 11

signals include those transmitted by searching units, and

those transmitted by the mobile unit in distress, by survival

craft, by float-free EPIRBs, by satellite EPIRBs and by

SAR radar transponders to assist the searching units.

Homing signals are those locating signals which are

transmitted by mobile units in distress, or by survival craft,

for the purpose of providing searching units with a signal

that can be used to determine the bearing to the

transmitting stations.

Locating signals may be transmitted in the following

frequency bands:

– 117.975-136 MHz;

– 156-174 MHz;

– 406-406.1 MHz;

– 1645.5-1646.5 MHz; and

– 9200-9500 MHz.

Locating signals shall be in accordance with the relevant

ITU-R Recommendations.

ARTICLE 33, OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR

URGENCY AND SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS IN

THE GMDSS:

Section I - General: Urgency and safety communications

include:

– navigational and meteorological warnings and urgent

information;

– ship-to-ship safety of navigation communications;

– ship reporting communications;

– support communications for SAR operations;

– other urgency and safety messages;

– communications relating to navigation, movements and

needs of ships, and weather observation messages

destined for an official meteorological service.

Section II - Urgency communications: In a terrestrial

system the announcement of the urgency message shall be

made on one or more of the distress and safety calling

frequencies as specified using DSC and the urgency call

format. A separate announcement need not be made if the

urgency message is to be transmitted through the maritime

mobile-satellite service.

The urgency signal and message shall be transmitted on

one or more of the distress and safety traffic frequencies

specified, or via the maritime mobile-satellite service or on

other frequencies used for this purpose.

The urgency signal consists of the words PAN PAN.

The urgency call format and the urgency signal indicate

that the calling station has a very urgent message to

transmit concerning the safety of a mobile unit or a person.

In radiotelephony, the urgency message shall be

preceded by the urgency signal (PAN PAN), repeated three

times, and the identification of the transmitting station.

In NBDP, the urgency message shall be preceded by the

urgency signal (PAN PAN) and the identification of the

transmitting station.

The urgency call format or urgency signal shall be sent

only on the authority of the Master or the person

responsible for the mobile unit carrying the mobile station

or mobile earth station.

The urgency call format or the urgency signal m

transmitted by a land station or a coast earth station 

the approval of the responsible authority.

When an urgency message which calls for action 

stations receiving the message has been transmitte

station responsible for its transmission shall cance

soon as it knows that action is no longer necessary.

Error correction techniques in accordance with re

ITU-R Recommendations shall be used for ur

messages by direct printing telegraphy. All message

be preceded by at least one carriage return, a line 

signal, a letter shift signal and the urgency signal 

PAN.

Urgency communications by direct printing teleg

should normally be established in the broadcast (fo

error correction) mode. The ARQ mode may subseq

be used when it is advantageous to do so.

Section III - Medical transports: The term “m

transports,” as defined in the 1949 Geneva Conve

and Additional Protocols, refers to any mean

transportation by land, water or air, whether milit

civilian, permanent or temporary, assigned exclusiv

medical transportation and under the control 

competent authority of a party to a conflict or of n

States and of other States not parties to an armed co

when these ships, craft, and aircraft assist the wounde

sick and the shipwrecked.

For the purpose of announcing and identifying m

transports which are protected under the above-men

Conventions, the procedure of Section II of this A

(urgency communications) is used. The urgency 

(PAN PAN) shall be followed by the addition of the 

word MEDICAL in NDBP and by the addition o

single word “MAY-DEE-CAL,” in radiotelephony.

The use of the signals described in the above para

indicates that the message which follows conce

protected medical transport. The message shall conv

following data:

– call sign or other recognized means of identificat

the medical transport;

– position of the medical transport;

– number and type of vehicles in the medical transpo

– intended route;

– estimated time enroute and of departure and arriv

appropriate;

– any other information, such as flight altitude, 

frequencies guarded, languages used and seco

surveillance radar modes and codes.

The identification and location of medical transpo

sea may be conveyed by means of appropriate sta

maritime radar transponders.

The identification and location of aircraft m

transports may be conveyed by the use of the seco

surveillance radar (SSR) system specified in Annex 

the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The use of radiocommunications for announcin

identifying medical transports is optional; however, i

are used, the provisions of the above Regulations 

apply.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 12

Section IV - Safety communications: In a terrestrial

system the announcement of the safety message shall be

made on one or more of the distress and safety calling

frequencies as specified using DSC techniques. A separate

announcement need not be made if the message is to be

transmitted through the maritime mobile-satellite service.

The safety signal and message shall normally be

transmitted on one or more of the distress and safety traffic

frequencies specified, or via the maritime mobile-satellite

service or on other frequencies used for this purpose.

The safety signal consists of the word SECURITE.

The safety call format or the safety signal indicates that

the calling station has an important navigational or

meteorological warning to transmit.

In radiotelephony, the safety message shall be preceded

by the safety signal (SECURITE, spoken SECURITAY)

repeated three times, and identification of the transmitting

station.

In NBDP, the safety message shall be preceded by the

safety signal (SECURITE), and the identification of the

transmitting station.

Error correction techniques in accordance with relevant

ITU-R Recommendations shall be used for safety

messages by direct printing telegraphy. All messages shall

be preceded by at least one carriage return, a line feed

signal, a letter shift signal and the safety signal

SECURITE.

Safety communications by direct printing telegraphy

should normally be established in the broadcast (forward

error correction) mode. The ARQ mode may subsequently

be used when it is advantageous to do so.

SectionV-Transmission of Maritime Safety

Information (MSI): (MSI includes navigation and

meteorological warnings, meteorological forecasts and

other urgent messages pertaining to safety normally

transmitted to or from ships, between ships and between

ship and coast stations or coast earth stations.)

(A) - General: Messages from ship stations containing

information concerning the presence of cyclones shall be

transmitted, with the least possible delay, to other mobile

stations in the vicinity and to the appropriate authorities at

the first point of the coast with which contact can be

established. These transmissions shall be preceded by the

safety signal.

Messages from ship stations containing information on

the presence of dangerous ice, dangerous wrecks, or any

other imminent danger to marine navigation, shall be

transmitted as soon as possible to other ships in the

vicinity, and to the appropriate authorities at the first point

of the coast with which contact can be established. These

transmissions shall be preceded by the safety signal.

The operational details of the stations transmitting MSI

in accordance with the provisions of B, C, D, and E below

shall be indicated in the List of Radiodetermination and

Special Service Stations. (In Pub. 117, see station listings

in sec. 300J, 300L and 400I.)

The mode and format of the transmissions mentioned in

B, C and D below shall be in accordance with the relevant

ITU-R Recommendations.

(B) - International NAVTEX system: MSI s

transmitted by means of NBDP telegraphy with 

error correction using the frequency 518 k

accordance with the international NAVTEX system

(C) - 490 kHz and 4209.5 kHz: The frequency 4

may be used for the transmission of MSI by m

NBDP telegraphy with forward error correction.

The frequency 4209.5 kHz is used exclusiv

NAVTEX-type transmissions by means of 

telegraphy with forward error correction.

(D) - High seas MSI: MSI is transmitted by m

NBDP telegraphy with forward error correction u

frequencies 4210 kHz, 6314 kHz, 8416.5 kHz, 125

16806.5 kHz, 19680.5 kHz, 22376 kHz and 26100.

(E) - MSI via satellite: MSI may be transmi

satellite in the maritime mobile-satellite service u

band 1530-1545 MHz.

Section VI - Intership navigation 

communications: Intership navigation 

communications are those VHF radiote

communications conducted between ships for the 

of contributing to the safe movement of ships.

The frequency 156.650 MHz (VHF Ch. 13) is u

intership navigation safety communications.

Section VII - Use of other frequencies for distr

safety: Radiocommunications for distress and 

purposes may be conducted on any app

communications frequency, including those used fo

correspondence. In the maritime mobile-satellite 

frequencies in the bands 1530-1544 MH

1626.5-1645.5 MHz are used for this function as 

for distress alerting purposes.

Section VIII - Medical advice: Mobile 

requiring medical advice may obtain it through an

land stations shown in the List of Radiodeterminat

Special Service Stations. (In Pub. 117, see sec. 500

Communications concerning medical advice m

preceded by the urgency signal.

ARTICLE 34, ALERTING SIGNALS IN 

GMDSS:

Section I - EPIRB and Satellite EPIRB Signa

EPIRB signal transmitted on 156.525 MHz and 

EPIRB signals in the band 406-406.1 M

1645.5-1646.5 MHz shall be in accordance with 

ITU-R Recommendations.

Section II - Digital selective calling (DSC

characteristics of the “distress call” in DSC system 

in accordance with relevant ITU-R Recommendatio

400B. Obligations and Responsibilities of U.S.

Vessels

It is the accepted normal practice of seamen (an

are obligations upon Masters), to render assistance 

person or persons are in distress at sea. These obl

are set out in Regulation 10 of Chapter V of th

SOLAS Convention (1974), to which the United S

signatory:
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 13

Distress Messages—Obligations and Procedures

(a) The Master of a ship at sea, on receiving a signal from

any source that a ship or aircraft or survival craft

thereof is in distress, is bound to proceed with all

speed to the assistance of the persons in distress,

informing them, if possible, that he is doing so. If he is

unable or, in the special circumstances of the case,

considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to proceed to

their assistance, he must enter in the logbook the

reason for failing to proceed to the assistance of the

persons in distress.

(b) The Master of a ship in distress, after consultation, so

far as may be possible, with the Masters of the ships

which answer his call for assistance, has the right to

requisition such one or more of those ships as he

considers best able to render assistance, and it shall be

the duty of the Master or Masters of the ship or ships

requisitioned to comply with the requisition by

continuing to proceed with all speed to the assistance

of persons in distress.

(c) The Master of a ship shall be released from the

obligation imposed by paragraph (a) of this Regulation

when he learns that one or more ships other than his

own have been requisitioned and are complying with

the requisition.

(d) The Master of a ship shall be released from the

obligation imposed by paragraph (a) of this

Regulation, and, if his ship has been requisitioned,

from the obligation imposed by paragraph (b) of this

Regulation, if he is informed by the persons in distress

or by the Master of another ship which has reached

such persons that assistance is no longer necessary.

(e) The provisions of this Regulation do not prejudice the

International Convention for the unification of certain

rules with regard to Assistance and Salvage at Sea,

signed at Brussels on 23 September 1910, particularly

the obligation to render assistance imposed by Article

11 of that Convention.

U.S. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GMDSS: The

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the

GMDSS requirements of the SOLAS Convention on 16

January 1992. (The GMDSS revisions to the Radio

Regulations were developed by the International Maritime

Organization (IMO) and ITU, and adopted by the ITU in

1987. The IMO adopted GMDSS requirements to the 1974

SOLAS Convention in 1988.) GMDSS requirements apply

to the following U.S. vessels on international voyages or

on the open sea:

– Cargo ships of 300 gross tons and over.

– Ships carrying more than 12 passengers.

Compliance will be required according to the following

schedule:

– 1 February 1992 - Voluntary compliance by any ships.

– All ships constructed after 1 February 1992 must carry a

radar transponder and two-way VHF radiotelephone for

survival craft.

– 1 August 1993 - Applicable ships must have satellite

EPIRB and NAVTEX.

– All ships constructed before 1 February 1992 to c

radar transponder and two-way VHF radiotelepho

survival craft by 1 February 1995.

– 1 February 1995 - Newly constructed applicable 

must be GMDSS-equipped.

– All applicable ships to carry 9GHz radar by 1 Feb

1995.

– 1 February 1999 - All applicable ships mu

GMDSS-equipped.

The FCC has exempted GMDSS-equipped U.S. 

from the Communications Act of 1934 requireme

carry (and provide operators for) Morse teleg

equipment. This exemption is effective once the FC

its designee, has determined and certified that the 

has GMDSS equipment installed and in good wo

condition. This exemption was mandated by 

Telecommunications Act of 1996.

FCC rules applicable to the GMDSS includ

following:

– Required equipment must be inspected once eve

months.

– Ships must carry at least two persons with GM

Radio Operators licenses, designated as primar

backup(s), to act as dedicated radio operator in c

distress and carry out normal communications 

routines (including selection of HF DSC cha

reception of MSI, and entering ship’s position in 

equipment every 4 hours).

– At-sea maintenance, if employed (the alternatives 

system redundancy or shore maintenance), mu

provided by licensed GMDSS radio maintainers.

– Ships operating in Sea Area A3 (beyond NAV

coverage: see sec. 400H) must carry equipment ca

of receiving MSI via Inmarsat Enhanced Group C

(EGC) (SafetyNET).

– GMDSS equipment must be approved by the FC

carry labels indicating compliance.

– Inmarsat antennas should be installed so as to min

masking.

– A dedicated, non-scanning radio installation capa

maintaining a continuous DSC watch on VHF 15

MHz (Ch. 70) must be installed.

These changes are found in Parts 13 and 80 of Title 

the Code of Federal Regulations.

INFORMATION REQUIRED CONCER

NAVIGATIONAL DANGERS AND CYCLO

Vessels encountering imminent dangers to navigati

cyclones should notify all ships in the vicinity an

nearest coast station, using the safety signal. The foll

information should be provided for navigational dang

– The kind of ice, derelict or danger observed.

– The position of the danger when last observed.

– The time and date the observation was made.

The following information should be provide

hurricanes in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, typho

the western Pacific, cyclones in the Indian Ocean

storms of a similar nature in other regions:

– A statement that a cyclone has been encoun

transmitted whenever the Master has good reas

believe that a cyclone exists in his vicinity.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 14

– Time, date, and position of ship when the observation

was taken.

– As much of the following information as possible should

be included in the message:

– Barometric pressure.

– Barometric tendency during the past 3 hours.

– True wind direction and force.

– Sea state (smooth, moderate, rough, high).

– Swell (slight, moderate, heavy), with direction and

period.

– Course and speed of ship.

When a Master has reported a dangerous cyclone, it is

desirable that subsequent observations be made and

transmitted hourly, if possible, but in any case at intervals

of not more than 3 hours, so long as the ship remains under

the influence of the cyclone.

For winds of Force 10 or above on the Beaufort Scale for

which no storm warning has been received (storms other

than the cyclones referred to above) a message should be

sent containing similar information to that listed above but

excluding details concerning sea and swell.

For sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale

force winds, causing severe ice accretion on

superstructures, send a message including:

– Time and date.

– Air temperature.

– Sea temperature.

– Wind direction and force.

400C. Reporting Navigational Safety Information

to Shore Establishments

Masters should pass navigational safety information to

cognizant shore establishments by radio. This information

may include, but is not limited to, the following:

– Ice.

– Derelicts, mines, or other floating dangers.

– Casualties to lights, buoys, and other navigational aids.

– The newly discovered presence of wrecks, rocks, shoals,

reefs, etc.

– Malfunction of radio navigational aids.

– Hostile action or potential hostile action which may

constitute a hazard to shipping.

MESSAGES ADDRESSED TO THE U.S. COAST

GUARD: In the waters of the United States and its

possessions, defects noted in aids to navigation should be

addressed to COAST GUARD and transmitted direct to a

U.S. government coast station for relay to the Commander

of the nearest Coast Guard District.

Merchant ships should send messages about defects in

aids to navigation through commercial facilities only when

they are unable to contact a government coast station.

Charges for these messages will be paid by the Coast

Guard.

Vessels reporting distress, potential distress, groundings,

hazards to navigation, medicos, failures of navigational

aids, etc. to the Coast Guard, should include the following

information in their initial report to expedite action and

reduce the need for additional message traffic:

– Particulars regarding the reporting vessel: 

position, course, speed, destination, and estimat

of arrival.

– Particulars concerning the vessel or object re

position, name, color, size, shape, and other des

data.

– Particulars concerning the case: nature of th

conditions, and action taken, if any.

MESSAGES ADDRESSED TO NGA (INFORM

CONCERNING OTHER THAN U.S. WATERS): M

describing dangers on the high seas or in foreign 

should be addressed to NGA NAVSAFETY BET

MD, which may decide to issue a safety broadcast. W

possible, messages should be transmitted via the 

government radio station. If that is impractical, a com

radio station may be used. Navigational warning mes

the U.S. government should always be sent through U

stations, government or commercial, but never 

foreign stations.

Although any coast station in the mobile serv

handle without charge messages relative to dan

navigation or defects in aids to navigation, it is re

that, where practicable, ships address their mess

NGA and send them through the nearest U.S. statio

to shore Coast Guard radio stations are availa

long-range communications. The AMVER Bulletin 

be consulted for the latest changes to the commun

network.

Warning information may also be reported direct

NGA NAVSAFETY Radio Broadcast Watch Desk 

following methods:

– Telephone: (1) 301-227-3147.

– Fax: (1) 301-227-3731.

– E-mail: navsafety@nga.mil.

400D. Assistance by SAR Aircraft and Helicop

SAR aircraft may drop rescue equipment to s

distress. This may include equipment containers co

in series by a buoyant line. The following may be d

– Individual life rafts or pairs linked by a buoyant l

– Buoyant radiobeacons and/or transceivers.

– Dye and smoke markers and flame floats.

– Parachute flares for illumination.

– Salvage pumps.

A helicopter may be used to supply equipmen

evacuate persons. In such cases the following info

will be of value:

– An orange smoke signal, signal lamp, or heliogr

be used to attract the attention of the helicopter.

– A clear stretch of deck should be made availab

pickup area, if possible, marked out with a large 

in white. During the night the ship should be illu

as brightly as possible, particularly any obst

(masts, funnels, etc.). Care should be tak

illumination will not blind the helicopter pilot.

– The helicopter will approach from abaft the be

come to a hover over the cleared area.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 15

– The ship should, when possible, maintain a constant

speed through the water and keep the wind 30 ̊ on the

port bow. If these conditions are met, the helicopter can

hover and use its hoist in the cleared area. If a vessel is

on fire or making smoke it is an advantage to have the

wind 30 ̊ on the bow. The above procedure may be

modified on instructions from the pilot.

– An indication of wind direction is useful. Pennants, flags,

or a small amount of smoke from the galley funnel may

be helpful.

– The length of the helicopter’s winch cable is about 15

meters (50 feet) minimum.

– The lifting device on the end of the winch cable should

never be secured to any part of the ship or become

entangled in the rigging or fixtures. Ships’ personnel

should not attempt to grasp the lifting device unless

requested to do so by the helicopter. In this case, a metal

part of the lifting device should first be allowed to touch

the deck in order to avoid possible shock due to static

electricity.

– If the above conditions cannot be met, the helicopter may

be able to lift a person from a boat or life raft secured on

a long painter. Cases have occurred of life rafts being

overturned by the downdraft from a helicopter. It is

advisable for all persons in a raft to remain in the center

of the raft until they are about to be lifted.

– In cases of injured persons a special stretcher may be

lowered by the helicopter. The stretcher should be

unhooked while the casualty is being strapped in.

400E. Reports of Hostile Activities

SHIP HOSTILE ACTION REPORT (SHAR): NGA has

established SHAR procedures to disseminate information

within the U.S. Government on hostile or potentially

hostile actions against U.S. merchant ships. Shipmasters

should send a SHAR message to NGA by whatever means

available immediately after they have encountered hostile

actions or become aware of potential hostile actions which

may constitute danger to U.S. shipping.

The text of a SHAR message should includ

acronym SHAR, the location or position of the incid

brief description of the situation, the Inmarsat iden

the ship transmitting the SHAR, the Inmarsat 

Region guarded, and the call sign of the coast radio s

being guarded, if any. An example of the procedure v

can use to send a SHAR message to NGA via 

Inmarsat-A or -B telex follows on pg. 4-16.

If circumstances are such that only minimum ess

data can be transmitted, a second SHAR message s

be sent as soon afterward as possible cont

amplifying information, such as:

– Latitude, longitude, course, and speed.

– Bearing and distance from nearest geographic poin

– Description of event.

– Next port of call and ETA.

– Date and time last message sent regarding this inci

SHAR messages can be transmitted to NGA 

Inmarsat-A, -B, or -C telex:

NGA NAVSAFETY BETHESDA MD

TELEX 898334

SHAR delivery may also be made by the foll

methods:

– NBDP via telex.

– Telephone: (1) 301-227-3147.

– E-mail: navsafety@nga.mil.

Rapid dissemination of a SHAR is vital so that a 

broadcast warning, if needed, may be promulgated a

as possible. When a SHAR is received by NGA

reviewed and (if appropriate) immediately sent t

Department of State and other relevant gover

authorities and officials for action. A SHAR can re

the promulgation of NAVAREAs, HYDROLA

HYDROPACs, and SPECIAL WARNINGS (See cha

to help ensure the safety of any other U.S. flag vess

the affected area.

A SHAR is not a distress message. U.S. flag 

effective U.S. controlled (EUSC) vessels, under atta

threat of attack, may request direct assistance fro

U.S. Navy following the procedures in Part II o

chapter.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 16

Procedure to Send a SHAR via Inmarsat-A or Inmarsat-B Telex

IDB A INMARSAT 12/JLY/99 21:30:46

1514205 MMAA X

GA+

0023898334+

NGA USA

FM M/V HYDRO

TO NGA NAVSAFETY

 BETHESDA MD

 TELEX 898334

SHAR SHAR SHAR

AMERICAN FREIGHTER OBSERVED HIT BY SEVERAL ROCKETS FIRED

FROM UNKNOWN LAND BASED SOURCE WHILE TRANSITTING

NORTH MITSIEWA CHANNEL.

INCIDENT OCCURRED AT 132300Z NOV 99 IN POSITION 16-24N 039-13E.

GUARDING COASTAL STATION JEDDAH/HZH AND AOR-EAST SATELLITE,

INMARSAT ID 1514205.

CAPTAIN SMITH

NGA USA

1514205 MMAA X

.....

IDB A ILXACD SN4252

CALL 0023898334

2 MINS 6 SECS

“00” Auto service code for Inmarsat

“23” Telex country code for the United S

“898334” NGA’s telex number

“+” Completes dialing string

Text

Go ahead from Land Earth Station

Answer back identifying vessel

Sequence of five periods terminating the tra

Summary of call

Answer back from NGA

Answer back from NGA

Answer back from vessel

Land Earth Station and Date-Time Group
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 17

PIRACY ATTACK ALERT: The international format for

a piracy attack alert includes the following:

– The distressed vessel’s name and call sign (and Inmarsat

ID, if applicable, with ocean region code).

– Distress signal MAYDAY or SOS (MAYDAY need not

be included in the Inmarsat system when distress priority

(3) is used).

– The text heading PIRACY ALERT.

– Position and time.

– Nature of event.

This message should be sent to the nearest RCC,

national or regional piracy center, or nearest coast radio

station.

A follow-up message should be sent when time permits,

including the following:

– Reference to the initial Piracy Alert.

– Details of the incident.

– Last observed movements of the pirate vessel.

– Assistance required.

– Preferred methods for future communication.

– Date and time of report.

A regional Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia, has been established by the International

Maritime Bureau (IMB) in the Southeast Asia Region. The

center maintains watch 24-hours a day and, in close

collaboration with law enforcement, acts on reports of

suspicious shipping movements, piracy, and armed robbery

at sea anywhere in the world. Services are provided free of

charge to all vessels irrespective of ownership or flag.

Specific tasks of the Piracy Reporting Center are to:

– Report piracy incidents and armed robbery at sea to law

enforcement agencies.

– Supply investigating teams that respond to acts of piracy

and collect evidence for law enforcement agencies.

– Locate vessels that have been seized by pirates and

recover stolen cargoes.

– Help bring pirates to justice.

– Assist owners and crews of ships that have been

attacked.

– Collate information on piracy in all parts of the world.

The center broadcasts daily status bulletins by

Inmarsat-C (SafetyNET), reporting acts of piracy against

shipping in East Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast

Asia and the Far East regions.

The IMB also publishes a weekly piracy report, which is

a summary of the Piracy Reporting Center’s daily status

bulletins. Each week’s report is posted on Tuesday and

may be accessed through the IMB Website at:

http://www.iccwbo.org/ccs/menu_imb_bureau.asp

The center may be contacted by:

– Telephone: 60-3-2078-5763.

– Fax: 60-3-2078-5769.

– Telex: MA 31880 IMBPCI.

– E-mail: imbkl@icc-ccs.org.uk.

24 hour Anti Piracy Helpline:

– Telephone: 60-3-2031-0014.

ANTI-SHIPPING ACTIVITY MESSAGES (ASAM)

REPORTING: Piracy and other attacks against merchant

shipping continue to be a worldwide problem. Inform

regarding these incidents often takes over a month to 

U.S. Government authorities. Delays in reporting 

incidents can result in an ineffective response b

appropriate Government agency and, more impor

will undermine the benefit to other mariners who m

transiting the affected geographic area.

At the request of a U.S. Government intera

working group on piracy and maritime terrorism

Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) [now the Na

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)] develope

1985, a system to offer the maritime community the 

effective means of filing reports about attacks on ship

storing the data on a computer and disseminating d

mariners and Government entities via telecommunic

links.

The NGA system is the Anti-Shipping A

Messages (ASAM) database accessed through 

Maritime Safety Information Website. This system a

any user to send and record an ASAM or quer

database for reported incidents by date, geog

subregion, victim’s name or reference number.

All piracy, terrorism, attacks, hostile ac

harassments and threats while at sea, anchor or in 

should be reported. The primary means of report

through NGA’s ASAM system, with acceptable seco

methods by telex/fax, telephone, and mail. An ASAM 

not need to be filed if a Ship Hostile Action R

(SHAR) has been issued-one will be generated follow

SHAR.

This centralized database capability has been des

to be a major step toward monitoring the esca

problem of maritime crimes against life and property

central location for filing reports of attacks a

shipping is the first step in supporting governm

responses, as well as warning the maritime communi

they should avoid (or approach with caution) c

geographic areas.

Many ASAM reports are filed each year; howeve

number of reports as compared to worldwide incide

quite low. The long range goal of the ASAM system 

assist Government officials in the deterrence of 

activities. Active participation by mariners is vital 

success of future deterrence. The U.S. Ma

Administration (MARAD) and NGA strongly enco

all mariners to participate and promptly repo

incidents, whether against their vessel or observed a

other vessels.

For further information pertaining to the ASAM s

contact:

MARITIME DIVISION

NSS STAFF

ST D 44

4600 SANGAMORE ROAD

BETHESDA MD 20816-5003

Telephone: (1) 301-227-3147.

Fax: (1) 301-227-4211.

E-mail: webmaster_nss@nga.mil.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 18

ANTI-PIRACY MEASURES: Merchant ships continue

to be attacked by pirates in port and underway on the west

coast of Africa, in and near the Strait of Malacca, in the

South and East China Seas, in the Caribbean and in

Brazilian and Ecuadorian waters. Pirates usually take

money, radios, cameras and other property that is portable,

valuable and easily sold. In some cases cargo has been

raided. In this section “piracy” means all kinds of violent

crimes against ships and small craft, including incidents in

ports and in territorial and international waters, except

incidents that are clearly political terrorism.

The following is a short checklist of prudent measures

that ship’s officers should consider when operating in

regions where piracy has been reported:

– BE VIGILANT. ANTICIPATE TROUBLE

– Provide a security general alarm signal and security

Station Bill to alert all crew members. Assign a ship’s

physical security officer.

– Anti-piracy measures should be included in the ship’s

security plan. These measures should be designed to

keep boarders off the ship. Repelling armed pirates

already on deck can be dangerous.

– Piracy countermeasures should be exercised during

regular emergency drills when in or approaching

dangerous waters.

– Have water hoses under pressure with nozzles ready at

likely boarding places when at sea and in port.

– Illuminate sides, bows and quarters while navigating in

threat areas and in dangerous ports.

– Restrict access to vessel, close all ports, strong back

doors, and secure spaces.

In port:

– Ensure gangway watch can contact shipboard support if

needed, preferably by hand-held radios.

– Ensure gangway watch can contact local security forces

for assistance, if available.

– Maintain roving patrol on deck in port and at anchor, and

ensure that patrol and gangway watch are in contact.

– Use rat guards on all mooring lines and illuminate the

lines.

– Use covers on chain hawse and keep wash-down water

running.

– Keep bumboats away and vendors off the ship.

Underway:

– Keep good radar and visual lookout, including lookout

aft.

– Have searchlights available to illuminate suspected

boarding parties.

– Have signaling equipment, including emergency rockets,

rocket pistols, and EPIRBs, available for immediate use.

When suspected boarders are detected:

– Sound the general alarm.

– Establish VHF contact with shore stations and other

ships in the vicinity.

– Increase speed and head into seas if practicable. Take

evasive action by working rudder hard right and left if

navigation permits.

– Fire warning rockets.

– Switch on outside lighting.

– Use searchlights to illuminate and dazzle suspects.

– CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN GOOD ALL-AR

WATCH.

After pirates have boarded:

– Barricade engine room and bridge, if practicable.

– Barricade the crew in secure areas, if practicable.

– Report the situation by radio and call for 

available. Use Emergency Call-up Procedu

Chapter 4.

– DON’T BE HEROIC if the boarders are armed.

MARAD ADVISORIES: The U.S. M

Administration utilizes MARAD Advisories to 

disseminate information on maritime danger, 

government policy, and other timely matters perta

U.S. flag and U.S. owned vessel operations. M

Advisories are issued by the Office of Ship Opera

vessel Masters, operators, and other U.S. m

interests via message. MARAD Advisories a

published in NGA’s Notice to Mariners and mainta

NGA’s Maritime Safety Information Center Websit

MARAD has established an internet Website at:

http://www.marad.dot.gov

to disseminate the latest information pertaining to t

maritime industry. The following information is ava

– Ready Reserve Force news.

– Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets C

– Maritime Security Act/Program.

– MARAD Advisories.

– Maritime Security Reports.

– Current maritime related legislation.

– Current press releases.

– Cargo preference.

– International and domestic marketing.

– Calendars of trade events.

– General public sales information.

For further information regarding MARAD Ad

contact:

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE OF SHIP OPERATIONS (MAR-613)

400 SEVENTH STREET SW

WASHINGTON DC 20590

Telephone: (1) 202-366-5735.

Fax: (1) 202-366-3954.

E-mail: opcenter1@marad.dot.gov.

400F. Emergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacons (EPIRBs)

Emergency position indicating radio beacons (E

devices which cost from $200 to $1500, are desi

save lives by alerting rescue authorities and in

distress location. EPIRB types are described as foll

– Class A (121.5/243 MHz): Float-free, autom

activating, detectable by aircraft and satellite. C

limited (see chart). An alert from this device to 

may be delayed 4-6 or more hours. No 

recommended.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 19

– Class B (121.5/243 MHz): Manually activated version of

Class A. No longer recommended.

– Class S (121.5/243 MHz): Similar to Class B, except that

it floats, or is an integral part of a survival craft. No

longer recommended.

– Category I (406/121.5 MHz): Float-free, automatically

activated EPIRB. Detectable by satellite anywhere in the

world. Recognized by GMDSS.

– Category II (406/121.5 MHz): Similar to Category I,

except manually activated. Some models are also water

activated.

– Inmarsat-E (1646 MHz): Float-free, automatically

activated EPIRB. Detectable by Inmarsat geostationary

satellite. Recognized by GMDSS.

121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs (Class A, B, S): These are the

most common and least expensive type of EPIRB,

designed to be detected by overflying commercial or

military aircraft. Satellites were designed to detect these

EPIRBs but are limited for the following reasons:

– Satellite detection range is limited for these EPIRBs

(satellites must be within line of sight of both the EPIRB

and a ground terminal for detection to occur) (see chart).

– Frequency congestion in the band used by these devices

cause a high satellite false alert rate (99.8%);

consequently, confirmation is required before SAR

forces can be deployed.

– EPIRBs manufactured before October 1989 may have

design or construction problems (i.e., some models will

leak and cease operating when immersed in water) or

may not be detectable by satellite. Such EPIRBs may no

longer be sold.

– Location ambiguities and frequency congestion in this

band require two or more satellite passes to determine if

the signal is from an EPIRB and to determine the

location of the EPIRB, delaying rescue by an average of

4 to 6 hours. In some cases, a rescue can be delayed as

long as 12 hours.

– Cospas-Sarsat is expected to cease detecting alerts on

121.5 MHz.

Class A, B, and S (121.5 MHz) EPIRBs have not been

manufactured, imported, or sold in the U.S. since 1

February 2003; use of these EPIRBs in the U. S. shall be

prohibited after 31 December 2006.

NOTE: The International Cospas-Sarsat Program has

announced plans to terminate satellite processing of

distress signals from 121.5/243 MHz emergency beacons

on 1 February 2009. Mariners, aviators and other users of

emergency beacons will need to switch to those operating

at 406 MHz in order to be detected by satellites. The

termination of 121.5/243 MHz processing is planned far

enough in advance to allow users adequate time for the

transition to the 406 MHz beacon.

The decision to terminate 121.5/243MHz satellite

alerting services was made in response to guidance from

the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These

two agencies of the United Nations are responsib

regulating the safety of ships and aircraft on interna

transits and handle international standards and pla

maritime and aeronautical search and rescue. In add

problems within this frequency band inundate searc

rescue authorities with false alerts, adversely impacti

effectiveness of lifesaving services. Although 406 

beacons are more costly, they provide search and r

agencies with more reliable and complete informat

do their job more efficiently and effectively.

Individuals who plan on buying a new distress b

need to be aware and take the Cospas-Sarsat decisio

account.

406 MHz EPIRBs (Category I, II): The 406 MHz E

was designed to operate with satellites. The 

frequency, 406 MHz, has been designated internati

for use only for distress; other communication

interference are not allowed on this frequency. Its 

allows a satellite local user terminal (LUT) to accu

locate the EPIRB (much more accurately than 121

MHz devices) and identify the vessel (by matchin

unique identification code transmitted by the beaco

registration database) anywhere in the world (there 

range limitation). These devices are detectable not on

Cospas-Sarsat satellites which are polar orbiting, bu

by geostationary GOES weather satellites. EP

detected by the GEOSAR system, consisting of GO

other geostationary satellites, provide rescue authorit

instant alert, but without location information unle

EPIRB is equipped with an integral GPS receiver. EP

detected by Cospas-Sarsat (i.e., TIROS N) sat

provide rescue authorities location of distress, but lo

and sometimes alerting may be delayed as much as an 

or two. These EPIRBs also include a 121.5 MHz ho

signal, allowing aircraft and rescue craft to quickly fi

vessel in distress. These are the only type of EPIRBs 

must be certified by Coast Guard approved indepe

laboratories before they can be sold in the United Sta

An automatically activated, float free version o

EPIRB is designated for use in the GMDSS and has 

required on SOLAS vessels (cargo ships over 300 ton

passenger ships on international voyages) since 1 A

1993. Coast Guard regulations require U.S. comm

fishing vessels to carry this device. The U.S. Coast 

Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC

3-99 provides a complete summary of EPIRB equi

requirements for U.S. flag vessels, including those v

operating on the Great Lakes. This circular is ava

from the U.S. Coast Guard Homepage at:

http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/nvic/

A new type of 406 MHz EPIRB, having an integra

navigation receiver, became available in 1998. This E

provides accurate location, as well as identifi

information, to rescue authorities immediately 

activation through both geostationary (GEOSAR

polar orbiting satellites.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 20

COMPARISON OF THE 406 MHz AND 121.5 MHz DISTRESS BEACONS

406 MHz Beacons 121.5 MHz Beacons

Coverage:

–Global. –Ground station dependent; ground stations have an

effective radius of about 1800 nm (2300 km). Both g

station and beacon must be in satellite footprint. Cu

coverage is about two-thirds of the world.

False Alerts:

–All alerts come from beacons. Satellite beacon

transmissions are digital, coded signals. Satellites process

only encoded data, other signals are rejected.

–About 1 in 12 alerts are actual distress.

–Beacon-unique coding/registration allows rapid incident

corroboration. Registration mandatory since 1994. 90%

beacons registered. About 70% of false alerts are resolved

by a phone or radio call to registration POCs prior to

launching SAR assets.

–Only about 1 in 5 alerts come from beacons. Satell

can’t discern beacon signals from many non-beacon

sources. Beacons transmit anonymously with no uni

identifier.

–Fewer than 2 in 1000 alerts and 2 in 100 composite 

are actual distress.

–Since 121.5 MHz beacons transmit anonymously, t

only way to ascertain the situation is to dispatch reso

to investigate--a costly disadvantage.

Alerting:

–First alert warrants launch of SAR assets. Earlier

launches puts assets on scene sooner--average 3 hrs saved

in maritime, 6 hrs in inland.

–Average initial detection/alerting by orbiting satellites is

about 45 minutes.

–Average subsequent satellite passes every 60 minutes.

–Vessel/aircraft ID, point of contact information provided

with alerts allows rapid verification or stand-down.

–Allows false alert follow-up to continuously improve

system integrity/reliability.

–Near instantaneous detection by geostationary satellites.

System provides world-wide coverage.

–High false alert rate makes first-alert launch unfeas

Absent independent distress information means RCC

must wait for additional alert information.

–Same as 406 MHz.

–Same as 406 MHz.

–Alerts are anonymous. 121.5 MHz analog technolo

capable of transmitting data.

–No false alert follow-up capability.

–No GEO detection capability means no instantaneo

detection.

Position Information:

–1-3 nm (2-5 km) accuracy on average. Position

calculated by Doppler shift analysis.

–Less than 100 yard accuracy with GPS-equipped

beacons. GPS position processed with initial alert. Major

beacon enhancement.

–12-15 nm (15-25 km) accuracy on average. Positio

calculated by Doppler shift analysis.

–No GPS capability.

Locating the Target:

–Superior alert (non-GPS) position accuracy limits initial

search area to about 25 sq. nm (65 sq. km).

–GPS-equipped beacons reduce search area to a

significantly smaller area.

–121.5 MHz homing signal facilitates target location by

radio detection finder equipped search units.

–Initial position uncertainty results in 500 sq. nm (8

km) search area on average.

–No GPS capability.

–Same as 406 MHz.

Power Output:

–5.0 Watts (strong power output). –0.1 Watt (weaker power output)--hard for satellites 

detect.

Cost:

–Average cost is $1000 (GPS-equipped EPIRB).

–Average cost is $500 (Personal Locator Beacon.

–Average cost is $1500 - $3000 (ELT).

–Average cost is $200 - $400 (EPIRB).

–Average cost is $600 - $1200 (ELT).

–121.5 MHz beacons are being phased out.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 21

Mariners should be aware of the differences between

capabilities of 121.5/243 MHz and 406/121.5 MHz

EPIRBs, as they have implications for alerting and locating

of distress sites, as well as response by SAR forces. The

advantages of 406/121.5 MHz devices are substantial, and

are further enhanced by EPIRB-transmitted registration

data on the carrying vessel. Owners of 406/121.5 MHz

EPIRBs furnish registration information on their vessel,

onboard survival gear, and emergency points of contact

ashore, all of which greatly enhance both timely and

tailored SAR response. The database for U.S. vessels is

maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA), and is accessed worldwide by

SAR authorities to facilitate SAR response.

BEACON REGISTRATION: FCC regulations require

that all 406 MHz EPIRBs carried on U.S. vessels be

registered with NOAA. The U.S. Coast Guard is enforcing

the FCC registration rule. FCC fines, of up to $10,000, may

be incurred for false activation of an unregistered EPIRB

(e.g., as a hoax, or through gross negligence, carelessness,

or improper storage and handling). The EPIRB must be

updated with NOAA upon the change of vessel or EPIRB

ownership, transfer of EPIRB to another vessel, or any

other change in registration information, such as the

owner’s address or primary telephone number.

NOAA’s National Beacon Registration Database is now

available online. EPIRB owners can register and update

their beacons directly via the internet at:

http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/

Owner’s of previously registered EPIRBs can access

registration information with the unique beacon ID (i.e., 15

character hexadecimal Beacon Identification Code).

Registration forms and inquiries may also be obtained

from:

NOAA SARSAT

E/SP3, RM 3320, FB-4

5200 AUTH ROAD

SUITLAND MD 20746-4304

– Telephone: (1) 888-212-SAVE (toll free), (1) 301-

457-5678, or (1) 301-457-5430.

– Fax: (1) 301-568-8649.

– E-mail: osdpd.dsd.reception@noaa.gov.

TESTING 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs: The U.S. Coast

Guard urges EPIRB owners to periodically check for water

tightness, battery expiration date, and signal presence.

FCC rules allow Class A, B, and S EPIRBs to be turned on

briefly (for three audio sweeps, or 1 second only) during

the first 5 minutes of any hour. Signal presence can be

detected by an FM radio tuned to 99.5 MHz, or an AM

radio tuned to any vacant frequency and located close to an

EPIRB.

MONTHLY EPIRB INSPECTION PROCEDURES: For

all compulsory vessels that are required to carry 406 MHz

EPIRBs in U.S. waters (that is, all vessels over 300 gross

tons, all commercial fishing vessels regardless of tonnage

operating in waters greater than 3 nautical miles offshore,

and all inspected vessels engaged in transporting 6 or more

persons for hire regardless of tonnage) mandatory t

of a vessel’s 406 MHz EPIRB is required on a mo

basis.

The following information has been develope

NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard to provide E

owners and maintainers a generic list of recomm

procedures for conducting monthly EPIRB inspec

These inspection procedures are intended to pr

general guidance and do not supersede the recomm

procedures provided by the International Ma

Organization (IMO) or by the EPIRB manufacture

owners and maintainers should follow the inspectio

self-testing procedures of their EPIRB manufa

accordingly. Throughout the inspection and t

process, great care must be taken to avoid the transm

of a false distress alert.

– Inspection of the EPIRB housing: The first test 

EPIRB should be to inspect the unit housing the E

406 MHz EPIRBs should be fitted in an unobst

“float free” mounting and positioned away from 

overhead obstructions to reduce the risk of the E

becoming trapped when released. In such a mounti

EPIRB should be held in place by a Hydrostatic R

Unit (HRU), an Automatic Release Mechanism (A

or a manual release bracket. In the case of the HRU

designed to sense the increasing water pressure 

vessel sinks and at a predetermined depth (usual

meters) the HRU releases the mount, allowin

EPIRB to float to the surface. If the EPIRB is a Cat

I beacon, the mounting unit will allow the EPIR

switch itself on as it is released, so it will o

automatically if the vessel sinks. Category II EP

differ in that they are not released automatically v

HRU; they activate manually or through immers

water.

– Expiration date: If the EPIRB is retained in its mo

casing by an HRU, then the expiration date or s

date label on the HRU should be noted and c

visible. These units must be replaced every 2 

including any associated plastic bolts, rods, sp

and/or spacing washers. The HRU should be free o

signs of corrosion, cracking, water ingress, etc

damage should be repaired in accordance wit

manufacturer’s procedures, or the unit replaced.

– EPIRB lanyard: Presence of a firmly attached lany

good condition should also be verified. The la

should be neatly stowed, and must not be tied 

vessel or the mounting bracket.

– Checking for physical damage: The EPIRB shou

examined thoroughly for any physical damage. If 

appears to be any damage, corrosion, cracking, 

ingress, etc., the EPIRB should be replaced w

backup immediately. In turn, this replacement E

should meet each of the inspection and testing c

listed here as well.

– Proper registration: An inspection of the E

registration decal from NOAA should also be com

for all U.S.A.-coded EPIRBs. The registration 

should be properly placed on the EPIRB and c

visible for U.S. Coast Guard inspectors. If there ap
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 22

to be any damage to the decal, NOAA should be notified

immediately. U.S. law requires that all 406 MHz EPIRBs

must be properly registered with NOAA. Every two

years NOAA will seek an update of the registration

information to ensure accuracy. However, if at anytime

the registration information does change (such as a new

phone number, new address, new emergency contact,

etc.) NOAA must be informed immediately.

– EPIRB battery: The expiration date of the EPIRB’s

battery should also be inspected. This is usually given on

the EPIRB manufacturer’s label or on another plate

affixed to the EPIRB. Battery life for most EPIRBs is 5

years. The battery must be replaced on or before the

expiration date or if the EPIRB has been used in an

emergency regardless of the length of time. EPIRB

batteries are designed to operate the beacon for a

minimum of 48 hours and therefore must always be fully

charged.

– Self-testing: After the EPIRB has been properly

inspected, a self-test of the EPIRB can be conducted

following the instructions provided by the EPIRB

manufacturer. It is important that the manufacturer’s

instructions be followed to ensure that the EPIRB is

working properly and to avoid an accidental activation.

Most EPIRBs have a visible test switch that is usually

spring loaded so it cannot be left on inadvertently and

thus reduce the life of the battery. A light will indicate

that the test circuits are operating correctly. Sometimes

this light will also activate the strobe light. It is

recommended that the self-test switch be held for no

more than 2 flashes of the strobe light or no longer than 1

minute after the first self-test mode burst transmission.

When operating a 406 MHz EPIRB self-test, the EPIRB

is allowed to radiate a single burst which is specially

coded so that it is ignored by the Cospas-Sarsat system.

The EPIRB must never be tested by actual operation. If it

is accidentally activated in the transmit mode, then it

should be turned off at once and the false alert cancelled

by calling the nearest U.S. Coast Guard Station and have

them contact the nearest Rescue Coordination Center.

– Log-keeping: For compulsory vessels all EPIRB tests

must be logged. Usually this is recorded in the GMDSS

Station Log which requires compulsory vessels to

conduct and record tests of the vessel’s GMDSS system

on a routine basis. The GMDSS Station Log is required

under 47 CFR 80.409.

When used in an emergency, some EPIRBs must be

floating in the water for their antenna to operate at peak

efficiency. The EPIRB manufacturer’s instructions will

indicate if the EPIRB should be operating afloat or if it can

be kept inside the liferaft. In either event, once the EPIRB

is activated in a distress situation leave it switched on until

you have been rescued or until the batteries are exhausted.

ANNUAL TESTING OF EPIRBs: The annual testing of

406 MHz satellite EPIRBs is required by SOLAS

regulation IV/15.9. The IMO has issued MSC/Circ.1040

(dated 28 May 2002) which provides the following

guidelines on annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs:

The testing should be carried out using suitable test

equipment capable of performing all the relevant

measurements required in these guidelines. All ch

electrical parameters should be performed in the 

mode, if possible.

The examination of the installed 406 MHz 

EPIRB should include:

– checking position and mounting for float-free ope

– verifying the presence of a firmly attached lan

good condition; the lanyard should be neatly stow

must not be tied to the vessel or the mounting bra

– carrying out visual inspection for defects;

– carrying out the self-test routine;

– checking that the EPIRB identification (15 Hex 

other required information) is clearly marked 

outside of the equipment;

– decoding the EPIRB 15 Hexadecimal Identi

Digits (15 Hex ID) and other information fr

transmitted signal, checking that the d

information (15 Hex ID or MMSI/callsign d

required) is identical to the identification marked 

beacon;

– checking registration through documentation or 

the point of contact associated with that country c

– checking the battery expiration date;

– checking the hydrostatic release and its expirati

as appropriate;

– checking the emission in the 406 MHz band u

self-test mode or an appropriate device to 

transmission of a distress call to the satellites;

– if possible, checking emission on the 121.

frequency using the self-test mode or an app

device to avoid activating the satellite system;

– checking that the EPIRB has been maintained 

approved shore-based maintenance provider at i

required (i.e., not exceeding 12 months, see 4

80.1105(k));

– after the test, remounting the EPIRB in its 

checking that no transmission has been started; a

– verifying the presence of beacon operating instru

INMARSAT-E EPIRBs: Inmarsat-E EPIRBs op

1.6 GHz (L-band) and transmit a distress signal to I

geostationary satellites, which includes a re

identity similar to that of the 406 MHz EPIRB

location derived from a GPS navigational satellite 

inside the EPIRB. Inmarsat-E EPIRBs may be d

anywhere in the world between 70 ̊N and 70 ̊S

geostationary satellites are used, alerts are tran

almost instantly to a RCC associated with the I

Land Earth Station (LES) receiving the alert. The 

alert transmitted by an Inmarsat-E EPIRB is rece

two LESs in each ocean region, giving 100 

duplication for each ocean region in case of fai

outages associated with any of the LESs. Alerts r

over the Inmarsat Atlantic Ocean Regions are route

Coast Guard Atlantic Area command center in Port

and alerts received over the Inmarsat Pacific Ocean 

are routed to the Coast Guard Pacific Area co

center in Alameda. This type of EPIRB is design

use in the GMDSS, but it is not sold in the United S

approved for use by U.S. flag vessels.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 23

NOTE: Inmarsat will withdraw its L-band EPIRB

service (Inmarsat-E) on 1 December 2006.

THE COSPAS-SARSAT SYSTEM: Cospas-Sarsat

(Cospas is a Russian acronym for “Space System for

Search of Distress Vessels;” Sarsat signifies “Search and

Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking”) is an international

satellite-based search and rescue system established by the

U.S., Russia, Canada, and France to detect and locate

emergency radiobeacons transmitting on the frequencies

121.5 and 406 MHz. Since its inception, the Cospas-Sarsat

system has contributed to the saving of over 15,700 lives in

approximately 4,500 SAR events.

The Cospas-Sarsat system provides distress and location

data to RCCs for 121.5 MHz beacons, within the coverage

area of Cospas-Sarsat ground stations (Local User

Terminals - LUTs), and for 406 MHz beacons, activated

anywhere in the world. The system is composed of:

– distress radiobeacons (EPIRBs for maritime use) which

transmit signals during distress situations;

– instruments on board satellites in geostationary and

low-altitude Earth orbits which detect the signals

transmitted by distress radiobeacons;

– ground receiving stations, referred to as Local User

Terminals (LUTs), which receive and process the

satellite downlink signal to generate distress alerts; and

– Mission Control Centers (MCCs) which receive alerts

produced by LUTs and forward them to RCCs, SAR

Points of Contacts (SPOCs), or other MCCs.

The Cospas-Sarsat system includes two types of

satellites:

– polar orbiting, or low-altitude Earth orbit (LEO),

satellites which form the LEOSAR System;

– geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites which form

the GEOSAR System.

The 406 MHz LEOSAR System provides global

non-continuous coverage using a limited number of polar

orbiting satellites and 406 MHz beacons. The coverage is

not continuous because polar orbiting satellites can 

view a portion of the earth at any given time. Howev

satellite is able to store distress beacon informatio

continuosly broadcast it until the satellite comes w

view of a LEOLUT, thereby providing global cov

Doppler processing techniques are used to calcula

position of the beacon. In the case of second gene

406 MHz beacons, the location information is acq

from global satellite navigation systems, throug

internal or external navigation receiver, and encoded 

beacon message.

The 121.5 MHz LEOSAR System coverage is n

global nor continuous because the detection of the d

signal can only occur when the satellite simultane

views the transmitting beacon and the ground rec

station. Doppler processing techniques are use

calculate the position of the beacon; however, the lo

accuracy of 121.5 MHz beacons is not as good 

accuracy achieved with 406 MHz beacons because 

relatively poorer frequency stability performance of 

older generation beacons. Furthermore, a second sa

pass is normally required to resolve postion ambiguit

The 406 MHz GEOSAR System provides conti

coverage of all areas of the globe to about 75 °la

This system provides almost immediate alerting 

footprint of the GEOSAR satellite, however it h

independent location capability. To provide rescuer

position information, the beacon location must be eit

– acquired by the beacon through an internal or an ex

navigation receiver and encoded in the beacon me

or

– derived, with possible delays, from the LEOSAR s

Doppler processing.

The USCG receives data from international sourc

the USMCC. See the following table:

LIST OF COSPAS-SARSAT MCCs AND LEOLUTs

(Extracted from ANNEX 10 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

Country

MCC LEOLUT

Location Designator Status Location Status Associated RC

Algeria Algiers ALMCC Operational Ouargla Operational RCC Algiers

Argentina Ezeiza ARMCC Operational Parana

Rio Grande

Operational MRCC Puerto Bel

Australia Canberra AUMCC Operational Albany

Bundaberg

Operational RCC Australia

Brazil Brasilia BRMCC Operational Brasilia

Manaus

Recife

Under

development

Salvamar/Salvaero

Canada Trenton CMCC Operational Churchill

Edmonton

Goose Bay

Operational
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 24

Chile Santiago CHMCC Operational Easter Island

Punta Arenas

Santiago

Operational MRCC Chile

China Beijing CNMCC Operational Beijing Operational

France Toulouse FMCC Operational Toulouse Operational MRCC Gris Nez

MRCC La Gard

Hong Kong Hong Kong HKMCC Operational Hong Kong Operational MRCC Hong Ko

India Bangalore INMCC Operational Bangalore

Lucknow

Operational

Indonesia Jakarta IDMCC Operational Jakarta Operational RCC I; Soekarta

Airport, Jakarta

RCC II; Djuand

Airport, Surayba

RCC III; Hasanu

Airport, Ujung P

RCC IV; Frans K

Airport, Biak

Italy Bari ITMCC Operational Bari Operational MRCC Roma

ITDC1 Taipei TAMCC Operational Chi-lung

(Keelung)

Operational

Japan Tokyo JAMCC Operational Yokohama Operational RCC Otaru

RCC Shiogama

RCC Yokohama

RCC Nagoya

RCC Kobe

RCC Hiroshima

RCC Kitakyushu

RCC Maizuru

RCC Niigata

RCC Kagoshima

RCC Naha

Republic of

Korea

Taejon KOMCC Operational Taejon Operational RCC Inchon

RCC Kimpo

New

Zealand

Canberra2 AUMCC Operational Wellington Operational RCC Lower Hut

Nigeria Abuja NIMCC Under

development

Abuja Under

development

Norway Bodø NMCC Operational Tromso

Spitzbergen

Operational MRCC Bodø

MRCC Stavange

Pakistan Lahore PAMCC Under

development

Lahore Operational CAA Lahore

MSA Karachi

LIST OF COSPAS-SARSAT MCCs AND LEOLUTs

(Extracted from ANNEX 10 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

Country

MCC LEOLUT

Location Designator Status Location Status Associated R
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 25

Peru Callao PEMCC Operational Callao Operational MRCC Callao

Russian

Federation

Moscow CMC Operational Arkhangelsk Operational

Moscow3 Not

operational

Nakhodka Operational

Saudi

Arabia

Jiddah SAMCC Operational Jiddah Operational RCC Jiddah

Singapore Singapore SIMCC Operational Singapore Operational Singapore Port

Operations Contro

Center

South

Africa

Cape Town ASMCC Operational Cape Town Operational

Spain Maspalomas SPMCC Operational Maspalomas Operational RCC Madrid

RCC Baleares

RCC Canarias

Thailand Bangkok THMCC Operational Bangkok Under

development

RCC Bangkok

United

Kingdom

Kinloss UKMCC Operational Combe Martin Operational MRCC Falmouth

ARCC Kinloss

United

States

Suitland USMCC Operational Alaska

California

Guam

Hawaii

Puerto Rico

Texas

Operational RCC Boston

RCC Norfolk

RCC Miami

RCC New Orleans

RSC San Juan

RCC Cleveland

RCC Seattle

RCC Honolulu

RSC Guam

RCC Juneau

RCC Alameda

Langley AFB, VA

Ft Richardson, AK

Vietnam VNMCC Haiphong Under

development

Haiphong Under

development

MRCC Vietnam

Notes:

1The International Telecommunication Development Corporation.

2 The NZ LUT is directly connected to the Australian MCC (AUMCC).

3 Out of operation from 15 October 2001 due to relocation.

LIST OF COSPAS-SARSAT MCCs AND LEOLUTs

(Extracted from ANNEX 10 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

Country

MCC LEOLUT

Location Designator Status Location Status Associated RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 26

LIST OF COSPAS-SARSAT GEOLUTs

(Extracted from ANNEX 10 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

Country

GEOLUT

Location Status

Argentina Ezeiza In operation, commissioned

Brazil Brasilia

Recife

In operation, commissioned

In operation, commissioned

Canada Trenton (1)

Trenton (2)

In operation, commissioned

In operation, commissioned

Chile Santiago In operation, commissioned

France Toulouse In operation1

India Bangalore In operation1

New Zealand Wellington (1)

Wellington (2)

In operation, commissioned

Under development

Spain Maspalomas (1)

Maspalomas (2)

In operation, commissioned

Under development

United Kingdom Combe Martin In operation, commissioned

Notes:

1 GEOLUTs have not been commissioned, however, alert data are used

operationally.
4 - 27

Cospas-Sarsat LEOLUTs - white area: 406 & 121.5 MHz coverage; gray: only 406 MHz coverage
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 28

400G. Global Maritime Distress and Safety

System (GMDSS)

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

(GMDSS) represents a significant improvement in marine

safety over the previous system of short range and high seas

radio transmissions. Its many parts include satellite as well as

advanced terrestrial communications systems. Operational

service of the GMDSS began on 1 February 1992, with full

implementation achieved on 1 February 1999.

The GMDSS was adopted by amendments in 1988 by

the Conference of Contracting Governments to the

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

(SOLAS), 1974. The GMDSS offers the greatest

advancement in maritime safety since the enactment of

regulations following the Titanic disaster in 1912. It is an

automated ship-to-ship, shore-to-ship and ship-to-shore

system covering distress alerting and relay, the provision of

Maritime Safety Information (MSI) and basic

communication links. Satellite and advanced terrestrial

systems are incorporated into a modern communications

network to promote and improve safety of life and property

at sea throughout the world. The equipment required on

board ships will depend not on their tonnage, but rather on

the sea area in which the vessel operates. This is

fundamentally different from the previous system, which

based requirements on vessel size alone. The greatest

benefit of the GMDSS is that it vastly reduces the chances

of ships sinking without a trace and enables search and

rescue (SAR) operations to be launched without delay.

SHIP CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS: By the terms of

the SOLAS Convention, the GMDSS provisions apply to

cargo ships of 300 gross tons and over and ships carrying

more than 12 passengers on international voyages. Unlike

previous shipboard carriage regulations that specified

equipment according to size of vessel, the GMDSS

carriage requirements stipulate equipment according to the

area the vessel operates in. These areas are designated as

follows:

– Sea Area A1 - An area within the radiotelephone

coverage of at least one VHF coast station in which

continuous Digital Selective Calling (DSC - a radio

receiver that performs distress alerting and safety calling

on HF, MF and VHF frequencies) is available, as may be

defined by a Contracting Government to the 1974

SOLAS Convention. This area extends from the coast to

about 20 miles offshore.

– Sea Area A2 - An area, excluding sea area A1, within the

radiotelephone coverage of at least one MF coast station

in which continuous DSC alerting is available, as may be

defined by a Contracting Government. The general area

is from the A1 limit out to about 100 miles offshore.

– Sea Area A3 - An area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2,

within the coverage of an Inmarsat geostationary satellite

in which continuous alerting is available. This area is

from about 70 ̊N to 70 ̊S.

– Sea Area A4 - All areas outside sea areas A1, A2 and

A3. This area includes the polar regions, where

geostationary satellite coverage is not available.

The GMDSS rules are found in subpart W of 

(Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Part 80). C

requirements for GMDSS radio equipment 

summarized as follows:

– Sea Area A1 ships will carry VHF equipment an

a satellite or VHF EPIRB.

– Sea Area A2 ships will carry VHF and MF equ

and a satellite EPIRB.

– Sea Area A3 ships will carry VHF, MF, a satellite 

and either HF or satellite communication equipm

– Sea Area A4 ships will carry VHF, MF a

equipment and a satellite EPIRB.

– All ships will carry equipment for receivin

broadcasts and equipment for survival craft.

Ships at sea must be capable of the following fu

GMDSS requirements:

– Ship-to-shore distress alerting (by two inde

means, each using a different communication ser

– Shore-to-ship distress alerting.

– Ship-to-ship distress alerting.

– SAR coordination.

– On-scene communications.

– Transmission and receipt of emergency locating s

– Transmission and receipt of MSI.

– General radio communications.

– Bridge-to-bridge communications.

To meet the requirements of the functional area

the following is a list of the minimum commun

equipment needed for all ships:

– VHF radio capable of transmitting and receiving 

channel 70 and radiotelephony on channels 6, 13, 

– Radio receiver capable of maintaining a continuo

watch on VHF channel 70.

– Search and rescue transponders (SART) (two o

passenger vessel and cargo vessels of 500 gross t

over and at least one on every cargo vessel 300 gr

and over but less than 500 gross tons) operating 

GHz band.

– Receiver capable of receiving NAVTEX bro

anywhere NAVTEX service is available.

– Receiver capable of receiving either SafetyNET 

NBDP (if service is provided) anywhere NAVTE

available.

– Satellite EPIRB capable of being activated man

float-free self-activated.

– Two-way hand held VHF radios (two sets minim

300-500 gross tons cargo vessels and three sets m

on cargo vessels of 500 gross tons and upward an

passenger ships).

Additionally, each sea area has its own requi

under GMDSS which are as follows:

– Sea Area A1:

Vessels that operate only in Sea Area A1 must m

above requirements for all ships and the followin

– 1. General VHF radiotelephone capability.

– 2. Capability of initiating a distress alert 

navigational position by using either:

– (a) VHF DSC; or

– (b) Category I 406 MHz EPIRB (this requ

may be met by either installing the 40
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 29

EPIRB required for all ships near the navigational

position or by having remote activation

capability); or

– (c) MF DSC; or

– (d) HF DSC; or

– (e) an Inmarsat Ship Earth Station (SES).

– Sea Areas A1 and A2:

Vessels that operate in Sea Areas A1 and A2 must meet

the above requirements for all ships and the following:

– 1. An MF radio installation capable of distress and

safety communications from a navigational position

on:

– (a) 2187.5 kHz using DSC; and

– (b) 2187.5 kHz using radiotelephony.

– 2. Equipment capable of maintaining a continuous

DSC watch on 2187.5 kHz (may be combined with

MF installation in paragraph (1)(a) of this section, but

must have separate receiver).

– 3. Capability of initiating a distress alert from a

navigational position by using either:

– (a) Category I 406 MHz EPIRB (this requirement

may be met by installing the 406 MHz EPIRB

near the navigational position or by having remote

activation capability); or

– (b) HF DSC; or

– (c) an Inmarsat SES.

– 4. Capability of transmitting and receiving general

radio communications using radiotelephony or

direct-printing telegraphy by either:

– (a) an MF or HF radio installation operating on

working frequencies in the bands 1605-4000 kHz,

or 4000-27500 kHz (this capability may be added

to the MF installation in paragraph (1) of this

section); or

– (b) an Inmarsat SES.

– Sea Areas A1, A2 and A3:

Vessels that operate in Sea Areas A1, A2 and A3 must

meet the above requirements for all ships and either,

paragraphs (1) - (4) or (5) - (8) of the following:

– 1. An Inmarsat SES capable of:

– (a) transmitting and receiving distress and safety

communications by means of direct-printing

telegraphy;

– (b) transmitting and receiving distress priority

calls;

– (c) maintaining watch for shore-to-ship distress

alerts including those directed to specifically

defined geographical areas;

– (d) transmitting and receiving general radio

communications using either radiotelephony or

direct-printing telegraphy.

– 2. An MF radio installation capable of distress and

safety communications on:

– (a) 2187.5 kHz using DSC;

– (b) 2187.5 kHz using radiotelephony.

– 3. Equipment capable of maintaining a continuous

DSC watch on 2187.5 kHz (may be combined with

MF installation in paragraph (2)(a) of this section, but

must have separate receiver).

– 4. Capability of initiating a distress alert by eit

the following:

– (a) Category I 406 MHz EPIRB (this requir

may be met by installing the 406 MHz E

near the navigational position or by having r

activation capability); or

– (b) HF DSC; or

– (c) an Inmarsat SES.

– 5. An MF/HF radio installation capable of transm

and receiving on all distress and safety frequenc

the bands between 1605-27500 kHz using 

radiotelephony, and narrow-band direct-pr

telegraphy.

– 6. Equipment capable of maintaining DSC wat

2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz and on at least one 

distress and safety DSC frequencies 4207.5 kHz

kHz, 12577 kHz, or 16804.5 kHz, although it m

possible to select any of these DSC distress and 

frequencies at any time (the watch-maint

receiver may be separate from or combined wi

MF/HF installation in paragraph (5) of this sectio

– 7. Capability of initiating a distress alert by eit

the following:

– (a) Category I 406 MHz EPIRB (this requir

may be met by installing the 406 MHz E

near the navigational position or by having r

activation capability); or

– (b) a separate Inmarsat SES.

– 8. Capability of transmitting and receiving g

radio communications using radiotelephon

direct-printing telegraphy by an MF/HF 

installation operating on working frequencies 

bands 1605-4000 kHz and 4000-27500 kHz 

capability may be added to the MF/HF installat

paragraph (5) of this section).

NOTE: It must be possible to initiate transmissi

distress alerts by the radio installations specifi

paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (5), and (7) of this section 

the position from which the ship is normally naviga

– Sea Areas A1, A2, A3 and A4:

Vessels that operate in Sea Areas A1, A2, A3 an

must meet the above requirements for all ships an

following:

– 1. An MF/HF radio installation capable of transm

and receiving on all distress and safety frequenc

the bands between 1605-27500 kHz using 

radiotelephony, and narrow-band direct-pr

telegraphy.

– 2. Equipment capable of maintaining DSC wat

2187.5 kHz, 8414.5 kHz and on at least one 

distress and safety DSC frequencies 4207.5 kHz

kHz, 12577 kHz, or 16804.5 kHz, although it m

possible to select any of these DSC distress and 

frequencies at any time (the watch-maint

receiver may be separate from or combined wi

MF/HF installation in paragraph (1) of this sectio

– 3. Capability of initiating a distress alert by both 

following:

– (a) Category I 406 MHz EPIRB (this requir

may be met by installing the 406 MHz E
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 30

near the navigational position or by having remote

activation capability); and

– (b) the MF/HF installation using DSC on any of

the above DSC distress alerting frequencies. It

must be possible to initiate the distress alert by

this means from the position from which the ship

is normally navigated.

– 4. Capability of transmitting and receiving general

radio communications using radiotelephony and

direct-printing telegraphy by an MF/HF radio

installation operating on working frequencies in the

bands 1605-4000 kHz and 4000-27500 kHz (this

capability may be added to the MF/HF installation in

paragraph (1) of this section).

GMDSS information, provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Navigation Center, is internet accessible through the World

Wide Web at:

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/default.htm

The information available includes worldwide NAVTEX

and Inmarsat SafetyNET schedules, U.S. NAVTEX service

areas, U.S. SAR areas, status of shore-side

implementation, regulatory information, NAVAREA chart,

HF narrow band direct printing and radiotelephone

channels used for distress and safety calling, information

on GMDSS coast stations, AMVER and International Ice

Patrol information, information concerning radiofacsimile

and other maritime safety broadcasts, and digital selective

calling information.

400H. The Inmarsat System

Inmarsat, a limited private company of more than 600

partners worldwide, is an important element within

GMDSS providing maritime safety communications for

ships at sea. In accordance with its convention, Inmarsat

provides the space segment necessary for improving

distress communications, efficiency and management of

ships, and maritime correspondence services.

The basic components of the Inmarsat system include

the Inmarsat space segment, Land Earth Stations (LESs),

and mobile Ship Earth Stations (SESs).

The Inmarsat space segment is comprised of four

communications satellites in geostationary orbit that

provide primary coverage. Five additional satellites in orbit

serve as spares.

The higher polar regions are not visible to the

operational satellites and coverage is available between

70 ̊N and 70 ̊S. Satellite coverage is divided into four

ocean regions, which are:

– Atlantic Ocean Region - East (AOR-E).

– Atlantic Ocean Region - West (AOR -W).

– Pacific Ocean Region (POR).

– Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

The LESs provide the interface between the satellite

network and the public switched telephone network

(PSTN), public data network (PDN), and various private

line services. These networks link registered information

providers to the LES. The data then travels from the LES to

the Inmarsat Network Coordination Station (NCS) and

then down to the SESs on ships at sea. Commun

between the LES and the Inmarsat satellite are i

GHz band (C-band). The satellite routes ship t

traffic to the LES in the 4 GHz band (C-band). Th

provide two-way communications between ship an

Communications between the SES and the satellit

the 1.6 GHz band (L-band), while the satellite rout

to ship traffic to the SES in the 1.5 GHz band (L-ba

Inmarsat provides four satellite commun

systems:

– Inmarsat-A, the original Inmarsat system, opera

transfer rate of up to 9600 bits per second and p

two-way direct-dial phone, telex, facsimile 

electronic mail and data communications. A

Inmarsat-A is approved for fitting in ships as part 

GMDSS equipment, it is not mandatory and d

contribute any unique functionality that is n

provided by other equipment in the full GMDS

NOTE: The scheduled withdrawal of Inm

services will take effect on 31 December 2007.

– The Inmarsat-B system also provides t

direct-dial phone, telex, fax and data communica

a transfer rate of up to 9600 bits per second, b

digital technology to provide high quality, relia

cost effective communication services.

– Inmarsat-C provides a store and forward data me

capability (but no voice) at 600 bits per second

qualified by the IMO to comply with the G

requirements for receiving MSI data on boar

Various equipment manufacturers produce this 

SES, which is small, lightweight, and util

omnidirectional antenna.

– Inmarsat Fleet F77 is a fully integrated 

communication service incorporating voice an

applications. It meets the latest distress and 

requirements, as specified in IMO Resolution 

(21), for voice pre-emption and prioritization wi

GMDSS. Inmarsat Fleet F77 recognizes four le

priority:

– distress,

– urgency,

– safety, and

– other routine communications

and provides access to emergency communica

both ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship directio

distress, urgency and safety traffic originated by R

other SAR authorities.

NOTE: Inmarsat-A and -B terminals are used fo

and high speed data capability. These terminals m

used in conjunction with a SafetyNET receiver 

Inmarsat-C transceiver. The Inmarsat-C/A and -C/

preferred combination for the following reasons:

– A satellite-option vessel must have a transmit ca

on either Inmarsat-C/A or -C/B. If the ve

Inmarsat-A or -B equipped, then the Inmarsat-C p

redundancy.

– The USCG and the National Weather Service 

encourage vessels which participate in the vo

AMVER position reporting and weather ob

programs to equip with Inmarsat-C since i
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 31

reporting capability enables a much less costly report

than does the Inmarsat-A or -B, or HF radioteletype

formats. These voluntary ship reports will be accepted by

the government at no cost to the ship. The data reporting

service is also available at very low cost for other brief

reports which can be compressed to 32 bytes of data or

less.

– Redundancy in selective equipment is not only very

desirable but, under GMDSS rules, gives the vessel

greater options in how GMDSS equipment is

maintained. Ship owners/operators must generally

provide shore-based maintenance, onboard maintenance,

and limited equipment duplication.

– Vessels are tracked automatically when a navigation

receiver is connected to an Inmarsat terminal by

programming an automatic transmission of ship position

at specified times or by random polling from shore. This

is done with the owner/operator’s permission. When a

navigation receiver is available, it should be connected to

the Inmarsat-C, since the Coast Guard distress alerts are

broadcast to all ships within a specified distance from a

distress scene. The Inmarsat-C processor will print the

alert if the ship’s position is within the specified area.

Alternatively, the ship’s position must be entered

manually every four hours to facilitate this safety service.

If a ship will accommodate an Inmarsat-C or

SafetyNET receiver in addition to an Inmarsat-A or -B

receiver, the separate omnidirectional antenna should be

used rather than the stabilized, tracking antenna of the

Inmarsat-A or -B. The reason for this is to have a

completely separate system in case of an Inmarsat-A or -B

antenna failure. There is also a primary designated satellite

for SafetyNET broadcasts in each of 16 NAVAREAs

worldwide, and the Inmarsat-C should guard that

designated satellite when in areas of overlapping coverage

(i.e., the Inmarsat-C can track the satellite designated for

MSI broadcasts and the Inmarsat-A or -B can track the

other satellite, if preferred). Ships with both Inmarsat -A/B

and -C terminals should designate one as the primary

GMDSS terminal. In most cases the Inmarsat-C will be

selected to minimize the emergency power requirements.

INMARSAT SERVICES: Enhanced Group Call (EGC)

is a message broadcast service within the Inmarsat-C

Communications System. It allows terrestrial registered

information providers to pass messages or data to mobile

Enhanced Group Call (EGC) receivers, class 2 or class 3

SESs, or Inmarsat-A and Inmarsat-B SESs equipped with

EGC receivers. EGC messages are sent to the LES by

registered shore-based information providers using

terrestrial facilities, such as Telex. The messages are

processed at the LES and forwarded to a Network

Coordination Station (NCS) which transmits them on an

NCS common channel. There are two basic services

offered by EGC: SafetyNET and FleetNET. SafetyNET is

a service provided primarily for the dissemination of MSI,

such as ship to shore distress alerts, weather forecasts, and

coastal warnings. FleetNET is a commercial

communication service which allows registered terrestrial

information providers to send messages to predefined

groups of subscribers (see EGC Receiver Addressing).

INMARSAT SES CAPABILITY: An EGC recei

defined as a single channel receiver with a ded

message processor. SES classes 2 and 3 provide an 

capability in addition to shore to ship and ship to 

messaging capabilities. The mandatory capabilities 

EGC receiver are defined as:

– Continuous reception of an NCS common channe

processing the information according to EGC proto

– Automatic recognition of messages directed to a 

geographic area, and service codes as selected b

receiver operator.

Additional optional capabilities are required fo

reception of FleetNET:

– Automatic recognition of uniquely addressed me

directed to a particular receiver.

– Automatic recognition of messages directed to a gr

which the receiver operator subscribes.

– Automatic response to group ID updates directed t

EGC receiver, adding or deleting group ID

commanded.

The EGC receiver shall be capable of being tuned 

channel in the band 1530.0 MHz to 1545.0 MH

increments of 5 kHz. The EGC receiver shall be equ

with facilities for storing up to 20 NCS channel num

Four of these will be permanently assigned global 

frequencies, which are:

These four numbers shall be stored in ROM and sh

be alterable. The remaining list of NCS Common Ch

Frequencies (approximately 16 valid) will be publish

Inmarsat and assigned as expansion common cha

These shall be held in non-volatile but alterable st

and be capable of operator alteration in the even

Inmarsat decides to update the frequency plan by a

deleting, or changing allocations.

MESSAGE PROCESSING: Message processing w

based on the header field. For messages with a d

header, the two packets must be regarded as a 

message and will not be printed until completely rec

even in the case of multipacket messages. Acceptan

rejection of service code-types shall be under op

control with the following exceptions:

– Receivers shall always receive navigational war

meteorological warnings, SAR information, 

shore-to-ship distress alerts (which are directed b

geographical area within which the receiv

positioned).

– Unique and group identities shall not be programm

EGC RECEIVER ADDRESSING: The five 

methods of addressing EGC receivers are:

– All ships call - urgent marine information.

– Inmarsat System message addressing - re

messages according to type and priority.

NCS NCS Common Channel

Channel No.

Frequen

AOR-W 11080 1537.7 MH

AOR-E 12580 1541.45 M

POR 12580 1541.45 M

IOR 10840 1537.1 MH
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 32
4 - 33

COVERAGE OF INMARSAT SATELLITES IN RELATION TO THE EXISTING NAV/MET AREAS
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 34

– Group addressing - FleetNET, group ID stored within

receiver, which is accessible only by RF path.

– Unique addressing - FleetNET, allocated by Inmarsat.

– Geographic addressing - messages sent by ship’s

position.

NOTE: The type of address used in the header of an

EGC packet is uniquely determined by the service code

field.

Both FleetNET and SafetyNET services make use of a

flexible addressing technique to allow the reception of

messages from a variety of service providers depending on

the particular requirements of the user. The SafetyNET

service utilizes geographic area addressing technique to

direct messages to ships within a defined boundary.

The FleetNET service employs closer user group and

unique receiver addressing to provide secure transmission

of a message from the registered terrestrial information

provider to the desired recipient(s) (See sec. 400I.).

MESSAGE SEQUENCING: All messages will be

transmitted with a unique sequence number and originating

LES ID. Each subsequent transmission of the message will

contain the original sequence number. When a message has

been received error-free and a permanent record made, the

unique 16 bit sequence number, the LES ID, and the

service code field associated with that message are stored

in memory and the information used to inhibit the printing

of repeated transmissions of the same message. The EGC

receiver should be capable of internally storing at least 255

such message identifications. These message

identifications should be stored with an indication of the

number of hours that have elapsed since the message was

received. Subsequent reception of the same message

identification shall reset the timer. After between 60 and 72

hours, message identifications may automatically erase. If

the number of received message identifications exceeds the

capacity of memory allocated for the store, the oldest

message identification may be erased.

TEXT PARAMETERS: For the EGC service, the

International Reference Version of the International

Alphabet, as defined in the Consultative Committee on

International Telephony and Telegraphy (CCITT) Red

Book Rec. T.50, is used. Characters are coded as eight bits

using odd parity. Other character sets according to

International Standards Organization (ISO) 2022 or

CCITT Red Book Rec. T.61 are used optionally for certain

services. Inmarsat recommends that EGC equipment

capable of receiving messages composed using

International Telegraph Alphabet No. 2 do not make use of

national options for Numbers 6, 7, and 8 in figure case to

avoid varying interpretations in the Inmarsat-C System.

ERROR DETECTION: The EGC message will employ

three levels of error detection:

– An arithmetic checksum is used to detect packet errors.

– An arithmetic checksum is used to detect header errors.

– Parity checking is used to indicate character errors in the

information field.

Only packets with header fields received without error

shall be processed for local message recording (even if the

packet itself contains an error). In the case of double

header messages the message may be processed (even if

one header has been received correctly). A parity c

all incoming characters shall be performed, and 

event of a parity error in a received character, th

line” character shall be displayed and/or printed. 

for multi-packet messages which have been r

incomplete should provide a positive indication 

position of the missed packet(s). Subsequent recep

messages printed with mutilated characters shall be 

again until received error-free.

DISTRESS PRIORITY MESSAGES: Receipt of 

distress or urgency priority message will cause the 

to give an audible alarm. Provision shall be made to 

this alarm to the station from which the ship is n

navigated or other remote stations. This alarm sh

reset in manual mode only.

MESSAGE OUTPUT: Inmarsat recommends 

EGC receiver have a printer. The display or pr

fitted, must be capable of presenting at least 40 ch

per line of text. The EGC receiver should ensure 

word cannot be accommodated in full on its line, it 

transferred to the next line. Where a printer is fitted

low paper audible alarm should be installed 

advance warning of a low paper condition. Thi

should be of a different pitch/tone so as not to conf

alarm with that of the distress alarm. All Saf

messages shall be annotated with the time (UTC) a

received. This information shall be displayed or 

with the message.

NOTE: The time can be deduced from the frame 

OPERATOR CONTROLS: The following 

functions and displays shall be provided as a m

indication of EGC carrier frame synchronization (o

synchronization):

– Selection of an EGC carrier frequency.

– Means of inputting ship’s position, current NAV

or current NAVTEX service coverage area.

Receivers shall be fitted with the operator con

allow the operator to select the desired geographic a

message categories as previously described (se

INMARSAT SYSTEM, INMARSAT SES CAPAB

and EGC RECEIVER ADDRESSING).

NAVIGATIONAL INTERFACE: In order 

receiver’s position be automatically update

geographically addressed messages, SOLAS requi

Inmarsat-C equipment have an integral navigation 

or be externally connected to a satellite navigation r

A suggested standard interface is National 

Electronics Association (NMEA) 0183 Stand

Interfacing Electronic Marine Navigational Device

400I. The SafetyNET System

SafetyNET is a service of Inmarsat-C’s Enhanced 

Call (EGC) system. The EGC system is a method 

specifically address particular regions or ships. Its 

addressing capabilities allow messages to be sen

vessels in both fixed geographical areas 

predetermined groups of ships. SafetyNET is the 

designated by the IMO through which ships 

Maritime Safety Information.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 35

SafetyNET is an international direct-printing

satellite-based service for the promulgation of navigational

and meteorological warnings, distress alerts, forecasts, and

other safety messages. It fulfills an integral role in GMDSS

as developed by the IMO. The ability to receive SafetyNET

service information will be generally necessary for all

ships that sail beyond coverage of NAVTEX

(approximately 200 miles offshore) and is recommended to

all administrations having the responsibility for marine

affairs and mariners who require effective MSI service in

waters not served by NAVTEX.

SafetyNET can direct a message to a given geographic

area based on EGC addressing. The area may be fixed, as

in the case of a NAVAREA or weather forecast area, or it

may be uniquely defined by the originator. This is

particularly useful for messages such as local storm

warnings or a shore-to-ship distress alerts for which it

would be inappropriate to alert ships in an entire ocean

region.

SafetyNET messages can be originated by a Registered

Information Provider anywhere in the world and broadcast

to the appropriate ocean area through an Inmarsat-C LES.

Messages are broadcast according to their priority

(Distress, Urgency, Safety, or Routine).

Virtually all navigable waters of the world are covered

by the operational satellites in the Inmarsat System. Each

satellite broadcasts EGC traffic on a designated channel.

Any ship sailing within the coverage area of an Inmarsat

satellite will be able to receive all the SafetyNET messages

broadcast over this channel. The EGC channel is optimized

to enable the signal to be monitored by SESs that are

dedicated to the reception of EGC messages. This

capability can be built into other standard SESs. It is a

feature of satellite communications that reception is not

generally affected by the position of the ship within the

ocean region, atmospheric conditions, or time of the day.

Messages can be transmitted either to geographic areas

(area calls) or to groups of ships (group calls):

– Area calls can be to a fixed geographic area, such as one

of the 16 NAVAREAs, or to a temporary geographic area

selected by the originator. Area calls will be received

automatically by any ship whose receiver has been set to

one or more fixed areas or recognizes a temporary area

by geographic position.

– Group calls will be received automatically by any ship

whose receiver acknowledges the unique group identity

associated with a particular message.

Reliable delivery of messages is ensured by forward

error correction techniques. Experience has demonstrated

that the transmission link is generally error-free and low

error reception is achieved under normal circumstances.

Given the vast ocean coverage by satellite, some form of

discrimination and selectivity in printing the various

messages is required. Area calls will be received by all

ships within the ocean region coverage of the satellite;

however, they will be printed only by those receivers that

recognize the fixed area or the geographic position in the

message. The message format includes a preamble that

enables the microprocessor in a ship’s receiver to decide to

print those MSI messages that relate to the present

position, intended route, or a fixed area programmed 

operator (See sec. 400H: THE INMARSAT SYS

OPERATOR CONTROLS.). This preamble also a

suppression of certain types of MSI that are not relev

a particular ship. As each message will also have a u

identity, the reprinting of messages already rec

correctly is automatically suppressed.

MSI is promulgated by various information pro

around the world. Messages for transmission throug

SafetyNET service will, in many cases, be the res

coordination between authorities. Information pro

will be authorized to broadcast through SafetyNE

IMO. Authorized information providers are:

– National hydrographic offices for navigational war

– National weather services for meteorological wa

and forecasts.

– RCCs for shore-to-ship distress alerts and other u

information.

– International Ice Patrol for North Atlantic ice hazar

Each information provider prepares their Safet

messages with certain characteristics recognized b

EGC service. These characteristics, known as “C” 

are combined into a generalized message header form

follows: C1:C2:C3:C4:C5. Each “C” code contr

different broadcast criterion and is assigned a num

value according to available options. A sixth “C” 

“C0,” may be used to indicate the ocean region 

AOR-E, AOR-W, POR, IOR) when sending a mess

an LES that operates in more than one ocean r

Because errors in the header format of a message 

prevent its being released, MSI providers must inst

Inmarsat SafetyNET receiver to monitor the broadc

originates. This also ensures quality control.

The “C” codes are transparent to the mariner b

used by information providers to identify v

transmitting parameters. C1 designates the me

priority from distress to urgency, safety, and routine

messages will always be at least at the safety level. 

the service code or type of message (for example

range NAVAREA warning or coastal NAVTEX war

It also tells the receiver the length of the address (t

code) it will need to decode. C3 is the is the address 

It can be the two digit code for the NAVAREA numb

instance, or a 10 digit number to indicate a circular ar

a meteorological warning. C4 is the repetition cod

instructs the LES in how long and when to sen

message to the NCS for actual broadcast. A six m

echo (repeat) may also be used to ensure that an ur

(unscheduled) message has been received by all 

affected. C5 is a constant and represents a presen

code, International Alphabet number 5, “00.”

Broadcasts of MSI in the international Safet

service are in English. The different types of 

broadcast over the SafetyNET service include:

– Coastal warnings (broadcast to areas where NAV

MSI is not provided):

– Navigational and meteorological warnings;

– Ice reports;

– Search and rescue information;
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 36
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 37

STATUS OF MARITME SAFETY INFORMATION BROADCASTS

INTERNATIONAL SafetyNET SERVICE

NAVAREA/

METAREA

NAV

WARNINGS

MET

FORECASTS &

WARNINGS

SAR

ALERTS

OCEAN REGION

FOR SCHEDULED

BROADCASTS

I (UK) X X X AOR-E

II (France) X X X AOR-E + AOR-W

III (Spain/Greece) X X X AOR-E

IV (USA) X X X AOR-W

V (Brazil) X X X AOR-E

VI (Argentina) X X X AOR-W

VII (South Africa) X X X AOR-E + IOR

VIII (India/Mauritius/La Reunion) X X (Note 3) X IOR

IX (Pakistan) X X X IOR

X (Australia) X X X IOR + POR

XI (Japan/China) X X X IOR + POR

XII (USA) X X X POR + AOR-W

XIII (Russian Federation) X X X POR

XIV (New Zealand) X X X POR

XV (Chile) X X X AOR-W

XVI (Peru/USA) X X X AOR-W

Notes:

1. X = Full Service now available

2. IMO has decided that routine broadcasts of navigational warnings and meteorological forecasts will be made at

scheduled times over a single nominated satellite for each NAVAREA/METAREA. Unscheduled broadcasts of

SAR Alert Relays and severe weather warnings will be made over all satellites which serve the area concerned. See

the Inmarsat Maritime Communications Handbook for further guidance.

3. India provides meteorological forecasts and warnings for METAREA VIII north of the equator through LES

Arvi (IOR). Mauritius/La Reunion provide meteorological forecasts and warnings for METAREA VIII south of the

equator through LES Burum, Station 12 (IOR).
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 38

– Meteorological forecasts;

– Pilot service messages;

– DECCA, LORAN and SATNAV system messages;

– Other electronic navaid messages;

– Additional navigational messages.

– Meteorological and NAVAREA warnings and

meteorological forecasts to ships within specified

NAVAREAs/METAREAs.

– Search and rescue coordination to fixed areas.

– Search and rescue coordination to ships within specified

circular areas.

– Urgency messages, meteorological and navigational

warnings to ships within specified circular areas.

– Shore-to-ship distress alerts to ships within specified

circular areas.

– Urgency messages and navigational warnings to ships

within specified rectangular.

MSI messages are generally broadcast with a key word

in their header indicating the priority of the message, i.e.,

Distress or MAYDAY for Priority 3, URGENCY or PAN

PAN for Priority 2, and SAFETY or SECURITE for

Priority 1.

In order to avoid excessive duplication of MSI

broadcasts, the IMO has authorized the following

arrangements:

– For a given NAVAREA/METAREA which is covered by

more than one ocean region satellite, scheduled

broadcasts of MSI, such as navigational warnings and

meteorological information, are made only through a

single nominated satellite/ocean region.

– For a NAVAREA/METAREA which is covered by more

than one ocean region satellite, unscheduled broadcasts

of MSI, such as gale warnings and distress alert relays,

are made through all satellites/ocean regions which cover

the area concerned.

SOLAS-compliant vessels must meet the following

requirements for receiving MSI broadcasts:

– Watch-keeping - every ship, while at sea, shall maintain

a radio watch for broadcasts of Maritime Safety

Information on the appropriate frequency or frequencies

on which such information is broadcast for the area in

which the ship is navigating.

– Logging messages - a written record shall be kept in the

radio log of the time and identity of all safety messages

received. A printed copy shall be kept of the text of all

distress traffic.

In addition to these mandatory requirements, the IMO

recommends that all current navigational and

meteorological messages be retained on the bridge, for as

long as they are applicable, for the use of the person in

charge of the navigational watch.

It is recommended that the EGC receiver be up

least every four hours with the ship’s position 

following reasons:

– To decide if the receiver should print a message w

has received addressed to a specific geographic a

– To print only messages for the required areas 

ship’s position has not been updated for 12 or 24 

the receiver will automatically print or st

geographically addressed messages within the 

ocean region);

– To ensure that the correct position is given if a 

alert has to be sent.

SOLAS regulations now require that Inm

equipment have an integral satellite navigation rece

be externally connected to a satellite navigation r

i.e., a GPS receiver.

Although an EGC receiver will receive and can 

SafetyNET broadcasts made throughout an entir

region, many messages may not be useful to a sh

those applicable to NAVAREAs beyond the ship’s 

voyage, or those on subjects not relevant to the 

circumstances. Every receiver is supplied with s

that stores the geographical boundaries of the NAVA

it can be programmed to print only essential m

applicable to the current area, in addition to any oth

programmed by the operator, and to reject al

messages. The receiver is unable to reject “al

messages, such as shore-to-ship distress aler

MET/NAV warnings.

Under SOLAS requirements, it is mandatory for 

to receive the following types of SafetyNE

messages:

– Shore-to-ship distress alert relays for the 

NAVAREA;

– Navigational warnings for the current NAVAREA

– Meteorological warnings for the current METAR

If the ship’s EGC receiver does not automaticall

these mandatory message types, the operator must p

the receiver manually.

In addition, the IMO recommends a ship’s EGC 

be programmed to receive the following messages:

– Meteorological forecasts;

– MSI for any other NAVAREAs in which the 

expected to sail.

The transmission schedule for the full GMDSS 

broadcasts of routine weather bulletins (in

warnings) and navigational warnings for the high 

given in Tables I and II for the different ocea

(extracted from ANNEX 8 of the IMO GMDSS 

Plan). The actual ocean region satellites through 

these bulletins and warnings are transmitted a

indicated.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 39

TABLE I - GMDSS TRANSMISSION SCHEDULE FOR INTERNATIONAL SAFETYN

SERVICE BROADCASTS OF ROUTINE WEATHER BULLETINS

NAV/MET

AREA

Issuing

Country

LES Broadcast Schedule

(UTC)

Ocean Re

Satelli

I United Kingdom Goonhilly 0930, 2130 AOR-E

II France Aussaguel 0900, 2100 AOR-E/AO

III Greece1 Thermopylae 1000, 2200 AOR-E

IV United States Southbury 0430, 1030, 1630, 2230 AOR-W

V Brazil Tangua 0730, 1930 AOR-E

VI Argentina Southbury 0230, 1730 AOR-W

VII South Africa Burum 0940, 1940 AOR-E/IO

VIII India Arvi 0900, 1800 (N of 0 ̊) IOR

Mauritius/La Reunion Aussaguel 0130, 1330 (S of 0 ̊)

00003, 06003, 12003, 18003 (S of 0 ̊)

IOR

IX Pakistan Perth 0700 IOR

X Australia Perth 1030, 2330 IOR

1100, 2300

02104, 06454, 13004, 19504 (Bass

Strait)5

0815, 2015 (Northern Territory)6

POR

0800, 2000 (Western Australia)7 IOR

XI China Beijing 0330, 1015, 1530, 2215 IOR

Japan8 Yamaguchi 0230, 0830, 1430, 2030 (N of 0 ̊)

0815, 2015 (S of 0 ̊)

POR

XII United States Southbury/Santa Paula 0545, 1145, 1745, 2345 AOR-W/PO

XIII Russian Federation Eik 0930, 2130 POR

XIV New Zealand Albany (Auckland) 0930, 2130

0130, 1330 (NZ coast only)

0330, 1530 (warnings only)

POR

XV Chile Southbury 1845 AOR-W

XVI United States Southbury 0515, 1115, 1715, 2315 AOR-W

1 Scheduled bulletins and warnings for the western Mediterranean Sea are prepared by France.

2 Forecast for area 30 ̊S-50 ̊S / 50 ̊E-80 ̊E and tropical cyclone warnings are prepared by La Reunion.

3 Tropical Cyclone warnings, if any, issued by La Reunion as unscheduled broadcasts.

4 1 hour earlier during Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time.

5 Coastal warnings and forecasts transmitted only to SafetyNET Coastal Area D in NAVAREA X.

6 Coastal warnings and forecasts transmitted only to SafetyNET Coastal Areas G and H in NAVAREA X.

7 Coastal warnings and forecasts transmitted only to SafetyNET Coastal Areas F and G in NAVAREA X.

8 Scheduled bulletins and warnings for south of the equator prepared by Australia.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 40

TABLE II - GMDSS TRANSMISSION SCHEDULE FOR INTERNATIONAL SAFETYNE

SERVICE BROADCASTS OF NAVAREA WARNINGS

NAV/MET

AREA

Coordinator LES Broadcast Schedule

(UTC)

Ocean Regio

Satellite

I United Kingdom Goonhilly 1730 & as appropriate AOR-E

II France Aussaguel 1630 AOR-E

III Spain Thermopylae 1200, 2400 & on receipt AOR-E

IV United States Southbury 1000, 2200 AOR-W

French Antilles (C1) 0900, 2100

French Guiana (A1)

V Brazil Tangua 0400, 1230 AOR-E

French Guiana (A1) Southbury 0900, 2100

VI Argentina Southbury 0200, 1400 AOR-W

VII South Africa Burum 1940 AOR-E/IOR

La Reunion (D1) Aussaguel 0040, 1240 IOR

Mayotte (V1) 0330, 1530

Kerguelen (K1) 0140, 1340

VIII India Arvi 1000 IOR

La Reunion (D1) Aussaguel 0040, 1240 IOR

Mayotte (V1) 0330, 1530

IX Pakistan Perth 0800 IOR

X Australia Perth 0700, 1900 & on receipt IOR/POR2

New Caledonia (N1) Southbury 0140, 1340 POR

XI Japan Beijing/Yamaguchi 0005, 0805, 1205 IOR/POR

XII United States Southbury/Santa Paula 1030, 2230 AOR-W/POR

XIII Russian Federation Eik 0930, 2130 POR

XIV New Zealand Albany (Auckland) On receipt & every 12 hrs. POR

New Caledonia (N1) Southbury 0140, 1340 POR

Wallis and Futuna (D1) 0030, 1230

French Polynesia (R1) 0250, 1450

XV Chile Southbury 0210, 1410, 2210 AOR-W

XVI Peru Southbury 0519, 1119, 1719, 2319 AOR-W

1 Coastal area code for Coastal Warnings.

2 NAVAREA X Warnings and Australian Coastal Warnings (coastal area codes A to H).
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 41

400J. Inmarsat-C SES Maintenance

The USCG has issued the following Safety Alert

concerning the loss of Inmarsat-C safety messages. This

advisory notifies users of Inmarsat-C Ship Earth Stations

(SESs) that urgent marine information, weather warning

and navigational warning broadcast messages,

distress-related messages, as well as routine messages may

be lost if a printer is not connected to and maintained with

the Inmarsat-C terminal, or if floppy drive maintenance is

not regularly performed on the terminal. Additionally,

certain non-GMDSS-approved software (i.e.,

windows-based software) may freeze up if this

maintenance is not performed.

All GMDSS versions of Inmarsat-C have approved data

terminal equipment (DTE) that interfaces with the user.

DTE generally refers to the computer and screen,

keyboard, and printer (or user interface). These terminals

are required to use only Inmarsat approved hardware and

software. However, users need to understand that proper

usage and housekeeping maintenance of the equipment is

essential to ensure optimum user availability.

To avoid problems, and to ensure that unnecessary and

irrelevant messages are not received, the recommended

operating procedures in the manufacturer’s equipment

operating handbook and the below procedures should be

followed:

MESSAGE/ARCHIVE LOG: All ingoing and outgoing

messages are recorded on a disk in special log files. Each

log file may hold a limited number of messages (limited by

disk size or PC storage capacity). When the free disk space

falls below a certain size, the terminal will display an error

message asking to insert an empty disk. A new

message/archive log file will then be generated on the new

disk.

DISK DIRECTORY: If so configured, ingoing and

outgoing messages (OUT.xxx, IN.xxx, EGC.xxx) can be

stored on a disk (this is different than the message/archive

log), where they can be viewed, erased, printed, and copied

to different directories. On some models the directory

shows the number of files (messages) stored on the

disk/directory and this number is limited to 112 files

(messages) regardless of the free space left. If the disk

already holds 112 messages, you will not be able to store

any more messages. When the disk is full, use the

“erase/delete” command to delete unwanted files and

create free space for new messages.

MESSAGE ROUTING: Check the message routing

option on the terminal. Incoming mail should be routed to

at least one of the output media—disk or printer. Enhanced

Group Call (EGC) SafetyNET messages with Urgency and

Distress priority will be printed out automatically, if a

printer is fitted. EGC SafetyNET messages with Safety

priority can be printed out (user option), otherwise they

will be stored on the disk. EGC FleetNET messages can be

printed out (user option), otherwise they will be stored on

the disk. If the Inmarsat-C is connected to a separate PC, a

path for saving incoming and outgoing mail and EGC

messages should be inserted/specified per the

manufacturer’s handbook.

EGC SAFETYNET SET UP: Ensure that you are l

into the appropriate satellite for the scheduled ma

safety information (MSI) that you wish to re

Otherwise log in to the satellite that broadcasts the M

your required area of operation. Timetables of bro

and nominated satellites can be found in v

national/international publications, such as Pub. 

Radio Navigational Aids (See Tables I and II in sec. 4

the IMO GMDSS Master Plan (GMDSS/Circ.8), 

Admiralty List of Radio Signals, Volume 5. Ensur

your position (Lat/Long) on the SES position scr

valid. Otherwise you will receive and print ALL 

SafetyNET messages broadcast via the satelli

automatic position updating is not available, it is ess

to manually update the position on a regular basi

every 4 hours. Instructions for doing this are i

manufacturer’s handbook.

If properly set up, your SES will automatically r

all relevant NAVAREA/METAREA and other ma

safety information addressed to the area where you 

If you require additional information for adjacent ar

you must program your terminal to receive 

information. Be careful if using the “EGC only” opt

this option is selected, the terminal will, effective

logged out and you will not be able to receive n

messages (mail) on your terminal. Also, if you c

“EGC only,” previous EGC settings may be ignore

the terminal may receive all EGC messages with

ocean region.

If Inmarsat-C is used for communication (not 

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCAD

“black box” terminal), it MUST have a DTE ter

which includes a keyboard, Video Display Unit

printer. Every Inmarsat-C terminal, if properly confi

set up and maintained, will receive all relevant me

addressed to it. These messages will be display

printed out, stored, or both. Improper settings, incl

printer settings, not in accordance with the manufact

instructions, will degrade the performance.

400K. Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is an integral part 

GMDSS used primarily for transmitting distress 

from ships and for transmitting the asso

acknowledgments from coast stations. DSC is a d

calling system which uses frequencies in the MF, 

VHF bands. The advantages of DSC include faster al

capabilities and automatic transmission of inform

such as ship’s identity, time, nature of distress

position. IMO and ITU regulations both require th

DSC-equipped VHF and MF/HF radios be exte

connected to a satellite navigation receiver (i.e., GPS)

connection will ensure that accurate location informa

sent to a RCC if a distress alert is transmitted. 

regulations require that the ship’s navigation posit

entered, either manually or automatically throu

navigation receiver, into all installed DSC equipm

least every four hours while the ship is underway (47 

80.1073).
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 42

Since 1 February 1999, the GMDSS provisions to the

SOLAS Convention require all passenger ships and most

other ships 300 gross tons and over on international

voyages, including all cargo ships, to carry DSC-equipped

radios. A listening watch aboard GMDSS-equipped ships

on 2182 kHz ended on that date. In May 2002, the IMO

decided to postpone cessation of a listening watch aboard

GMDSS-equipped ships on VHF Channel 16 (156.8

MHz). That listening watch had been scheduled to end on

1 February 2005. Once SOLAS vessels are allowed to

disband watchkeeping on VHF radiotelephone , it will not

be possible to initiate radio communications with these

vessels outside the U.S. territorial limit without

DSC-capable radios. The U.S Coast Guard recommends

that VHF, MF and HF radiotelephone equipment carried on

ships should include a DSC capability as a matter of safety.

To achieve this, the FCC requires that all new VHF and

MF/HF maritime radiotelephones type accepted after June

1999 to have at least a basic DSC capability.

The content of a DSC call includes the numerical

address of the station (or stations) to which the call is

transmitted, the self-identification of the transmitting

station, and a message which contains several fields of

information indicating the purpose of the call. Various

types of DSC calls are available in one of four priorities:

Distress, Urgency, Safety or Routine. Routine calls could

indicate that a routine communication, i.e., telephony or

telegraphy, is required; or they could include calls related

to the operation of the ship, e.g., calls to port authorities,

pilots.

A receiving station accepting a DSC call receives a

display or printout of the address, the self-identification of

the transmitting station, and the content of the DSC

message, together with an audible or visual alarm (or both)

for distress and safety related calls. To increase the

probability of a DSC distress call or relay being received, it

is repeated several times. The transmission speed of a DSC

call is 100 baud at MF and HF and 1200 baud at VHF.

Error correction coding is included, involving the

transmission of each character twice, together with an

overall message check character which is to ensure the

technical integrity of the DSC system.

In an effort to reduce the number of DSC relays of

distress alerts on all shipboard DSC equipment, the IMO

has issued COMSAR/Circ.25 (dated 15 March 2001)

which provides new procedures for responding to

VHF/MF and HF distress alerts.

Circ.25 is summarized as follows:

– Distress relays and acknowledgments of all types should

only be sent on the Master’s authority.

– Ships should not acknowledge DSC alerts by sending a

return DSC call; they should acknowledge only by

radiotelephony.

– Ships receiving a DSC distress alert on VHF Ch. 70 or

MF 2187.5 kHz are not permitted to relay the call by

DSC under any circumstances (they may relay by other

means).

– Ships receiving a DSC distress alert on HF should wait

for a period of 5 minutes of manual watchkeeping to

ascertain whether it has been acknowledged by DSC,

radiotelephony or NBDP. If a DSC relay is then 

to be necessary, it should be initiated manually 

the appropriate coast station.

– Ships may only send a distress relay call (distre

on behalf of another vessel), if the followi

conditions both apply:

– the ship in distress is not itself able to transmit 

distress alert, and

– the Master of the ship considers that further 

necessary.

The distress relay call should be addressed to “al

or to the appropriate coast station.

Flow diagrams, which describe the actions to b

aboard ships upon receipt of DSC distress alerts fro

ships, can be found on pgs. 4-51 and 4-53. Th

recommends that these flow diagrams be displayed 

ship’s bridge.

In an effort to manage and reduce the number 

calls on the MF/HF DSC distress and safety freq

the IMO has issued COMSAR/Circ.35 (dated 2

2004), with the following recommendation: to ens

excessive test calls on DSC do not overload the 

live testing on DSC distress and safety frequenci

coast stations should be limited to once a week.

The following DSC Operational Procedures fo

were adapted from Annex 3 of ITU Recomme

M.541-9, Operational Procedures for the use of 

Selective-Calling (DSC) Equipment in the M

Mobile Service. Operating procedures may vary so

among different radios, depending upon radio 

software configuration, and the DSC process

transceiver connection.

1 DISTRESS:

1.1 Transmission of DSC distress alert: A distr

should be transmitted if, in the opinion of the Ma

ship or a person is in distress and requires im

assistance. A DSC distress alert should as far as p

include the ship’s last known position and the t

UTC) when it was valid. The position and the time 

included automatically by the ship’s navi

equipment or may be inserted manually.

The DSC distress alert is transmitted as follows:

– tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel 

kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF (see Note 1 belo

– if time permits, key in or select on the DSC equ

keyboard (in accordance with the DSC equ

manufacturer’s instructions):

– the nature of the distress;

– the ship’s last known position (latitude and lon

– the time (in UTC) the position was valid;

– type of subsequent distress commu

(telephony).

– transmit the DSC distress alert;

– prepare for the subsequent distress traffic by tun

transmitter and the radiotelephony receiver to the 

traffic channel in the same band, i.e., 2182 kHz 

channel 16 on VHF, while waiting for the DSC 

acknowledgment.

NOTE 1: Some maritime MF radiote

transmitters shall be tuned to a frequency 1700 H
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 43

than 2187.5 kHz, i.e., 2185.8 kHz, in order to transmit the

DSC distress alert on 2187.5 kHz.

1.2 Actions on receipt of a distress alert: Ships

receiving a DSC distress alert from another ship should

normally not acknowledge the alert by DSC since

acknowledgment of a DSC distress alert by use of DSC is

normally made by coast stations only. (Ships receiving a

DSC distress alert from another ship should set watch on

an associated radiotelephone distress and safety traffic

frequency and acknowledge the call by radiotelephony. See

also section 6.1.4.).

If a ship station continues to receive a DSC distress alert

on an MF or VHF channel, a DSC acknowledgment should

be transmitted to terminate the call only after consulting

with a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) or a Coast

Station and being directed to do so.

Ships receiving a DSC distress alert from another ship

should also defer the acknowledgment of the distress alert

by radiotelephony for a short interval, if the ship is within

an area covered by one or more coast stations, in order to

give the coast station time to acknowledge the DSC

distress alert first.

Ships receiving a DSC distress alert from another ship

shall:

– watch for the reception of a distress acknowledgment on

the distress channel (2187.5 kHz on MF and channel 70

on VHF);

– prepare for receiving the subsequent distress

communication by tuning the radiotelephony receiver to

the distress traffic frequency in the same band in which

the DSC distress alert was received, i.e., 2182 kHz on

MF, channel 16 on VHF;

– acknowledge the receipt of the distress alert by

transmitting the following by radiotelephony on the

distress traffic frequency in the same band in which the

DSC distress alert was received, i.e., 2182 kHz on MF,

channel 16 on VHF:

– “MAYDAY;”

– the 9-digit identity of the ship in distress, repeated 3

times;

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity or the call sign or other

identification of own ship, repeated 3 times;

– “RECEIVED MAYDAY.”

1.3 Distress traffic: On receipt of a DSC distress

acknowledgment the ship in distress should commence the

distress traffic by radiotelephony on the distress traffic

frequency (2182 kHz on MF, channel 16 on VHF) as

follows:

– “MAYDAY;”

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity and the call sign or other

identification of the ship;

– the ship’s position in latitude and longitude or other

reference to a known geographical location;

– the nature of the distress and assistance wanted;

– any other information which might facilitate the rescue.

1.4 Transmission of a DSC distress relay call: In no

case is a ship permitted to transmit an all ships DSC

distress relay call on receipt of a DSC distress alert on

either VHF or MF channels. If no aural watch is pres

the relative channel (2182 kHz on MF, channel 

VHF), the coast station should be contacted by send

individual DSC distress relay call.

1.4.1 Transmission of a DSC distress relay ca

behalf of someone else: A ship knowing that anothe

is in distress shall transmit a DSC distress relay call i

– the ship in distress is not itself able to transm

distress alert;

– the Master of the ship considers that further h

necessary.

The DSC distress relay call is transmitted as follow

– tune the transmitter to the DSC distress channel (2

kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF);

– select the distress relay call format on the 

equipment;

– key in or select on the DSC equipment keyboard:

– All Ships Call (VHF), Geographic Area Call (M

or the 9-digit identity of the appropriate coast sta

– the 9-digit identity of the ship in distress, if know

– the nature of the distress;

– the latest position of the ship in distress, if know

– the time (in UTC) the position was valid (if know

– type of subsequent distress communi

(telephony).

– transmit the DSC distress relay call;

– prepare for the subsequent distress traffic by tunin

transmitter and the radiotelephony receiver to the d

traffic channel in the same band, i.e., 2182 kHz o

and channel 16 on VHF, while waiting for the 

distress acknowledgment.

1.5 Acknowledgment of a DSC distress relay 

received from a coast station: Coast stations, after h

received and acknowledged a DSC distress alert, m

necessary, retransmit the information received as a 

distress relay call, addressed to all ships (VHF onl

ships in a specific geographical area (MF/HF only)

specific ship.

Ships receiving a distress relay call transmitted 

coast station shall not use DSC to acknowledge th

but should acknowledge the receipt of the ca

radiotelephony on the distress traffic channel in the 

band in which the relay call was received, i.e., 218

on MF, channel 16 on VHF.

Acknowledge the receipt of the distress relay c

transmitting the following by radiotelephony o

distress traffic frequency in the same band in whic

DSC distress relay call was received:

– “MAYDAY RELAY;”

– the 9-digit identity or the call sign or other identifi

of the calling coast station;

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity or call sign or other identificat

own ship;

– “RECEIVED MAYDAY RELAY.”

1.6 Acknowledgment of a DSC distress relay 

received from another ship: Ships receiving a d

relay call from another ship shall follow the 

procedure as for acknowledgment of a distress aler

the procedure given in section 1.2 above.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 44

1.7 Cancellation of an inadvertent distress alert: A

station transmitting an inadvertent distress alert shall

cancel the distress alert using the following procedure:

– 1.7.1 Immediately cancel the distress alert aurally over

the telephony distress traffic channel associated with

each DSC channel on which the “distress alert” was

transmitted.

– 1.7.2 Monitor the telephony distress traffic channel

associated with the DSC channel on which the distress

was transmitted, and respond to any communications

concerning that distress alert as appropriate.

2 URGENCY:

2.1 Transmission of urgency messages: Transmission

of urgency messages shall be carried out in two steps:

– announcement of the urgency message;

– transmission of the urgency message.

The announcement is carried out by transmission of a

DSC urgency call on the DSC distress calling channel

(2187.5 kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF). The urgency

message is transmitted on the distress traffic channel (2182

kHz on MF, channel 16 on VHF). The DSC urgency call

may be addressed to all stations at VHF, or a geographic

area at MF/HF, or to a specific station. The frequency on

which the urgency message will be transmitted shall be

included in the DSC urgency call.

The transmission of an urgency message is thus carried

out as follows:

Announcement:

– tune the transmitter to the DSC distress calling channel

(2187.5 kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF);

– select the appropriate calling format on the DSC

equipment (all ships (VHF only), geographical area

(MF/HF only) or individual);

– key in or select on the DSC equipment keyboard (in

accordance with the DSC equipment manufacturer’s

instructions):

– specific area or 9-digit identity of the specific station,

if appropriate;

– the category of the call (urgency);

– the frequency or channel on which the urgency

message will be transmitted;

– the type of communication in which the urgency

message will be given (radiotelephony).

– transmit the DSC urgency call.

Transmission of the urgency message:

– tune the transmitter to the frequency or channel indicated

in the DSC urgency call;

– transmit the urgency message as follows:

– “PAN PAN,” repeated 3 times;

– “ALL STATIONS” or called station, repeated 3 times;

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity and the call sign or other

identification of own ship;

– the text of the urgency message.

2.2 Reception of an urgency message: Ships receiving

a DSC urgency call announcing an urgency message

addressed to more than one station shall NOT acknowledge

the receipt of the DSC call, but should tune the

radiotelephony receiver to the frequency indicated in the

call and listen to the urgency message.

3 SAFETY:

3.1 Transmission of safety messages: Transmi

safety messages shall be carried out in two steps:

– announcement of the safety message;

– transmission of the safety message.

The announcement is carried out by transmissi

DSC safety call on the DSC distress calling 

(2187.5 kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF). The 

message is normally transmitted on the distress an

traffic channel in the same band in which the DSC 

sent, i.e., 2182 kHz on MF, channel 16 on VHF. T

safety call may be addressed to all ships (VHF only

in a specific geographical area (MF/HF only), 

specific station. The frequency on which the 

message will be transmitted shall be included in t

call.

The transmission of a safety message is thus car

as follows:

Announcement:

– tune the transmitter to the DSC distress calling 

(2187.5 kHz on MF, channel 70 on VHF);

– select the appropriate calling format on th

equipment (all ships (VHF only), geographic

(MF/HF only), or individual);

– key in or select on the DSC equipment keybo

accordance with the DSC equipment manufa

instructions):

– specific area or 9-digit identity of specific st

appropriate;

– the category of the call (safety);

– the frequency or channel on which the safety m

will be transmitted;

– the type of communication in which the 

message will be given (radiotelephony).

– transmit the DSC safety call.

Transmission of the safety message:

– tune the transmitter to the frequency or channel in

in the DSC safety call;

– transmit the safety message as follows:

– “SECURITE,” repeated 3 times;

– “ALL STATIONS” or called station, repeated 3 

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity and the call sign o

identification of own ship;

– the text of the safety message.

3.2 Reception of a safety message: Ships rece

DSC safety call announcing a safety message addr

more than one station shall NOT acknowledge the 

of the DSC safety call, but should tune the radiote

receiver to the frequency indicated in the call and 

the safety message.

4 PUBLIC CORRESPONDENCE:

4.1 DSC channels for public correspondence:

– 4.1.1 VHF: The VHF DSC channel 70 is used f

for distress and safety purposes as well as for D

public correspondence.

– 4.1.2 MF: International and national DSC c

separate from the DSC distress and safety 

channel 2187.5 kHz are used for digital selective

on MF for public correspondence. Ships calling 
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 45

station by DSC on MF for public correspondence should

preferably use the coast station’s national DSC channel.

The international DSC channel for public

correspondence may as a general rule be used between

ships and coast stations of different nationality. The ships

transmitting frequency is 2189.5 kHz, and the receiving

frequency is 2177 kHz. The frequency 2177 kHz is also

used for DSC between ships for general communication.

4.2 Transmission of a DSC call for public

correspondence to a coast station or another ship: A

DSC call for public correspondence to a coast station or

another ship is transmitted as follows:

– tune the transmitter to the relevant DSC channel;

– select the format for calling a specific station on the DSC

equipment;

– key in or select on the DSC equipment keyboard (in

accordance with the DSC equipment manufacturer’s

instructions):

– the 9-digit identity of the station to be called;

– the category of the call (routine);

– the type of subsequent communication (normally

radiotelephony);

– a proposed working channel if calling another ship. A

proposal for a working channel should NOT be

included in calls to a coast station; the coast station

will in its DSC acknowledgment indicate a vacant

working channel;

– transmit the DSC call.

4.3 Repeating a call: A DSC call for public

correspondence may be repeated on the same or another

DSC channel, if no acknowledgment is received within 5

minutes. Further call attempts should be delayed at least 15

minutes, if acknowledgment is still not received.

4.4 Acknowledgment of a received call and

preparation for reception of the traffic: On receipt of a

DSC call from a coast station or another ship, a DSC

acknowledgment is transmitted as follows:

– tune the transmitter to the transmit frequency of the DSC

channel on which the call was received;

– select the acknowledgment format on the DSC

equipment;

– transmit an acknowledgment indicating whether the ship

is able to communicate as proposed in the call (type of

communication and working frequency);

– if able to communicate as indicated, tune the transmitter

and the radiotelephony receiver to the indicated working

channel and prepare to receive the traffic.

4.5 Reception of acknowledgment and further

actions: When receiving an acknowledgment indicating

that the called station is able to receive the traffic, prepare

to transmit the traffic as follows:

– tune the transmitter and receiver to the indicated working

channel;

– commence the communication on the working channel

by:

– the 9-digit identity or call sign or other identification

of the called station;

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity or call sign or other identification

of own ship.

It will normally rest with the ship to call again a 

later in case the acknowledgment from the coast s

indicates that the coast station is not able to receiv

traffic immediately. In case the ship, in response to a 

another ship, receives an acknowledgment indicatin

the other ship is not able to receive the traffic immed

it will normally rest with the called ship to transmit 

to the calling ship when ready to receive the traffic.

5 TESTING THE EQUIPMENT USED 

DISTRESS AND SAFETY:

Testing on the exclusive DSC distress and safety c

frequency 2187.5 kHz should be avoided as far as po

by using other methods. Test calls should be transmit

the ship station and acknowledged by the called s

Normally there would be no further communi

between the two stations involved.

A VHF and MF test call to a station is transmit

follows:

– tune the transmitter to the DSC distress and 

calling frequency (i.e., channel 70 and 2187.5 kHz

– key in or select the format for the test call on the 

equipment in accordance with the DSC equi

manufacturer’s instructions;

– key in the 9-digit identity of the station to be called

– transmit the DSC call after checking as far as po

that no calls are in progress on the frequency;

– wait for acknowledgment.

6 SPECIAL CONDITIONS AND PROCEDU

FOR DSC COMMUNICATION ON HF:

General: The procedures for DSC communicati

HF are—with some additions described in 6.1 t

below—equal to the corresponding procedures for 

communications on MF/VHF. Due regard to the s

conditions described in 6.1 to 6.3 should be given 

making DSC communications on HF.

6.1 DISTRESS:

6.1.1 Transmission of DSC distress alert: DSC d

alert should be sent to coast stations - i.e., in A3 and A

areas on HF - and on MF and/or VHF to other ships 

vicinity. The DSC distress alert should as far as po

include the ship’s last known position and the tim

UTC) it was valid. If the position and time is not in

automatically from the ship’s navigational equipm

should be inserted manually.

Ship-to-shore distress alert (Choice of HF b

Propagation characteristics of HF radio waves fo

actual season and time of the day should be take

account when choosing HF bands for transmission o

distress alert. As a general rule the DSC distress chan

the 8 MHz maritime band (8414.5 kHz) may in many 

be an appropriate first choice. Transmission of the 

distress alert in more than one HF band will nor

increase the probability of successful reception of th

by coast stations.

DSC distress alert may be sent on a number of HF 

in two different ways:

– (1) either by transmitting the DSC distress alert o

HF band, and waiting a few minutes for rec

acknowledgment by a coast station;
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 46

if no acknowledgment is received within 3 minutes, the

process is repeated by transmitting the DSC distress alert

on another appropriate HF band etc.;

– (2) or by transmitting the DSC distress alert at a number

of HF bands with no, or only very short, pauses between

the calls, without waiting for acknowledgment between

the calls.

It is recommended to follow procedure (1) in all cases,

where time permits to do so; this will make it easier to

choose the appropriate HF band for commencement of the

subsequent communication with the coast station on the

corresponding distress traffic channel.

Transmitting the DSC distress alert (see Note 1 below):

– tune the transmitter to the chosen HF DSC distress

channel (4207.5, 6312, 8414.5, 12577, 16804.5 kHz)

(see Note 2);

– follow the instructions for keying in or selection of

relevant information on the DSC equipment keyboard as

described in section 1.1;

– transmit the DSC distress alert.

In special cases, for example in tropical zones,

transmission of DSC distress alert on HF may, in addition

to ship-to-shore alerting, also be useful for ship-to-ship

alerting.

NOTE 1: Ship-to-ship distress alert should normally be

made on MF and/or VHF, using the procedures for

transmission of DSC distress alert on MF/VHF described

in section 1.1.

NOTE 2: Some maritime HF transmitters shall be tuned

to a frequency 1700 Hz lower than the DSC frequencies

given above in order to transmit the DSC distress alert on

the correct frequency.

6.1.2 Preparation for the subsequent distress traffic:

After having transmitted the DSC distress alert on

appropriate DSC distress channels (HF, MF and/or VHF),

prepare for the subsequent distress traffic by tuning the

radiocommunication set(s) (HF, MF and/or VHF as

appropriate) to the corresponding distress traffic

channel(s).

Where multiple frequency call attempts are transmitted

the corresponding distress traffic frequency should be 8291

kHz.

If method (2) described in section 6.1.1 has been used

for transmission of DSC distress alert on a number of HF

bands:

– take into account in which HF band(s) acknowledgment

has been successfully received from a coast station;

– if acknowledgments have been received on more than

one HF band, commence the transmission of distress

traffic on one of these bands, but if no response is

received from a coast station then the other bands should

be used in turn.

The distress traffic frequencies are:

6.1.3 Distress traffic: The procedures descr

section 1.3 are used when the distress traffic on M

carried out by radiotelephony.

The following procedures shall be used in case

the distress traffic on MF/HF is carried out by radio

– the forward error correcting (FEC) mode shall be 

– all messages shall be preceded by:

– at least one carriage return;

– line feed;

– one letter shift;

– the distress signal “MAYDAY.”

– the ship in distress should commence the distre

traffic on the appropriate distress telex traffic cha

follows:

– carriage return, line feed, letter shift;

– the distress signal “MAYDAY;”

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity and call sign or other identi

of the ship;

– the ship’s position if not included in the DSC 

alert;

– the nature of distress;

– any other information which might facilit

rescue.

6.1.4 Actions on reception of a DSC distress a

HF from another ship: Ships receiving a DSC 

alert on HF from another ship shall not acknowle

alert, but should:

– watch for reception of a DSC distress acknowle

from a coast station;

– while waiting for reception of a DSC 

acknowledgment from a coast station:

prepare for reception of the subsequent 

communication by tuning the HF radiocommu

set (transmitter and receiver) to the relevant 

traffic channel in the same HF band in which th

distress alert was received, observing the fo

conditions:

– if radiotelephony mode was indicated in th

distress alert, the HF radiocommunication set 

be tuned to the radiotelephony distress traffic 

in the HF band concerned;

– if telex mode was indicated in the DSC distre

the HF radiocommunication set should be tune

radiotelex distress traffic channel in the H

concerned. Ships able to do so should addi

HF (kHz):

Telephony Telex

4125 4177.5

6215 6268

8291 8376.5

12290 12520

16420 16695

MF (kHz):

Telephony Telex

2182 2174.5

VHF:

Channel 16 (156.800 MHz)

HF (kHz):

Telephony Telex
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 47

watch the corresponding radiotelephony distress

channel;

– if the DSC distress alert was received on more than

one HF band, the radiocommunication set should be

tuned to the relevant distress traffic channel in the HF

band considered to be the best one in the actual case. If

the DSC distress alert was received successfully on the

8 MHz band, this band may in many cases be an

appropriate first choice;

– if no distress traffic is received on the HF channel

within 1 to 2 minutes, tune the HF

radiocommunication set to the relevant distress traffic

channel in another HF band deemed appropriate in the

actual case;

– if no DSC distress acknowledgment is received from a

coast station within 5 minutes, and no distress

communication is observed going on between a coast

station and the ship in distress:

– inform a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) via

appropriate radiocommunications means;

– transmit a DSC distress relay call.

6.1.5 Transmission of DSC distress relay call: In case

it is considered appropriate to transmit a DSC distress relay

call:

– distress relay calls on HF should be initiated manually;

– tune the transmitter(s) to the relevant DSC distress

channel, following the procedures described in section

6.1.1 above (except the call is sent manually as a single

call on a single frequency);

– follow the instructions for keying in or selection of call

format and relevant information on the DSC equipment

keyboard as described in section 1.4;

– transmit the DSC distress relay call.

6.1.6 Acknowledgment of a HF DSC distress relay

call received from a coast station: Ships receiving a DSC

distress relay call from a coast station on HF, addressed to

all ships within a specified area, should NOT acknowledge

the receipt of the relay alert by DSC, but by radiotelephony

on the telephony distress traffic channel in the same

band(s) in which the DSC distress relay call was received.

6.2 URGENCY:

Transmission of urgency messages on HF should

normally be addressed:

– either to all ships within a specified geographical area;

– or to a specific coast station.

Announcement of the urgency message is carried out by

transmission of a DSC call with category urgency on the

appropriate DSC distress channel. The transmission of the

urgency message itself on HF is carried out by

radiotelephony or radiotelex on the appropriate distress

traffic channel in the same band in which the DSC

announcement was transmitted.

6.2.1 Transmission of DSC announcement of an

urgency message on HF:

– choose the HF band considered to be the most

appropriate, taking into account propagation

characteristics for HF radio waves at the actual season

and time of the day; the 8 MHz band may in many cases

be an appropriate first choice;

– tune the HF transmitter to the DSC distress chan

the chosen HF band;

– key in or select call format for either geographica

call or individual call on the DSC equipmen

appropriate;

– in case of area call, key in specification of the re

geographical area;

– follow the instructions for keying in or selecti

relevant information on the DSC equipment keybo

described in section 2.1, including typ

communication in which the urgency message w

transmitted (radiotelephony or radiotelex);

– transmit the DSC call; and

– if the DSC call is addressed to a specific coast s

wait for DSC acknowledgment from the coast stat

acknowledgment is not received within a few mi

repeat the DSC call on another HF frequency de

appropriate.

6.2.2 Transmission of the urgency message 

subsequent action:

– tune the HF transmitter to the distress traffic ch

(telephony or telex) indicated in the DSC announce

– if the urgency message is to be transmitted 

radiotelephony, follow the procedure described in s

2.1;

– if the urgency message is to be transmitted by radio

the following procedure shall be used:

– use the forward error correcting (FEC) mode 

the message is addressed to a single station w

radiotelex identity number is known;

– commence the telex message by:

– at least one carriage return, line feed, one letter 

– the urgency signal “PAN PAN;”

– “this is;”

– the 9-digit identity of the ship and the call s

other identification of the ship;

– the text of the urgency message.

Announcement and transmission of urgency me

addressed to all HF equipped ships within a specifie

may be repeated on a number of HF bands as de

appropriate in the actual situation.

6.3 SAFETY:

The procedures for transmission of DSC 

announcement and for transmission of the safety me

are the same as for urgency messages, described in s

6.2, except that:

– in the DSC announcement, the category SAFETY 

be used;

– in the safety message, the safety signal “SECUR

shall be used instead of the urgency signal “PAN PA

400L. Use of GMDSS Equipment for Routine

Telecommunications

GMDSS telecommunications equipment should n

reserved for emergency use only. The IMO has 

COMSAR/Circ.17 (dated 9 March 1998) 

recommends and encourages mariners to use 

equipment for routine as well as 
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 48

telecommunications. The following recommendation is

extracted from Circ.17:

Use of GMDSS equipment for transmission of general

radiocommunications is one of the functional requirements

specified in SOLAS chapter IV, regulation 4. Regular use

of GMDSS equipment helps to develop operator

competency and ensure equipment availability. If ships use

other radiocommunication systems for the bulk of their

business communications, they should adopt a regular

program of sending selected traffic or test messages via

GMDSS equipment to ensure operator competency and

equipment availability and to help reduce the incidence of

false alerts. This policy extends to all GMDSS equipment

suites including Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on VHF,

MF and HF, to the Inmarsat-A, -B and -C systems, and to

any duplicated VHF and long-range communications

facilities.

400M. Instructions for Canceling Inadvertent

Distress Alerts

A false alert is any distress transmitted for any reason

when a real distress situation does not actually exist. Most

such alerts are inadvertent and can be traced to equipment

problems and human error (caused by improper use of

GMDSS equipment). A few, however, are deliberately

transmitted as a hoax, made easier by GMDSS equipment

that is not properly registered. Many are from non-GMDSS

sources, especially in the 121.5 MHz frequency band.

False alerts obstruct efficient and effective SAR services

and are detrimental because they:

– Cause delays which may cost lives and prolong or

worsen human suffering.

– Adversely affect mariner safety.

– Waste limited resources.

– Erode the confidence of both mariners and SAR

personnel.

– Divert SAR facilities, making them less available should

a real distress situation arise.

– Congest and drive up the costs of communications.

The following instructions, extracted from IMO

Resolution A.814(19), are for canceling an inadvertent

distress alert:

– DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING:

– VHF:

– Switch off the transmitter immediately (this

applies when the false alert is detected during

transmission);

– Switch equipment on and set to Channel 16;

– Make broadcast to “All Stations” giving name of

vessel, call sign and DSC number, and cancel the

false distress alert.

Example:

All Stations, All Stations, All Stations

This is NAME, CALL SIGN, DSC NUMBER,

POSITION.

 Cancel my distress alert of DATE, TIME UTC.

=Master, NAME, CALL SIGN, DSC NUMBER

TIME UTC

–MF

–Switch off the transmitter immediatel

applies when the false alert is detected 

transmission);

–Switch equipment on and tune for radiote

transmission on 2182 kHz;

–Make broadcast to “All Stations” giving n

vessel, call sign and DSC number, and ca

false distress alert.

Example:

All Stations, All Stations, All Stations,

This is NAME, CALL SIGN, DSC NU

POSITION.

Cancel my distress alert of DATE, TIME UTC.

=Master, NAME, CALL SIGN, DSC NUMBER

TIME UTC

–HF:

–As for MF but the alert must be canceled o

frequency bands in which it was transmit

transmitter should be tuned consecutively 

radiotelephony distress frequencies in the 

12 and 16 MHz bands, as necessary.

– INMARSAT-C:

– Notify the appropriate Rescue Coordination 

(RCC) to cancel the alert by sending a distress 

message via the same CES through which th

distress alert was sent.

Example:

This is NAME, CALL SIGN, IDENTITY NU

POSITION.

Cancel my Inmarsat-C distress alert of DATE

UTC.

=Master +

– EPIRBS:

– If, for any reason, an EPIRB is activated accid

the ship should contact the nearest coast statio

appropriate coast earth station or RCC and ca

distress alert.

NOTE: Keep the EPIRB activated until an app

RCC can be contacted to cancel the alert. (This 

incomplete alerts and uncertainty associated with 

EPIRB signal ceased.)

Notwithstanding the above, a ship may use any 

available to them to inform the appropriate authori

a false alert has been transmitted and should be ca

No action will normally be taken against any 

mariner for reporting and canceling a false distre

However, in view of the serious consequences 

alerts, and the strict ban on their transm

Governments may prosecute in cases of repeated vi

The following guidelines, extracted from 

Resolution A.814(19), are recommended for reduc

chance of a false distress alert aboard ship:
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 49

– Ensure that all GMDSS certificated personnel

responsible for sending a distress alert have been

instructed about, and are competent to operate, the

particular radio equipment on the ship.

– Ensure that the person(s) responsible for communication

during distress incidents give the necessary instructions

and information to all crew members on how to use

GMDSS equipment to send a distress alert.

– Ensure that as part of each abandon ship drill, instruction

is given on how emergency equipment should be used to

provide GMDSS functions.

– Ensure that GMDSS equipment testing is only

undertaken under the supervision of the person

responsible for communications during distress

incidents.

– Ensure that GMDSS equipment testing or drills are never

allowed to cause false distress alerts.

– Ensure that coded identities of satellite EPIRBs, which

are used by SAR personnel responding to emergencies,

are properly registered in a database accessible 24 hours

a day or automatically provided to SAR authorities

(Masters should confirm that their EPIRBs have been

registered with such a database, to help SAR services

identify the ship in the event of distress and rapidly

obtain other information which will enable them to

respond appropriately (See sec. 400F.)).

– Ensure that EPIRB, Inmarsat and DSC registration data

is immediately updated if there is any change in

information relating to the ship such as owner, name or

flag, and that the necessary action is taken to reprogram

the ship’s new data in the GMDSS equipment concerned.

– Ensure that, for new ships, positions for installing

EPIRBs are considered at the earliest stage of ship

design and construction.

– Ensure that satellite EPIRBs are carefully instal

accordance with the manufacturers’ instruction

using qualified personnel (sometimes satellite EP

are damaged or broken due to improper handli

installation. They must be installed in a location th

enable them to float free and automatically activate 

ship sinks. Care must be taken to ensure that they a

tampered with or accidently activated. If the codin

to be changed or the batteries serviced, manufact

requirements must be strictly followed. There have 

cases where EPIRB lanyards were attached to the s

that the EPIRB could not float free; lanyards are o

be used by survivors for securing the EPIRB to a su

craft or person in the water).

– Ensure that EPIRBs are not activated if assistan

already immediately available (EPIRBs are intend

call for assistance if the ship is unable to obtain h

other means, and to provide position informatio

homing signals for SAR units).

– Ensure that, if a distress alert has been acci

transmitted, the ship makes every reasonable attem

communicate with the RCC by any means to canc

false distress alert using the instructions given abov

– Ensure that, if possible, after emergency use, the E

is retrieved and deactivated.

– Ensure that when an EPIRB is damaged and needs 

disposed of, if a ship is sold for scrap, or if for any 

reason a satellite EPIRB will no longer be use

satellite EPIRB is made inoperable, either by rem

its battery and, if possible, returning it to 

manufacturer, or by demolishing it.

NOTE: If the EPIRB is returned to the manufactu

should be wrapped in tin foil to prevent transmiss

signals during shipment.

4 - 51

ACTIONS BY SHIPS UPON RECEPTION OF VHF / MF DSC DISTRESS ALERT

REMARKS:Note 1: Appropriate or relevant RCC and/or Coast Station shall be informed accordingly. If further DSC alerts are received from the s

ship in distress is beyond doubt in the vicinity, a DSC acknowledgment may, after consultation with an RCC or Coast Station, the call.

Note 2: In no case is a ship permitted to transmit a DSC distress relay call on receipt of a DSC distress alert on either VHF Channel 

2187.5 kHz.

CS = Coast Station RCC = Rescue Coordination Center

4 - 53

ACTIONS BY SHIPS UPON RECEPTION OF HF DSC DISTRESS ALERT

REMARKS:Note 1: If it is clear the ship or persons in distress are not in the vicinity and/or other crafts are better placed to assist, superflous com

could interfere with search and rescue activities are to be avoided. Details should be recorded in the appropriate logbook.

Note 2: The ship should establish communications with the station controlling the distress as directed and render such assistan

appropriate.

Note 3: Distress relay calls should be initiated manually.

CS = Coast Station RCC = Rescue Coordination Center

DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 55

LIST OF OPERATIONAL VHF DSC COAST STATIONS FOR SEA AREAS A1

(Extracted from ANNEX 2 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC

I Belgium Antwerpen 002050485 51-13N 04-23E 25 Oostende

Oostende 002050480 51-11N 02-48E 25

Denmark Lyngby 002191000 - - SOK, Aarhu

København 55-41N 12-36E 29

Vejby 56-04N 12-07E 30

Roesnaes 55-44N 10-56E 35

Ånholt 56-42N 11-35E 28

Fornaes 56-26N 10-56E 32

Vejle 55-40N 09-30E 42

Als 54-57N 09-33E 41

Svendborg 55-01N 10-37E 20

Karleby 54-52N 11-11E 36

Mern 55-03N 11-59E 45

Aarsballe 55-08N 14-52E 42

Laesoe 57-17N 11-03E 34

Frejlev 57-00N 09-49E 44

Blåvand 55-33N 08-06E 33

Skagen 57-44N 10-34E 29

Hirtshals 57-31N 09-57E 31

Hanstholm 57-06N 08-39E 34

Bovbjerg 56-31N 08-10E 34

Torshavn (Færoes) 002311000 - - MRCC Tors

Torshavn 62-01N 06-49W 56

Fugloy 62-20N 06-19W 68

Mykines 62-06N 07-35W 64

Suderoy 61-25N 06-44W 57

Estonia Tallinn 002761000 59-24N 24-40E 20 MRCC Talli

Toila 59-25N 27-31E 30

Eisma 59-33N 26-17E 30

Aabla 59-35N 25-31E 30

Merevälja 59-30N 24-51E 30

Suurupi 59-28N 24-23E 30

Dirhami 59-12N 23-30E 30

Köpu 58-55N 22-12E 35

Orissaare 58-34N 23-04E 35

Undva 58-31N 21-56E 30

Torgu 57-59N 22-05E 28

Ruhnu 57-48N 23-15E 28

Töstamaa 58-18N 23-59E 30

Finland Turku 002300230 - - MRCC Turk

Kemi 002303000 65-49N 24-32E 30 MRSC Vaas

Hailuoto 65-02N 24-36E 27
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 56

I Finland (cont.) Kalajoki 002303000 64-18N 24-11E 47 MRSC Va

Kokkola 63-50N 23-09E 34

Raippaluoto 63-22N 21-19E 32

Kristiinankaupunki 002301000 62-16N 21-24E 36 MRCC Tu

Pori 61-36N 21-27E 16

Rauma 61-08N 21-33E 28

Uusikaupunki 60-49N 21-26E 32

Geta 60-23N 19-51E 38

Brandö 60-25N 21-03E 25

Järsö 60-01N 20-00E 36

Korppoo 60-10N 21-33E 30

Naantali 60-27N 22-03E 32

Utö 002302000 59-47N 21-22E 23 MRSC He

Hanko 59-50N 22-56E 26

Porkkala 59-59N 24-26E 30

Santahamina/Helsinki 60-09N 25-02E 30

Sondby 60-16N 25-51E 26

Kotka 60-29N 26-53E 29

Virolahti 60-36N 27-50E 32

France Gris Nez (CROSS) 002275100 50-52N 01-35E 23 MRCC Gr

Dunkerque 51-03N 02-21E 22

Saint Frieux 50-36N 01-38E 38

L’Ailly 49-55N 00-57E 28

Jobourg (CROSS) 002275200 49-41N 01-54W 42 MRCC Job

Antifer 49-41N 00-10E 33

Ver-sur-Mer 49-20N 00-31W 27

Gatteville 49-42N 01-16W 26

Granville 48-50N 01-37W 26

Roches Douvres 49-06N 02-49W 24

Corsen (CROSS) 002275300 48-25N 04-47W 27 MRCC Co

Cap Frehel 48-41N 02-19W 28

Ile de Batz 48-45N 04-01W 27

Stiff Ouessant 48-28N 05-03W 34

Bodic 48-48N 03-05W 25

Pointe du Raz 48-02N 04-44W 24

Germany Bremen Rescue Radio 002111240 53-05N 08-48E 25 MRCC Br

Rügen 54-21N 13-45E 27

Arkona 54-35N 13-37E 31

Darss 54-24N 12-27E 30

Rostock 54-10N 12-06E 33

Kiel 54-18N 10-07E 37

Lübeck 54-13N 10-43E 46

Flensburg 54-44N 09-30E 29

Norddeich 53-34N 07-06E 24

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 57

I Germany (cont.) Cuxhaven 002111240 53-50N 08-39E 24 MRCC Brem

Helgoland 54-11N 07-53E 33

Sylt 54-55N 08-18E 28

Eiderstedt 54-20N 08-47E 24

Hamburg 53-33N 09-58E 44

Ireland MRCC Dublin 002500300 - - MRCC Dub

Dublin 53-23N 06-04W 40

Carlingford 54-04N 06-19W 40

Wicklow Head 52-58N 06-00W 30

Rosslare 52-19N 06-34W 44

Mine Head 52-00N 07-35W 30

MRSC Valentia 002500200 - - MRSC Vale

Cork 51-51N 08-29W 40

Bantry 51-38N 10-00W 60

Valentia 51-52N 10-21W 54

Shannon 52-31N 09-36W 50

MRSC Malin Head 002500100 - - MRSC Mali

Clifden 53-30N 09-56W 50

Belmullet 54-16N 10-03W 25

Glen Head 54-44N 08-40W 47

Malin Head 55-22N 07-16W 49

Latvia Riga Rescue Radio 002750100 57-02N 24-05E 20 MRCC Riga

Vitrupe 57-36N 24-23E 25

Mersrags 57-22N 23-07E 25

Kolka 57-45N 22-35E 20

Jaunupe 57-32N 21-41E 20

Uzava 57-13N 21-26E 20

Akmenrags 56-50N 21-03E 20

Jurmalciems 56-18N 20-59E 20

Lithuania Klaipeda Rescue 002770330 55-43N 21-06E 18 MRCC Klai

Nida 55-18N 20-59E 24

Shventoji 56-01N 21-05E 20

Netherlands Netherlands Coast Guard 002442000 - - JRCC Den H

Woensdrecht 51-26N 04-20E 25

Westkappelle 51-32N 03-27E 25

Renesse 51-44N 03-49E 25

Scheveningen 52-06N 04-15E 25

Schoorl 52-43N 04-39E 25

Den Helder 52-57N 04-47E 25

West Terschelling 53-21N 05-13E 25

Schiermonnikoog 53-29N 06-09E 25

Appingedam 53-20N 06-52E 25

Kornwerderzand 53-04N 05-20E 25

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 58

I Netherlands

(cont.)

Hoorn 002442000 52-39N 05-06E 25 JRCC Den 

Wezep 52-27N 06-00E 25

Norway Tjøme 002570100 - - MRCC Sta

Halden 59-11N 11-26E 53

Oslo 59-59N 10-40E 62

Drammen 59-40N 10-26E 24

Tjøme 59-05N 10-25E 30

Porsgrunn 59-14N 09-42E 66

Risør 58-43N 09-12E 35

Arendal 58-27N 08-45E 36

Kristiansand 58-04N 07-59E 36

Rogaland 002570300 - - MRCC Sta

Lindesnes 58-01N 07-04E 40

Farsund 58-04N 06-45E 29

Storefjell 58-09N 06-43E 52

Bjerkreim 58-38N 05-58E 66

Stavanger 58-56N 05-43E 40

Bokn 59-13N 05-26E 50

Haugesund 59-25N 05-20E 47

Valhall (Rig) 56-17N 03-24E 30

Ekofisk (Rig) 56-32N 03-13E 30

Ula (Rig) 57-07N 02-51E 30

Draupner (Rig) 58-11N 02-28E 30

Sleipner A (Rig) 58-22N 01-54E 30

Stord 59-52N 05-30E 74

Sotra 60-19N 05-07E 53

Bergen 60-25N 05-22E 65

Lindas 60-35N 05-20E 59

Grimo 60-24N 06-40E 69

Oseberg (Rig) 60-30N 02-50E 30

Florø 002570500 - - MRCC Sta

Gulen 61-02N 05-09E 73

Sogndal 61-10N 07-07E 93

Kinn 61-34N 04-46E 52

Bremanger 61-52N 05-00E 74

Raudeberg 62-00N 05-09E 38

Sagtennene 61-54N 06-07E 85

Snorre (Rig) 61-27N 02-09E 31

Gullfaks (Rig) 61-11N 02-11E 30

Nerlandshorn 62-21N 05-33E 59

Hjørunganes 62-21N 06-07E 19

Aksla 62-29N 06-12E 41

Gamlemsveten 62-35N 06-19E 80

Orskogfjellet 62-31N 06-52E 69

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 59

I Norway (cont.) Hellesylt 002570500 62-08N 06-56E 42 MRCC Stav

Geiranger 62-07N 07-10E 57

Molde 62-45N 07-08E 59

Reinsfjell 62-57N 07-56E 84

Kristiansund 63-07N 07-42E 34

Litlefonni 63-23N 08-43E 56

Forbordsfjell 63-32N 10-54E 66

Mosvik 63-46N 10-58E 55

Kopparen 63-48N 09-45E 64

Yttervåg 64-18N 10-18E 34

Namsos 64-27N 11-32E 58

Rørvik 64-53N 11-14E 43

Draugen (Rig) 64-21N 07-47E 30

Åsgård B (Rig) 65-07N 06-47E 30

Heidrun (Rig) 65-20N 07-19E 30

Bodø 002570700 - - MRCC Bod

Vega 65-38N 11-54E 75

Horva 66-01N 12-49E 57

Mo i Rana 66-12N 13-45E 71

Traenfjord 66-32N 12-49E 53

Meløy 66-51N 13-38E 50

Rønvikfjell/Bodø 67-18N 14-27E 41

Fornesfjell 67-26N 15-27E 68

Værøy 67-40N 12-38E 59

Steigen 67-50N 15-00E 77

Fredvang 68-06N 13-11E 21

Hagskaret 68-10N 13-42E 36

Kvalnes 68-21N 13-58E 40

Raften/Svolvaer 68-24N 15-07E 18

Storheia/Hadsel 68-33N 14-53E 61

Myre/Vesteralen 68-57N 15-01E 30

Stamnes 68-49N 15-29E 13

Andenes 69-17N 16-01E 54

Lødingen 68-24N 15-58E 13

Harstad 68-48N 16-31E 36

Veggen/Narvik 68-28N 17-10E 48

Kistefjell 69-18N 18-08E 85

Tromsø 69-39N 18-57E 36

Tønsnes 69-43N 19-08E 47

Hillesoy 69-39N 18-00E 41

Bjørnøya 74-31N 19-01E 40

Vardø 002570800 - - MRCC Bod

Torsvag 70-15N 19-30E 23

Trolltind 70-04N 20-26E 78

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 60

I Norway (cont.) Skjervoy 002570800 70-01N 20-59E 37 MRCC Bo

Helligfjell 70-07N 22-56E 63

Fuglen 70-39N 21-58E 55

Tyven 70-38N 23-42E 57

Havoysund 71-00N 24-36E 49

Honningsvåg 70-59N 25-54E 56

Oksen 70-58N 27-21E 51

Mehamn 71-03N 28-07E 49

Berlevåg 70-52N 29-05E 40

Tana 70-28N 28-13E 65

Båtsfjord 70-40N 29-42E 49

Vardø 70-20N 31-02E 40

Varangefjord 70-05N 29-49E 41

Kirkenes 69-45N 30-08E 44

Svalbard 002570900 - - MRCC Bo

Isfjord 78-02N 13-40E 23

Longyearbyen 78-15N 15-24E 21

Kongsvegpasset 78-45N 13-30E 78

Poland Witowo 002610210 - - MRCC Gd

Swinoujscie 53-55N 14-15E 20

Grzywacz 53-57N 14-30E 35

Kolowo 53-20N 14-41E 40

Kolorzeg 54-11N 15-33E 25

Barzowice 54-28N 16-30E 30

Rowakol 54-39N 17-13E 35

Rozewie 54-50N 18-20E 25

Oksywie 54-33N 18-32E 30

Krynica Morska 54-24N 19-30E 20

Russian

Federation

Saint Petersburg 002733700 59-53N 30-13E 27 MRCC Sa

Petersburg Primorsk 60-20N 28-43E 30

Vyborg 002734415 60-42N 28-43E 17.5

Kaliningrad 002734417 54-58N 19-59E 26 MRSC Ka

Murmansk 002734420 68-58N 33-01E 18 MRCC Mu

Arkhangel’sk 002734414 64-32N 40-32E 25.6 MRSC

Mudyug 64-51N 40-17E 24.5 Arkhangel

Sweden Göteborg 002653000 - - MRCC Gö

Umeå 63-50N 19-49E 59

Väddö 59-58N 18-50E 37

Svenska Högarna 59-27N 19-30E 21

Stockholm 59-18N 18-10E 50

Skellefteå 64-46N 20-57E 49

Seskarö 65-44N 23-44E 24

Luleå 65-32N 21-55E 36

Mjällom 62-59N 18-23E 48

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 61

I Sweden (cont.) Härnösand 002653000 62-36N 17-55E 40 MRCC Göte

Sundsvall 62-24N 17-28E 40

Hudiksvall 61-42N 16-51E 60

Gävle 60-38N 17-08E 42

Öregrund 60-30N 18-24E 30

Västerås 59-38N 16-24E 45

Södertälje 59-13N 17-37E 35

Torö 58-49N 17-51E 31

Norrköping 58-40N 16-28E 49

Gotska Sandön 58-23N 19-14E 27

Fårö 57-52N 19-00E 30

Visby 57-35N 18-22E 48

Hoburgen 56-56N 18-13E 30

Västervik 57-43N 16-26E 50

Borgholm 56-51N 16-42E 30

Ölands Södra 56-14N 16-27E 28

Karlskrona 56-14N 15-39E 32

Kivik 55-40N 14-09E 44

Trelleborg 55-28N 13-16E 36

Helsingborg 56-02N 12-41E 32

Falkenberg 56-50N 12-41E 39

Göteborg 57-41N 12-03E 47

Hunnebostrand 58-25N 11-25E 34

Strömstad 58-55N 11-10E 30

Vänersborg 58-19N 12-16E 27

Kinnekulle 58-36N 13-24E 48

Karlsborg (Vättern) 58-40N 14-34E 38

United

Kingdom

Falmouth 002320014 50-08N 05-07W 26 MRCC Falm

Lizard 49-59N 05-12W 27

Scillies 49-56N 06-18W 26

Lands End 50-08N 05-39W 44

St. Ives 50-13N 05-28W 19

Trevose Head 50-33N 05-02W 30

Bude 50-49N 04-33W 20

Brixham 002320013 - - MRSC Brix

Rame Head 50-19W 04-13W 30

East Prawle 50-13N 03-42W 34

Dartmouth 50-21N 03-35W 31

Berry Head 50-24N 03-29W 27

Portland 002320012 - - MRSC Portl

Grove 50-33N 02-25W 33

Bincleaves 50-36N 02-27W 16

Hengistbury Head 50-43N 01-46W 21

Beer Head 50-41N 03-06W 35

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 62

I United

Kingdom (cont.)

Solent 002320011 - - MRSC So

Boniface (Tx) 50-36N 01-12W 44

Stenbury (Rx) 50-37N 01-14W 44

Selsey Bill 50-44N 00-48W 19

Newhaven 50-47N 00-03W 27

Guernsey (Channel

Islands)

002320064 49-26N 02-36W 50

Jersey Radio (Channel

Islands)

002320060 49-11N 02-14W 35

Dover (Rx) 002320010 51-08N 01-21E 33 MRCC Do

West Hougham (Tx) 51-07N 01-15E 45

Fairlight 50-52N 00-40E 34

North Foreland 51-22N 01-25E 25

Thames 002320009 51-52N 01-16E 18 MRSC Th

Shoeburyness 51-31N 00-46E 17

Bradwell 51-44N 00-53E 16

Bawdsey 52-00N 01-25E 24

Yarmouth 002320008 52-36N 01-42E 20 MRCC Ya

Lowestoft 52-29N 01-42E 19

Trimingham 52-55N 01-20E 30

Langham 52-57N 00-57E 24

Skegness 53-09N 00-21E 18

Trusthorpe 53-19N 00-16E 23

Humber 002320007 - - MRSC Hu

Easington 53-39N 00-06E 25

Flamborough 54-08N 00-06W 26

Whitby 54-29N 00-36W 30

Hartlepool 54-42N 01-10W 19

Cullercoats 55-04N 01-28W 25

Newton 55-31N 01-37W 24

Forth 002320005 56-17N 02-35W 21 MRSC Fo

St. Abbs 55-54N 02-12W 42

Craigkelly 56-04N 03-14W 49

Inverbervie 56-51N 02-16W 37

Aberdeen 002320004 - - MRCC Ab

Gregness 57-08N 02-03W 25

Peterhead 57-31N 01-46W 19

Windy Head 57-39N 02-14W 45

Banff 57-38N 02-31W 33

Thrumster 58-24N 03-07W 39

Rosemarkie 57-38N 04-05W 43

Foyers 57-14N 04-31W 44

Noss Head 58-29N 03-03W 22

Dunnet Head 58-40N 03-22W 30

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 63

I United

Kingdom (cont.)

Ben Tongue 002320004 58-30N 04-24W 50 MRCC Abe

Durness 58-34N 04-44W 26

Shetland 002320001 60-09N 01-08W 26 MRSC Shet

Wideford Hill 58-59N 03-01W 44

Compass Head 59-52N 01-16W 33

Fitful Head 59-54N 01-23W 47

Collafirth Hill 60-32N 01-23W 46

Saxa Vord 60-50N 00-50W 44

Stornoway 002320024 - - MRSC Storn

Butt of Lewis 58-28N 06-14W 24

Forsnaval 58-13N 07-00W 44

Port Naguran 58-15N 06-10W 23

Rodel 57-45N 06-57W 29

Clettraval 57-37N 07-27W 37

Scoval 57-27N 06-42W 48

Skriaig 57-23N 06-14W 57

Barra 57-01N 07-30W 30

Melvaig 57-51N 05-47W 48

Arisaig 56-55N 05-50W 35

Clyde 002320022 55-58N 04-48W 20 MRCC Clyd

Pulpitt Hill 56-19N 05-21W 35

Torosay 56-27N 05-44W 58

Glengorm 56-38N 06-08W 47

Tiree 56-30N 06-57W 35

Law Hill 55-42N 04-50W 41

Rhu Stafnish 55-22N 05-32W 44

Kilchiaran 55-46N 06-27W 37

South Knapdale 55-55N 05-28W 62

Belfast 002320021 - - MRSC Belfa

Orlock Head 54-40N 05-35W 23

Slieve Martin 54-06N 06-10W 61

Black Mountain 54-35N 06-01W 62

West Torr 55-12N 06-05W 33

Limavady 55-06N 06-53W 53

Liverpool 002320019 53-30N 03-03W 17 MRSC Live

Moel-Y-Parc 53-13N 03-19W 57

Langthwaitet 54-02N 02-46W 37.5

Snaefell 54-16N 04-28W 70

Spanish Head 54-04N 04-46W 37

Caldbeck 54-44N 03-03W 65

Holyhead 002320018 53-19N 04-38W 17 MRSC Holy

Rhiw 52-50N 04-38W 51

South Stack 53-18N 04-42W 38

Great Orme 53-20N 03-51W 43

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 64

I United

Kingdom (cont.)

Milford Haven 002320017 - - MRSC Mi

Tenby 51-42N 04-41W 29 Haven

St. Ann’s Head 51-40N 05-11W 33

Dinas Head 52-00N 04-54W 43

Blaenplwyf 52-22N 04-06W 50

Swansea 002320016 - - MRCC Sw

Gower 51-34N 04-17W 27

Mumbles Hill 51-34N 03-59W 29

St. Hilary 51-27N 03-24W 50

Severn Bridge 51-37N 02-39W 33

Combe Martin 51-10N 04-03W 47

Ilfracombe 51-13N 04-05W 27

Hartland Point 51-01N 04-31W 35

II Benin Cotonou 006100001 06-21N 02-26E 29

France Etel (CROSS) 002275000 47-40N 03-12W 26 MRCC Ete

Penmarc’h 47-48N 04-22W 28

Groix 47-39N 03-30W 24

Belle Ile 47-19N 03-14W 27

Kerrouault 47-27N 02-30W 33

Armandeche 46-42N 01-55W 21

Ile D’Yeu 46-43N 02-23W 24

Soulac 45-32N 01-06W 24

Chassiron 46-03N 01-25W 22

Cap Ferret 44-38N 01-15W 22

Contis 43-48N 01-18W 23

Hourtin 45-09N 01-10W 23

Biarritz 43-32N 01-32W 26

Ghana Tema 006270000 - - Harbor Ma

Winneba 05-21N 00-37W 60 Office Acc

Aflao 06-07N 01-11W 60

Tema 05-38N 00-00 60

Cape Coast 05-07N 01-15W 60

Half Assini 05-03N 02-53W 60

Takoradi 04-54N 01-45W 60

Axim 04-52N 02-14W 60

Ada 05-47N 00-38W 60

Spain Bilbao (CCR) 002241021 - - MRCC Bi

Pasajes 43-17N 01-55W 35

Bilbao 43-16N 03-02W 35

Santander 43-25N 03-36W 35

Cabo Penas 43-26N 05-35W 35

Navia 43-25N 06-50W 35

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 65

II Spain (cont.) MRCC Bilbao* 002240996 43-21N 03-02W 30 MRCC Bilb

MRSC Santander* 002241009 43-28N 03-43W 30 MRSC Sant

MRCC Gijon* 002240997 43-34N 05-42W 30 MRCC Gijo

MRSC Coruna* 002240992 - - MRSC Coru

Cabo Priorino 43-28N 08-20W 30

Coruna 43-22N 08-23W 30

Coruna (CCR) 002241022 - -

Cabo Ortegal 43-35N 07-47W 35 MRCC Fini

Coruna 43-10N 08-18W 35 MRSC Coru

Vigo 42-10N 08-41W 35 MRSC Vigo

La Guardia 41-53N 08-52W 35 MRCC Fini

Finisterre 42-55N 09-17W 35

MRCC Finisterre* 002240993 - -

Monte Beo 43-20N 08-50W 40

Finisterre 42-42N 08-59W 40

Monte Xastas 43-02N 09-16W 40

Monte Taume 42-36N 09-03W 40

MRSC Vigo* 002240998 42-14N 08-43W 30 MRSC Vigo

MRSC Huelva* 002241012 37-14N 06-57W 30 MRSC Huel

MRSC Cadiz* 002241011 36-32N 06-18W 30 MRSC Cadi

MRCC Tarifa* 002240994 - - MRCC Tarif

Cape Trafalgar 36-12N 06-01W 30

Tarifa 36-01N 05-35W 30

Punta Almina 35-54N 05-17W 30

MRSC Algeciras* 002241001 36-07N 05-26W 30 MRSC Alge

Malaga (CCR) 002241023 - - MRCC Tarif

Huelva 37-13N 07-07W 35 MRSC Huel

Cadiz 36-32N 06-18W 35 MRSC Cadi

Tarifa 36-03N 05-33W 35 MRCC Tarif

Tenerife (CCR) 002241025 - -

Arrecife 29-08N 13-31W 35 MRCC Las 

Fuerteventura 28-33N 13-55W 35

Las Palmas 27-58N 15-33W 35

Gomera 28-06N 17-06W 35

Hierro 27-48N 17-55W 35 MRCC Tene

Tenerife 28-27N 16-23W 35

La Palma 28-39N 17-50W 35

MRCC Tenerife* 002241007 28-29N 16-14W 30

MRCC Las Palmas* 002240995 - - MRCC Las 

Las Palmas 28-09N 15-25W 30

La Isleta 28-10N 15-25W 30

*NOTE: The primary responsibility for the receipt of VHF DSC distress alerts for Spain is carried out via the Coast Ra

Stations. VHF DSC facilities maintained at various MRCCs and MRSCs are only complementary to the Coast Radio S

network.

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 66

III Bulgaria Varna 002070810 43-15N 27-57E 52 MRCC Va

Bourgas 42-29N 27-28E 45

Croatia Split 002380100 - - MRCC Rij

Savudrija 45-29N 13-29E 30

Ucka 45-17N 14-12E 90

Kamenjak 44-46N 14-47E 50

Susak 44-31N 14-18E 50

Celavac 44-16N 15-47E 80

Ugljan 44-04N 15-10E 40

Labistica 43-35N 16-13E 80

Vidova Gora 43-17N 16-37E 50

Hum (Otok Vis) 43-01N 16-07E 70

Uljenje 42-54N 17-29E 70

Srd 42-39N 18-07E 50

Hum (Otok Lastovo) 42-45N 16-52E 40

Rijecka 002380200 45-20N 14-25E 30

Dubrovnik 002380300 42-39N 18-05E 30

MRCC Rijecka 002387010

002387020

45-19E 14-27E 15

MRSC Zadar 002387400

002387401

44-07N 15-13E 7 MRSC Za

MRSC Sibenik 002387500

002387501

43-44N 15-54E 7 MRSC Sib

MRSC Split 002387040

002387030

43-30N 16-27E 10 MRSC Sp

MRSC Dubrovnik 002387800

002387801

42-39N 18-05E 15 MRSC Du

Cyprus Cyprus 002091000 - - RCC Larn

Pissouri 34-39N 32-42E 50

Olympus 34-56N 32-51E 120

Kionia 34-55N 33-12E 100

Egypt Alexandria 006221111 31-11N 28-55E 23 RCC Cairo

Marsa Matruh 31-21N 27-14E 23

Ras Alhkima 31-09N 27-49E 25

El Dab’a 31-02N 28-28E 27

El’ Alamein 30-51N 28-55E 25

Sidi Kerier 31-02N 29-39E 25

Rashid 31-27N 30-22E 27

Baltim 31-33N 31-05E 27

Port Said 006221113 31-15N 32-19E 21

Ras el Barr 31-30N 31-50E 27

Beir Al Abd 31-02N 33-00E 27

Arish 31-07N 33-48E 27

Ismailia 30-36N 32-16E 24

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 67

III Egypt (cont.) Suez 006221113 29-58N 32-33E 22 RCC Cairo

Zhafarana 29-07N 32-39E 27

France La Garde (CROSS) 002275400 43-06N 05-59E 23 MRCC La G

Bear 42-31N 03-08E 30

Pic Neoulos 42-29N 02-57E 94

Agde 43-17N 03-30E 31

Espiguette 43-29N 04-08E 19

Place du Planier 43-12N 05-14E 25

Mont Coudon 43-10N 06-10E 72

La Garoupe 43-34N 07-08E 30

Cap Camarat 43-12N 06-40E 30

Pic de l’Ours 43-28N 06-54E 62

Aspretto (Sous CROSS) 002275420 41-55N 08-46E 30 MRCC La G

Ersa 42-58N 09-23E 64 MRSC Cors

Serra Di Pigno 42-52N 09-24E 83

Piana 42-14N 08-38E 69

Punta 41-57N 08-42E 75

Serragia 41-31N 08-59E 58

Conca 41-44N 09-23E 54

Georgia Batumi 002130100 41-39N 41-39E 50 MRCC Geo

Poti 002130300 42-09N 41-39E 50 RSC Poti

Greece Olympia 002371000 38-01N 23-50E - JRCC Piraeu

Gerania 38-00N 23-20E 98

Poros/Darditsa 37-30N 23-27E 73

Thassos 40-47N 24-43E 90

Sfendami 40-25N 22-31E 41

Thira 36-25N 25-26E 66

Chios 38-23N 26-03E 78

Kefallinia 38-08N 20-40E 107

Kerkyra 39-45N 19-52E 82

Kythira 36-09N 22-59E 52

Limnos 39-52N 25-04E 59

Sitia (Mare) 35-12N 26-06E 75

Mytilini 39-04N 26-21E 84

Parnitha 38-10N 23-44E 98

Petalidi 36-56N 21-52E 83

Pilio 39-22N 22-57E 104

Rodhos 36-16N 27-56E 78

Syros 37-27N 24-56E 57

Knossos 35-17N 24-53E 87

Patmos 37-18N 26-32E 46

Moustakos 35-18N 23-37E 84

Tsoukalas 40-23N 23-28E 68

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 68

III Greece (cont.) Faistos 002371000 35-00N 25-12E 84 JRCC Pira

Astypalea 36-36N 28-26E 59

Karpathos 35-28N 27-10E 66

Brochas Kritis 35-19N 25-44E 65

Lichada 38-52N 22-53E 60

Skiros 38-50N 24-30E 68

Andros 37-56N 24-46E 55

Milos 36-41N 24-23E 78

Aspropirgos 002391000 38-03N 23-35E 30

Israel Haifa 004280001 32-49N 35-00E 50 Haifa Rad

Italy Roma 002470001 - -

Conconello 45-40N 13-47E 38 MRSC Tri

Piancavallo 46-05N 12-32E 70

Monte Cero 45-15N 11-40E 45 MRSC Ve

Ravenna Bassette 44-24N 12-12E 20 MRSC Ra

Forte Garibaldi 43-36N 13-31E 39 MRSC An

Monte Conero 43-33N 13-26E 60

Monte Secco 42-58N 13-52E 38

Silvi Paese 42-33N 14-05E 40

Porto Cervo Eliporto 41-08N 09-32E 25 MRSC Ca

Monte Moro 41-06N 09-30E 40

Monte Limbara 40-51N 09-10E 55

Osilo 40-44N 08-40E 40

Campu Spina 39-22N 08-34E 55

Margine Rosso 39-13N 09-14E 19

Monte Serpeddi 39-22N 09-17E 55

Badde Urbara 40-09N 08-37E 55

Monte Tului 40-15N 09-35E 55

Monte Paradiso 42-05N 11-51E 50 MRSC Ro

Monte Cavo 41-45N 12-42E 60

Formia Ascatiello 41-15N 13-36E 30

Monte Argentario 42-23N 11-10E 40 MRSC Liv

Gorgona 43-25N 09-53E 40

Monte Nero 43-29N 10-21E 40

Zoagli 44-19N 09-15E 37 MRSC Ge

Castellaccio 44-25N 08-56E 45

Monte Bignone 43-52N 07-43E 50

Palermo 002470002 - -

Monte Calvario 42-04N 14-39E 45 MRSC An

Abbate Argento 40-52N 17-17E 50 MRSC Ba

Monte Parano 40-26N 17-25E 35

Monte Sardo 39-52N 18-20E 39

Casa D’orso 41-49N 15-59E 55

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 69

III Italy (cont.) Capo Colonna 002470002 39-01N 17-09E 37 MRSC Regg

Calabria Punta Stilo 38-26N 16-34E 26

Capo dell’Armi 37-57N 15-40E 31

Serra del Tuono 39-55N 15-50E 55

Ustica 38-42N 13-10E 40 MRSC Paler

Monte Erice 38-02N 12-35E 55

Pantelleria 36-46N 12-01E 70

Lampedusa 35-30N 12-37E 25

Caltabellotta 37-34N 13-13E 65

Gela 37-04N 14-14E 19

Siracusa Belvedere 37-05N 15-12E 40 MRSC Cata

Augusta Campolato

Alto

37-16N 15-12E 31

Forte Spuria 38-16N 15-37E 32

Cefalu 38-01N 13-57E 40 MRSC Paler

Capri 40-33N 14-15E 40 MRSC Napo

Napoli Posillipo 40-48N 14-11E 36

Varco del Salice 40-17N 15-02E 60

Romania Constanta 002640570 - - Constanta H

Constanta 44-06N 28-38E 25 Master

Enisala 44-51N 28-52E 44

Mahmudia 45-05N 29-04E 45

Sfintu Gheorghe 45-18N 29-34E 24

Russian

Federation

Novorossiysk 002734411 44-41N 37-47E 26 MRCC

Doob 44-36N 37-58E 51 Novorossiys

Anapa 44-50N 37-21E 52

Sochi 43-32N 39-51E 71

Taganrog 47-14N 38-56E 19

Temrujk 45-19N 37-13E 28

Tuapse 002734413 44-06N 39-02E 46

Rostov-na-Donu 002734422 47-13N 39-44E 21

Eisk 002734422 46-43N 38-16E 23

Kosa Dolgaya 46-40N 37-45E 25

Astrakhan (Caspian Sea) 002734419 46-30N 48-00E 22.5 MRCC Astr

Iskusstvennyi 45-23N 47-47E 25

Makhachkala 002734423 42-59N 47-30E 23

Serbia and

Montenegro

Bar 002790001 42-03N 19-09E 35 MRCC Bar

Obosnik 002790002 42-25N 18-37E 35

Slovenia Koper 002780200 45-32N 13-59E 86 MRCC Kop

Spain Malaga (CCR) 002241023 - - MRCC Tarif

Malaga 36-36N 04-36W 35

Melilla 35-19N 02-57W 35 MRCC Alm

Motril 36-53N 02-48W 35

Cabo Gata 36-43N 02-10W 35

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 70

III Spain (cont.) MRCC Almeria* 002241002 - - MRCC Al

Almeria 36-50N 02-29W 30

Cabo Gata 36-43N 02-11W 30

MRSC Cartagena* 002241003 37-35N 00-58W 30 MRSC Ca

MRCC Valencia* 002241004 39-27N 00-20W 30 MRCC Va

Valencia (CCR) 002241024 - -

Cartagena 37-35N 00-58W 35 MRSC Ca

Alicante 38-20N 00-42W 35 MRCC Va

Castellon 39-52N 00-19W 35

Cabo de la Nao 38-43N 00-10E 35

Tarragona 41-21N 01-32E 35 MRSC Tar

Barcelona 41-25N 02-07E 35 MRCC Ba

Bagur 41-57N 03-14E 35

Menorca 39-59N 04-07E 35 MRCC Pa

Palma de Mallorca 39-44N 02-43E 35

Ibiza 38-55N 01-16E 35

MRSC Castellon* 002241016 39-58N 00-01E 30 MRSC Ca

MRSC Tarragona* 002241006 41-06N 01-14E 30 MRSC Tar

MRCC Barcelona* 002240991 41-20N 02-09E 40 MRCC Ba

MRCC Palma* 002241005 - - MRCC Pa

Palma 39-34N 02-39E 30

Cabo Cala Figuera 39-27N 02-31E 30

Turkey Samsun 002712000 - - MRCC An

Pazar 41-08N 40-49E 60

Hidirnebi 40-58N 39-26E 99

Uçpinar 41-19N 36-06E 94

Dütmen 41-26N 35-28E 107

Inebolu 41-53N 33-43E 85

Zonguldak 41-23N 31-49E 67

Istanbul 002711000 - -

Akçakoca 40-58N 31-12E 66

Keltepe 40-38N 30-05E 105

Sarköy 40-41N 27-01E 70

Camlica 41-01N 29-04E 45

Mahyadagi 41-47N 27-37E 85

Kayalidag 39-58N 26-38E 79

Akdag 38-33N 26-30E 92

Antalya 002713000 - -

Dilektepe 37-39N 27-09E 93

Palamut 36-45N 27-03E 79

Yumrutepe 36-15N 29-27E 88

*NOTE: The primary responsibility for the receipt of VHF DSC distress alerts for Spain is carried out via the Coast 

Stations. VHF DSC facilities maintained at various MRCCs and MRSCs are only complementary to the Coast Radio 

network.

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 71

III Turkey (cont.) Markiz 002713000 36-43N 30-29E 80 MRCC Ank

Anamur 36-02N 32-45E 61

Cobandede 36-31N 36-15E 108

Ukraine Odessa 002723660 46-25N 30-46E 25 MRCC Ode

Theodosia 002723663 45-01N 35-23E 35

Kerch 002723659 45-21N 36-32E 25

Mariupol 002723650 47-03N 37-30E 23

IV Bermuda Bermuda Harbor 003100001 32-23N 64-41W 30 RCC Bermu

Canada Labrador 003160022 - - JRCC Halifa

Nain 56-33N 61-43W 40

Hopedale 55-27N 60-13W 40

Cartright 53-44N 56-58W 40

Goose Bay 53-18N 60-33W 40

St. Anthony 003160021 51-30N 55-50W 40

Fox Harbor 52-22N 55-40W 40

L’Anse aux Meadows 51-34N 55-30W 40

Conche 50-54N 55-53W 40

Twillingate 49-41N 54-48W 40

Comfort Cove 49-15N 54-53W 40

St. John’s 003160020 47-37N 52-40W 40

Lumsden 49-17N 53-35W 40

Cape Bonavista 48-42N 53-05W 40

Victoria 47-47N 53-17W 40

Placentia 003160019 - -

Cape Pine 46-37N 53-32W 40

Cuslett 46-58N 54-09W 40

Freshwater Hill 47-16N 53-59W 40

Arnold’s Cove 47-46N 54-00W 40

St. Lawrence 46-55N 55-23W 40

Fortune Head 47-04N 55-51W 40

Bay L’Argent 47-37N 54-52W 40

Hermitage 47-34N 55-57W 40

Port aux Basques 003160018 47-41N 59-16W 40

Ramea Island 47-31N 57-25W 40

Stephenville 48-33N 58-46W 40

Pinetree 48-35N 58-40W 40

Mount Moriah 48-58N 58-03W 40

Bonne Bay 49-36N 57-57W 40

Point Riche 50-42N 57-25W 40

Riviere au Renard 003160025 49-01N 64-24W 40

Harrington Harbor 50-30N 59-29W 40

La Romaine 50-13N 60-41W 40

Natashquan 50-09N 61-48W 40

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 72

IV Canada (cont.) Havre St. Pierre 003160025 50-16N 63-41W 40 JRCC Hal

Forillon 48-50N 64-16W 40

Heath Point 49-05N 61-42W 40

Newport 48-14N 64-48W 40

Carleton 48-08N 66-07W 40

Cap-aux-Meules 47-23N 61-52W 40

Sydney 003160017 46-11N 59-54W 40

Point Escuminac 47-04N 64-48W 40

North Cape 47-03N 64-00W 40

Cape Egmont 46-24N 64-08W 40

Montague 46-11N 62-40W 40

Cheticamp 46-35N 60-59W 40

Cape North 47-01N 60-26W 40

Kilkenny Lake 46-13N 60-10W 40

St. Columba 46-00N 60-51W 40

Halifax 003160016 - -

Fox Island 45-20N 61-05W 40

Ecum Secum 44-58N 62-09W 40

Shannon Hill 44-41N 63-37W 40

Ketch Harbor 44-28N 63-37W 40

Kingsburg 44-17N 64-17W 40

Saint John 003160015 45-14N 65-59W 40

Scotch Mountain 45-46N 65-48W 40

Cape Blomidon 45-13N 64-24W 40

Grand Manan 44-36N 66-54W 40

Tiverton 44-23N 66-14W 40

Yarmouth 43-44N 66-07W 40

Lockeport 43-40N 65-08W 40

Mexico Tampico 003450110 22-12N 97-51W 80 MRCC Ci

Madero

Veracruz 003450310 19-06N 96-08W 80 MRCC Ve

Chetumal 003451120 18-30N 88-17W 80 MRCC Ch

Cozumel 003451110 20-28N 86-58W 80 MRSC Isl

Cozumel

Ciudad del Carmen 003450710 18-39N 91-51W 80 MRSC Le

Campeche

Progreso 003450910 21-16N 89-41W 80 MRSC Yu

Coatzacoalcos 003450320 18-09N 94-26W 80 MRCC Ve

NOTE: The following local VHF DSC stations assist with SAR communications wi

individual coastal areas:

Isla Mujeres 003451171 21-14N 87-00W 20 MRSC Isl

Tuxpan 003450372 20-57N 97-22W 20 MRSC Tu

Lerma 003450772 19-49N 90-35W 20 MRSC Le

Matamoros 003450172 25-44N 97-33W 20 MRSC Ma

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 73

IV Mexico (cont.) NOTE: The following local VHF DSC stations assist with SAR communications with

individual coastal areas:

Mezquital 003450173 25-15N 97-27W 20 MRSC Mez

Cayo Arcas 003450974 20-13N 91-58W 20 MRSC Cayo 

Isla Holbox 003451174 21-32N 87-17W 20 MRSC Isla H

Isla Contoy 003451175 21-30N 84-48W 20 MRSC Isla C

Playa Linda 003451176 21-08N 86-47W 20 MRSC Play

Netherlands

Antilles

Curaçao 003061000 - - JRCC Curaç

Seru Gracia (Curaçao) 12-20N 69-08W 40

Jamanota (Aruba) 12-29N 69-56W 35

Sibu Rincon (Bonaire) 12-14N 68-20W 30

Mt. Scenery (Saba) 17-38N 63-14W 70

VI Argentina Argentina Radio 007010111 34-36S 58-28W 35 MRCC Buen

Buenos Aires 007010001 34-27S 58-37W 35 Aires

Mar del Plata (Armada) 007010221 38-03S 57-32W 35 MRCC Puer

Mar del Plata 007010003 38-03S 57-32W 35 Belgrano

Comodoro Rivadavia 007010008 45-51S 67-25W 35

Rio Gallegos 007010010 51-37S 69-03W 35 MRCC Ushu

San Blas 007010006 40-33S 62-14W 35 MRSC Bahi

Blanca

Uruguay Montevideo 007703870 - - MRCC Mon

Armada Radio 34-56S 56-09W 30

Carmelo Radio 33-59S 58-17W 30

Colonia Radio 34-28S 57-50W 30

Piriapolis Radio 34-52S 55-16W 30

Chafalote Radio 34-28S 54-26W 30

Santa Teresa Radio 34-00S 53-33W 30

VIII India Daman 004192201 20-25N 72-52E 20 MRCC Mum

Porbander 004192202 31-38N 69-37E 25

Mumbai 004192203 18-55N 72-50E 25

New Mangalore 004192204 12-55N 74-48E 25

Kochi 004192205 09-58N 76-16E 20

Goa 004192206 15-25N 73-48E 25

Okha 004192207 22-28N 69-05E 20

Chennai 004194401 13-06N 80-18E 25 MRCC Chen

Vishakhapatnam 004194402 17-41N 83-17E 20

Paradip 004194403 20-16N 86-42E 25

Haldia 004194404 22-02N 88-06E 25

Tuticorn 004194405 08-45N 78-12E 20

Mandapam 004194406 09-17N 79-05E 20

Diglipor 004194407 13-18N 93-04E 25 MRCC Port 

Campbell Bay 004194408 07-00N 93-55E 30

Port Blair 004194409 11-41N 92-46E 30

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 74

VIII Mauritius Mauritius Radio 006452700 - - MRCC M

Albion 20-13S 57-24E 25

Belle Mare 20-11S 57-46E 25

Cap Malheureux 19-59S 57-36E 25

Souillac 20-31S 57-31E 25

Myanmar

(Burma)

Yangon (Rangoon) 005060100 16-42N 96-17E 25 MRCC Ya

Myeik 005060200 12-26N 98-36E 25

IX Egypt Quseir 006221112 26-06N 34-17E 28 RCC Cairo

Ras Gharib 28-22N 33-04E 28

Zeitiya 27-49N 33-35E 29

Hurghada 27-15N 33-48E 28

Safaga 26-45N 33-56E 28

Sharm-El-Sheikh 27-51N 34-13E 24

Dahab 28-29N 34-29E 23

Iran Kharg (Island) 004225306 29-16N 50-15E 25-30 HQ PSO T

Khorramshahr 004225309 30-20N 48-23E 25-30

Lengeh 004225307 26-33N 54-53E 25-30

Bandar Abbas 004225304 27-07N 56-04E 25-30

Bahonar 004225308 27-18N 57-17E 25-30

Bandar Khomeyni 004225300 30-30N 49-09E 25-30

Bushehr 004225302 28-58N 50-50E 25-30

Anzali (Caspian Sea) 004225305 37-25N 49-20E 25-30

Nowshahr (Caspian Sea) 004225303 36-40N 51-30E 25-30

Neka (Caspian Sea) 004225311 36-50N 53-15E 25-30

Israel Haifa 004280001 - - Haifa Rad

Elat 29-30N 34-58E 50

Jordan Aqaba Radio 004381234 29-27N 34-58E 25 Harbor Ma

Aqaba Port Control 29-30N 34-59E 25 Aqaba

Kuwait Kuwait Radio 004472188 29-22N 47-59E N.I.

Pakistan Karachi 004634060 24-52N 67-01E 40 MRCC Ka

Ormara 004634056 25-13N 64-38E 40

Gwadar 004634052 25-08N 64-20E 40

Qatar Mesaieed Port 004661001 25-56N 51-35E 50 Dept. of C

Ports

Saudi Arabia Jiddah 004030000 - - RCC Jidda

Duba 27-21N 35-42E 33

Al Wajh 26-14N 36-27E 33

Umm Lajj 25-01N 37-16E 33

Yanbu 24-05N 38-03E 33

Rabigh 22-48N 39-01E 33

Sharm Abhur 21-43N 39-06E 33

Jiddah 21-15N 39-10E 30

Al Shoaibah 20-40N 39-31E 35

Al Lith 20-08N 40-16E 35

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 75

IX Saudi Arabia

(cont.)

Al Qunfudhah 004030000 19-07N 41-05E 35 RCC Jiddah

Al Birk 18-12N 41-32E 35

Al Shaqiq 17-43N 42-01E 35

Jizan 16-53N 42-32E 35

Khafji 28-26N 48-29E 33

Al Jubayl 27-00N 49-39E 33

Dammam 26-26N 50-06E 33

Aziziyah 26-15N 50-10E 33

United Arab

Emirates

Emirates Radio 004700000 - - RCC Abu D

Fujayrah 25-04N 56-21E 25

Khawr Fakkan 25-21N 56-22E 25

Ras al Khaymah 25-47N 55-59E 25

Umm al Qaywayn 25-32N 55-32E 25

Jabal Ali 25-02N 55-06E 25

Abu Zaby (Abu

Dhabi)

24-28N 54-22E 25

Ruways (Jabal

Dhanna)

24-06N 52-44E 25

Zirkuh 24-53N 53-04E 25

X New Caledonia Noumea 005401000 - - MRCC Nou

Noumea 22-16S 166-28E 40

Mont Do 21-45S 166-00E 95

Kafeate 21-02S 164-43E 51

Mandgelia 20-24S 164-32E 84

Ouvea 20-39S 166-32E 27

Lifou 21-06S 167-24E 36

Mare 21-28S 168-02E 28

Oungone 22-19S 166-55E 68

XI China Dalian 004121300 38-50N 121-31E 25 MRCC Liao

Fuzhou 004122600 26-02N 119-18E 25 MRCC Fuji

Guangzhou 004123100 23-08N 113-29E 25 MRCC Gua

Haikou 004123500 20-01N 110-17E 25 MRSC Haik

Lianyungang 004122300 34-42N 119-18E 25 MRCC

Lianyungan

Ningbo 004122400 30-01N 121-30E 25 MRSC Ning

Qingdao 004122200 36-10N 120-28E 25 MRSC Qing

Qinhuangdao 004121200 39-33N 119-31E 25 MRCC Heb

Shanghai 004122100 31-06N 121-32E 25 MRCC Shan

Tianjin 004121100 39-03N 117-25E 25 MRCC Tian

Xiamen 004122700 24-35N 118-06E 25 MRSC Xiam

Yantai 004121400 37-32N 121-22E 25 MRSC Yant

Zhanjiang 004123300 21-09N 110-21E 23 RSC Zhanji

Indonesia Amboina (Ambon) 005250006 03-41S 128-11E 20 MRSC Amb

Balikpapan 005250009 01-16S 116-49E 20 MRSC Balik

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 76

XI Indonesia

(cont.)

Batu Ampar 005250012 01-09N 104-00E 20 MRSC Tan

Pinang

Belawan 005250003 03-46N 98-41E 20 MRSC Me

Benoa 005250014 08-44S 115-12E 20 MRSC De

Biak 005250031 01-12S 136-05E 20 MRCC Bi

Bitung 005250005 01-26N 125-10E 20 MRSC Me

Cilacap 005250030 07-47S 109-02E 20 MRCC Jak

Dumai 005250004 01-39N 101-26E 20 MRSC Pek

Fak-Fak 005250026 02-56S 132-17E 20 MRSC So

Jakarta 005250000 06-07S 106-51E 20 MRCC Jak

Jayapura 005250007 02-31S 140-43E 20 MRSC Jay

Kendari 005250019 03-58S 122-34E 20 MRCC Uj

Pandang

Kupang 005250010 10-12S 123-37E 20 MRSC Ku

Lembar 005250022 08-43S 116-04E 20 MRSC De

Makassar 005250002 05-06S 119-26E 20 MRCC Uj

Pandang

Manokwari 005250023 00-51S 134-04E 20 MRCC Bi

Merauke 005250021 08-28S 140-23E 20 MRSC Me

Panjang 005250013 05-28S 105-19E 20 MRSC Pal

Pantoloan 005250018 00-39S 119-44E 20 MRSC Me

Pontianak 005250016 00-01S 109-19E 20 MRSC Po

Sanana 005250025 02-03S 125-38E 20 MRSC Am

Sei Kolak Kiang 005250029 00-51N 104-36E 20 MRSC Tan

Pinang

Semarang 005250008 06-56S 110-19E 20 MRCC Su

Sibolga 005250028 01-44N 98-46E 20 MRSC Me

Sorong 005250011 00-53S 131-18E 20 MRSC So

Surabaya 005250001 07-11S 112-43E 20 MRCC Su

Tahuna 005250024 03-36N 125-30E 20 MRSC Me

Tanjung Pinang 005250029 00-56N 104-29E 20 MRSC Tan

Pinang

Tarakan 005250017 03-17N 117-35E 20 MRSC Ba

Ternate 005250020 00-47N 127-35E 20 MRSC Am

Malaysia Pinang - 05-26N 100-24E - MRCC Po

Gunung Jerai 005330001 05-47N 100-26E 95

Gunung

Berinchang

005330003 04-31N 101-23E 117

Ulu Kali 005330004 03-26N 101-47E 114

Gunung Ledang 005330005 02-03N 102-34E 95

Tioman 005330006 02-48N 104-12E 27

Kuala Rompin 005330007 02-48N 103-29E 38

Kemuning 005330008 04-19N 103-28E 57

Kuala Terengganu 005330009 05-18N 103-08E 55

Machang 005330010 05-43N 102-17E 70

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 77

XI Malaysia (cont.) Kuching 005330011 01-35N 110-11E 85 MRCC Port 

Bintulu 005330012 03-13N 113-05E 48

Kota Kinabalu 005330013 06-02N 116-12E 75

Labuan 005330014 05-17N 115-15E 22

Republic of

Korea

Inchon Maritime Police 004401001 37-30N 126-30E 25 RCC Inchon

Donghae Maritime Police 004401002 37-31N 129-07E 25 RCC Dongh

Mokpo Maritime Police 004401003 34-46N 126-23E 25 RCC Mokpo

Busan Maritime Police 004401004 35-07N 129-02E 25 RCC Busan

Cheju Maritime Police 004401005 33-21N 126-49E 25 RCC Cheju

Inchon 004400001 37-34N 126-41E 25 RCC Inchon

Kangnung 004400601 37-45N 128-53E 25 RCC Dongh

Mokpo 004400301 34-48N 126-30E 25 RCC Mokpo

Busan 004400101 35-06N 129-03E 25 RCC Busan

Seoul 004400002 37-29N 128-43E 25 RCC Dongh

Singapore Singapore Port

Operations Control

005630002 01-16N 103-51E 25 Singapore P

Operations C

Center

Taiwan Chi-lung (Keelung) 004162019 - -

Anmashan (North) 24-16N 121-01E 86

Anmashan (West) 24-16N 121-01E 86

Chi-lung 25-08N 121-45E 21

Chinmen (Mainland) 24-28N 118-22E 32

Fukueichiao 25-14N 121-31E 40

Hotien Shan 23-53N 121-35E 45

Hsichuan Chuan 22-34N 121-01E 51

Lung Chuan 22-56N 120-26E 21

Matsu (Mainland) 26-13N 119-59E 32

San-I 24-24N 120-44E 43

Shou Shan 22-38N 120-15E 39

Suao 24-37N 121-52E 21

Taiho Shan 22-15N 120-52E 45

Taping 23-34N 120-36E 48

Taping Ting 22-01N 120-41E 30

Tsaoshan 25-06N 121-52E 51

Yingtzuling (North

East)

24-54N121-48E 64

Yingtzuling (South

East)

24-54N 121-48E 64

Thailand Bangkok Radio

(Nonthaburi)

005671000 - - RCC Bangk

Sriracha 13-06N 100-55E 27

Petchaburi 12-59N 100-03E 27

Vietnam Ben Thuy 005742009 18-39N 105-42E 30 Cua Lo Port

Authority

Cua Ong (Cam Pha) 005742008 20-01N 107-22E 30 Quang Ninh 

Authority

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 78

XI Vietnam (cont.) Da Nang 005741999 16-04N 108-13E 30 Da Nang P

Authority

Hai Phong 005741996 20-52N 106-41E 30 Hai Phong 

Authority

Ho Chi Minh City 005741993 10-46N 106-43E 30 Saigon Po

Authority

Hon Gai (Quang Ninh) 005742006 20-57N 107-04E 30 Quang Nin

Authority

Hue 005742010 16-33N 107-38E 30 Thien Hue 

Authority

Mong Cai 005742007 21-32N 107-58E 30 Quang Nin

Authority

Nha Trang 005742001 12-12N 109-13E 30 Nha Trang 

Authority

Vung Tau 005742004 10-21N 107-06E 30 Vung Tau 

Authority

Hong Kong

(Associate

Member of

IMO)

Hong Kong Maritime

Rescue

004773500 22-24N 114-07E 50 MRCC Ho

Victoria Peak

(Alternative)

22-16N 114-08E

XII Canada Prince Rupert 003160013 - - JRCC Vict

Dundas 54-31N 130-55W 40

Mount Hayes 54-17N 130-18W 40

Naden Harbor 53-57N 132-57W 40

Mount Gil 53-16N 129-12W 40

Cumshewa 53-10N 132-00W 40

Klemtu 52-35N 128-34W 40

Rose Inlet 52-13N 131-13W 40

Calvert 51-35N 128-00W 40

Comox 003160014 49-45N 124-57W 40

Port Hardy 50-42N 127-42W 40

Texada 49-42N 124-26W 40

Discovery 50-19N 125-22W 40

Tofino 003160012 - -

Holberg 50-38N 128-08W 40

Eliza Dome 49-52N 127-07W 40

Esperanza 49-50N 126-48W 40

Nootka 49-36N 126-37W 40

Estevan Point 49-23N 126-32W 40

Port Alberni 49-13N 124-49W 40

Mount Ozzard 48-58N 125-30W 40

Amphitrite Point 48-55N 125-32W 40

Victoria 003160011 - -

Bowen 49-21N 123-23W 40

Annacis Island 49-12N 122-55W 40

Mount Parke 48-50N 123-18W 40

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 79

XII Canada (cont.) Mount Newton 003160011 48-37N 123-27W 40 JRCC Victo

Helmcken 48-24N 123-34W 40

Vancouver 003160010 - -

Watts Point 49-39N 123-13W 40

Ecuador Guayaquil 007354750 02-11S 79-53W 30 Guayaquil C

Esmeraldas 007354752 00-57N 70-39W 30 Guard

Bahia 007354753 00-35S 80-25W 30

Manta 007354754 00-57S 80-43W 30

Salinas 007354755 02-12S 80-52W 30

Puerto Bolivar 007354756 03-16S 80-00W 30

Ayora 007354757 00-44S 90-20W 30

Baquerizo Moreno 007354758 00-54S 89-37W 30

Mexico Mazatlan 003450810 23-10N 106-26W 80 MRCC Maz

Ensenada 003450210 31-51N 116-37W 80 MRCC Ense

Manzanillo 003451410 19-01N 104-19W 80 MRSC Puer

Vallarta

Acapulco 003451810 16-50N 99-56W 80 MRSC Acap

Lazaro Cardenas 003451610 17-57N 102-12W 80 MRSC Laza

Cardenas

Puerto Vallarta 003451210 20-46N 105-32W 80 MRSC Puer

Vallarta

NOTE: The following local VHF DSC stations assist with SAR communications with

individual coastal areas:

Guaymas 003450671 27-55N 110-52W 20 MRSC Guay

Salina Cruz 003452071 16-11N 96-12W 20 MRSC Salin

La Paz 003450471 24-08N 110-21W 20 MRSC La P

Puerto Penasco 003450672 31-18N 113-35W 20 MRSC Puer

Penasco

Topolobampo 003450872 25-35N 109-09W 20 MRSC

Topolobamp

Puerto Madero 003452271 14-42N 92-24W 20 MRSC Puer

Madero

Puerto Cortez 003450472 24-33N 111-45W 20 MRSC Puer

Cortez

Isla de Cedros 003450272 28-12N 115-15W 20 MRSC Isla d

Cedros

Isla Guadalupe 003450273 29-02N 118-17W 20 MRSC Isla

Guadalupe

San Felipe 003450274 31-01N 114-50W 20 MRSC San 

Los Cabos 003450473 22-52N 109-53W 20 MRSC Los 

Santa Rosalia 003450474 27-20N 112-15W 20 MRSC Sant

Rosalia

Isla Socorro 003450475 18-36N 110-58W 20 MRSC Isla S

Isla Clarion 003451472 18-22N 115-44W 20 MRSC Isla C

Huatulco 003452072 15-45N 96-08W 20 MRSC Huat

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 80

XII Mexico (cont.) NOTE: The following local VHF DSC stations assist with SAR communications wi

individual coastal areas:

Paredon 003452272 16-03N 93-52W 20 MRSC Par

San Blas 003450174 21-32N 105-17W 20 MRSC San 

XIII Russian

Federation

Vladivostok 002734412 43-07N 131-55E 55 MRCC Vl

Nakhodka 42-51N 132-50E 45

Tumannaya (Posiet) 42-34N 131-11E 70

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk 002733733 - - MRSC

Korsakov 46-45N 142-27E 42 Yuzhno-Sa

Kholmsk 47-02N 142-03E 31

Nevelsk 46-38N 141-51E 40

Magadan 002734416 59-33N 150-43E 19 MRSC

Petropavlo

Kamchatsk

XV Chile Arica 007250010 18-29S 70-19W 39 MRSC Iqu

Iquique 007250020 20-21S 70-06W 64

Tocopilla 007250030 22-05S 70-12W 14

Mejillones 007250040 23-05S 70-27W 14

Antofagasta 007250050 23-40S 70-24W 30

Taltal 007250060 25-24S 70-29W 14 MRSC Va

Chanaral 007250070 26-21S 70-38W 14

Caldera 007250080 27-04S 70-49W 14

Huasco 007250090 28-27S 71-13W 14

Isla de Pascua 007250100 27-11S 109-25W 44

Coquimbo 007250110 29-56S 71-20W 62

Los Vilos 007250120 31-54S 71-31W 14

Quintero 007250125 32-46S 71-31W 14

Valparaiso 007251860 33-04S 71-36W 63

San Antonio 007250140 33-34S 71-37W 31

Juan Fernandez 007250130 33-37S 78-49W 14

Constitucion 007250150 35-19S 72-24W 14 MRSC Tal

Talcahuano 007250170 36-37S 73-04W 32

Valdivia 007250220 39-48S 73-15W 14

Corral 007250210 39-53S 73-25W 14

Puerto Montt 007250230 41-39S 73-10W 34 MRCC Pu

Corona 007250235 41-47S 73-52W 26 Montt

Ancud 007250240 41-52S 73-50W 14

Castro 007250250 42-29S 73-46W 14

Chaiten 007250260 42-55S 72-43W 14

Quellon 007250270 43-07S 73-37W 14

Isla Guafo 007250290 43-34S 74-49W 33

Melinka 007250280 43-54S 73-44W 14

Puerto Aguirre 007250294 45-09S 73-31W 14

Aysen 007250300 45-24S 72-43W 16

Puerto Chacabuco 007250298 45-26S 73-49W 14

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 81

XV Chile (cont.) Cabo Raper 007250310 46-49S 75-37W 21 MRCC Punt

Arenas San Pedro 007250320 47-42S 74-53W 18

Puerto Eden 007250330 49-08S 74-27W 14

Puerto Natales 007250340 51-45S 72-32W 14

Faro Evangelistas 007250350 52-23S 75-06W 21

Bahia Felix 007250370 52-44S 73-46W 19

Faro Fairway 007250360 52-57S 74-05W 19

Punta Arenas 007250380 53-09S 71-02W 64

Punta Delgada 007250390 52-27S 69-33W 17

Punta Dungeness 007250400 52-24S 68-26W 20

Espiritu Santo 007250410 52-39S 68-36W 24

Puerto Williams 007250420 54-56S 67-36W 22

Wollaston 007250430 55-36S 67-25W 28

Diego Ramirez 007250440 56-31S 68-42W 28

Bahia Fildes 007250450 62-11S 58-55W 14

Bahia Paraiso 007250470 64-49S 62-51W 14

XVI Peru Zorritos 007600120 03-40S 80-40W 40 MRSC Zorr

Talara 007600122 04-34S 81-16W 40 MRSC Talar

Paita 007600121 05-05S 81-07W 40 MRCC Paita

Pimentel 007600123 06-57S 79-52W 40 MRSC Pime

Salaverry 007600124 08-13S 78-59W 40 MRSC Salav

Chimbote 007600126 09-05S 78-38W 40 MRCC Chim

Supe 007600127 10-49S 77-43W 40 MRSC Supe

Huacho 007600128 11-07S 77-37W 40 MRSC Huac

Callao 007600125 12-03S 77-09W 40 MRCC Call

Pisco 007600130 13-43S 76-14W 40 MRSC Pisco

San Juan 007600131 15-21S 75-09W 40 MRSC San 

Mollendo 007600129 17-01S 72-01W 40 MRCC Mol

Ilo 007600132 17-38S 71-21W 40 MRSC Ilo

VHF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 82

LIST OF OPERATIONAL MF DSC COAST STATIONS FOR SEA AREAS A2

(Extracted from ANNEX 3 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC

I Belgium Oostende 002050480 51-11N 02-48E 115 Oostende

Denmark Lyngby 002191000 - - SOK, Aarh

Blåvand 55-33N 08-07E 153

Skagen 57-44N 10-34E 148

Torshavn (Færoes) 002311000 62-00N 06-47W 225 MRCC To

Estonia Tallinn 002761000 59-24N 24-40E 150 MRCC Ta

Undva 58-29N 21-59E 150

Kuressaare 002760120 58-15N 22-29E 150

Finland Turku 002300230 - - MRCC Tu

Sondby 002302000 60-16N 25-51E 185 MRSC He

Mariehamn 002301000 60-07N 19-57E 185 MRCC Tu

Hailuoto 002303000 65-02N 24-32E 185 MRSC Va

Raippaluoto 63-18N 21-10E 185

France Corsen (CROSS) 002275300 - - MRCC Co

Ouessant (Tx) 48-28N 05-03W 300

Corsen (Rx) 48-24N 04-24W 300

Iceland Reykjavik 002510100 64-05N 21-51W - MRCC Ke

Arnarnes (Tx) 66-05N 23-02W 200

Garoskagi (Rx) 64-04N 22-41W 200

Grimsey (Rx) 66-31N 17-59W 200

Holl (Rx) 65-35N 14-15W 200

Hornafjorour (Tx) 64-15N 15-13W 200

Nes (Tx) 65-09N 13-42W 200

Raufarhofn (Tx) 66-27N 15-56W 200

Rjupnahaeo (Tx) 64-05N 21-50W 200

Saefjall (Tx) 63-25N 20-16W 200

Streite (Rx) 64-43N 13-59W 200

Storhofdi (Tx) 63-24N 20-17W 200

Thverfjalli (Rx) 66-02N 23-18W 200

Ireland Malin Head 002500100 55-21N 07-20W 150 MRSC Ma

Valentia 002500200 51-55N 10-20W 150 MRSC Va

Latvia Riga Rescue Radio 002750100 57-02N 24-05E 150 MRCC Ri

Uzava 57-13N 21-26E 120

Akmenrags 56-50N 21-03E 120

Lithuania Klaipeda Rescue 002770330 55-43N 21-06E 100 MRCC Kl

Netherlands Netherlands Coast Guard 002442000 - - JRCC Den 

Scheveningen (Tx) 52-06N 04-15E 240

Appingedam (Tx) 53-20N 06-52E 150

West Terschelling (Rx) 53-21N 05-13E 150

Noordwijk (Rx) 52-18N 04-28E 150

Norway Tjøme 002570100 - - MRCC Sta

Jeloy 59-26N 10-37E 200
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 83

I Norway (cont.) Rogaland 002570300 - - MRCC Stav

Bergen 60-43N 04-53E 200

Farsund 58-04N 06-45E 200

Vigre 58-39N 05-36E 200

Florø 002570500 -

Florø 61-36N 05-00E 200

Ørlandet 63-40N 09-33E 200

Bodø 002570700 - 200 MRCC Bod

Sandnessjøen 66-01N 12-37E 200

Andenes 69-17N 16-01E 200

Jan Mayen 70-57N 08-40W 200

Bjørnøya 74-31N 19-01E 200

Vardø 002570800 - 200

Tromsø 69-39N 18-57E 200

Hammerfest 70-40N 23-40E 200

Berlevåg 70-52N 29-04E 200

Svalbard 002570900 78-02N 13-40E 200

Poland Witowo 002610210 54-32N 16-32E 150 MRCC Gdy

Barzowice (Tx) 54-28N 16-30E N.I.

Gdynia/Oksywie (Tx) 54-33N 18-32E N.I.

Grzywacz (Rx) 53-57N 14-30E N.I.

Russian

Federation

Kaliningrad 002734417 54-45N 20-35E 125 MRSC Kalin

St. Petersburg 002733700 - - MRCC St.

Petersburg Primorsk (Rx) 60-20N 28-43E 150

Karavaldayskiy (Tx) 59-59N 29-07E 150

Murmansk 002734420 68-52N 33-05E 170 MRCC Mur

Arkhangel’sk 002734414 64-21N 40-37E 1 MRSC

Arkhangel’s

Sweden Göteborg 002653000 57-28N 11-56E 210 MRCC Göte

Bjuröklubb 64-28N 21-36E 210

Hoburg 56-56N 18-13E 250

Stockholm (Rx) 59-16N 18-42E 210

United

Kingdom

Aberdeen 002320004 57-25N 01-51W 150 MRCC Abe

Humber 002320007 54-05N 01-10W 150 MRSC Hum

Cullercoats 55-04N 01-28W 150

Stornoway 002320024 58-13N 06-20W 150 MRSC Storn

Holyhead 002320018 53-19N 04-38W 150 MRSC Holy

Falmouth 002320014 50-08N 05-07W 150 MRCC Falm

Clyde 002320022 55-58N 04-48W 150 MRCC Clyd

Milford Haven 002320017 51-41N 05-03W 150 MRSC Milf

Haven

Shetland 002320001 60-09N 01-08W 150 MRSC Shet

II Benin Cotonou 006100001 06-21N 02-26E 150

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 84

II France Corsen (CROSS) 002275300 - - MRCC Co

Ouessant (Tx) 48-28N 05-03W 300

Corsen (Rx) 48-24N 04-24W 300

Ghana Tema 006270000 05-39N 00-03W 200 Harbor Ma

Office Acc

Spain Bilbao (CCR) 002241021 - -

Machichaco 43-27N 02-45W 150 MRCC Bi

Cabo Penas 43-39N 05-51W 150 MRCC Gi

MRCC Bilbao* 002240996 43-21N 03-02W 150 MRCC Bi

MRCC Gijon* 002240997 43-34N 05-42W 150 MRCC Gi

Coruna (CCR) 002241022 - -

Finisterre 42-54N 09-16W 150 MRCC Fin

Coruna 43-22N 08-27W 150 MRCC Co

MRCC Finisterre* 002240993 42-42N 08-59W 150 MRCC Fin

MRCC Tarifa* 002240994 36-01N 05-35W 150 MRCC Ta

Malaga (CCR) 002241023 - -

Chipiona 36-41N 06-24W 150

Conil 36-17N 06-05W N.I.

Tarifa 36-03N 05-33W 150

MRCC Tenerife* 002241007 28-29N 16-14W 150 MRCC Te

MRCC Las Palmas* 002240995 28-09N 15-25W 150 MRCC La

Las Palmas (CCR) 002241026 - -

Arrecife 29-08N 13-31W 150

Las Palmas 27-45N 15-36W 150

Tenerife 28-25N 16-20W 150

III Bulgaria Varna 002070810 43-04N 27-46E 200 MRCC Va

Croatia MRCC Rijecka 002387010 45-19N 14-27E 160 MRCC Rij

Cyprus Cyprus 002091000 35-02N 33-17E 200 RCC Larn

Egypt Alexandria 006221111 31-11N 29-51E 200 RCC Cairo

Port Said 006221113 31-19N 32-18E 200

France La Garde (CROSS) 002275400 - - MRCC La 

Porquerolles (Tx) 42-59N 06-12E 200

La Garde (Rx) 43-06N 05-59E 200

Georgia Batumi 002130100 41-39N 41-39E 150 MRCC Ge

Greece Olympia 002371000 38-01N 23-50E - JRCC Pira

Iraklion 35-20N 25-07E 200

Kerkyra 39-37N 15-55E 200

Limnos 39-52N 25-04E 200

Rodos 36-26N 28-15E 200

Piraeus JRCC2,3 237673000 37-58N 23-40E 130

Kerkira3 237673190 39-38N 19-55E 130

Patrai3 237673140 38-14N 21-44E 130

*NOTE: The primary responsibility for the receipt of MF DSC distress alerts for Spain is carried out via the Coast R

Stations. MF DSC facilities maintained at various MRCCs are only complementary to the Coast Radio Stations netw

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 85

III Greece (cont.) Pylos3 237673230 36-54N 21-41E 130 JRCC Piraeu

Iraklion3 237673180 35-20N 25-08E 130

Rodhos3 237673150 36-27N 28-14E 130

Thessaloniki3 237673210 40-38N 22-56E 130

Mytilini3 237673220 39-06N 26-35E 130

Aspropirgos2 002391000 38-03N 23-35E 200

Israel Haifa 004280001 32-49N 35-00E 150 MRCC Israe

Italy Roma 002470001 - -

Trieste 45-40N 13-46E 200 MRSC Tries

Ancona 43-36N 13-28E 200 MRSC Anco

Cagliari 39-13N 09-14E 200 MRSC Cagl

Roma 41-37N 12-29E 200 MRSC Rom

Genova 44-25N 08-56E 200 MRSC Geno

Palermo 002470002 - -

Palermo (Punta Raisi) 38-11N 13-06E 200 MRSC Paler

Mazara del Vallo 37-39N 12-36E 200

Augusta 37-14N 15-14E 200 MRSC Cata

Bari 40-26N 17-25E 200 MRSC Bari

Romania Constanta 002640570 44-06N 28-37E 100 Constanta H

Master

Russian

Federation

Novorossiysk 002734411 44-36N 37-58E 173 MRCC

Taganrog 47-14N 38-56E 70 Novorossiys

Temrujk 45-19N 37-13E 70

Serbia and

Montenegro

Bar 002790001 42-01N 19-08E 150 MRCC Bar

Spain Valencia (CCR) 002241024 - -

Bagur 42-17N 03-15E N.I. MRCC Barc

Cabo la Nao 38-43N 00-10W 150 MRCC Vale

Cabo de Gata 36-43N 02-12W 150 MRCC Alm

Palma 39-21N 02-59E 150 MRCC Palm

MRCC Almeria* 002241002 36-50N 02-29W 150 MRCC Tarif

MRCC Valencia* 002241004 39-27N 00-20W 150 MRCC Vale

MRCC Barcelona* 002240991 41-20N 02-09E 150 MRCC Barc

Turkey Izmir 002715000 38-21N 26-35E 146 MSRCC An

Antalya 002713000 36-53N 30-42E 146

Samsun 002712000 41-17N 36-20E 146

Istanbul 002711000 40-59N 28-49E 146

IV Bermuda Bermuda Harbor 003100001 32-23N 64-41W 200 RCC Bermu

Greenland

(Denmark)

Aasiaat 003313000 - - MRCC Grøn

Upernavik 72-47N 56-10W 280

Sisimiut 66-55N 53-40W 270

Nuuk 64-04N 52-01W 250

*NOTE: The primary responsibility for the receipt of MF DSC distress alerts for Spain is carried out via the Coast Rad

Stations. MF DSC facilities maintained at various MRCCs are only complementary to the Coast Radio Stations networ

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 86

IV Greenland

(Denmark)

(cont.)

Qeqertarsuaq 003313000 69-14N 53-31W 250 MRCC Gr

Qaqortoq 003311000 - -

Paamiut 62-00N 49-43W 250

Ikerasassuaq 60-04N 43-10W 220

Simiutaq 60-41N 46-36W 250

Ammassilik 003314000 65-36N 37-38W 280

Mexico Tampico 003450110 22-13N 97-52W 150 MRCC Ci

Madero

Netherlands

Antilles

Curaçao (Seru Gracia) 003061000 12-20N 69-08W 400 JRCC Cur

United States Boston 003669991 41-39N 70-30W 200 RCC Bost

Chesapeake 003669995 36-44N 76-01W 200 RCC Norf

Miami 003669997 25-37N 80-23W 200 RCC Miam

New Orleans 003669998 29-53N 89-57W 200 RCC New 

VI Argentina Argentina Radio 007010111 34-36S 58-28W 200 MRCC Bu

Aires

Mar del Plata 007010221 38-03S 57-32W 150 MRCC Pu

Comodoro Rivadavia 007010008 45-51S 67-25W 150 Belgrano

Rio Gallegos 007010010 51-37S 69-03W 150 MRCC Us

San Blas 007010006 40-33S 62-14W 150 MRSC Ba

Blanca

Uruguay Montevideo 007703870 - - MRCC Mo

Armada Radio 34-56S 56-09W 100

VIII India Port Blair 004194409 11-41N 92-46E 200 MRCC Po

Porbandar 004192202 21-38N 69-37E 200 MRCC Mu

Haldia 004194404 22-02N 88-06E 200 MRCC Ch

Mandapam 004194406 09-17N 79-05E 200

Daman 004192201 20-25N72-52E 200 MRCC Mu

Mauritius Mauritius Radio 006452700 - - MRCC M

Cassis 20-12S 57-28E 150

Myanmar

(Burma)

Yangon (Rangoon) 005060100 16-42N 96-17E 100 MRCC Ya

IX Egypt Quseir 006221112 26-07N 34-17E 200 RCC Cairo

Jordan Aqaba 004381234 29-33N 34-59E 350 Harbor Ma

Aqaba

Kuwait Kuwait Radio 004472188 29-22N 47-59E N.I.

Pakistan Karachi 004634060 24-52N 67-01E 250 MRCC Ka

Saudi Arabia Jiddah 004030000 21-23N 39-11E 500 RCC Jidda

XI China Basuo 004123600 19-06N 108-37E 100 MRSC Ba

Beihai 004123400 21-29N 109-04E 100 MRSC Be

Dalian 004121300 38-50N 121-31E 100 MRCC Li

Fuzhou 004122600 26-01N 119-18E 100 MRCC Fu

Guangzhou 004123100 23-08N 113-29E 100 MRCC Gu

Lianyungang 004122300 34-42N 119-18E 100 MRCC

Lianyunga

Ningbo 004122400 30-01N 121-30E 100 MRSC Nin

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 87

XI China (cont.) Qingdao 004122200 36-02N 120-28E 100 MRSC Qing

Sanya 004123700 18-14N 109-30E 100 MRSC Sany

Shanghai 004122100 31-07N 121-33E 100 MRCC Shan

Shantou 004123200 23-21N 116-40E 100 MRSC Shan

Tianjin 004121100 39-03N 117-25E 100 MRCC Tian

Wenzhou 004122500 28-02N 120-39E 100 MRSC Wen

Xiamen 004122700 24-35N 118-06E 100 MRSC Xiam

Yantai 004121400 37-32N 121-22E 100 MRSC Yant

Zhanjiang 004123300 21-10N 110-22E 100 RSC Zhanji

East Timor Dili 005250015 08-33S 125-34E 100 MRSC Kupa

Indonesia Amboina (Ambon) 005250006 03-41S 128-11E 100 MRSC Amb

Balikpapan 005250009 01-16S 116-49E 100 MRSC Balik

Batu Ampar 005250012 01-09N 104-00E 100 MRSC Tanj

Pinang

Belawan 005250003 03-46N 98-41E 100 MRSC Med

Benoa 005250014 08-44S 115-12E 100 MRSC Denp

Biak 005250031 01-12S 136-05E 100 MRCC Biak

Bitung 005250005 01-26N 125-10E 100 MRSC Men

Cilacap 005250030 07-45S 109-02E 100 MRCC Jaka

Dumai 005250004 01-39N 101-26E 100 MRSC Peka

Fak-Fak 005250026 02-56S 132-17E 100 MRSC Soro

Jakarta 005250000 06-07S 106-51E 100 MRCC Jaka

Jayapura 005250007 02-31S 140-43E 100 MRSC Jaya

Kendari 005250019 03-58S 122-34E 100 MRCC Ujun

Pandang

Kupang 005250010 10-12S 123-37E 100 MRSC Kupa

Lembar 005250022 08-43S 116-04E 100 MRSC Denp

Makassar 005250002 05-06S 119-26E 100 MRCC Ujun

Pandang

Manokwari 005250023 00-51S 134-04E 100 MRCC Biak

Merauke 005250021 08-28S 140-23E 100 MRSC Mera

Panjang 005250013 05-28S 105-19E 100 MRSC Palem

Pantoloan 005250018 00-39S 119-44E 100 MRSC Men

Pontianak 005250016 00-01S 109-19E 100 MRSC Pont

Sanana 005250025 02-03S 125-38E 100 MRSC Amb

Sei Kolak Kiang 005250029 00-51N 104-36E 100 MRSC Tanj

Pinang

Semarang 005250008 06-59S 110-19E 100 MRCC Sura

Sibolga 005250028 01-44N 98-46E 100 MRSC Med

Sorong 005250011 00-53S 131-18E 100 MRSC Soro

Surabaya 005250001 07-11S 112-43E 100 MRCC Sura

Tahuna 005250024 03-36N 125-30E 100 MRSC Men

Tarakan 005250017 03-17N 117-35E 100 MRSC Balik

Ternate 005250020 00-47N 127-35E 100 MRSC Amb

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 88

XI Japan Otaru 004310101 - - RCC Otaru

Shakotan 43-20N 140-32E 150

Hakodateyama 41-45N 140-43E 150

Kushiro 004310102 - - RCC Kush

Tokotan 43-00N 144-53E 150

Souyamisaki 45-31N 141-56E 150

Nemuro 43-21N 145-35E 100

Monbetsu 44-21N 143-22E 150

Shiogama 004310201 - - RCC Shio

Komagamine 38-18N 141-32E 150

Same 40-29N 141-37E 150

Kamaishi 39-16N 141-54E 150

Akita 39-44N 140-04E 150

Yokohama 004310301 - - RCC Yoko

Chikura 34-56N 139-56E 150

Chosi 35-44N 140-52E 150

Shimoda 34-40N 138-57E 150

Nagoya 004310401 - - RCC Nago

Asamagatake 34-27N 136-49E 150

Tanabe 004310502 33-43N 135-24E 150 RCC Kobe

Kochi 004310503 - -

Tosayama 33-36N 133-32E 150

Kobe 004310501 - -

Senzan 34-22N 134-50E 60

Hiroshima 004310601 - - RCC Hiro

Noro 34-15N 132-40E 60

Moji 004310701 - - RCC Kitak

Yukawayama 33-52N 130-33E 150

Wakayama 33-11N 131-44E 60

Mokkoku 34-08N 129-12E 150

Sasebo 004310702 - -

Ishimoriyama 33-14N 129-44E 150

Maizuru 004310801 - - RCC Maiz

Sorayama 35-33N 135-25E 150

Nawa 35-31N 133-32E 150

Niigata 004310901 37-54N 139-03E 150 RCC Niig

Kagoshima 004311001 - - RCC Kago

Yoko-o 31-19N 130-49E 150

Aburatsu 31-35N 131-25E 150

Naze 28-23N 129-30E 100

Naha 004311101 - RCC Naha

Tamagutsuku 26-09N 127-46E 150

Ishigaki 004311102 - -

Miyara 24-21N 124-12E 150

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 89

XI Malaysia Pinang - - - MRCC Port 

Kuantan 005330008 04-06N 103-23E 200

Kuching 005330011 01-49N 109-46E 200

Kota Kinabalu 005330013 05-57N 116-02E 200

Permatang Pauh 005330002 05-22N 100-18E 200

Republic of

Korea

Inchon Maritime Police 004401001 37-30N 126-30E 120 RCC Inchon

Donghae Maritime Police 004401002 37-31N 129-07E 120 RCC Dongh

Mokpo Maritime Police 004401003 34-46N 126-23E 120 RCC Mokpo

Busan Maritime Police 004401004 35-07N 129-02E 120 RCC Busan

Cheju Maritime Police 004401005 33-21N 126-49E 120 RCC Cheju

Inchon 004400001 37-34N 126-41E 120 RCC Inchon

Kangnung 004400601 37-45N 128-53E 120 RCC Dongh

Mokpo 004400301 34-48N 126-30E 120 RCC Mokpo

Busan 004400101 35-06N 129-03E 120 RCC Busan

Seoul 004400002 37-29N 128-43E 120 RCC Dongh

Taiwan Chi-lung (Keelung) 004162019 - -

Chi-lung 25-08N 121-45E 97

Hua-lien (Rx) 23-53N 121-35E 100

Linyuan 22-29N 120-24E 97

Sanchih (Rx) 25-16N 121-28E 90

Taping Ting (Rx) 22-01N 120-42E 100

Yenliaoken 23-54N 121-36E 97

Yüanli (Rx) 24-26N 120-38E 90

Thailand Bangkok Radio

(Nonthaburi)

005671000 - - RCC Bangk

Sriracha 13-06N 100-55E 162

Vietnam Ben Thuy 005742009 18-39N 105-42E 200 Cua Lo Port

Authority

Cua Ong (Cam Pha) 005742008 21-01N 107-22E 200 Quang Ninh 

Authority

Da Nang 005741999 16-04N 108-13E 200 Da Nang Po

Authority

Hai Phong 005741996 20-52N 106-41E 200 Hai Phong P

Authority

Ho Chi Minh City 005741993 10-45N 106-43E 200 Saigon Port

Authority

Hon Gai (Quang Ninh) 005742006 20-57N 107-04E 200 Quang Ninh 

Authority

Hue 005742010 16-33N 107-38E 200 Thien Hue P

Authority

Mong Cai 005742007 21-32N 107-58E 200 Quang Ninh 

Authority

Hong Kong

(Associate

Member of

IMO)

Hong Kong Maritime

Rescue

004773500 22-12N 114-15E 200 MRCC Hon

Mt. Butler 22-16N 114-12E 200

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Associa

RCC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 90

XII Mexico Mazatlan 003450810 23-10N 106-27W 150 MRCC M

United States Point Reyes 003669990 37-56N 122-44W 200 RCC Alam

Kodiak 003669899 57-46N 152-34W 150 RCC June

Honolulu 003669993 21-26N 158-09W 200 RCC Hono

XIII Russian

Federation

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk 002733733 - - MRSC Yu

Nevelsk (Rx) 46-39N 141-52E 165 Sakhalinsk

Seleznevo (Tx) 46-37N 141-50E 165

Vladivostok 002734412 42-45N 133-02E 1504 MRCC Vl

XIV Fiji RCC Suva 005201100 18-07S 178-25E 200 RCC Well

RCC Funa

RCC Nadi

Nat. Surv. 

Samoa

Mar. Div. T

RCC Canb

XV Chile Arica 007250010 18-29S 70-19W 180 MRSC Iqu

Iquique 007250020 20-12S 70-06W 180

Antofagasta 007250050 23-40S 70-24W 180

Caldera 007250080 27-04S 70-49W 180 MRSC Va

Isla de Pascua 007250100 27-11S 109-25W 180

Coquimbo 007250110 29-56S 71-20W 180

Valparaiso 007251860 33-04S 71-36W 180

San Antonio 007250140 33-34S 71-37W 180

Juan Fernandez 007250130 33-37S 78-49W 180

Talcahuano 007250170 36-37S 73-04W 180 MRSC Tal

Puerto Montt 007250230 41-39S 73-10W 180 MRSC Pu

Aysen 007250300 45-24S 72-43W 180 Montt

San Pedro 007250320 47-42S 74-53W 180 MRSC Pu

Bahia Felix 007250370 52-44S 73-46W 180 Arenas

Punta Arenas 007250380 53-09S 71-02W 180

Punta Delgada 007250390 52-27S 69-33W 180

Puerto Williams 007250420 54-56S 67-36W 180

XVI Peru Paita 007600121 05-05S 81-07W 200 MRCC Pa

Callao 007600125 12-03S 77-09W 200 MRCC Ca

Mollendo 007600129 17-01S 72-01W 200 MRCC Mo

1 White Sea (Beloye More) to 66-00N.

2 MF DSC stations operated by Hellenic Coast Guard.

3 MF DSC stations owned by Hellenic Coast Guard, using ship station MMSI numbers.

4 150nm radius from 42-45N 133-02E starting at Korean coast to 42-33N 136-25E to Cape of Olarovskiy.

MF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Range

(NM)

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 91

LIST OF OPERATIONAL HF DSC COAST STATIONS FOR SEA AREAS A3 AND A4

(Extracted from ANNEX 4 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

HF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Frequency

Band1

Associa

RCC

I Denmark Lyngby 002191000 55-50N 11-25E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz SOK, Aarh

Iceland Reykjavik 002516200 64-05N 21-51W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Oce

II Ghana Tema 006270000 05-37N 00-00 4,6,8,12,16 MHz Harbor Ma

Office Accr

Spain Madrid (CCR) 002241078 40-22N 03-17W 8,12 MHz MRCC Ma

MRCC Madrid* 002241008 - 8,12 MHz

III Bulgaria Varna 002070810 43-04N 27-46E 4 MHz MRCC Var

Cyprus Cyprus 002091000 35-03N 33-17E 4,8,16 MHz RCC Larna

Egypt Alexandria 006221111 31-12N 29-52E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC Cairo

Greece Olympia 002371000 37-36N 21-29E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz JRCC Pirae

Piraeus JRCC2 237673000 37-58N 23-40E

Aspropirgos2 002391000 38-02N 23-35E

Romania Constanta 002640570 44-07N 28-35E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz Constanta H

Master

Spain Madrid (CCR) 002241078 40-22N 03-17W 8,12 MHz MRCC Ma

MRCC Madrid* 002241008 - 8,12 MHz

Turkey Istanbul 002711000 40-59N 28-49E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC An

IV Canada Iqaluit 003160023 63-44N 68-33W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC Trent

Resolute (Rx) 74-45N 94-58W

United

States

Boston 003669991 41-39N 70-30W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz Atlantic SA

Coordinato

Norfolk) Chesapeake 003669995 36-44N 76-01W

Miami 003669997 25-37N 80-23W

New Orleans 003669998 29-53N 89-57W

V Brazil Manaus 007100003 03-07S 59-55W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Bra

Recife 007100002 08-04S 34-55W de Janeiro)

Rio 007100001 22-58S 43-41W

VI Argentina Argentina Radio 007010111 34-36S 58-28W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Bue

Comodoro Aires

Rivadavia

007010008 45-51S 67-25W

Mar del Plata 007010003 38-03S 57-32W MRCC Pue

Belgrano

Rio Gallegos 007010010 51-37S 65-03W MRCC Ush

Uruguay Montevideo 007703870 34-56S 56-09W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC

Montevideo

VII South

Africa

Cape Town 006010001 33-40S 18-43E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Cap

VIII India Port Blair 004194409 11-41N 92-46E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Por

Porbandar 004192202 21-38N 69-37E MRCC Mu

Haldia 004194404 22-02N 88-06E MRCC Che

Mandapam 004194406 09-17N 79-05E

*NOTE: The primary responsibility for the receipt of HF DSC distress alerts for Spain is carried out via Madrid (CCR) 

The HF DSC facility maintained at MRCC Madrid is only complementary to the Coast Radio Stations network.
VIII India

(cont.)

Daman 004192201 20-25N 72-52E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC M

Myanmar

(Burma)

Yangon (Rangoon) 005060100 16-42N 96-17E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Y

IX Kuwait Kuwait Radio 004472188 29-22N 47-59E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz

Pakistan Karachi 004634060 24-52N 67-01E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC K

X Australia RCC Australia 005030331 - - RCC Aus

Charleville 26-20S 146-16E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz

Wiluna 26-21S 120-34E

XI China Shanghai 004122100 31-06N 121-32E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC S

Indonesia Amboina (Ambon) 005250006 03-41S 128-10E 4,6,8 MHz MRCC U

Pandang

Balikpapan 005250009 01-16S 116-49E 8 MHz MRCC S

Belawan 005250003 03-46N 98-41E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Ja

Bitung 005250005 01-26N 125-10E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC U

Pandang

Dumai 005250004 01-41N 101-27E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Ja

Jakarta 005250000 06-07S 106-51E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz

Jayapura 005250007 02-30S 140-43E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC B

Kupang 005250010 10-09S 123-34E 8 MHz MRCC U

Makassar 005250002 05-06S 119-25E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz Pandang

Semarang 005250008 06-56S 110-25E 8 MHz MRCC S

Sorong 005250011 00-53S 131-00E 8 MHz MRCC B

Surabaya 005250001 07-12S 112-44E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC S

Cilacap 005250030 07-45S 109-02E 8 MHz MRCC Ja

Merauke 005250021 08-28S 110-23E 8 MHz MRSC M

Japan Tokyo Sea Patrol

Radio

004310001 35-40N 139-45E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC Ota

RCC Shio

RCC Yok

RCC Nag

RCC Kob

RCC Hiro

RCC Kita

RCC Mai

RCC Niig

RCC Kag

RCC Nah

Republic of

Korea

Inchon Maritime

Police

004401001 37-30N 126-30E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC Inch

Donghae Maritime

Police

004401002 37-31N 129-07E RCC Don

Mokpo Maritime

Police

004401003 34-46N 126-23E RCC Mo

Busan Maritime

Police

004401004 35-07N 129-02E RCC Bus

Cheju Maritime

Police

004401005 33-21N 126-49E RCC Che

Inchon 004400001 37-34N 126-41E RCC Inch

HF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Frequency

Band1

Assoc

RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 93

XI Republic of

Korea

(cont.)

Kangnung 004400601 37-45N 128-53E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC Dong

Mokpo 004400301 34-48N 126-30E RCC Mokp

Busan 004400101 35-06N 129-03E RCC Busan

Seoul 004400002 37-29N 128-43E RCC Dong

Taiwan Chi-lung

(Keelung)

004162019 25-08N 121-45E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz

Thailand Bangkok Radio

(Nonthaburi)

005671000 13-34N 100-39E 4,6,8,12 MHz RCC Bang

Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City 005741993 10-46N 106-40E 8 MHz Saigon Por

Authority

Hai Phong 005741996 20-52N 106-42E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz Hai Phong 

Authority

Da Nang 005741999 16-04N 108-13E 6,8 MHz Da Nang P

Authority

Hong Kong

(Associate

Member of

IMO)

Hong Kong

Maritime Rescue

004773500 22-12N 114-15E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz MRCC Ho

Kong

XII United

States

Point Reyes 003669990 37-56N 122-44W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz Pacific SAR

Coordinato

Alameda)

Kodiak 003669899 57-46N 152-34W

Honolulu 003669993 21-26N 158-09W

XIV Fiji RCC Suva 005201100 18-08S 178-26E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC Funaf

RCC Tonga

RCC Nadi

Nat. Surv. C

Samoa

Mar. Div. T

RCC Canb

New

Zealand

Taupo Maritime

Radio

005120010 38-52S 176-26E 4,6,8,12,16 MHz RCC New 

XV Chile Antofagasta 007250050 23-40S 70-25W 4 MHz MRSC Iqu

Isla de Pascua 007250100 27-11S 109-25W MRSC Val

Valparaiso 007251860 33-01S 71-39W 4,6,8,12,16 MHz

Talcahuano 007250170 36-42S 73-06W 4 MHz MRSC Talc

Puerto Montt 007250230 41-47S 73-53W MRSC Pue

Montt

Punta Arenas

(Magallanes)

007250380 53-10S 70-54W 4,8 MHz MRSC Pun

Arenas

XVI Peru Paita 007600121 05-05S 81-07W 8 MHz MRCC Pai

Callao 007600125 12-03S 77-09W MRCC Cal

Mollendo 007600129 17-01S 72-01W MRCC Mo

1 The following frequencies are allocated for HF DSC distress and safety communication by Radio Regulation (Article 

4 MHz = 4207.5 kHz 6 MHz=6312 kHz 8 MHz = 8414.5 kHz 12 MHz = 12577 kHz 16 MHz = 16804.5 k

2 Hellenic Coast Guard, for reasons of additional safety only, keeps 24 hour watch on HF DSC frequencies, using its ow

stations.

3 Operational during navigation season only, approximately June 25 to November 30.

HF DSC Coast Station

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name MMSI Position Frequency

Band1

Associa

RCC
PART II

410A. Requests for U.S. Navy Assistance in

Emergency Situations

In view of the current and continuing threat of possible

terrorist activity, seizure by hostile military forces, or

piracy against U.S. flag and effective U.S. controlled

(EUSC) merchant ships on the high seas, the requirement

exists for the establishment and promulgation of

emergency call-up procedures between U.S. merchant

ships and units of the U.S. Navy for protection and

assistance.

The following situations warrant immediate use of

emergency communications to request assistance from the

U.S. Navy:

– Attacks, threats of attack, or other hostile actions by

military forces. Warning shots and/or observation of

mining operations in international waters are included.

– Harassment by military forces. Threats or attempts of

boarding and seizure or hostage taking are included.

– Terrorist attack (or threat) or seizure.

– Piracy.

– Request for rescue in the event of natural disaster if no

acknowledgment is received through use of established

distress and safety communications procedures.

COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES: Emergency

communications from merchant ships in crisis situations

essentially involve the reporting of incidents and requests

for U.S. Navy protection or assistance on a real time basis.

Requests for assistance will be submitted to Navy Fleet

Command Centers by either commercial satellite

(Inmarsat) or HF media. Commercial telephone numbers

for Fleet Command Centers, Navy Communications

Stations, and USCG Communications Stations are listed in

Appendix A.

– Inmarsat Equipped Ships: Direct dial the appropriate Navy

Fleet Commander Operations Control Center

(OPCONCEN) to report the situation and request U. S.

Navy assistance. If the direct dial attempt is unsuccessful,

place a call via Inmarsat operator to the appropriate Navy

Command Center.

If the call cannot be completed to the Fleet Commander,

dial the appropriate Naval Computer and

Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS)

Joint Fleet Telecommunications Operations Center

(JFTOC) or Naval Computer and Telecommunications

Station (NAVCOMTELSTA) for patching relay to the

Fleet Commander OPCONCEN. If direct dial effort is

unsuccessful, place call to the communications station via

the Inmarsat operator.

If contact cannot be made with the area NCTAMS

JFTOC or NAVCOMTELSTA, a merchant ship should

request the Inmarsat operator to place the call to USCG

Area Operations Center (OPCEN) for notification to

Fleet Commander. U.S. flag/EUSC ships operating in the

North Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf area requiring

assistance from U. S. Navy ships of COMUSNAVCENT

should call NAVCOMTELSTA Guam for direct p

via FM non-secure voice satellite communication

– HF Equipped Ships: Upon establishing HF 

communications with the HF public coast radio 

serving the merchant ship, request that the 

operator place a call to the appropriate Fleet Com

OPCONCEN for assistance, giving information 

prescribed format.

If a voice call via the coast station marine o

cannot be completed to the Fleet Com

OPCONCEN, the call should be placed to the 

NCTAMS JFTOC or NAVCOMTELSTA, 

Communications Station, or USCG Commun

Station for relay to the appropriate Navy Co

Center.

If a merchant ship uses U.S. military HF f

(Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard Commun

Stations) for a direct emergency voice commu

request for assistance, the message will be relaye

receiving facility to the appropriate Navy OPCO

for action. A listing of available HF frequen

military facility and area is in Appendix B.

Ship to ship communications may be initiated 

of 2182 kHz or one of the Navy HICOM or tact

frequencies listed in Appendix B. However

Commander OPCONCEN approval is necessary 

establishment of extended ship to ship commun

between merchant ships and U. S. Navy afloat un

– VHF Communications: 156.8 MHz (Ch. 

recommended for use by ships at line-of-s

extended line-of-sight (15-30 miles) commun

ranges.

– Direct Ship to Ship Communications Connectiv

Fleet Commander OPCONCEN considers it esse

a merchant ship to establish direct non-secur

communications with U.S. Navy surface un

merchant ship will be directed to call the app

NCTAMS or NAVCOMTELSTA Guam for a pat

made between the commercial media (Inmarsat, H

the Navy’s Fleet Satellite Commun

(FLTSATCOM) system to a Navy ship by u

conference bridge. If direct HF voice connect

required, the merchant ship and Navy unit 

assigned an appropriate frequency for coord

purposes.

– COMSC Charter Ships: Except in crisis situatio

merchant ships under charter to COMSC would c

to use the procedures stated in the effective ed

MSC Communications Policies and Procedures 

(CPPM).

– Billing: Billing will be in accordance wit

regulations applicable to Inmarsat and HF publ

radio stations.

NAVY ACTION: Upon receipt of em

transmission by the Fleet Commander OPCONC

Navy will determine what action will be taken in re
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 95

e.g., dispatch of forces, establishing direct communications

between the merchant ship and a Navy afloat unit, or

providing guidance. Decision factors affecting Navy

response are contingent upon U. S. Navy units available,

proximity of U. S. Navy units to the merchant ship, and/or

rules of engagement applicable to the theater of operations.

CALL-UP PROCEDURES: The following voice call-up

procedure should be used by merchant ships if an indefinite

call-up address is to be employed:

ANY NAVY/AIR FORCE/COAST GUARD STATION

GUARDING THIS NET, THIS IS SS EXAMPLE,

EMERGENCY MESSAGE FOLLOWS.

If the merchant ship is calling a specific Navy, Air Force,

or Coast Guard station ashore, the voice calls listed in

Appendix B apply. Merchant ships are cautioned that Navy

shore stations and/or afloat units guarding HICOM or other

tactical HF nets may respond with an alphanumeric daily

changing call sign and advise the merchant ship to send

traffic, and will not reveal the Navy unit’s name to prevent

compromise of the call sign.

Procedures for emergency incident reporting and/or

requests for U. S. Navy assistance emphasize the use of

voice communications between the merchant ship and the

commands/facilities ashore and afloat as defined in

Appendix A. Frequencies for HF voice and radiotelex

(NBDP) communications are listed in Appendix B.

Inmarsat equipped ships should file voice or telex traffic

via appropriate earth stations. Emergency or distress

messages received by non-U.S. Navy facilities will be

immediately forwarded to the appropriate Navy Command

Center.

MESSAGE FORMAT: The following format is

recommended to provide for brevity and uniformity in

reporting procedure:

– To Fleet Commander, Operations Control Center (as

appropriate).

– Name of ship.

– International radio call sign and Inmarsat ID.

– Position (latitude/longitude).

– Date and time (GMT).

– Brief description (military attack, seizure, terrorist

attack, mining, piracy, natural disaster).

Example:

TO COMPACFLT OPCONCEN

A. SS NOGALES

B. KCSD/1509999

C. LAT. 05N, LONG. 105E

D. 231800Z JAN 89

E. SHIP UNDER ATTACK BY MACHINE GUN 

RIFLE FIRE BY SMALL PATROL CRAFT AND B

BOARDED BY PIRATES OR TERROR

PERSONNEL CASUALTIES ON DECK.

F. REQUEST IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.

SHAR: The guidance provided above does not elim

the need for submission of SHARs by merchant sh

NGA. Emergency procedures provide for transmissio

request for assistance to precede the SHAR.

TESTING OF PROCEDURES/FACILITIES: U.S. 

and Air Force HF voice communications nets are ded

to command and control of military units and air 

control. These nets are not to be used for training pur

unless specifically designated by the Services 

operational commanders for use by merchant ships a

of a scheduled exercise. Commercial communic

systems (Inmarsat, HF) aboard ship may be use

personnel training and equipment check-out procedu

merchant ships by placing calls to the Fleet Comm

OPCONCEN. Tests should be initiated from the me

ship by dialing the appropriate Fleet Comm

OPCONCEN for the ocean area involved. Shippin

owners are required to fund costs incurred for 

initiated by their ships. The Fleet Commander 

determine if the calls should be extended to U. S. 

afloat units via the FLTSATCOM interface a

NCTAMS or NAVCOMTELSTA Guam. The 

Commander may desire to use HF HICOM for ex

and training with COMSC chartered merchant sh

well as U.S. flag merchant ships not under Navy c

during Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shi

(NCAGS) exercises or for test prior to in-chop.

In addition to requesting direct assistance from th

Navy, mariners should report acts of terrorism t

following:

– In the waters and ports of the United States, the FB

the USCG.

– In areas outside U.S. territorial limits, the neares

Consulate Office (Regional Security Officer), the 

State Department (Operations Center), at (1) 

647-1512, and NGA.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 96

APPENDIX A

OCEAN AREAS AND COMMAND CENTERS/COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

The following provides a listing of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Command Centers and Communications S

showing area of command and/or communications coverage:

Ocean Area - Navy Operations Control Centers and Communications Facilities,

USCG Command Centers and Communications Facilities

Telephone Number

Mediterranean, Baltic, Middle East

COMUSNAVEUR OPCONCEN LONDON UK 44-207-514-4080

NCTAMS EURCENT JFTOC NAPLES IT 39-081-568-6141/3402

COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA (1) 757-398-6231, Telex 12777

Atlantic, Caribbean, Atlantic Approaches to Panama Canal, North Sea

COMUSFLTFORCOM OPCONCEN NORFOLK VA (1) 757-836-5397

NCTAMS LANT JFTOC NORFOLK VA (1) 757-444-2124/4182

COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA (1) 757-398-6231, Telex 12777

COGARD CAMSLANT CHESAPEAKE VA (1) 757-421-6240/6247

Eastern Pacific, Mexico, Central America

COMPACFLT OPCONCEN PEARL HARBOR HI (1) 808-471-3201/5200

NCTAMS PAC JFTOC HONOLULU HI (1) 808-653-5377/1760/0090

NAVCOMTELSTA SAN DIEGO CA (1) 619-545-6983

COMPACAREA COGARD ALAMEDA CA (1) 510-437-3701, Telex 17234

COGARD COMMSTA KODIAK AK (1) 907-487-5778

COGARD CAMSPAC PT REYES CA (1) 415-669-2047

Mid Pacific, Northern Pacific, Pacific Approaches to Panama Canal, South

America

COMPACFLT OPCONCEN PEARL HARBOR HI (1) 808-471-3201/5200

NCTAMS PAC JFTOC HONOLULU HI (1) 808-653-5377/1760/0090

NAVCOMTELSTA SAN DIEGO CA (1) 619-545-6983

COMPACAREA COGARD ALAMEDA CA (1) 510-437-3701, Telex 17234

COGARD COMMSTA KODIAK AK (1) 907-487-5778

COGARD CAMSPAC PT REYES CA (1) 415-669-2047

Western Pacific, South Pacific, Southeast Asia, Straits of Malacca, Sea of Japan,

Indian Ocean

COMPACFLT OPCONCEN PEARL HARBOR HI (1) 808-471-3201/5200

NAVCOMTELSTA GUAM 671-355-5513/5326/5327/532

NAVCOMTELSTA FAR EAST 81-311-743-7510

COGARD COMMSTA KODIAK AK (1) 907-487-5778
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 97

Persian Gulf, Red Sea

COMUSNAVCENT/COMFIFTHFLT OPCONCEN BAHRAIN 973-17-85-4006/4577

NAVCOMTELSTA BAHRAIN 973-17-85-4185

(For Ships in the Persian Gulf)

NAVCOMTELSTA GUAM 671-355-5513/5326/5327/5328

NAVCOMTELSTA BAHRAIN 973-17-85-4185

(For Ships in the Red Sea)

NCTAMS EURCENT NAPLES IT 39-081-568-6141

COMLANTAREA COGARD PORTSMOUTH VA (1) 757-398-6231, Telex 127775

Navy Communications Facilities With FLTSATCOM Interface Capability:

Upon direction from Fleet Commander OPCONCEN, calls will be placed to the following Navy Communications

Stations with conference bridge capability to establish unclassified ship to ship voice connectivity with Navy afloat u

via Navy FLTSATCOM:

NCTAMS LANT NORFOLK VA (1) 757-445-9988/9989

NCTAMS EURCENT NAPLES IT 39-081-568-6141

NCTAMS PAC HONOLULU HI (1) 808-653-0321

NAVCOMTELSTA GUAM 671-355-5513/5326/5327/5328

Ocean Area - Navy Operations Control Centers and Communications Facilities,

USCG Command Centers and Communications Facilities

Telephone Number
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 98

APPENDIX B

HIGH FREQUENCIES GUARDED BY AIR FORCE, NAVY, COAST GUARD,

AND COMMERCIAL STATIONS

AIR FORCE

Area Control Station Voice Call SSB (carrier) Frequencies

(in kHz)

Hours of 

(GMT

Southwest Pacific,

Micronesia

ANDERSEN AFB

GUAM

ANDERSEN 6738

8967

11176

13201

18002

0200-1

24 h

24 h

24 h

2200-0

Northwest Pacific, Sea

of Japan,

YOKOTA AB JA YOKOTA 4747

6738

8967

11236

13201

18002

1000-2

0900-2

24 h

24 h

2100-1

0001-0

Mid Pacific HICKAM AFB HI HICKAM 3144

6738

8964

11179

13201

18002

0600-1

0400-0

24 h

24 h

1700-0

0001-0

Northern Pacific ELMENDORF AFB

AK

ELMENDORF 6738

8989

11176

13201

24 h

24 h

24 h

24 h

Eastern Pacific, West

Coast Continental U.S.,

Mexico

MCCLELLAN AFB

CA

MCCLELLAN 4746

6738

8989

11239

15031

18002

0400-1

0400-1

24 h

24 h

1600-0

1600-0

Central and South

America, (Atlantic and

Pacific), Cuba,

Hispaniola

ALBROOK AB PM ALBROOK 5710

6683

8993

11176

15015

18019

0200-1

0001-1

24 h

24 h

1200-0

0900-2
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 99

Northern Atlantic, East

Coast Continental U.S.,

Canada, Caribbean,

Gulf of Mexico

MACDILL AFB FL MACDILL

5688

8989

11179

13244

18019

Northern N

Atlantic

0001-140

24 hr.

0900-240

0900-240

0900-240

4746

6750

11179

11246

13244

Central No

Atlantic

0001-090

0001-090

0900-240

24 hr.

0900-240

4746

6750

8993

11246

13244

Southern N

Atlantic

0001-090

0001-090

24 hr.

24 hr.

0900-220

4746

6750

8993

11246

Gulf of Me

0001-090

0002-090

24 hr.

24 hr.

Northern North

Atlantic, Canada,

Greenland

THULE AB

GREENLAND

THULE 6738

8967

13201 (slight dela

answerin

Eastern North Atlantic,

Iceland, North Sea,

Baltic Sea

CROUGHTON AB,

UK

CROUGHTON 3076

5703

6750

9011

11176

13214

 2300-05

2100-080

24 hr.

0500-230

24 hr.

0800-210

Eastern North Atlantic,

Spain, Western

Mediterranean, North

Africa

LAJES AB PO

(Acores)

LAJES 3081

4746

6750

8967

11226

13244

2100-100

2100-100

24 hr.

24 hr.

1000-210

1000-210

Area Control Station Voice Call SSB (carrier) Frequencies

(in kHz)

Hours of W

(GMT)
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 100

South Atlantic, Cape of

Good Hope, Western

Indian Ocean, Red Sea

ASCENSION

ISLAND

AUXILIARY AB

ASCENSION 6753

8993

11176

13244

15015

2000-0

24 h

1800-1

1000-1

0800-2

Central and Eastern

Mediterranean, Strait of

Hormuz, Persian Gulf,

Northern Red Sea

INCIRLIK AB TU INCIRLIK 6738

11176

13244

15015

24 h

24 h

24 h

24 h

Area Control Station Voice Call SSB (carrier) Frequencies

(in kHz)

Hours of 

(GMT
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 101

NAVY

Area Control Station Voice Call SSB (carrier)

Frequencies (in kHz)

Mediterranean,

Eastern and

Northern North

Atlantic

(COMUSNAVEUR

HICOM NET)

NCTAMS EURCENT DET ROTA SP

NAVCOMTELSTA SICILY IT

Designated afloat units

AOK

NSY

“ANY NAVY

STATION

THIS NET”

2200-0600

Carrier Frequency: 6720

Upper Sideband: 6721.5

0600-2200

Carrier Frequency: 11255

Upper Sideband: 11256.5

Atlantic, Caribbean

(COMUSFLTFOR

COM)

NCTAMS LANT NORFOLK VA

NCTAMS LANT DET KEY WEST FL

NAVCOMTELSTA PUERTO RICO PR

NAVCOMTELSTA KEFLAVIK IC

NAM

NAR

NAU

NRK

24 hr.

Carrier Frequency: 6687

Upper Sideband: 6698.5

HICOM Net Navy Command Centers Ashore

Designated afloat units

“ANY NAVY

STATION

THIS NET”

24 hr.

Carrier Frequency: 23287

Upper Sideband: 23288.5

Indian Ocean Voice

Net

NAVCOMTELSTA DIEGO GARCIA

Designated afloat units

NKW

“ANY NAVY

STATION

THIS NET”

0200-1300

Carrier Frequency: 23315

Upper Sideband: 23316.5

1300-0200

Carrier Frequency: 11205

Upper Sideband: 11206.5

Western Pacific

HICOM Net

NAVCOMTELSTA GUAM

NAVCOMTELSTA FAR EAST

Designated afloat units

NPN

NDT

“ANY NAVY

STATION

THIS NET”

24 hr.

Carrier Frequency: 6720

Upper Sideband: 6721.5

Carrier Frequency: 11205

Upper Sideband: 11206.5

Carrier Frequency: 11255

Upper Sideband: 11256.5

Carrier Frequency: 18009

Upper Sideband: 18010.5

Eastern and Central

Pacific HICOM

NCTAMS PAC HONOLULU HI

COMTHIRDFLEET

NAVCOMTELSTA SAN DIEGO CA

NPM

“ANY NAVY

STATION

THIS NET”

0600-1700

Carrier Frequency: 4415.4

Upper Sideband: 4417.7

24 hr.

Carrier Frequency: 8777.4

Upper Sideband: 8779.2

1700-0600

Carrier Frequency: 13156.4

Upper Sideband: 13182.8
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 102

COAST GUARD (HF RADIOTELEPHONE)

Note: Miami, Boston and New Orleans receive remoted to CAMSLANT Chesapeake (NMN). Honolulu and Guam 

remoted to CAMSPAC Point Reyes (NMC).

Area Station (Call Sign) ITU

Channel

SSB (carrier) Frequencies (in kHz)

Shore Ship Hours of Watch

(GMT)

Atlantic Boston MA (NMF) 424

601

816

1205

1625

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

2300-1100

24 hr.

24 hr.

1100-2300

on request

CAMSLANT

Chesapeake VA (NMN)

424

601

816

1205

1625

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

2300-1100

24 hr.

24 hr.

1100-2300

on request

Miami FL (NMA) 424

601

816

1205

1625

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

2300-1100

24 hr.

24 hr.

1100-2300

on request

New Orleans LA (NMG) 424

601

816

1205

1625

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

2300-1100

24 hr.

24 hr.

1100-2300

on request

Pacific Kodiak AK (NOJ)

424

601

816

1205

1625

4125

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4125

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

24 hr.

on request

24 hr.

on request

on request

on request

CAMSPAC

Point Reyes CA (NMC)

424

601

816

1205

1625

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

on request

Honolulu HI (NMO) 424

601

816

1205

1625

4426

6501

8764

13089

17314

4134

6200

8240

12242

16432

0600-1800

24 hr.

24 hr.

1800-0600

on request

Guam (NRV) 601

1205

6501

13089

6200

12242

0900-2100

2100-0900
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 103

COAST GUARD (HF RADIOTELEX)

This net provides for common medium and long range radioteletype communications between all ship station

COMMSTAs for safety and liaison traffic. Calling and working frequencies between shore and ships are in the 

duplex frequency modes indicated below. Stations follow the indicated schedule for frequency guards. Any ch

wanted by area commanders to meet operational needs will be included in this schedule.

Area Station (Call Sign) ITU

Channel

SITOR or NBDP (assigned) Frequencies (in kH

Shore Ship Hours of Wa

(GMT)

Atlantic CAMSLANT

Chesapeake VA (NMN)

Selcall: 1097

MMSI: 003669995

404

604

824

1227

1627

2227

4212

6316

8428

12592.5

16819.5

22389.5

4174

6264.5

8388

12490

16696.5

22297.5

on request

2300-1100

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

1100-2300

Pacific Kodiak AK (NOJ)

Selcall: 1106

MMSI: 003669899

407

607

807

4213.5

6317.5

8419.5

4175.5

6266

8379.5

HN

24 hr.

HJ

CAMSPAC

Point Reyes CA (NMC)

Selcall: 1096

MMSI: 003669990

412

620

820

1242

1620

2220

4215.5

6323.5

8426

12600

16816.5

22386

4178

6272.5

8386

12497.5

16693

22294

on request

HN

24 hr.

on request

HJ

on request

Honolulu HI (NMO)

Selcall: 1099

MMSI: 003669993

404

604

827

1220

1627

2227

4212

6316

8429.5

12589

16819.5

22389.5

4174

6264.5

8389.5

12486.5

16696.5

22297.5

on request

on request

24 hr.

24 hr.

on request

HJ

Guam (NRV)

Selcall: 1096

MMSI: 003669994

412

612

812

1212

1612

2212

4215.5

6319.5

8422

12585

16812.5

22382

4178

6268.5

8382

12482.5

16689

22290

on request

on request

HN

24 hr.

24 hr.

HJ

Notes: (1) Selcall number is used for radiotelex (sitor). The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is used 

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and may also be used for radiotelex.

(2) For radiotelex the frequencies listed are assigned. The carrier or dial frequency is located 1.7 kHz

below the assigned frequency.

(3) Honolulu and Guam are operated remotely by CAMSPAC Point Reyes (NMC).

(4) Time definitions:

HJ — Daytime (2 hours after sunrise until 2 hours before sunset, local time).

HN — Nighttime (2 hours before sunset until 2 hours after sunrise, local time).
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 104

RADIOTELEX SERVICES AVAILABLE

COMMERCIAL STATIONS (HF RADIOTELEX/NBDP)

COMMAND EXPLANATION RESPONSE

OBS+ WEATHER OBSERVATION (message must be in

standard format)

MOM11+ MSG+

AMV+ AMVER MESSAGE (message must be in standard

format)

MOM01+ MSG+

MED+ MEDICAL EMERGENCIES (signals an alarm at the

coast station)

MOM07+ MSG+

URG+ SHIPBOARD DISTRESS/EMERGENCIES (signals

an alarm at the coast station)

MOM20+ MSG+

TFC+ MISCELLANEOUS ROUTINE MESSAGES MOM16+ MSG+

VES+ U.S. FISHERIES, POLLUTION OR OTHER

REQUIRED VESSEL REPORT

MOM13+ MSG+

OPR+ OPERATOR ASSISTANCE

FREQ+ FREQUENCY GUARD SCHEDULE LIST

MSG+ DOWNLOADS SHORE-TO-SHIP MESSAGES

(limited to government vessels)

BRK+ BREAK OFF COMMUNICATIONS

HELP+ LIST OF AVAILABLE COMMANDS

Location Station (Call Sign) ITU Channel Frequencies (kHz)

Shore Ship

Mobile, Alabama,

U.S.A.

Mobile (WLO)

Selcall: 1090

MMSI: 003660003

Hours of watch: 24 hr.

406

606

806

810

815

1205

1211

1605

1615

1810

2215

2510

4213

6317

8419

8421

8423.5

12581.5

12584.5

16809

16814

19685.5

22383.5

26105.5

4175

6265.5

8379

8381

8383.5

12479

12482

16685.5

16690.5

18875

22291.5

25177.5

Republic, Washington,

U.S.A.

Republic (KKL)

Selcall: 1150

Hours of watch:

1700-0100 GMT 824

2523.4

4016.4

8183.4

8429.4

12104.4

16345.4

19685.4

26105.4

2523.4

4016.4

8183.4

8389.4

12104.4

16345.4

18874.9

25177.4

Notes: (1) Station WLO is part of the ShipCom Radio Network. Frequencies listed are assigned.

(2) Radiotelex frequencies listed for Station KKL are ARQ carrier center frequency. When

calling KKL ARQ, call for at least 60 seconds. KKL uses scanning transceivers on all

frequencies except 2522.0 kHz. Each channel is scanned for approximately 10 seconds.

(3) AMVER messages may be sent free of charge through any of the above coast radio

stations.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

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COMMERCIAL STATIONS (HF RADIOTELEPHONE)

Location Station (Call Sign) ITU Channel

SSB (carrier) Frequencies

(in kHz)

Shore Ship

Marina del Ray,

California, U.S.A.

Marina del Ray (KNN)

Hours of watch: 24 hr.

416

814

1203

1616

2214

4402

8758

13083

17287

22735

4110

8234

12236

16405

22039

Mobile, Alabama,

U.S.A.

Mobile (WLO)

Hours of watch: 24 hr.

405

414

607

824

830

1212

1226

1607

1641

1807

2237

2503

4369

4396

6519

8788

8806

13110

13152

17260

17362

19773

22804

26151

4077

4104

6218

8264

8282

12263

12305

16378

16480

18798

22108

25076

Mobile, Alabama,

U.S.A.

Mobile (WCL)

Hours of watch: 24 hr.

403

802

1206

1601

2243

4363

8722

13092

17242

22822

4071

8198

12245

16360

22126

Republic, Washington,

U.S.A.

Republic (KKL)

Hours of watch:

1700-0100 GMT

421

606

821

1221

1621

1806

4417

6516

8779

13137

17302

19770

4125

6215

8255

12290

16420

18795

Seattle, Washington,

U.S.A.

Seattle (KLB)

Hours of watch: 24 hr.

417

805

1209

1624

4405

8731

13101

17311

4113

8207

12254

16429

Notes: (1) Stations KLB, KNN and WCL are part of the ShipCom Radio Network, operated

remotely from Mobile (WLO).

(2) AMVER messages may be sent free of charge through any ShipCom Radio Network

station.
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 106

COMMERCIAL STATIONS (HF DSC)

FREQUENCY SELECTION GUIDE

Location Station (Call Sign) ITU Channel Frequencies (in kHz)

Shore Ship

Mobile, Alabama,

U.S.A.

Mobile (WLO) 4219 4208

MMSI: 003660003 6331 6312.5

8436.5 8415

12657 12577.5

16903 16805

Time at Coast (Local) Distance (NM)

200-750 750-1500 >1500

0000 3-5 MHz 6-9 MHz 6-11 MHz

0400 3-5 MHz 4-7 MHz 6-9 MHz

0800 3-7 MHz 6-11 MHz 11-22 MHz

1200 4-7 MHz 8-13 MHz 13-22 MHz

1600 4-7 MHz 8-13 MHz 13-22 MHz

2000 3-7 MHz 6-11 MHz 11-22 MHz
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

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LIST OF INMARSAT COAST EARTH STATIONS

(Extracted from ANNEX 5 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

NAV/MET

Area

Country Location Ocean

Area

Inmarsat

Satellite Service

Associated RCC

I Netherlands Burum (Xantic) AOR-E

(12)

-A,-B,-C,-E MRCC Den Helder

(LES ID x12 and

x22)

AOR-E

(22)

-C

AOR-W

(12)

-A,-B,-C,-E

AOR-W

(22)

-C

IOR (12) -A,-B,-E

Norway Eik AOR-E -A,-B,-C MRCC Stavanger

AOR-W -A,-B,-C

IOR -A,-B,-C

Poland Psary AOR-E -A,-B,-C RCC Gdynia

IOR -A,-B,-C

United Kingdom Goonhilly AOR-E -A,-B,-C,-E MRCC Falmouth

AOR-W -A,-B,-C,-E

IOR -A,-B,-C

POR -A,-B,-C

II France Pleumeur-Bodou AOR-E -A MRCC Gris-Nez

(MRCC Bremen for

Inmarsat-E)

AOR-W -A

IOR -A

POR -A

Aussaguel AOR-E -B,-C,-E

IOR -B,-C,-E

Portugal Sintra AOR-E -C MRCC Lisbon

III Greece Thermopylae AOR-E -A,-B,-C Piraeus JRCC

IOR -A,-B,-C

Italy Fucino AOR-E -A,-B,-C MRCC Roma

IOR -A,-B,-C

Turkey Ata AOR-E -A,-C MRCC Ankara

IOR -A,-C

Ukraine Odessa AOR-E -A

IOR -A

IV Canada Laurentides AOR-E -B RCC Halifax

AOR-W -B

United States Southbury AOR-E -A,-B,-C RCC Norfolk

AOR-W -A,-B,-C

V Brazil Tangua AOR-E -A,-B,-C Salvamar-Su Este;

Rio de Janeiro

VIII India Arvi IOR -A,-B,-C

IX Egypt Maadi AOR-E -A RCC Cairo

Iran Boumehen IOR -A,-C

Saudi Arabia Jiddah IOR -A RCC Jiddah
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

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IX United Arab Emirates Towi Al Sawan IOR -B

X Australia Perth (Xantic) IOR (12) -C, MRCC Australia (Ca

(LES ID x12 and

x22)

IOR (22) -A,-B,-C,-E

POR (12) -A,-B,-C,-E

POR (22) -A,-B,-C,-E

XI China Beijing IOR -A,-B,-C MRCC China

POR -A,-B,-C

Indonesia Jatiluhur IOR -B

Japan Yamaguchi IOR -A,-B,-C RCC Yokohama

RCC Nagoya

RCC Kobe

RCC Hiroshima

RCC Kitakyushu

RCC Maizuru

RCC Niigata

RCC Kagoshima

RCC Naha

POR -A,-B,-C RCC Otaru

RCC Shiogama

Malaysia Kuantan IOR -A,-B MRCC Port Klang

Republic of Korea Kumsan IOR -A,-C RCC Inchon

POR -A,-C

Singapore Sentosa IOR -A,-B,-C Singapore Port Opera

Control Center POR -A,-B,-C

Thailand Nonthaburi IOR -B,-C RCC Bangkok

Vietnam Haiphong IOR -B,-C MRCC Viet Nam

Hong Kong (Associate

Member of IMO)

Cape D’Aguilar IOR -A,-B MRCC Hong Kong

POR -A,-B

XII United States Santa Paula POR -A,-B,-C,-E RCC Alameda

Southbury AOR-W -A,-B,-C RCC Norfolk

XIII Russian Federation Nakhodka POR -A MRCC Vladivostok

Nudol AOR-E -C SMRCC Moscow

IOR -C

NAV/MET

Area

Country Location Ocean

Area

Inmarsat

Satellite Service

Associated RC
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

4 - 109

LIST OF RESCUE COORDINATION CENTERS USING SHIP EARTH STATIONS

(Extracted from ANNEX 6 of the IMO GMDSS Master Plan)

RCC SES DETAIL

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name Position ID Type Ocean R

Acces

I Estonia MRCC Tallinn 59-24N 24-40E 492480040 Inmarsat-C AOR

Finland RCC Turku 60-26N 22-15E 423002211 Inmarsat-C AOR

France MRCC Gris Nez 50-52N 01-35E 422799256 Inmarsat-C AOR

Germany MRCC Bremen 53-04N 08-48E 492621021 Inmarsat-C AOR

Latvia MRCC Riga 57-02N 24-05E 427518510 Inmarsat-C AOR

Lithuania MRCC Klaipeda 55-43N 21-06E Tel: 327703310

Fax: 327703312

Tlx: 327703314

Inmarsat-B AOR-E o

Russian

Federation

MRCC Saint

Petersburg

59-54N 30-14E 492509012 Inmarsat-C AOR-E

Sweden MRCC Göteborg 57-28N 11-56E Tel: 326590010

Fax: 326590011

Tlx: 326590013

Inmarsat-B AOR-E, A

IOR

426590010 Inmarsat-C AOR-E, A

IOR

United

Kingdom

MRCC Falmouth Falmouth 1441532 Inmarsat-A AOR

423200159 Inmarsat-C AOR

423200158 Inmarsat-C AOR

II France MRCC Etel 47-40N 03-12W 422799025 Inmarsat-C AOR

III Croatia MRCC Rijeka 45-20N 14-27E 423816510 Inmarsat-C AOR

Cyprus RCC Larnaca 34-52N 33-37E Tel: 321099990

Fax: 321099991

Tlx: 321099992

Inmarsat-B AOR-E

421099999 Inmarsat-C AOR-E

Greece Piraeus JRCC 37-58N 23-40E 1133207 Inmarsat-A AOR-E

423767310 Inmarsat-C AOR-E

Russian

Federation

MRCC

Novorossiysk

44-41N 37-47E Tel: 327325510

Fax: 327325515

Tlx: 327325518

Inmarsat-B IOR

(Caspian Sea) MRCC Astrakhan 46-20N 48-00E 427310985 Inmarsat-C IOR

Ukraine MRCC Odessa 46-29N 30-44E 492550019 Inmarsat-C AOR

IV Bermuda RCC Bermuda 32-23N 64-41W 431010110 Inmarsat-C AOR

Canada MRSC St. John’s - 431699930 Inmarsat-C AOR

- 431699931 Inmarsat-C AOR

JRCC Halifax - Tlx: 331699943 Inmarsat-B AOR

- 493020114 Inmarsat-C AOR

- 493020115 Inmarsat-C AOR

JRCC Trenton - 431699928 Inmarsat-C AOR

- 431699929 Inmarsat-C AOR

JRCC Victoria - 431699932 Inmarsat-C AOR

- 431699933 Inmarsat-C POR

France

(Martinique)

MRCC

Fort-de-France

14-36N 61-04W 422799244 Inmarsat-C AOR

422799024 Inmarsat-C AOR
DISTRESS, EMERGENCY, AND SAFETY TRAFFIC

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IV United States RCC Norfolk 36-43N 76-12W 430370680 Inmarsat-C AO

430370670 Inmarsat-C AO

V Brazil MRCC Brazil 22-53N 43-10W 471009910 Inmarsat-C AOR-E

VI Argentina MRCC Puerto

Belgrano

38-53S 62-06W 470128910 Inmarsat-C AOR-E

VII France

(La Reunion)

MRCC La Reunion 20-56S 55-17E 422799193 Inmarsat-C IO

VIII France

(La Reunion)

MRCC La Reunion 20-56S 55-17E 422799193 Inmarsat-C IO

IX Egypt Suez Canal

Authority

Ismailia Radio 1622570 Inmarsat-A AO

X Australia RCC Australia 35-15S 149-05E 450300458 Inmarsat-C P

France (New

Caledonia)

MRCC Noumea 22-17S 166-26E 422799194 Inmarsat-C P

XI China Beijing N.I. N.I. N.I. N

Hong Kong

(Associate

Member of

IMO)

MRCC Hong Kong Hong Kong 447735010 Inmarsat-C P

XIII Russian

Federation

MRCC Vladivostok 43-07N 131-53E 492500379 Inmarsat-C P

MRSC

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

46-59N 142-43E 427311122 Inmarsat-C P

(White Sea) MRSC Arkhangelsk 64-32N 40-32E 492509110 Inmarsat-C AOR-

XIV French

Polynesia

MRCC Papeete 17-32S 149-35W 422799192 Inmarsat-C P

RCC SES DETAIL

NAV/MET

Area

Country Name Position ID Type Ocean 

Acc