emergency (Distress, Urgency and Safety) communications. Before
leaving harbour, that person should identify the equipment which will
be used to receive MSI, and for Distress and Safety watchkeeping (from-
shore and from-ship), according to the type of 'GMDSS Sea Area of
operation' (AI, A2, A3 or A4) in which the departure port is situated.
This is best done by making a 'voyage communications plan' showing,
for each part of the voyage:
What Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is available to cover the
voyage.
Which country is responsible for SAR communications for each part
of the voyage.
The type of GMDSS Sea Area (AIIA2/A3 or A4) in which the
departure port is situated and the shore-based radio/satcom facilities
that are available for receiving Distress (Mayday), Urgency (Pan Pan)
and Safety (Securite) communications in that country and throughout
the voyage.
- Alternative facilities which can be accessed using the ship's equipment,
if the shore-based facilities of the country responsible for SAR
operations do not match the equipment fitted onboard your vessel,
for each part of the voyage. - What 'reporting systems' - voluntary or compulsory - might be in
place for any part of your voyage.
What reports are required, and when, by Pilot services, Vessel Traffic
Services and Port Operations services at the ports of departure and
destination.
The 'person responsible' is also tasked with carrying-out certain
daily, weekly and monthly checks of equipment and power supplies (see
Appendix VIII) and ensuring that the radio log is maintained. The master
is ultimately responsible (as with everything) and should check and sign
the radio log daily.
Voyage communications planning
The following worked examples explain how to use ALRSs to
make a 'voyage communications plan' (Appendix XI). The plan should
identify/detail:
Stations/satellites prOViding MSI for the voyage.
The Radio Distress Watch that will be required throughout the voyage.
Shore-based facilities for sending/ receiving Distress, Urgency and
Safety messages, should the need arise.
Ship Reporting Systems to be used during the voyage.26 THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE