ship-in-distress

The strongest people make time to help others, even if they are struggling with their own personal demons.

This saying is so true for the navigators sailing on the high seas.

We ought to help people in distress.

In fact, even if someone does not wish to, they won’t have a choice.

IMO requires every ship to help any nearby ship in distress. Not doing so will be the serious violation of international rules.

GMDSS is the equipment on board that can let us know of any ship that may be in distress.

A ship in distress can transmit its distress message to the ships and shore station thousands of mile away.

When you receive a distress message from a ship that is 1000 NM away from its position, are you supposed to proceed for help?

Irrespective of how helping heart you may possess, proceeding to help in this case will be illogical.

So when must you proceed for help and when should you not?

What do you need to do on receiving a distress message on board?

Even if you are thousands of miles away from the ship in distress, is there any way you can be of some help?

Knowing these answers will not only help the ships in distress but also help us in avoiding the violation of international regulations on providing help to the ships in distress.

In this post, I will discuss the step by step procedures to follow on receiving a distress message on GMDSS equipments.

Let us start.

Receiving distress Alert on MF/HF

Now before I discuss the actions on receiving a distress message on MF/HF, it is important to emphasize on maintaining these equipments in good order.

The equipment should be able to receive and send distress messages when required. This guide can help in maintaining the MF/HF equipments in good order.

MF/HF Equipment tests: how to do it and actions in case test fails ?

Coming back to receiving a distress message on MF/HF equipment. This is what a distress message received on MF/HF would look like.

distress-message

The first things OOW need to note in the distress message are

  • The frequency on which this distress DSC alert is received, and
  • the frequency on which the distress message will be transmitted.

In the sample distress alert above, this distress alert is received on 2187.5 KHz frequency.

Receiving distress message

We must understand that DSC is used to alert and tell the nearby ships and shore station that “I am in distress”.

The DSC alert may also have certain other information like the type of distress.

But the time permits, the vessel in distress needs to broadcast the more specific nature of its distress.

There are two ways this distress communication can go on.

To be able to receive this distress communication, we must switch to either

  • a common R/T frequency if the distress message is being broadcasted on R/T
  • a common NBDP frequency if the distress message is being broadcasted on NBDP

This brings us to two questions.

How do we know if the ship in distress would broadcast its message on R/T or on NBDP?

And how do we know on which frequency she would broadcast the message?

Both the answers lie in the distress DSC alert received from the ship in distress.

The information about R/T or NBDP is contained in the “Distress-Telecomm “. In some equipments, this is denoted as “Telecommand”.

distress-message-channel

If the Distress-Telecomm is “J3E” or “F3E/G3E”, we need to switch to radiotelephony.

If the Distress-Telecomm is “F1B”, we need to switch to NBDP.

Now as in our sample DSC distress message, it is clear that we need to switch to radiotelephony and not NBDP but what frequency do we need to switch on?

Here is the frequency table which is posted near the GMDSS station.

Distress-frequencies

As the distress alert was received on the 2187.5 KHz frequency and as the distress message will be broadcasted on radiotelephony, we need to switch to the corresponding R/T frequency.

From the table, we can see that this frequency is 2182 KHz.

To switch to R/T on the MF/HF Station, check the present mode of the MF/HF equipment. On JRC, it is usually displayed on the screen.

GMDSS-MF-HF-Station

If it is not in the desired mode, change the mode by pressing the “Mode / CLR” button (on JRC).

MF-HF-Mode

Once in the required mode, change the frequency by the number keys and press “ENT”.

Acknowledge distress alert or relay it

We have received the DSC distress alert and we have switched on to the corresponding frequency to listen to the distress message.

But the question remains. If we need to proceed to help the ship in distress or not?

We will get to that.

But first, we need to understand few actions that the ship receiving distress message need to and need not do.

Distress acknowledgment

When a distress message is sent by a ship in distress, it will continue to transmit the same message automatically in every 3.5 to 4.5 minutes.

This transmission will only stop when someone acknowledges the distress call.

The first lesson that every navigator need to understand is never to acknowledge a distress call from another ship.

Why?

Because it will stop the transmission of distress message from the ship in distress.

do-not-acknowledge-DSC-distress-alert

The distress message is only acknowledged by a coast station or by a ship when instructed by the coast station.

If coasts station asks to acknowledge the distress alert, only then we can do it. Let us discuss how to acknowledge a distress alert. I will show it on JRC MF/HF.

Press menu and go to option “Acknowledgement”.

Distress-acknowledgement

Press “Enter” and then choose “Distress acknowledgement”.

distress-acknowledgement-GMDSS

On the next screen, enter all the required data such as

  • MMSI Number of the ship in distress (The distress ack will go to this id)
  • Nature of distress
  • Frequency on which to send the acknowledgement

distress-ack-data

Once all data has been entered, just press the Call button to send the distress acknowledgement to the ship in distress.

Distress relay

We have to be clear on one thing. Apart from the ships in the immediate vicinity, If there is someone who has more resources to help a ship in distress, that would be the nearest coast station.

It is important that a coast station receives the distress alert and coordinates the distress traffic.

So if a distress alert is not received by the coast station, we need to transmit (relay) the distress alert to the nearest coast station.

Let us see how to relay a distress alert on JRC equipment.

Go to Menu and then to the Option 4, which is “Distress Relay Call”.

dustress-relay-call

Under distress relay call option, choose “Individual DIST relay call”. In this option, we only send the distress relay to the coast station, the MMSI number of which we need to enter.

distress-relay-all-ships-call

Now enter all the available details like

  • Coast station MMSI Number (under address)
  • MMSI number of the ship in distress (Under Distress address)
  • Nature of distress
  • All other information we have from the distress alert received.

distress-relay-data-entry

Finally, press “call” to send the distress relay to the coast station.

Action on receiving a DSC distress alert

Well, the laid down procedures for actions on receiving a DSC distress alert are simple.

This flow chart is supposed to be posted near the GMDSS station for quick reference.

DSC-distress-alert-actionClick here for larger view

This flowchart gives the clear action which sometimes may not be clear on practical aspects.

Let us touch on each of these points.

Listen on the associated RTF or NBDP channel for 5 minutes

We have already discussed if we need to switch on RTF or NBDP.

We have also discussed which RTF or NBDP frequency we need to switch to.

The question is why we need to switch on to these frequencies and listen for 5 minutes?

What we are looking for is if any coast station has acknowledged the distress call or not.

But why 5 minutes?

The DSC equipment is designed to transmit the DSC distress alert every 3.5 minutes to 4.5 minutes unless acknowledged.

So when we wait for 5 minutes and if we receive the same DSC distress alert again, this would mean that coast station has not acknowledged the DSC distress alert.

Is the alert acknowledged or relayed by coast station

If we DO NOT receive the same DSC distress alert again within 5 minutes, it would mean that someone has acknowledged the distress alert.

In this case, we can be at peace that someone is helping the ship in distress.

If we receive the same distress message again within 5 minutes, it would mean that coast station has not acknowledged the distress alert.

Let us discuss the two scenarios one by one.

1. Distress alert acknowledged by the coast station

Let us consider that the distress alert has been acknowledged by the coast station.

In this case, if the vessel is far away and is in no position to provide help, we can move on.

If we are nearby and can provide help, we must contact the RCC by whatever means we can.

We just need to make the appropriate entry in the GMDSS log book about receiving this distress message.

A common question that we hear is, how far or near we should be to proceed to help a ship in distress?

Well, we will answer that question later in this blog.

2. Distress alert NOT acknowledged by the coast station

If the distress alert is not acknowledged by the coast station, it becomes our duty to ensure that coast station gets this distress alert.

But wait, maybe coast station did get this distress alert and is communicating with the ship in distress. They might just have not acknowledged the distress call.

We must know this by now by listening on the corresponding RT frequency or reading the communication on NBDP.

If any communication is going on with the ship in distress then we know that coast station has got the distress alert.

Again if we are in a position to help we get in touch with RCC to offer help. If not, we just make an entry in the GMDSS log book and continue our voyage.

Relaying the distress alert

I think I have said it for enormous times in this post.

We need to get the coast station into the picture. They are in the best position to coordinate the efforts to save a ship from distress.

So what if a DSC distress alert that you received is not acknowledged by the coast station. There is no distress communication on the associated RT or NBDP frequency either.

There can be many reasons why this can happen. Maybe you are closer to the ship in distress than the nearest coast station.

Whatever the reason for coast station not receiving or not responding to the distress alert, we have to get this alert delivered to the coast station.

We have to relay the distress message to the coast station.

To relay the distress, we need to have the MMSI number of the coast station nearest to the ship in distress.

Let us say we received a distress alert from a ship in the Arabian Sea. Let us find the detail of the coast station we can send the distress relay to.

Open the Digital list of Radio signals (or the ALRS book). Go to “Windows” option and check if the “Radio stations” option is selected.

Coast-station-from-ALRS

In the map, it will show the icons for the radio stations in operation.

Coast-station

Let us say we choose Mumbai radio station for sending the distress relay to. Click on the icon of Mumbai radio station and it will show its information as a pop-up.

mumbai-coast-station-details

This has all the information including MMSI number.

Is own vessel able to assist

So far whatever actions we have discussed, I said that if the vessel is able to assist we need to get in touch with the RCC to offer assistance.

But how do we know if we are in the position to help?

A ship is in distress at a position about 100 nautical miles from our position. Shall we proceed to help?

Frankly, I do not have a definite answer to this.

Because it would depend upon so many factors.

If this distress alert is in mid-Atlantic ocean, we must offer assistance by getting in touch with the RCC.

If the weather, in this case, is not favourable, we then have to analyse the risk to our own ship.

If the ship in distress is in Malacca strait, 100NM is a lot of distance. Coast station will be in better position to help that ship.

In this case, we may continue to proceed on our voyage once coast station has acknowledged the distress call.

The master of the ship has to analyse and consider all the factors to decide if the ship is able to assist the ship in distress.

Conclusion

The ships are always on a tight schedule. Even one hour of delay is counted and scrutinized these days.

But even under so much of commercial pressure, we must not forget our duty to help the ships in distress.

In doing so, the first things we ought to ensure is that the “frequency table” and poster for “action on receiving a DSC distress alert” are posted near the GMDSS station.

While responding to the DSC distress alert, we must first ensure that a coast station has received the distress alert.

We can be sure of this if someone has acknowledged the distress alert and the alert is not repeating itself. Or if the coast station is communicating with the ship in distress on the corresponding frequency.

If they haven’t, we must relay the distress to the nearest coast station.

Finally, if the ship is able to assist we must inform the RCC about our ability to the help the ship in distress.

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Capt Rajeev Jassal

About Capt Rajeev Jassal

Capt. Rajeev Jassal has sailed for over 24 years mainly on crude oil, product and chemical tankers. He holds MBA in shipping & Logistics degree from London. He has done extensive research on quantitatively measuring Safety culture onboard and safety climate ashore which he believes is the most important element for safer shipping.

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44 Comments

Farhan Maktabay
Farhan Maktabay
7 years before

Finally got everything at one place ....great effort for the community.... I always eagerly wait for your articles

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks Farhan...

Ivan
Ivan
7 years before

Thank you very much, Captain Rajeev for sharing your knowledge and experience, I am always waiting for your articles.

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Thanks Ivan...

Alex
Alex
7 years before

I was waiting for the new article long time. I had read all of your posts and it’s very useful and easy to get it. Thanks a lot!

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Glad you found it useful Alex...

Don  Mc
Don Mc
7 years before

Dear capt., We are in Navarea I, noticed that Navtex msgs are pouring out while Sat-C barely print any Navwarn except one rig list and one summary of in force Navwarn. Why? Is Navtex replacing Sat-C as primary Navwarn promugator in area I?

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
7 years before

Navtex issues coastal messages only... Sat-C issues warnings for oceans and open seas. Few messages may overlap but most of the messages will not.. so in this case you have lots of coastal warnings which are issued through Navtex and are not duplicated by Navarea coardinator

Don  Mc
Don Mc
7 years before

Thanks. Another question, i don't if you have worked on bridge with all FURUNO equipment, the FURUNO doppler log DS60 frequently gives "alarm 011", i have looked into the manual, searched online, didn't find anything useful to explain what is the alarm and how to solve it, do you have any insights please?

Omkar Chavan
Omkar Chavan
7 years before

thanx for information :)

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
6 years before

Thanks, Omkar...

Don  Mc
Don Mc
7 years before

Capt. is EM log and doppler log the same equipment? or obsolutely two very different item?

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
6 years before

Both measures speed through water.. only the principle of operation is different. EM log works on electro magnetic rays and Doppler log works on Doppler effect..

Vijeet Kumar Chanderwanshi
Vijeet Kumar Chanderwanshi
7 years before

So much thanks to u sir...finally everthying at one place...i m always waiting for ur articles sir

Rajeev Jassal
Rajeev Jassal
6 years before

Thanks Vijeet...

Prashant Gosain
Prashant Gosain
6 years before

Very nicely explained sir

Puneet vohra
Puneet vohra
6 years before

Hi sir...I had a query that incase we receive a Distress message not Distress Alert then what would be the correct sequence of action by the ship receiving the Distress message. To consider scenario if same is recvd from 100 odd miles or less or if greater...then what's the correct sequence of response from vessel receiving the same. Thanks

TOE
TOE
6 years before

What will be the procedure, if a ship call us on VHF by name and told us that they have a missing person onboard and suspect it as possible manoverboard. Request us to assist them in search and rescue. Can we consider it as Distress call?

msahli
msahli
6 years before

Great , is it possible to make pdf file from this tutorial

akki
akki
6 years before

as per Gmdss. ..in no case vessel shall send the distress relay on rept of dsc distress alert on VHF and MF. your distress rcvd on 2187.5 fq...pls let me know your action on rcvg alert on MF? what you have explained is for HF.

ProJect
ProJect
3 years before

Yes, I agree with you. The article is kinda misleading...

Shahed Parvez
Shahed Parvez
6 years before

Thank you so much sir for the complete and details instructions I have been looking for... Would love to see more such writings in future.

Lewis
Lewis
6 years before

Dear Captain Rajeev Jassal, after reading numerous blogs of yours, I would like to extend my thanks to you for taking the time to write in such a clear, helpful, and interesting manner. I am currently studying for my Master Orals and I am finding that although I am aware of much of the information, your blogs have been consistently helpful in arranging my answers in a clear, concise, and professional manner.

Rajeev Ranjan
Rajeev Ranjan
6 years before

नमस्कार सर जी, I was very confused about gmdss function but after read your blog now I am able to analyse the things. अपने बहुत ही सरल तरीके से एक एक चीज को समझाया है जिसे पढ़ कोई भी आसानी से समझ सकता है। Thanks सर जी

Amit Mehta
Amit Mehta
6 years before

Please let me know which all stations reply to our NBDP calls for testing my equipment and on which frequencies.Highly appreciate.

st
st
3 years before

guanzhou / shanghai

MD.ABUL KALAM AZAD
MD.ABUL KALAM AZAD
5 years before

Excellent through training

Manu Aggarwal
Manu Aggarwal
5 years before

A perfect explanation to most of the doubts

Daniel
Daniel
5 years before

Now it's clearer as never before.

Mayank
Mayank
5 years before

Sir, what if we relay a distress alert received in Mid-Ocean but still no acknowledgement comes from shore station and the ship is 300 NM away- shall we acknowledge the alert and proceed for rescue or the relay has to be kept on forwarding until it reaches a coast station ?

5 years before

In my opinion, you may give a call to the RCC on INMARSAT to confirm and take action accordingly.

Victor Francis
Victor Francis
5 years before

Thanks for the information sir. I have been reading your posts for quite some time now. Thanks again sir.

Dinesh Dogra
Dinesh Dogra
5 years before

You are amazing brother. Very impressive assimilation of procedures at one place. Cheers!

vaibhav
vaibhav
4 years before

right on the point. what a fabulous way to explain a topic.

SUFYAN S H SHAARIN
SUFYAN S H SHAARIN
4 years before

does the five minutes rule apply to the coast guard patrol boats??

ASIF
ASIF
4 years before

I did my cadetship in the ship that you have shown.

Neil
Neil
4 years before

Nice blog for everyone. This is really helpful article to handle distress and also people should have frequently massage therapy by Charlotte nuru massage with offers and deals.

S.thilakarathna
S.thilakarathna
3 years before

This is really helpful article also very clear to understand .thanks sir

Antonette
Antonette
3 years before

Great blog, Captain. I look forward to more discussions from you. Keep safe!

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itsolivergeorge
2 years before

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itsolivergeorge
itsolivergeorge
2 years before

An RTF to PDF Converter is software that converts RTF documents into PDF documents. COMPLETE GUIDE TO RTF TO PDF

nsree
nsree
2 years before

This post is extremely radiant. I extremely like this post. It is outstanding among other posts that I’ve read in quite a while. Much obliged for this better than the average post. I truly value it! types of fire dampers in hvac

Mushtaq Ali
Mushtaq Ali
2 years before

Dear Sir, Can we pass Coastal Warning on GMDSS and secondly how we can delete a message form said once uploaded to the website, please.

Mushtaq Ali
Mushtaq Ali
2 years before

Dear Sir, Can we pass Coastal Warning on GMDSS and secondly how we can delete a message form said once uploaded to the website, please.

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