GMDSS False Alerts: A Persistent Problem for the Safety of Navigation at Sea

Abstract

GMDSS alerting was introduced in order to automate the call for search and rescue of a ship in distress, through the utilization of the most modern terrestrial and celestial communication systems. However, the GMDSS suffers from the inefficiencies associated with equipment design, operator competence and, most importantly, with those relevant to the equipment–operator interface. The GMDSS inefficiencies are frequently manifested in the form of false alerts, which apart from using resources, degrade the overall effectiveness of the SAR operation. In this paper, the GMDSS post-full-implementation record of false alerts received by the Greek MRCC is presented and analyzed. The observed persistence of high incidence of false alerts dictates the need for the proposal of further measures to combat false alerts, to promote the intended mission of the system and to generally improve the safety of navigation at sea.