GMpss GUIDE TO OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS Introduction Modern shipboard communication systems give seatarers the means to communicate with almost anybody anywhere, ashore or afloat in any part of the world. The equipment does not, however, provide the formal identification numbers and addresses of more than a few names regularly contacted that may be stored in the electronic address books. There are a range of publications available which provide all the information necessary to contact people, organisations, marine radio stations and services anywhere in the world. The purpose of these notes is to provide radio operators with guidance on the use of publications that are available for their use. Publications required to be carried on GMDSS ships Up to date editions of the following Intemational Telecommunications Union (ITU) publications must be carried on board: > ITU List of Coast Stations (List IV) ITU List of Ship Stations (List V) > ITU List of Radio Determination and Special Service Stations (List VI) > ITU List of Call Signs and Numerical identities (List VIIA) v The above are directories for finding information about shore radio stations and ships. They are published at intervals of between 1 and 3 years, with supplements issued intermittently. The ITU Manual for Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile Satellite Services must also be on board . This contains all the internationally agreed Regulations that apply to all users of all types of marine communications equipment. Admiralty Lists of Radio Signal (ALRS) The following lists provide information on communication stations and systems. They are published by the UK Hydographic Office and are found on the bridge of most sea-going ships. > Vol1 Part1 Coast Radio stations in Europe and Asia (NP 281/1). > Voli Part2 Coast Radio stations in Oceania, the Americas and the Far East > Vol3 Maritime Safety Information Services, Parts 1 and 2. (NP 283 Parts 1 & 2) > Vol4 — Meteorological Observation Stations (NP 284) Vol5 GMDSS (NP 285) Vol6 Pilot Services, VT services and Port Operations (286 parts 1-4) These lists are able to be kept up to date by UK Notices to Mariners, Other sources of information listing radio and satellite station information Most countries publish lists of stations and ships in their country. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Nautical Almanac has a detailed list of all the public and private marine radio stations The ITU website www.itu.int/ITU-R/index has a database of ships names, nationality, callsigns, and MMSI numbers. Technical manuals The GMDSS Handbook (ISBN 92-801 1333-x), published by the ITU, contains explanations of the GMDSS systems, operating procedures and regulations governing GMDSS operations. BV GMDSS Guide to Publications Page 1 last revision 14/11/03The Inmarsat Marine Communications Handbook, published by Inmarsat, contains full information on all the Inmarsat systems and procedures. It is essential for every user. The Handbook for Marine Radio Communications (ISBN 1-85044-47-2) published by Lloyds of London Press is a condensed and more readable version of the ITU handbook. Equipment operators’ manuals. In addition to detailed instructions on use of the equipment, many provide practical examples and explanations of the various systems. Copies of theses are provided for student's use during the course. The ability to find and use operating procedures is expected as part of the assessment. Service praviders's publications. Land Earth Station Operators such as Stratos in Auckland, Xantia in Perth produce details of the services they provide and their rates. Government publications The New Zealand Radio Handbook for Coastal Vessels , published by the Maritime Safety Authority contains procedures and information primarily for small vessels equipped with VHF and SSB radios only. ‘The Australian GMDSS Handbook (ISBN 0 642 22104 9000), published by AMSA is essentially a text book for GMOSS students. The Australian Marine Radio Operators Handbook , published by the Australian Communications Authority is a very comprehensive guide for coastal vessels. It is downloadable from www.aca.gov.au . Planning communications for a passage Best practice is to prepare a Communications Pian for each passage as a supplement to the Passage Plan. This involves listing in logical sequence the names, call signs and identification numbers of all the stations that there may be a need to contact at any stage of the passage, for sending and receiving both routine and safety communications. Some of this information may be stored in the electronic registers (address books) of the equipment or in address ‘books in PCs on board. Both of these can become very long and it takes time to scroll though to find what you need in a hurry. A Communications Plan which lists only those contacts likely to be required on a particular passage will provide ready reference whenever required, Where information is not stored or listed, finding information for the first time from published Lists can be a very time consuming task. All radio operators are expected to be able to extract information from the official Lists and student's competence in this is assessed. BY GMDSS Guide to Publications Page 2 Jast revision 14/11/03Gulde to the use of GMDSS publications Information required DISTRESS COMMUNICATION Procedures and regulations Search & Rescue MARITIME SAFETY INFORMATION SafetyNet system and areas SafetyNet broadcasts Weather Service & MSI Navtex system and coverage Naviex stations and schedules psc Procedures MMSI numbers for ships MMSI Numbers for Coast Stations COAST RADIO STATIONS Services, frequencies, ITU and VHF channels, MMSI numbers, etc PILOT, VTS & PORT SERVICES Frequencies, VHF Channels SHIPS ID, nationality and type Call signs, MMSI numbers, Inmarsat numbers, Radiotelex (Selcall) Numbers, EPIRB Numbers, Accounting Authority Code INMARSAT Procedures, charges, codes. {O Numbers for ships Satellite Acquisition information RADIO TELEPHONY LINK CALLS. Stations RADIO TELEX Station information & commands VESSEL REPORTING SYSTEMS Amver, Ausrep etc Piracy Pollution Quaratine BV GMDSS Guide to Publications Sources ALRS Vol 5 Ch 6 ALRS Vol 5 Ch 17 ALRS Vol 5 Ch 14 ALRS Vol 5 Ch 15 ALRS Vol 5 Ch 15 & ITU List VI ALRS Vol 3 ALRS Vol 5 Ch 16 ALRS Vol 5 Ch 16 & ITU list VI ALRS Vol 5 Chapter 1 ITU List VA Part IV ITU List VIIA Part IV & ALRS Vol 1 ALRS Vol 1 & ITUList IV ALRS Vol 6 ) ) ITU List V, of ITU web site ) ITU Website ITU List V Inmarsat Communications Handbook ITU List V or website ALRS Vol 5, ALRS Vol 1 and ITU List IV ALRS Vol 1 ALRS Vol 1 Pages last revision 14/11/03