NATIONAL GMDSS IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE
Newsletter and
Summary Record of 20 May 2004 Meeting
1. This
summary record is provided for information and will be posted on the Task Force
portion of the Coast Guard web site at www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/
(click GMDSS, then GMDSS Task Force). The summary record is also distributed to
all Task Force members to serve as a Newsletter summarizing GMDSS developments.
For those of you who receive this Newsletter by Email, please note that we have
recently been troubleshooting apparently bad email addresses. Many of these
were still good but spam filters at the receiving server may have blocked
delivery. Please note that our support contractor’s new agent is Ellen
Carpenter and that emailed Newsletters will come from her address: ecarpenter@potomacmgmt.com.
Please note also the new email address for Task Force Director, Jack Fuechsel,
given at the end of this report and ask your email manager to arrange to accept
email from both Ellen and Jack.
The GMDSS Task Force met in St.
Pete Beach, Florida on 20 May 2004 during the RTCM Annual Assembly. The
documents listed below were distributed and copies are available on request.
Some are also posted on the web site:
Summary record of Task Force
meeting 8 January 2004
Coast Guard Safety Alert on
Loss on Inmarsat-C Safety Messages
Draft Task Force comment to
FCC on NPRM
FCC GMDSS Inspection Check
List
FCC Check List for Inspecting
Small Passenger Vessels
Draft Issues Paper on GMDSS
Modernization
Flyer for new GMDSS Video “Taking the Search
Out of Search & Rescue”
2. The
Summary Record of the 8 January Task Force meeting was approved.
3. The
Coast Guard reports included the following items:
a. Captain Rick Hartman provided an
update on the Coast Guard program to complete the coastal network guard on
MF-DSC so as to enable declaration of Sea Area A2. Unfortunately, the progress
on rehabilitating antennas and ground planes that has been found necessary to
enable effective operation of the new MF-DSC hardware, has been slow and a
completion date can not be predicted at this time. When better projections can
be made, there could be a decision to work toward phased implementation dates
for the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific coasts.
b. Captain Ed Thiedeman provided an
update on the Coast Guard Rescue 21 Program to complete the coastal network
guard on VHF-DSC so as to enable declaration of Sea Area A1. Initial coverage reports from the first
operational sites have been good but there are still many anomalies to be
addressed. Some problems have been experienced in getting clearance for tower
locations and a number of software problems are being addressed. George
Olmstead of the Canadian Coast Guard asked that the Rescue 21 schedule for the
Great Lakes be coordinated with Canada with the aim of bringing Canadian
VHF-DSC Stations up at the same time.
c. Mike Solosi provided an update
on implementation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS). There has been
considerable opposition to the AIS implementation rules for vessels based
primarily on cost. This is one reason that fishing vessels are not presently
required to participate. It is expected that most vessels will be able to meet
the outfitting deadlines. It was noted that some standards work was ongoing to
define a lower cost AIS system for smaller vessels. In this regard it was
pointed out that vessels equipped with AIS will derive the maximum benefit of
enhanced maneuvering safety from an installation which provides a good graphic
presentation of other vessels in the vicinity. Integrating the AIS with an
electronic chart and radar display appears to be the optimum solution. A low
cost AIS installation for smaller vessels may provide adequate data to other
vessels and monitors ashore but will not provide enhanced maneuvering safety to
the smaller vessel without an adequate display. In response to questions, Mike
advised that Navy ships would fit AIS but might turn it off when security
conditions warranted. All VTS areas will be equipped with AIS monitors ashore
by the end of December 2004 and the goal is to extend shore monitor capability
to all navigable waters.
d. No presentation was available on
the status of the Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) but for the record, SSAS
installations are mandated on SOLAS ships on a rolling schedule beginning 1
July 2004 as prescribed by SOLAS Regulation XI-2/6. Unlike other IMO
requirements, SSAS is a functional requirement that can be satisfied by several
different equipments as long as they meet the requirement for sending a
surreptitious alert that is addressed to specified shore authorities and is not
received on other ships. The Task Force understands that the following
candidate systems will likely qualify as meeting SSAS functional requirements:
a modified 406 EPIRB system; special addressing protocols for Inmarsat GMDSS
approved systems (A, B, C, Mini-C, and Fleet 77), and likely other Non-GMDSS
Inmarsat systems such as D Plus, M, Mini-M, Fleet 33, and Fleet 55 as long as
the ship stays in the spot beam coverage area; HF (non-DSC) solutions such as
proposed by Globe Wireless; and the Iridium satellite system. Argos has proposed to provide SSAS service
but there are some unresolved issues. The regulatory regime surrounding SSAS is
also unique. The FCC has determined that there is adequate existing
transmitting authority for the various SSAS candidates. The Coast Guard is not
planning to grant type acceptance for SSAS systems but requires that the ship’s
solution be included in the Ship’s Security Plan that requires Coast Guard
approval. The RTCM has recently concluded that a separate Special Committee to
address SSAS issues is probably not required. The RTCM Special Committee 110
has produced a standard for a modified 406 EPIRB to serve as an SSAS
installation and the other candidate systems can be utilized as presently
configured.
e. Joe Hersey provided a briefing
on the telecommunications recommendations resulting from the F/V ARCTIC ROSE
casualty report in which high priority messages sent via Inmarsat-C failed to
alert watchstanders on a nearby F/V that might have been able to provide
assistance. There were several problems in communications procedures and
systems on the F/V and ashore but the Coast Guard has corrected the problems
which led to the priority indicator on the messages being lost, and highlighted
terminal performance shortcomings which led to issuance of the recent Coast
Guard Safety Alert. Briefly stated, the Safety Alert advises ships that urgent
marine information and distress related messages broadcast to ships could 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 (e.g. windows-based
software) may freeze up if this maintenance is not performed. GMDSS approved
software, which is based on DOS and is required to run on older computers no
longer in production, has its own problems. Vessels using non-GMDSS versions of
the Inmarsat-C terminal should carefully follow the guidance in the Safety
Alert.
4. FCC representatives provided the following
reports:
a. Ghassan Khalek provided an
update on the Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
regarding Part 80 of the Rules. It was noted that comments on the Further
Notice are due by 7 June 2004. The Task Force draft comments were distributed
at the meeting and some minor changes were made with designation of a small
group of interested parties to check the final version. The final Task Force
comments were filed electronically on 7 June.
b. George Dillon reported on his
initiative to revise the FCC Check Lists for conducting a GMDSS Inspection and
for Inspection of Small Passenger Vessels. Copies of each were distributed at
the meeting but he had received very few comments by interested parties. George
will post the revised check lists on the Enforcement Bureau website when
completed. In the meantime, if anyone desires to submit further suggestions to
George (gdillon@fcc.gov) for changes to the checklist they can be viewed at the
website: www.fcc.gov/eb/ShipInsp/.
Alternatively, you can request an electronic version of either check list from
George by email.
c. Tim Maguire reported on the
status of the EU/US Marine Equipment Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
Basically, the agreement is still on hold since the U.S. Department of State
has not yet approved it. The agreement primarily covers lifesaving and
navigation equipment. AIS is the only equipment covered by the MRA that is regulated
by the FCC. However, the MRA also states that the AIS Radio Transmitter
requires certification by the U.S. FCC. Therefore, after implementation of the
MRA, AIS transceiver manufacturers will still need to apply to the FCC for
certification in the U.S. Since the meeting, it was learned that the MRA is
expected to go into effect on 1 July 2004.
d. A new issue was discussed
involving renewal of station licenses for recreational vessels. Many of these
vessels obtained their station licenses before the FCC authorized “Licensing by
Rule” which exempted recreational vessels from the requirement to hold Radio
Station Licenses if they had only VHF, EPIRBs, and Radar. The new issue arose
since many of these vessels would elect not to renew their Station Licenses but
would want to retain the MMSI number issued by the FCC on the expiring Station
License. The solution arrived at after the meeting was to permit recreational
vessels to keep the existing MMSI number provided that they register with BOAT
US or Sea Tow. The re-registration is desirable since the FCC did not collect
the full suite of vessel descriptive and contact information until recently. In
registering with BOAT US or Sea Tow, the applicant would enter the existing
MMSI number to be retained. The FCC plans to remind holders of expiring Station
Licenses of the option and procedures to retain the MMSI number.
5. RADM Ed
Gilbert introduced a new initiative concerning GMDSS modernization for
discussion by the Task Force. He noted that many of the GMDSS components were
based on 20-30 year old technology and that many of the services envisioned
under GMDSS had been discontinued for various reasons. A further reason to
review GMDSS modernization at this time is the scheduled ITU World
Administrative Radio Conference in 2007 that has GMDSS requirements on the
agenda. A joint IMO/ITU Group of Experts will be developing issues for this
conference and the Task Force could help formulate U.S. input. Ed presented a
draft paper that outlined recognized problems with the GMDSS. Time did not
permit a detailed discussion of the various shortcomings but there was support
for pursuing the initiative and an ad hoc group was appointed to further
develop the issue by email. Readers of this Newsletter who want a copy of the draft
paper or wish to join the ad hoc group should contact Jack Fuechsel.
6. The
following are highlights of the Recreational Vessel Group agenda items:
a. Bob Negron reminded the Group
that the new video “Taking the Search Out of Search & Rescue” was now
available for sale in both VHS and DVD formats. For more information, call
1-800-438-9872 or visit the website www.shipboardvideoexpress.com
b. With regard to Boating Safety
Grants, it was learned after the meeting that the BOAT US Foundation proposal
to develop an interactive internet tutorial on the use of VHF-DSC has been
approved. In similar fashion, The United Safe Boating Institute received a
grant to update and reprint their brochure “GMDSS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS”.
c. Dan Lemon briefed the Group on
the status of an initiative under consideration by the National Search and
Rescue Committee to recommend that coastal states emulate the new Hawaiian Law
that requires vessels going more than one mile offshore be equipped with a VHF
radio or an EPIRB. The Coast Guard is gathering data and will explore the issue
with representatives of the National Association of State Boating Law
Administrators (NASBLA) before making a firm recommendation to the National SAR
Committee. The Task Force has previously noted the new Hawaiian Law and agreed
that adoption by other coastal states would be good for boating safety
generally but has deferred to the National SAR Committee whose recommendations
could be more persuasive.
d. Captain Joe Fronhoefer of Sea
Tow briefed the Group on the scope of his organization’s vessel assistance
program. Sea Tow’s 110 franchisees handle 80,000 to 90,000 assistance cases a
year. Many of the Sea Tow vessels are equipped with VHF-DSC and Automatic
Direction Finders and several High Sites ashore maintain continuous watch on
the distress channels. All Sea Tow
franchisees will soon be added to the GMDSS Task Force distribution list.
7. The
following are highlights of the Service Agents and Manufacturers Group agenda
items:
a. Ralph Sponar reported that
problems with do-it-yourself interconnection of GPS receivers with DSC radios
are still being reported. The Task Force will try to summarize the problems in
a GMDSS Information Bulletin, Press Release, or other notice for distribution
in recreational boating circles. The Coast Guard is also reviewing the problem
and may decide to issue a safety alert.
b. Doug Ritter of the Equipped to
Survive Foundation briefed the Group on the results of EPIRB trials conducted to assess the performance of
the GPS position reporting in those versions with connected or integral GPS
input. The trials, which were funded and conducted in partnership with the
BOATU.S. Foundation, were scheduled because of failure to get reliable position
in a series of earlier tests. The results confirmed earlier indications that
the GPS position is not being reliably transmitted with the EPIRB alert in some
models of the equipment that were tested. A summary of the results can be
viewed on the Foundation’s website at www.equipped.org
8. The
Commercial Vessel Group agenda included a report from Inmarsat that new Design
and Installation Guidelines are now available. It is important that shipboard
Inmarsat terminals be installed in compliance with these guidelines for optimum
performance. The new Guidelines can be downloaded from the website http://safety.inmarsat.com/DIGs.pdf.
9. The
Training Group agenda included an update from Mike Scallan of the U.S. Power
Squadrons on the GMDSS Learning Guide originally briefed by Gene Danko at an
earlier meeting. The Guide has been updated and is ready for publication. It
will be offered for sale outside the U.S.P.S.
10. The Task
Force agreed to meet next in Washington DC on Thursday 19 August 2004. Rooms
3200-3204 in the Department of Transportation Headquarters in SW Washington
have been reserved. Individuals or organizations desiring to present briefings
during the August meeting should contact Jack Fuechsel.
GMDSS TASK FORCE CONTINUING WORK LIST
20 May 2004
1. Monitor FCC continuing action to update GMDSS Rules (TF)
2. Recommend actions to reduce False alerts in GMDSS systems
(TF)
3. Monitor Coast Guard Port State GMDSS inspection program
(TF)
4. Monitor MSI broadcasting programs for compliance with
GMDSS Standards (TF)
5. Review GMDSS Internet Web Sites and update Task Force
portion of USCG site (TF)
6. Support SOLAS Working Group planning for IMO COMSAR
meetings (TF)
7. Disseminate GMDSS Information Bulletins and IMO GMDSS
Circulars, and Resolutions (TF)
8. Advocate Canadian coordination to extend GMDSS services
and requirements to the Great Lakes (TF)
9. Assist RTCM to expand its interactive website to include
GMDSS equipment requirements (TF)
10. Undertake a review of GMDSS concepts and make
modernization recommendations (TF)
11. Review GMDSS publications and make recommendations to
keep the data current (TR)
12. Encourage AMVER & VOS participation to supplement
GMDSS (CV)
13. Publicize availability of NAVTEX receivers without
printers for all vessel categories (CV)
14. Advocate changing GMDSS rules to permit ship calling on
Distress and Safety channels (CV)
15. Encourage Manufacturers to upgrade GMDSS explanations
and guidance in equipment manuals (SA)
16. Recommend to FCC clarifications to their List of
Approved GMDSS Equipment (SA)
17. Monitor development of guidelines for GMDSS equipment
maintenance and maintainer standards (SA)
18. Develop recommendations to ensure proper interconnection
of GPS receivers with DSC Radios (SA)
19. Recommend training programs for non-mandatory users of
GMDSS systems (RV)
20. Recommend development of GMDSS handbooks and Internet
and video training aids (RV)
21. Recommend Class ‘D’ VHF-DSC for voluntary vessels as
superior to RTCM SC-101 format (RV)
22. Advocate suspension of FCC Station License requirement
for short international voyages (RV)
23. Advocate that FCC modify ULS to accept MMSI numbers
assigned by BOAT US and Sea Tow (RV)
24. Recommend voluntary use of Marine Personal Locater
Beacons if EPIRBs are too costly (RV)
Key to cognizant group: (TF)
Task Force
(TR)
Training Task Group
(CV)
Commercial Vessel Task Group
(SA)
Service Agents and Manufacturers Task Group
(RV)
Recreational Vessel Task Group
Please refer questions and proposals to Captain Jack
Fuechsel at 703-941-1935 or gmdsstf@cox.net
File: tfsr-39.doc
