Membership

The Task Force is open to membership and participation by all interested parties. There are currently in excess of 2000 members representing government agencies, vessel owners and operators, manufacturers, service agents, trade associations, labor unions, training institutions, and recreational boating enthusiasts. Members are invited to attend meetings or contribute to agenda issues through email contributions. Members are kept advised through distribution of the Summary Record of meetings which also serves as a Newsletter for those who are unable to attend meetings. Most communication with members is by email and internet access. Task Force documents and significant correspondence are placed on the Coast Guard Maritime Telecommunications website at www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms (click on GMDSS, then on GMDSS Task Force).

Task Force Meeting Schedule

The Task Force currently meets four times each year. The summer and winter meetings are held in the Washington area at the RTCM Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia (see www.rtcm.org). The spring and fall meetings are held during the annual meetings of the RTCM and the NMEA respectively. Task Force participation is open to all interested parties. Anyone desiring to be placed on distribution for Task Force material should contact the Task Force Director, Captain Jack Fuechsel, USCG (Ret.) by email at gmdss@comcast.net or by phone at 703-527-0484.

Upcoming Task Force Meetings

• 07 January 2010 at the RTCM Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. You may view the agenda.
• The follow-on meeting will be held 20 May 2010 in San Diego, California during the RTCM Annual Meeting.