Timbul Arifin

Key words: Distress, Global Communication, MES, LES, Alert, Broadcast, SOLAS 1974. Abstract The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was adopted by amendments in 1988 by the Conference of Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. This was the culmination of more than a decade of work by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in conjunction with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT), and others. The GMDSS represents a significant improvement in marine safety over the previous system of short range and high seas radio transmissions. Its many parts include satellite as well as advanced terrestrial communications systems. Operational service of the GMDSS began on 1 February 1992, with full implementation scheduled by 1 February 1999. The Japan International