Implications of the introduction of global maritime distress and safety system (gmdss) for Pakistan

Pakistan is a country situated at the North West of Indian Subcontinent, having a coast line of about 870 kilometers facing the Arabian sea and the adjoining coast of Iran. Pakistan has long been entrusted as the area coordinater of NAVAREA IX which covers the parts of the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Persian Gulf. In these areas all navigational warnings are broadcasted by the NAVAREA IX co-ordinator. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System has been planned according to the area of operations, which will also determine the equipment required for appropriate ships. Existing medium frequency arrangements will be rationalized. A long range capability using Satellite and HF will be provided. Watchkeeping on relevant distress and safety channels will be maintained by automatic means. Means will be provided for automatic reception for all relevant safety, meteological and navigational warnings. Radio-telephony, Digital Selective\u27 Calling (DSC) and Narrow Band Direct Printing (NBDP) will be used in terrestrial radio system. Morse Radio Telegraphy will not be used in the new system. The role of the Radio Officer will drastically be changed to a Maintenance Officer