1.The sea is a principal route for world trade, but it is also a place where natural disasters, collisions, fires and mechanical failures can occur. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is used internationally to save lives as quickly as possible in these emergencies.
2.GMDSS is an international maritime safety system designed to support Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): protecting the lives of passengers, seafarers and others at sea and minimising harm. The SOLAS Convention is a leading international maritime safety agreement. The article notes that mandatory GMDSS implementation took effect on 1 February 1999. Ships can send distress alerts within seconds to shore-based rescue centres, GMDSS stations and nearby ships, improving search and rescue.
3.GMDSS combines VHF, MF/HF digital selective calling (DSC), navigational telex (NAVTEX), emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRB), search and rescue transponders (SART/AIS-SART) and Inmarsat satellite communications. Ships can also receive timely meteorological forecasts and warnings, navigational warnings and notices to mariners, and special cyclone warnings, supporting safer navigation.
4.Myanmar is working to establish 19 GMDSS stations. By fiscal year 2025–2026, nine had been completed at Thanlyin, Myeik, Kyaukphyu, Kyaikkhami, Thaung Pyin, Budein Chaung, Chaungtha, Kawthaung and Karathuri. Work continues on the remaining stations to provide full radio coverage along the coast. These stations are key components of GMDSS radio services and provide:
(a)Meteorological forecasts and warnings.
(b)Navigational warnings and notices to mariners.
(c)Special cyclone warnings.
(d)Receipt and relay of distress and search-and-rescue information.
5.Regular voice broadcasts are made twice daily, at 15:45 and 23:45 Myanmar Standard Time, in English and Myanmar. A preliminary announcement on VHF Channel 16, 156.8 MHz, is followed by broadcasts on VHF Channel 17, 156.85 MHz, and MF/HF, 8291 kHz. NAVTEX transmits English telex messages six times daily according to the assigned schedule, using 490 kHz for national services and 518 kHz for international services. Important weather information, including special cyclone bulletins, and urgent navigation warnings received from relevant departments are broadcast immediately by VHF and MF/HF and sent by NAVTEX.
14.Distress alerts from vessels and aircraft in Myanmar’s coastal and offshore waters are promptly forwarded to search-and-rescue organisations. Monitoring and maintaining GMDSS radio systems supports safe navigation in Myanmar waters. Success depends not only on technology but also on seafarers’ skills, timely station responses, cooperation between rescue organisations and respect for international rules. Coastal stations enable local fishing boats, other vessels and cargo ships to receive forecasts and early warnings of low-pressure areas and storms in time to prepare, reducing loss of life and damage to goods.