For many years, ships in distress at sea have depended upon radio operators keeping continuous radio listening watch on specified international frequencies for Morse code and voice communications. The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System is now being developed to provide a new global communications and locating network to alert search and rescue services. All students of navigation or maritime technology must now be trained in the use of GMDSS. This accessible reference textbook provides the new radio operator with all the knowledge that is needed to fully understand the GMDSS and its...

Provides a sound basis for the understanding of modern navigation systems and latest developments in technology, and the growing standardisation of maritime navigation techniques. Expanded section on the now standard Navstar GPS systems and Integrated Nav, and a new chapter on application of electronic charts, problems, solutions.