Radio Communication Chapter IV of SOLAS 1974 as amended - reg.the communications which are so important in SAR operations.

1. GMDSS Identities

All Indian ships and fishing vessels must be registered for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) identities.

• Issued by: Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Communication, Indian Coast Guard, ISRO, and Tata Communication
• Availability: 24 hours to Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre of Indian Coast Guard

2. Distress Alert and SAR Locating Devices

Every ship must be capable of:

• Transmitting: a distress alert through the polar (COSPAS-SARSAT) orbiting satellite service operating in the 406 MHz band
• Being provided with: a Search and Rescue locating device

3. Ship to Shore Distress Alerts

Every ship must be provided with means of initiating ship to shore distress alerts through the INMARSAT geostationary satellite service by a ship earth station.

4. EPIRB Testing

Satellite Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) must be tested annually:

• On Passenger Ships: within 3 months before the expiry date of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
• On Cargo Ships: within 3 months before or after the anniversary date of the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate or Cargo Ship Radio Certificate

5. Position Updating

All fixed two-way communication equipment carried on board a ship and fishing vessels must automatically include the ship's or fishing vessel's position in the distress alert.