INMARSAT´s role in the GMDSS

The role of INMARSAT in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is divided into two areas: space segment provision for instant reliable distress and safety communication; and two basic satellite communication systems for GMDSS medium and long range communication. To discuss these roles, the author looks at the INMARSAT land earth stations, space segment and mobile earth stations (or ship earth stations). Finally the performance of several GMDSS functions using INMARSAT is explained