The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was introduced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on 1 February 1992, for all merchant vessels required to comply with the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, 1974.
New vessels constructed on or after 1 February 1995 are required to comply fully with GMDSS requirements. These requirements are implemented in Ireland by means of the Merchant Shipping (Radio) Rules, 1992, S.I. No. 224 of 1992.
With effect from 1 February 1999, all merchant vessels will be required to comply fully with GMDSS requirements, which means full compliance with the Merchant Shipping (Radio) Rules, 1992.