What type of communications does GMDSS support?

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is designed to enhance maritime safety and ensure effective communication in various situations at sea. It supports both emergency and routine communications, enabling vessels to communicate essential information regarding safety and security.

In emergency situations, GMDSS provides a rapid and reliable means for ships in distress to alert rescue services and other vessels. This can include the transmission of distress alerts, positional information, and other critical data that may facilitate search and rescue operations.

On the other hand, for routine communications, GMDSS supports operational messaging, safety-related announcements, and other non-urgent communication between vessels and coast stations. This ensures that ships can maintain contact for navigation, coordination, and information sharing, enhancing overall safety at sea.

The other options are limited in scope and do not reflect the comprehensive nature of GMDSS communications. Military communications, personal distress communications, and commercial transactions do not encompass the full range of communications that GMDSS provides for maritime safety and operational effectiveness.