### Question
Can you define what global maritime distress and safety services" or "GMDSS means?


### Answer
**Global maritime distress and safety services" or "GMDSS** is defined as the following in *47 U.S.C. § 769*:

> the automated ship-to-shore distress alerting system which uses satellite and advanced terrestrial systems for international distress communications and promoting maritime safety in general

#### Citation:
  - *47 U.S.C. § 769*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 6-COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE SYSTEM > SUBCHAPTER VI-COMMUNICATIONS COMPETITION AND PRIVATIZATION > Part E-Definitions**

