### Question
How is the "global maritime distress and safety services” or “GMDSS" defined?


### Answer
The term **global maritime distress and safety services” or “GMDSS** is defined in *47 U.S.C. § 769* as follows -

> 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**

