Objective:

To upgrade the system to the standards required to ensure safety of life at sea, effective search and rescue and good ship to shore communications on the most cost effective basis.  To provide the requisite service through joint operation between the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard and Cable and Wireless Ltd. (C&W) that is JDFCG and C&W sharing transmission and receiving facilities.

Description:

Jamaica became a party to the SOLAS and SAR Conventions in 1984 and 1988 respectively. Regulation chapter IV of the 1988 amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention to introduce the GMDSS, require each contracting state to make available as it deems practical and necessary, appropriate shore-based facilities for space and terrestrial radio communication services as recommended by IMO.
This can be done individually, or in co-operation with pertinent information relative to shore based facilities established for sea areas, which the state has designated off its coasts.

Proposed schedule (Analysis, Design and Implementation time)

Recognizing that the countries of the region had, by and large, not implemented the GMDSS and that the deadline was imminent, at the IMO technical co-operation committee meeting in June 1996, Caribbean states requested the assistance of the IMO. The GMDSS entered into force February 01, 1992 and is to be implemented as soon as funds are identified. To this end a package of technical assistance was designed for the region which involved the convening of a seminar to provide the necessary information on the requirements of the system and the obligations of the states.

Following the International Maritime Organization (IMO) expert's visit to Jamaica in October 1996 a committee was established to prepare the country for the implementation of GMDSS comprising Cable and Wireless Limited (C&W), Post and Telecommunication Department, JDF Coast Guard, the former Ministry of Public Utilities & Transport (MPUT), Jamaica Maritime Institute (JMI) and Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ). In this regard, a Master Plan for the implementation of GMDSS in Jamaica was draft for the approval of Cabinet.

It was founded that Jamaica needs to improve its maritime radio communications based on its strategic geographical position, territorial make-up and increased volume of transshipment and cruise traffic.

Funding (Sponsors)

It is anticipated that this budget will be financed from a combination of sources namely: -

External

Following submission of the plan in International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in May 1998 Jamaica explored the possibilities for an accessing financial and technical assistance for implementation with that organization.

C&W

Under the Radio and Telegraph Control Act, the Telecommunications Services Special Licence, 1988 issued to C&W places responsibilities on this organization to inter alia receive/transmit messages from ships in distress.

The extent of their participation in the cost of implementing GMDSS in Jamaica will need to be determined within the overall provisions of the Licence.

Will need to contribute to the extent of costs that are not covered from the resources expected above.

Current State:

Jamaica has participated in regional workshops hosted by the International Telecommunication Union to seek technical and financial assistance with the implementation of the system. A workshop held in Trinidad July 1998, various manufacturers of GMDDSS equipment were requested to submit proposals based on the master plan. Two proposals were received. An evaluation of the proposal was conducted by the ministry/agencies and further discussions ensued with Tomen Latin America.

Tomen Latin America is a company, which represents Japanese companies in the region. The Japan Radio Company (JRC) through Tomen Corporation Latin America submitted a detailed proposal for the implementation of GMDSS in Jamaica.

Director General : Rear Admiral Peter Brady
Dyoll Life Building
Seventh Floor
40 Knutsford Boulevard
Kingston 5.
Tel:(876) 929 2201 / 754-7260-1 / 754-7265
Fax:(876)754-7256
E-mail : htu@cwjamaica.com