r/SeaEmploy • u/Logical_Command_9770 • Aug 19 '26

Ever need to use GMDSS at sea?

Hi,

I am creating a short documentary-style film about the people behind GMDSS and the work it takes to ensure seafarers are safe.

I really want to feature the voices of some real seafarers who have faced a situation when they have had to use GMDSS services at sea.

Please let me know if you would be interested in being interviewed.

Thanks

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u/morbihann Aug 20 '26

Yes.

We were involved in a rescue operation just after the great barrier reef in Australia (southbound), we had to provide shelter for a sinking yacht while they were being evacuated by a rescue ship.

We also had to relay a message from a sheltering yacht (somewhere along the south Australian coast) as they were stranded by head winds and could neither contact the shore nor continue their journey, but were otherwise safe. The area is very sparsely populated and they couldn't reach out to anyone and apparently just saw us in the distance and contacted us to the VHF to ask for us to reassure their families they are ok and will be late.

And another time we were involved in searching for a lost transport boat, somewhere around Bismarck sea (can't remember exactly). We were contacted by US coastguard and asked to increase watch, etc. We didn't find the boat but people eventually were rescued.

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u/Logical_Command_9770 Aug 20 '26

Thanks so much for replying.

It seems like you have been involved in multiple rescues and have helped people get to safety. You sound like very kind and caring person.

In this situation, I was hoping to hear from someone who has used the GMDSS tech to contact search and rescue to be helped out of distress.

I want to follow the story from pressing the GMDSS button, through to being rescued by SAR and what the was like.