ABSTRACT
The automation of communications on board ships and the approval of Global Maritime distress Safety System (GMDSS) in 1999, culminated in the disappearance of the onboard Radioelectronic officer. The GMDSS demands that captain and officers be proficient in the use of equipment and procedures but today it remains a matter of concern. The study employs as an indicator the number of deficiencies in radiocommunications detected in Port State Control inspections. For this, two studies are carried out, one generic between the years 1995–2016 and other the more detailed, based on a total of 26,795 deficiencies in ships inspected under Paris MoU. The study found that the challenges of implementing the GMDSS are related to procedures, maintenance, radio logbook and the operational capacity of the officers. This article concludes by stressing the need for more suitable training for the officers in the new technological changes and observes their excessive workload.
