This Guide has been written primarily for Deck Officers keeping bridge watches at sea and other persons who have to manage and use the radio/satellite communications equipment onboard a modern merchant ship. The guide covers the GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) equipment, non-GMDSS equipment and operating procedures. It describes the range and capabilities of equipment likely to be fitted onboard; how to use that equipment to meet different requirements; which publications to use to find the best station/frequency for a particular function; what is required in the 'radio log'; how to look after the equipment antennas and power supplies on a day-to-day basis and how to prepare for the periodic 'ship radio survey'. d and revised in February 2007 with the introduction of the second edition which adds material covering regulatory changes like Ship Security Alert Systems and developments in communications which include new networks. There is also a helpful chapter on radio traffic accounting.