# Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
> **Federal Communications Commission** · Final rule. · Published 1998-09-18 · Effective 1998-10-19 · 63 FR 49870
## Document
- **Document number:** 98-25043
- **Category:** other
- **Federal Register citation:** 63 FR 49870
- **CFR reference:** 47 CFR 80
- **Publication date:** 1998-09-18
- **Effective date:** 1998-10-19
- **FCC docket:** PR Docket No. 90-480, FCC 98-180
## Abstract

The Commission amended its rules to require that at-sea maintenance for GMDSS vessels be conducted by an FCC-licensed technician holding a GMDSS Maintainer's License and providing a grace period until February 1999, so that existing technicians have an opportunity to obtain the license. This action was taken in an effort to fully address the safety issues raised regarding at-sea maintenance for GMDSS vessels. Release of the Memorandum Opinion and Order ensures that only qualified, FCC licensed technicians would provide at-sea maintenance on board GMDSS-equipped vessels.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/09/18/98-25043/global-maritime-distress-and-safety-system)
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