. GMDSS goes live A milestone was reached on 1 February 1999 with the implementation of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The new system replaces the radiotelephony and morse radiotelegraphy arrangements that have formed the basis of the maritime distress system for most of this century. Under GMDSS, it is possible to replace the dedicated radio officer and place all ships' radiocommunications under the direct control of the officer of the watch on the bridge. GMDSS regulation is enforced by SOLAS Chapter IV and applies to all passenger ships and other ships above 300 gt. Many ships involved in coastal trades and fishing and practically all leisure craft will therefore not be obliged to carry GMDSS equipment, although they could all potentially be involved in a distress incident. As an encouragement for non-SOLAS ships to fit VHF digital selective calling (DSC) facilities on a voluntary basis, IMO agreed that SOLAS ships should continue to maintain a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16 for a further six years until February 2005. As the February 1999 implementation deadline approached, ICS conducted a survey among its members which confirmed the belief that, despite the 10 year lead time, not all ships had managed to convert to the new system. While many flag administrations, generally with the support of their owners, adopted a firm attitude towards such ships, others were prepared to consider requests for extensions of Safety Radio Certificates if evidence could be provided that the appropriate equipment had been ordered. Reports suggest that a number of ships have been detained in the course of port state control inspections. .