ITU Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services (Maritime Manual), 2024 Edition

The Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Services (Maritime Manual) is a reference document that provides a complete description of maritime communications. The 2024 edition reflects the recently adopted decisions of the World Radiocommunication Conference, 2023 (WRC-23) concerning the above services, and the most recent updates related to the currently used maritime radio systems showing their latest developments.

Volume 1 provides the description of the organization and operation of the GMDSS and other maritime operational procedures. Volume 2 provides a compilation of the relevant ITU regulatory, technical and operational texts that are related to the maritime mobile and maritime mobile-satellite services.

As prescribed in Appendix 16 to the Radio Regulations, the Maritime Manual is required to be carried by stations on board ships. This publication is also a useful reference resource for the wider maritime community, including educational institutions, GMDSS training centres, search and rescue (SAR) services, communication service providers and shipping companies.