What type of calls can overburden the GMDSS systems during a Distress situation?

During a Distress situation, improperly relayed Distress alerts can significantly overburden GMDSS systems. A Distress alert is a critical communication intended to convey that a vessel is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. If these alerts are not correctly relayed—whether due to misunderstanding, misuse of equipment, or inaccurate information—it can create unnecessary traffic on communication channels, making it difficult for rescuers to identify genuine emergencies. This confusion can hinder responses to actual threats, compromising maritime safety.

On the other hand, routine check-in calls, safety notifications, and weather update requests are less critical communications. They may still be essential for operational purposes but are not high-priority messages that would overwhelm the system during a genuine Distress scenario. Distress communication is prioritized over all other types of messages, and improper handling of these alerts can disrupt the entire rescue coordination process.