IMO panel recommends Inmarsat's Fleet Safety for GMDSS recognition

(LONDON) — Fleet Safety from Inmarsat, a new service incorporating FleetBroadband and a maritime safety terminal (MST), has been recommended for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) recognition after its performance was subjected to intensive review by a group of International Maritime Organization (IMO)-appointed experts.

The recognition was confirmed at a subcommittee meeting on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) on Feb. 23, where delegates acknowledged an International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) experts technical review finding that Fleet Safety surpasses the requirements of resolution A.1001(25) initially for the MEAS region. NCSR will now recommend that the May meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee approves Fleet Safety as a recognized service to support the public service on which seafarers rely.

Operating on L-band via the Inmarsat fleet of four I-4 satellites, Inmarsat FleetBroadband terminals are equipped with the same GMDSS functionality as Inmarsat C. Today, around 160,000 Inmarsat C terminals are installed on ships operating worldwide.

IMO is reviewing GMDSS under a wide-ranging modernization plan, looking to take advantage of changing satellite infrastructure and advances in maritime software and hardware to enhance the system.

All vessels of 300 gross tons and above, and all passenger ships sailing on international voyages, are required to be outfitted with GMDSS-compliant equipment. To be compliant, GMDSS must meet performance standards set out by IMO in A.1001(25).

By Professional Mariner Staff