Mackay Marine selected as Iridium GMDSS global service provider

Mackay Pressrelease Lt 3100s Gmdss Standard System V02 1070x650

(RALEIGH, N.C.) — Global marine electronics and satellite communications provider Mackay Communications, dba Mackay Marine, has joined the group of worldwide service providers for Iridium’s new Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Mackay is similarly a global partner with Lars Thrane A/S, the first and currently the only manufacturer of an IMO-certified Iridium GMDSS terminal, the LT-3100S.

Iridium’s implementation and accelerated activations of its GMDSS systems have been full speed ahead since officially launching its global service in December 2020. This was preceded by 13,000-plus service tests and LT-3100S onboard assurances, and the 2018 official recognition of Iridium’s GMDSS service by the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee. This is the first IMO-approved alternative system to Inmarsat-C since GMDSS became operational in 1999.

Mackay Pressrelease Lt 3100s Gmdss Standard System V02 1070x650

Iridium’s GMDSS network architecture, coupled with Lars Thrane’s terminal features, provide safety and connectivity enhancements for mariners, offering coverage, capability and cost benefits:

• Primary advantages of Iridium’s GMDSS service are its unique global coverage; a safety and distress priority button that initiates a voice call direct to a rescue coordination center, triggering relayed alerts; automatic storage of maritime safety information (MSI), and pre-configured voice access to medical services.
• The LT-3100S GMDSS terminal is a compact, integrated satcom terminal with a high performance GNSS/GPS receiver, providing voice, data and tracking services, all connected to its low-profile antenna by a single coax cable, up to 500 meters long. Certified installers, such as Mackay, will ensure required integration and warranty protection.

Collectively, these feature sets are significant improvements to its predecessor system.

The Lars Thrane LT-3100S capabilities continue to evolve. An external interface module is now available to support additional features that will soon be available, including the IMO/ISPS regulatory requirements for SSAS (9/21) and LRIT (12/21) .

By Professional Mariner Staff