Maritime safety solutions
Why seafarers rely on Inmarsat
No other satellite network can match Inmarsat’s global safety reputation and experience.
Safety is in our DNA – established in 1979 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to deliver dependable satellite safety communications.
When disaster strikes, whether it's a devastating storm, a collision, or a medical emergency, seafarers can trust our marine safety management services to provide swift assistance.
We exceed the IMO's Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) requirements, achieving over 99.9 percent of satellite and ground network availability.
Today, our L-band network supports both SOLAS and non-SOLAS vessels, serving as a vital communications lifeline for approximately 1.89 million seafarers, unaffected by adverse weather conditions.
Understanding the GMDSS
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an international safety system that leverages satellite and terrestrial technology to swiftly alert rescue authorities and nearby vessels in emergencies and help prevent maritime accidents.
Under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, cargo ships of 300 gross tons and above, and all passenger ships on international voyages, are mandated to be equipped with satellite and radio equipment meeting international standards.
Modernising GMDSS
Approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Fleet Safety is an innovative maritime safety service designed to support Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) compliance for both voice and data distress, urgency, and safety communications. Fleet Safety is currently in development with a number of our manufacturing partners.
Our life-saving Inmarsat C is the most widely recognised and approved global safety service, that has met the requirements of the GMDSS and more since its release, facilitating vital distress alerts between ships and shore.
Shore-side safety services: SafetyNET and RescueNET
Our SafetyNET, SafetyNET II, and RescueNET services are used by all IMO Certified safety broadcasters to enhance maritime safety by broadcasting critical safety, urgency and distress information to Inmarsat safety terminals.
Ensuring compliance and reliability
Our GMDSS services are closely monitored by the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) to ensure compliance with the requirements set by IMO. We maintain a collaborative relationship with IMSO, conducting regular exercises to vigorously test the reliability and effectiveness of our GMDSS system. This ensures that our services are fail-safe and accessible to seafarers across the globe 24/7.
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Inmarsat Maritime Design and Installation Guidelines (DIGS) 2020
Inmarsat Maritime - Fleet Safety
Service information sheet
Inmarsat Maritime - Free emergency calls
How you can get free emergency calls with Inmarsat
Inmarsat's dedicated Maritime Safety Services team collaborates closely with organisations involved in ensuring the safety and security of ships and seafarers.
They provide expert advice on utilising Inmarsat services and networks to meet the necessary safety and security requirements for vessels at sea, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS)
The SSAS is a critical safety feature that enables ships to transmit a security alert to competent authorities when under threat or compromised. IMO legislation states that the SSAS must meet specific requirements:
- Be activated by a dedicated button, sending a ship-to-shore security alert to a designated authority (which may include the company) with the ship's identification, location, and threat status
- Not transmit the alert to other ships
- Not trigger an onboard alarm
- Continue the alert until manually deactivated o. r reset
Inmarsat C and Mini C services support SSAS functionality. Existing GMDSS terminals can be upgraded with relevant hardware and software to facilitate this service. Additionally, dedicated SSAS models are available from MES manufacturers, providing a comprehensive solution for ship security needs.
Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) of ships
Although LRIT is not part of the GMDSS communication requirements, equipment such as Inmarsat C and Mini C terminals can be utilized to support the system.
LRIT is a SOLAS regulation included in Chapter V, applicable to ships constructed after December 31, 2008, with a phased implementation for existing vessels.
Regulations stipulate that LRIT reports should be transmitted by default every six hours to the LRIT Data Centre. The transmission frequency can be controlled remotely, allowing for increased reporting rates up to every 15 minutes in response to changing security levels. The required LRIT information includes:
Reports include the ship's position, date and time of the report. This information is transmitted to contracting governments and administrations, enhancing maritime safety and security.
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres
Distress alerts, calls and distress priority messages transmitted over the Inmarsat network are routed via its Land Earth Stations (LESs) or Shore Access Stations (SASs) to shore-based Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs) around the world.
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