Iridium Communications Inc. announced the launch of Iridium Certus® GMDSS, a new maritime satellite communication safety service. This service includes distress alert, safety voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), along with regulated services like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). It offers the fastest weather-resilient broadband service for ships’ business when other systems are unavailable, making it an ideal critical connectivity service for any ship’s hybrid network system. By combining these capabilities, Iridium Certus GMDSS provides mariners with a robust communication and safety solution.
Iridium Certus terminals now provide GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS capabilities through a single, reliable antenna, allowing fleets to reduce data costs and streamline their installed bridge unit equipment. The Lars Thrane LT-4200S has received its Marine Equipment Directive (MED) wheelmark certification and is available to the market, with other equipment manufacturers expected to introduce Iridium Certus 700 and 200 GMDSS solutions in the coming months. This satellite GMDSS safety solution offers broadband and midband voice and data services, enabling mariners to customize their communication needs to their specific situation.
Maritime industry standards require SOLAS class vessels to install GMDSS equipment onboard. In the event of a distress situation, pushing the red DISTRESS button on an Iridium GMDSS terminal automatically alerts a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) of the vessel’s position and emergency information. Within 30 seconds, the terminal calls the RCC using Iridium Safety Voice, allowing crew to provide precise information on their situation. This combination of GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS with companion services for broadband systems delivers significant safety and cost savings for a vessel’s communications system.
