#USA #McLean #maritime safety #Iridium #GMDSS

Global Advance in Maritime Safety

Iridium Communications Inc. has made a significant leap in maritime safety with the launch of its new service, Iridium Certus® GMDSS. This service marks a pivotal advancement in maritime satellite communication, aimed at enhancing safety features for vessels on the open seas.

The Iridium Certus GMDSS is unique in being the only global GMDSS service, which stands for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. This system integrates essential safety features such as distress alerts, safety voice communication, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), making it an indispensable tool for mariners worldwide. Additionally, the service includes long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) and ship security alert system (SSAS), providing comprehensive coverage under a single platform.

One of the most notable aspects of the Iridium Certus GMDSS is its resilience during adverse weather conditions, coupled with its ability to maintain communication even when other systems fail. This reliability is crucial for conducting maritime business when traditional communication options are unavailable. The solution not only simplifies the communication process for captains and crew but also reduces costs and improves performance.

The launch of this service is a result of Iridium’s commitment to continuous innovation in an increasingly challenging maritime landscape. Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We’re incredibly excited to provide mariners a ready-to-implement service that meets industry standards for safety equipment while streamlining overall onboard communications."

Advanced Communication Technology

Iridium Certus terminals offer an all-encompassing solution, delivering GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS capabilities through a reliable and versatile antenna. This streamlined approach allows vessels to reduce data costs and simplifies equipment installations required for efficient operations at sea. The Lars Thrane LT-4200S terminal has already received its Marine Equipment Directive (MED) wheelmark certification, enabling it for market deployment. Further, renowned manufacturers like Cobham Satcom, Intellian, and Thales are expected to roll out a range of Iridium Certus-compatible products in the near future.

This service is particularly vital for SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) class vessels, which the International Maritime Organization mandates to install GMDSS equipment aboard. In the event of a distress situation, operators can simply press the red DISTRESS button on an Iridium GMDSS terminal. This action sends an immediate alert to a Rescue Coordination Center (RCC), including vital information about the vessel's location and situation. Within half a minute, the terminal initiates contact with the RCC via Iridium Safety Voice, allowing the crew to relay critical details swiftly.

Embracing the Future of Maritime Communications

By packaging various safety protocols and communication capabilities into a single terminal, Iridium Certus GMDSS minimizes the need for multiple systems, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency while also providing substantial cost savings. As the maritime industry faces continual evolution, Iridium remains dedicated to developing advanced and dependable solutions tailored for maritime professionals.

For more information about the Iridium Certus GMDSS and to keep up with their innovative offerings, visit Iridium's website.

This development represents an essential resource for any vessel’s hybrid network system, making Iridium Certus GMDSS the standout choice for maritime safety and connectivity in today’s unpredictable marine environment.