Satellite communications have changed the way that we study the ocean in many ways by providing a means for scientists to communicate with one another and share data remotely. Satellites also provide a bird's eye view of the Earth which allows scientists to study oceanography in great detail. They can monitor water movement and currents, measure the temperature, salinity and acidity of oceans. They’ve also been key in climate change research.

An Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that governs how data packets are exchanged on the Internet. IPs provide the identification, addressing and routing functions necessary for computers to communicate with each other. IPs are used by every device that connects to the internet, from servers and personal computers to smartphones and tablets. They are also used for mobile phones, which use a different type of IP called an "IP v6".

A Domain Name System (DNS) is the system that translates domain names into IP addresses. Every time you type in a website name in the address bar of your browser, it's translated by a DNS to an IP address. The DNS system is hierarchical, with each lower level providing translations to the next level until they reach the root servers and translate to an IP address.

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol, or HTTP, is the protocol that governs the transfer of information between a web server and a web browser. It is an application layer protocol designed to allow for efficient and reliable communication between devices across the internet. HTTP enables clients to interact with servers by requesting specific resources using a uniform resource identifier (URI) via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection. The response may be in any format, such as HTML, XML, or plain text.

HTTPS is a protocol that provides end-to-end encryption, meaning that the data being transferred between the user's browser and the server is encrypted. The HTTPS protocol was originally designed to provide privacy and data integrity between a web browser and a web server. HTTPS has been adopted by many websites in order to protect their users from eavesdropping or tampering with sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data.

The Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) is a set of international regulations for the safety of life at sea. The system includes a number of individual components, such as the Global Maritime Organization, which sets standards and monitors compliance with GMDSS regulations, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which provides a single worldwide radio frequency band for distress. The ITU has allocated frequencies in the very high frequency band (VHF) for use by ship stations transmitting distress calls and messages. These are known as "Maritime Mobile Service" channels, or MMS channels. GMDSS also requires all ships to carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

A ship security alert system is a system that monitors the ship for any potential threats to its security. The system is usually composed of sensors, monitoring devices, and other equipment that can detect any potential danger. The sensors are usually placed in the different parts of the ship such as the deck, engine room, and cargo bay. These sensors are capable of detecting any movement or change in the environment which could be a threat to the safety of the ship. The monitoring device is used to keep track of what is happening with each sensor at all times. It will also send out alerts if a sensor detects anything dangerous or unusual. The equipment that makes up this type of system includes things like cameras or alarms which can be activated when necessary.

A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is a space-based global navigation system that provides information to users on their location, velocity and time. GNSS is composed of multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth, which transmit signals to ground receivers. These signals allow GPS receivers to calculate three important pieces of information:

1) The receiver's position in latitude and longitude

2) The time at which it was measured

3) The receiver's velocity.

Data management solutions are designed to offer protection, manageability and accessibility in the digital world. Data is stored in a way that can be easily accessed by authorised users. Our data management solutions also offer protection from cyber threats such as unauthorized access, data leakage, data corruption and more.

Satellite technology is used for communication and navigation. A satellite is a man-made object that orbits the Earth, transmitting and receiving signals from the ground. It can also be used to transmit data from one point on the Earth to another point, or to a satellite orbiting around it. There are many types of satellites in use today, such as weather satellites, television satellites, communication satellites and navigation satellites.

Satellites are being used more and more to provide a variety of services like weather forecasts, satellite TV, GPS navigation and many more. There are a lot of changes in satellite technology that have happened over the years. For example, satellites are now becoming smaller and cheaper to produce. We may see more use of satellites that can be launched into orbit at a low cost and also have a short lifespan of only months or years rather than decades. These satellites may be able to provide data quickly and at a lower cost to areas where it is needed most.

Long Range Identification Tracking is a system that can track people from a distance. The system uses radio waves to detect the presence and location of ships. In 2006, it was established as an international system by the International Maritime Organization. Some ships use this system, as they are required to report their position to their flag administration at least four times per day. Many vessels automate this process by setting their existing satellite communications appropriately.

Communication satellites orbit at an altitude of about 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) above Earth's surface. This is over 3,000 times higher than a commercial airplane's flight path!

Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that have a longer wavelength than visible light. They can be used for communication, but they cannot penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, so they would not be able to reach satellites.

This technology has grown in importance as more people rely on it for their everyday needs - from watching TV and listening to the radio, to getting weather forecasts and navigation assistance from GPS systems. Satellite communication also provides a way to navigate through disasters and emergencies.

Microwaves are a type of electromagnetic wave that are used for satellite communications. Microwaves are also used in radar, television broadcasting, and wireless networking.

Satellites are used for communication in many ways. They can be used to provide internet access to remote areas, or they can be used to provide a connection between two points on the earth that are not connected by a wire. Satellites are also used for television and radio broadcasting. This is because satellites can transmit signals over long distances without any interference from the ground.

In a satellite communication, the uplink and downlink frequencies are not the same. The downlink frequency is much lower than the uplink frequency because it has a longer range and can transmit information from the ground station to the satellite without any obstruction. On the other hand, the uplink frequency is much higher because it has a shorter range and needs to travel through many obstacles like mountains and buildings before reaching its destination - the ground station.

Developed by Inmarsat, FleetBroadband is a maritime satellite internet, SMS texting, ISDN and telephony network. It uses portable domed terminal antennas to communicate and is used for ocean-going vessels. These antennas allow sailors to connect their phones and laptops to the rest of the world while they're at sea. Three geosynchronous orbiting satellites ensure contiguous global coverage, apart from the poles.

The cost of a satellite phone call depends on the service provider. Some providers charge per minute, while others charge by the minute with an additional fee for airtime minutes. A call may be cheaper if it is made to a landline rather than to another satellite phone.

Microwaves are used as a form of satellite communications because they can be easily bounced off the atmosphere. This is why microwaves are more commonly used than lasers or radio waves. The microwaves allow for transmission through clouds and are less susceptible to atmospheric disturbances such as rain, snow, and fog.

One of the most common roles of satellite technology is in communications. Satellites are used to broadcast television signals, provide Wi-Fi, and to provide internet access in remote locations. Satellites are also utilised for military purposes as a reconnaissance tool and can provide surveillance information about enemy positions. Satellite technology is additionally used for weather forecasting; by looking at the infrared images from a satellite, meteorologists can tell what type of weather will be coming our way in the near future.

The first step is to purchase a satellite phone, which you can do through AST Networks. There are many types of satellite phones on the market, ideally you want one that is built to endure extreme weather and that has a long battery life. The next step would be to buy a satellite phone plan that includes unlimited minutes and data. This will ensure that you don't have to worry about running out of voice minutes or data while you're in an emergency situation.

The cost of a satellite phone can vary depending on the features and functionality it provides, but they are typically more expensive than regular cellular phones. A satellite phone can cost anywhere from £300 up to around £1,000. This doesn't include service costs.

There are two main ways to track a satellite phone. One way is by using an online service which requires you to log in and provide your personal information, like name and address. The second way is by using a GPS enabled app on your smartphone. The GPS tracking method uses the cellular network signals in order to locate the device. The process starts by sending a signal from the phone to the nearest cellular tower and then back to the satellite phone. This data is then processed by an algorithm in order to calculate its location.

Network monitoring tools are used to monitor and identify network issues. They are also used to monitor the performance of the network. Network monitoring tools can be classified into two categories:

Passive Network Monitoring Tools:

These tools only monitor the network traffic. They do not interfere with the traffic in any way, they just analyse it and provide reports on what is happening in the network.

Active Network Monitoring Tools:

These tools actively interfere with traffic in order to find out what is happening with the network. They may make changes to how data is transmitted or even stop certain types of traffic altogether.

Satellites are used to send and receive information from space. They are often used for surveillance, navigation and communications. The satellite is equipped with an antenna that will receive signals from the Earth below or transmit them back down. The antenna is typically in the shape of a dish with a diameter of about one meter, although some antennas can be larger or smaller depending on the satellite's purpose.

A satellite phone is a type of cell phone that can make and receive calls on the ground, even when there is no land-based cellular service available. Satellite phones are used in remote areas where there is no cell phone coverage or in emergency situations when other types of communication infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Satellite phones are also used by people who live or work in rural and remote areas to provide a more reliable form of communication than a mobile phone tower would be able to offer.

Data management is the process of collecting and storing data in such a way that it can be analysed. Data management also includes the processes of acquiring data from various sources, processing the information to make it more usable, and storing it in a way that protects its integrity. The goal of any type of business is to generate revenue by creating value for their customers. Data management plays an important role in this process because it helps organisations understand what their customers want and how they want to interact with them.

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a limited area, like a home, school, or office building. Local networks can be classified into three types:

• Ethernet: the most common type of wired LAN
• Wireless: a wireless LAN (WLAN)
• Power line communication (PLC): uses power lines to transmit data.

A wireless access point is a device that connects to a wired network. It then broadcasts the network signal over a wireless connection. The access point is usually connected to the network via an Ethernet cable, or it can be connected wirelessly if it has Wi-Fi antennas. It's usually implemented in small areas such as offices or shops.

A satellite phone service is the best option for one way communication. There are a few reasons why satellite phones are the best choice for one way communication, such as: no roaming charges, coverage in remote areas, and international coverage.

Satellite transmission is a process of transmitting data from one point to another by means of satellite. This transmission can be either two-way or one-way. In the two-way transmission, the receiver can send back a message to the sender. The one-way transmission is used when the sender does not need any feedback from the receiver.

A satellite sends a signal to a ground station, which redirects the signal to the desired location. The ground station receives the signal from the satellite and transmits it to an antenna on Earth. The antenna then sends out radio waves that carry the information in a form that can be received by any receiver tuned to that frequency. The receiver picks up these radio waves, converts them back into electrical signals, and sends them through wires or cables to another device such as a television or computer monitor.

VSATs are satellite terminals that use a dish antenna and a modem to transmit data. They are used in remote areas where terrestrial communication infrastructure is not available or cost prohibitive. VSATs have been in use since the 1980s, but the technology has improved significantly over the years.

The high-speed IP capabilities of Thuraya IP+ enables users to access corporate networks, browse the Internet, connect with colleagues, family and friends via email and social media, and hold video conferences or chat over VoIP solutions - wherever and whenever they need it.

Satellite phone operators are people who provide satellite phone services as well as internet and data plans to their clients. They are responsible for the technical aspects of the system, including installation, maintenance and repair.

A satellite frequency spectrum is the range of frequencies that are used to transmit information from satellites to receivers on Earth. The signals are typically in the microwave range, but can also be in the infrared or visible light range. The satellite frequency spectrum is divided into bands, which correspond to different uses such as broadcasting, scientific research, and military purposes.

In short, yes. Oil rigs are located in remote locations, so the rig operators need to rely on satellite connections for communications. This is because oil rigs are often located far away from any mobile or cell phone service. The only way to get internet access on an oil rig is through a satellite connection. A satellite connection can be used for a variety of things including email, internet browsing, and video conferencing. Satellite connections work by using a signal from one of the satellites orbiting Earth and then transmitting that signal down to the ground where it can be picked up by the receiver on the oil rig.

It all depends on the satellite phone and network. Phones that rely on low earth orbit satellites tend to have a longer battery life than geosynchronous services. But they tend to have less bandwidth than the latter. Like with most battery powered items, maintenance and proper care will prolong the life of the phone's battery.

With the Thuraya SatSleeve, you can use your smart phone as a satellite phone.

Communication at sea is done through a series of different methods. The most common are radio and satellite communication. Radio waves are used for short-range communication, while satellite communication is used for long-range communication. Ships also use a variety of visual signals to communicate with each other. These include flags, lights, and semaphore flags (signalling).

The Latin word ‘certus’ translate to ‘certain, reliable, and sure’, which are key attributes of the new service.

Iridium Certus is powered by Iridium NEXT, Iridium’s next-generation, $3 billion satellite constellation. It has been coined the largest ‘tech refresh’ in history, as Iridium replaced 66 low Earth orbit satellites with new ones, all in just about 18 months.

Iridium Certus delivers new options to the satellite broadband market. For example, in the maritime market, Iridium Certus provides a real choice for end-users, ending an industry monopoly that has existed for some time. The service delivers competitively priced, high-performing, pole-to-pole global satellite coverage supporting many important functions including, business operations, IoT applications, crew welfare and critical safety services.

Iridium Certus is highly reliable, due to the advantages of the network’s unique architecture. Located in low Earth orbit (LEO), with crosslinks enabling cross-satellite communication and L-band end-user transmissions, the network is unaffected by weather conditions or the need for ground stations, unlike other satellite networks, like those located in Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

The service is designed to be a multi-solution platform for all industry verticals. It provides multiple high-definition voice lines, alongside IP data speeds debuting at 352 Kbps and soon after upgraded to 704 Kbps. With speeds reaching approximately 1.4 Mbps, Iridium Certus also delivers multiple streaming classes and safety services.

Compared to existing L-band services and equipment, Iridium Certus offers superior value. Whether you are a large vessel with heavy data needs, or a smaller operation, our model makes it possible for any industry to have access to reliable, high-quality satellite connectivity, anywhere on the planet.

Iridium has partnered with Cobham, the Thales Group, Rockwell Collins, L3 Communications, all world-class, Value Added Manufacturers (VAMs), to develop cutting-edge terminals to support Iridium Certus. For the maritime market Cobham’s SAILOR 4300 and VesseLINK by Thales, are easy to install, light-weight small form factor antennas. Their design and competitive price points bring much-needed value, choice and increased quality of service to the maritime market. Existing Iridium devices such as Iridium Pilot® will continue to function normally but will not benefit from the new Iridium Certus speeds without one of the Iridium Certus terminals.

Dial as for BGAN to BGAN above. For example: 00-870-XXX-XXX-XXXX#

BGAN use is metered and you should disable any programmes that automatically update themselves. For example Windows Update.

BGAN use is metered and you should disable any programmes that automatically update themselves. For example Windows Update.

The Inmarsat BGAN network provides global coverage, except at the extreme poles, via three geostationary satellites.

Yes, but some countries route Inmarsat BGAN calls differently and the calling number may not be displayed.

The Inmarsat network needs to know your GPS location BUT THIS IS NOT PASSED ON TO ANY THIRD PARTIES.

Yes.

BGAN to Public Switched Telephone Network (Landlines and GSM) dial: 00 (Country Code) (Area Code less 0) XXX-XXXX#. For example, full dialling for AST Networks Customer Service is 0044-1493-441485#

BGAN to Iridium: Dial the Iridium number with a 00 pre-fix. For example, 00-8816-XXX-XXXXX# BGAN TO BGAN dial: 00-870-XXX-XXX-XXXX# BGAN to AST Customer Service: dial: 33#

These are available from www.astextranet.com

Extend the antenna into its full position and point it straight up at the sky. Press the power button on the phone and wait for registration to complete. How do I call a landline or mobile number using an Inmarsat satellite phone?

Press the 0 key until the + appears or dial “00”. Dial the country code, area code and phone number.

• Example: + (country code) (area code/city code) (phone number)
• Example: + 1 416 253 6008

From your Inmarsat IsatPhone, dial “00” or press and hold the 0 key until the + appears followed by the 870 Inmarsat phone number.

Easy! Just visit our top-up portal and top-up as and when you need to.

Simultaneous voice and data, crew calling option, SMS service, and a friendly programmable user interface.

Yes, some providers do block calls to satellite phones and different providers route call differently, so the user ID may not be displayed. All Inmarsat equipment has a prefix of +870

No, the full international number should be dialled for every call made. The prefix will change depending on what country you are trying to dial.

FleetBroadband uses a 4 kbps voice codec which is above the 2.4 standard used in the majority of satellite communications and ensures a high quality voice call.

FleetBroadband uses the Inmarsat-4 satellites to provide global coverage. There is a minimal chance of a dropped call or network outage.

Cable lengths can vary but the maximums are: RG 223 -25m, RG 213/4 - 50m, LMR600 -95m. The cable MUST NOT exceed 20 dB, including connectors.

Fleet One uses a new maritime user terminal (UT) that operates over Inmarsat’s existing BGAN Network. The service offers both voice and IP data connectivity via the existing FleetBroadband distribution model.

Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is transmitted through an Enhanced Group Call (EGC) service called Iridium SafetyCast. The main type of information broadcast through this service is navigational and meteorological information and warnings. Depending on location, additional information, such as anti-piracy and ice reports, may be available. RCCs can also broadcast safety-related information through Iridium SafetyCast.

Iridium has a constellation consisting of 66 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites (plus 9 in-orbit spares), cross-linked to operate as a fully meshed network. Several overlapping satellites ensure coverage over the entire globe.

Extend the antenna into its full position and point it straight up at the sky. Press the power button on the phone. You should see the Iridium splash screen, followed by 'Searching' and finally 'Registered'. Once the phone is registered you are ready to dial.

Press the 0 key until the + appears or dial “00”. Dial the country code, area code and phone number. - Example: + (country code) (area code/city code) (phone number) - Example: + 1 416 253 6008

From your, Iridium satphone, or dial “00” or press and hold the 0 key until the + appears followed by the 8816 Iridium phone number. - Example: + 8816 666 9253

You can check the balance of your Iridium prepaid SIM card by simply dialling 2888, free of charge.

Easy! Just visit AST’s top-up portal and top-up as and when you need to.

Iridium post-paid and pre-paid customers can place a free call to 00-1-480-752-5105 to test their phone. An automated message will play stating that the call was successful. If an error message is played or if the call does not connect at all, please contact our support team.

Yes, it is easy to send a text message and incoming text messages are free. Visit our send a free SMS web page.

The Inmarsat IsatPhone phone antenna needs to be fully extended with an unobstructed view of the sky in order to receive a call.

Send your e-mail to 870xxxxxxxxx@message.inmarsat.com (where 870xxxxxxxxx is the IsatPhone mobile number)

You can check the balance of your IsatPhone prepaid SIM card by simply dialling 591, free of charge. To display your balance on-screen dial *106#

Easy! Just visit our top-up portal and top-up as and when you need to.

Inmarsat post-paid and pre-paid customers can place a free call to +870-776-999-999 to test their phone. An automated message will play stating that the call was successful. If an error message is played or if the call does not connect at all, please contact AST Networks Global Customer Support.

The languages supported are English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Dutch.

The Inmarsat network needs to know your GPS location BUT THIS IS NOT PASSED ON TO ANY THIRD PARTIES.

Throughput of up to 100 kbps, operates down to a 5 degree antenna elevation, wired and wireless connection supported and voice and data simultaneously.

This is a circuit-switched telephony service, which uses compression technology to deliver landline-quality voice over a bandwidth-efficient 4 kbps connection.

Yes it is possible to make a standard voice call whilst simultaneously using IP data services, however multiple simultaneous voice calls are not supported.

Standard background class IP data service offers a throughput of up to 100 kbps via a shared, contended IP channel.

160 character SMS. Concatenated SMS is supported.

Inmarsat Fleet One and the SAILOR Fleet One.

Yes, it does not support streaming services (therefore no multi-voice). No 64 kbps CS Service ISDN and 3.1 kHz audio services, it is designed for single user environments.

Voice, voicemail, text and email messaging, emergency calling 505, IP Data up to 100 kbps, WiFi, Ethernet, RJ11 and RJ45 connection.

DIAL 00 XXX-XXX-XXXX#

Dial the full international code on the Fleet One to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). E.g. Dial 00-(country code)-(area code without first zero)-(telephone number).

As shown on Inmarsat map, note higher call charges apply if used ‘out-of-zone’.

Voice, voicemail, text and email messaging, Data, Crew Calling, RJ11 and USB connection.

Yes, though some countries may route calls differently and therefore not display caller ID.

DIAL 00 870 XXX-XXX-XXXX#

Dial the full international code on the IsatPhone Link to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). E.g. Dial 00-(country code)-(area code without first zero)-(telephone number).

IsatPhone Link incorporates a 2.4kbps voice codec which ensures clear voice quality and this makes speech easy to understand.

The 8 Languages supported are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

10m/20m stock and 30m/40m/50m on special order.

Voice calling with VoIP, SMS (via app and web UI), data up to 240/384kbps (send/receive), wireless connectivity for smart devices within 30metres.

The IsatHub works with Apple and Android smart devices. iOS 6 or higher is required for Apple devices (minimum requirement: iPhone 4/iPad 3) and Android devices require 4.1 or higher.

Your smart device connects via Wi-Fi to the IsatHub terminal, which in turn connects to the Inmarsat network, providing a global 3G service.

The service is accessed via control and voice apps, downloaded onto a smartphone or tablet.

The control and voice apps are available for download from the Google Play store and Apple App store - search for IsatHub.

You can connect to your iSatHub via Wi-Fi by selecting it from the list of available Wi-Fi devices on your smartphone or tablet. The default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password can be obtained from the product label on the back of the terminal.

You can manage each connected device with service access controls and usage counters.

The voice app is optimised for use over the dedicated voice line for high quality incoming and outgoing voice calls. The voice app will also work with your smart device contacts and provides the ability to send and receive text messages.

You can set your own Wi-Fi password and configure MAC address filtering. The terminal has a 30 metre Wi-Fi range and multiple devices can share the same connection.

You can use any web browser to control your iSavi satellite terminal. Open any web browser and type https://192.168.1.35 into the address bar, with the following login details:

USERNAME: admin

PASSWORD: 1234

Inmarsat owns and operates 13 satellites in geostationary orbit 35,786km (22,236 miles) above the Earth. Each satellite can generate up to 19 wide beams and more than 200 narrow spot beams.

AST Networks and OneWeb have a shared belief that connectivity at sea should be as seamless and simple as it is onshore. We understand the complexity of the industries we serve, and we’re committed to supporting our customers by reducing barriers to maritime digital transformation. By working together global maritime partner AST Networks, and OneWeb, will offer fixed-land and maritime customers access to OneWeb’s fast, flexible and affordable connectivity solutions seamlessly in even the most remote locations on land and at sea.

EutelSat OneWeb is a global communications network powered by a constellation of 650 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Headquartered in London, OneWeb enables high-speed, low latency connectivity for governments, businesses, and communities everywhere around the world. OneWeb’s satellites, network of gateway stations, and range of User Terminals, provide affordable, fast, high bandwidth, low-latency communication services connected to the IOT future, and a pathway to 5G for everyone, everywhere.

Orbiting at only 1200km, OneWeb’s satellites are 30 times closer to Earth than GEO satellites and 8 times closer than those of MEO operators. This low altitude means unmatchable <100ms low-latency connectivity to offer vessels, passengers and crew the same tools and experiences as on land.

Consistent pole to pole coverage OneWeb’s truly global services will ensure seamless connectivity wherever a vessel operates. With no borders or barriers and a simple interface, OneWeb will enable the adoption of new, more efficient solutions – even above 60⁰ degrees latitude.

Under the International Telecommunications Union regulations requirements, OneWeb has met priority rights to operate the Ku- and Ka-band spectrum. This brings over 6 GHz of the spectrum into use.

OneWeb's ground network will be equipped to extend existing coverage in all northern latitudes, including the UK, Northern Europe, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Arctic seas, to global coverage.

OneWeb aligns with internationally recognised standards in security and applicable compliance and regulatory fields. To identify and manage cybersecurity risks, OneWeb’s core security team uses a number of monitoring and protection tools to ensure the technical security of our services on a day-to-day basis.

With a usable network capacity of over 1.1Tbps, OneWeb’s high-throughput fibre-like global network will transform maritime capabilities, solving complex and dynamic needs across maritime sectors.

Iridium GMDSS offers coverage, capability, and cost advantages over the existing option, providing mariners with enhanced safety at sea never before possible. Iridium GMDSS is the first and only GMDSS solution to offer truly global coverage, including above and below the 65th parallel, enhancing safety at sea and offering reliable coverage where Inmarsat does not. All Iridium Connected® GMDSS terminals come standard with functionality for all satellite GMDSS services and will initiate both Distress Alert and Safety Voice quickly with the press of just one button. The initial Iridium Connected GMDSS terminal from Lars Thrane is expected to supply all three satellite GMDSS services at about 25 percent of the cost of the current equipment required to do the same, allowing more vessels to access these life-saving services.

More than 1.4 million people, organizations, and things rely on Iridium to provide critical communications all over the world. Iridium’s crosslinked mesh architecture creates a web of coverage encompassing 100% of the planet from Low Earth Orbit, providing low-latency, weather resilient services, unlike any other satellite provider. As Iridium developed its GMDSS service, it underwent a multi-year process that included strict reviews and testing protocols, multiple panels of experts, and examinations to obtain Recognition from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and a Letter of Compliance from IMO’s GMDSS regulator, the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO). Furthermore, IMSO conducts quarterly examinations of Iridium’s operations to ensure that they continue to be in compliance with the IMO requirements.

Iridium will provide unprecedented coverage by enabling GMDSS satellite services around the entire globe, including over the Arctic and Antarctic waters in Sea Area A4, even in adverse weather.

Iridium GMDSS distress services are available at no charge to subscribers. There are a number of commercial plans available to cover standard calling and data communications through Iridium Connected equipment, including GMDSS terminals.

As required by the IMO, commercial services are "pre-empted" by Priority GMDSS traffic, meaning your distress call will take priority over other voice and data services. This is done by design to ensure the safety of your crew and vessel.

Iridium GMDSS allows ships to quickly send definitive location and identifi cation information to a Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) and speak to an RCC operator to share key distress information, within 30 seconds of pressing the red distress button. Additionally, Iridium GMDSS includes Iridium SafetyCastSM, which delivers important navigational and meteorological information to vessels with Iridium onboard, enabling proactive safety measures. Iridium’s global GMDSS services could have a significant effect on the success of a Search and Rescue operation.

Lars Thrane is manufacturing the first Iridium Connected GMDSS terminal, LT-3100S. Iridium Certus maritime equipment manufacturers Cobham, Thales, and Intellian are currently working with Iridium to develop auxiliary equipment for their existing broadband terminals to offer GMDSS through the Iridium Certus platform.

The default for GMDSS services is the international maritime language “Seaspeak”, which is based on English. However, Iridium GMDSS users can select a specific Rescue Coordination Center from their own region or country for all emergency communications, regardless of vessel location. If the onboard coordinators cannot speak English or Seaspeak, this is recommended.