TC SES: Inmarsat GMDSS Satellite System Enhancing Maritime Safety

1
TC SES Inmarsat GMDSS Satellite
SystemEnhancing Maritime Safety

• Dimitrios Papaharalabos Brian Mullan
• TC SES Maritime Chairman, PDM General Manager,
  Safety Services
• Inmarsat Limited, UK Inmarsat Limited, UK
• Tel [phone] Tel [phone]
• Fax [phone] Fax [phone]
• Email dimitrios_papaharalabos_at_inmarsat.com
  Email brian_mullan_at_inmarsat.com

2
Introduction

• Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres
• Data source access, past and present
• The need for speed and accuracy
• The new Inmarsat solution
• False Distress Alerts
• Evolutionary software implementation
• Pro-active reduction in false distress alerts
• Proof that it works!

3
Inmarsats Role in a Distress Scenario
4
MRCC Data Requirements

• For information related to Inmarsat alerts
• MRCCs traditionally called the Inmarsat NOC
• Can be time consuming
• Potential for not transcribing correctly
• Accuracy and timeliness is essential

5
Making the Information available

• Inmarsat holds the registration database
• Contains sensitive commercial information
• LESO agreement needed to release
• Agreement obtained ?
• Development of special MRCC database
• Trials late 2000/early 2001
• Now open to all associated RCCs around the world

6
The new MRCC Database

• Advantages for MRCCs
• True copy of relevant part of main Inmarsat
  database
• Contains all information needed by the MRCC
• Dynamically updated
• 24 x 7 availability
• Secure web access
• RCC operators have all information on tap
• .. and can still also call to the NOC

7
False Distress Alerts

• Constantly debated at IMO
• Seen by some as an increasing problem
• But reality is quite different
• Actions demanded but how to achieve?
• MF/HF DSC broadcast vs. Inmarsat distress
• Inmarsat is one-to-one alerting
• Real or false quickly established
• Inmarsat research and results

8
Distress Alert Quality Control System

• Accurate master database and application tools
• Monthly reports now produced as routine
• Actual distress usage on all Inmarsat standards
• We now have proof and are taking action

9
Reducing False Alerts via Inmarsat

• Worst offenders tackled first
• Ships contacted directly from Inmarsat
• Softly, softly approach adopted
• Do you have a problem, please?
• With the equipment or
• Understanding the operation or
• Training needs

10
Results achieved

• All ships have responded positively so far
• Real reductions in false alerts
• No immediate need to escalate action
• However, if problems persist
• IMO and IMSO warm welcome
• MRCC and other beneficiaries

11
Inmarsat Enhancing Maritime Safety

• Inmarsat
• Not just maintaining, but improving safety
• Front line information support for MRCCs
• Positive and practical response to IMO
  requirements
• Reducing false alerts over the Inmarsat system
• Policing misuse of the Inmarsat system

12
Any Questions?

• www.inmarsat.com/safety
• Dimitrios Papaharalabos
• TC SES Maritime Chairman, PDM
• Inmarsat Limited
• Tel [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• Email dimitrios_papaharalabos_at_inmarsat.com