THE AUSTRALIAN Maritime Safety Authority and the Bureau of Meteorology have partnered with Iridium Communications to commence a satellite-based system for distress alerting, maritime safety information and general radiocommunication.
The system, Iridium SafetyCast, is compliant with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. It complements existing GMDSS systems, providing global coverage, according to a statement from AMSA.
AMSA chief executive officer Mick Kinley said the introduction of Iridium SafetyCast services would strengthen Australia’s commitment to delivering communication capabilities that enhance safety at sea.
“Every year, thousands of internationally trading vessels navigate through the waters surrounding Australia and countless commercial and recreational vessels navigate the Australian coastline,” he said.
“These vessels rely on the critical maritime safety information broadcast by AMSA and the Bureau of Meteorology to keep them safe, including weather forecasts and information on hazards to safe navigation. These vessels also rely on their distress alerting systems to get them help if they need it.”
AMSA, as Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Australia, is responsible for search and rescue services within Australia’s vast search and rescue region and operates a 24-hour search and rescue service to anyone in distress.
AMSA and the Bureau of Meteorology provide vessels with maritime safety information about hazards and foreseeable dangers to safe navigation through Australia’s marine environment.
