The convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization was adopted by IMO in 1976 to establish and oversee satellite communications for ship. Under the treaty, the International Mobile Satellite Organization ( IMSO ) has been established as the inter-governmental body that oversees the provision of certain satellite-based maritime distress communication services, specifically those used in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ( GMDSS ).
IMO is presently reviewing the GMDSS, to modernize it and bring it up to date. International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO)
IMSO is headquartered in London and has more than 100 Member States. a well as overseeing satellite communications under the GMDSS, IMSO has besides been appointed by IMO to audit and review the operation of the international organization for the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships ( LRIT ). Recognition of providers of mobile satellite communications systems in the GMDSS
IMO has adopted Criteria for the Provision of Mobile Satellite Communication Systems in the GMDSS ( Resolution A.1001 ( 25 ) ).
This sets out the criteria and procedure for evaluating mobile satellite communication systems that might have the potential to offer maritime distress and safety communications within the GMDSS. recognition of a fluid satellite communication arrangement for use in the GMDSS would be given by IMO ’ s Maritime Safety Committee ( MSC ). Recognised mobile satellite communication systems
IMO has recognised Inmarsat and Iridium to provide satellite communication systems for practice in the GMDSS. History
Soon after the launch of the global ‘s beginning telecommunication satellite, Telstar, in 1962, IMO recognised the potential for satellite communications to assist in distress situations at ocean and initiated a cogitation of the operational requirements for a satellite communication system devoted to maritime purposes.
In 1973, IMO decided to convene a conference to establish a new nautical communications arrangement based on satellite technology. This league first met in 1975 and held three sessions, at the third gear of which, in 1976, the Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization ( then called Inmarsat ) was adopted, together with an operate on agreement.
The Convention defined the purposes of the International Maritime Satellite Organization as being to improve nautical communications, thereby assisting in improving distress and safety of life at sea communications, the efficiency and management of ships, nautical populace symmetry services, and radiodetermination capabilities.
The operate on Agreement set an initial capital ceiling for the Organization. Investment shares were determined, proportionate to use of the Inmarsat space section. Inmarsat, headquartered in London, began operations in 1982.
Inmarsat ‘s obligation to provide nautical distress and base hit services via satellite were enshrined within the 1988 amendments to SOLAS which introduced the GMDSS. Ships sailing in specified sea areas were required to carry Inmarsat communications equipment for straiten and guard calls and to receive navigational warnings.
IMSO oversight body and commercial Inmarsat created
In 1994, the name of the Organization was changed to the International Mobile Satellite Organization, then abbreviated to Inmarsat. This reflected the extension of its services from the maritime sector to other modes of conveyance.
In 1998, Inmarsat member Governments agreed to privatize Inmarsat, from April 1999. The new structure comprised two entities :
• Inmarsat Ltd – a public limited company which forms the commercial weapon of Inmarsat. The company has taken on all the commercial activities of Inmarsat and is regulated by british jurisprudence. It was completely privatised by the end of 2003.
• International Mobile Satellite Organization ( IMSO ) – the intergovernmental body established to provide oversight of sealed populace satellite guard and security communication services provided by fluid satellite communication systems. IMSO is an observer at IMO meetings .
