TC SES: Inmarsat GMDSS Satellite System Enhancing Maritime Safety Dimitrios Papaharalabos Brian Mullan TC SES Maritime Chairman, PD&M General Manager, Safety Services Inmarsat Limited, UK Inmarsat Limited, UK Tel: +44 20 7728 1451 Tel: +44 20 7728 1464 Fax: +44 20 7728 1175 Fax: +44 20 7728 1752 Email: dimitrios_papaharalabos@inmarsat.com Email: brian_mullan@inmarsat.com

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!

Inmarsat’s Role in a Distress Scenario

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inmarsat – Enhancing Maritime Safety 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

Dimitrios Papaharalabos Any Questions? www.inmarsat.com/safety Dimitrios Papaharalabos TC SES Maritime Chairman, PD&M Inmarsat Limited Tel: +44 20 7728 1451 Fax: +44 20 7728 1175 Email: dimitrios_papaharalabos@inmarsat.com