Elizabeth Leigh
The International Maritime Organization is studying Iridium Communications’ application to be a mobile satellite communications provider for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
“We see Iridium’s inclusion as a GMDSS service provider as being very important to maritime safety and security on a global basis,” U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Robert Day said Friday.
“Our preliminary review of the Iridium network capabilities is positive, and we look forward to the possibility of welcoming a new provider,” he added.
Iridium applied to the IMO, a United Nations organization, through the U.S. with a proposal to extend network coverage and redundancy of safety communications at sea under the GMDSS program’s guidelines.
The IMO’s navigation, communication, search and rescue subcommittee is scheduled to review and evaluate Iridium’s application in June, the company says.
If approved, Iridium could start working as a GMDSS service provider by late 2015.
Brian Pemberton, director for Iridium’s aviation and maritime line of business, said Iridium’s move sought to fill “a distinct industry need for diversification of service provider options for maritime safety communications.â€
