The International Maritime Organization has issued a report that details requirements for Iridium Communications to address in order for the company to be recognized as a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System mobile satellite services provider.
IMO’s navigation, communication and search-and-rescue subcommittee released the report after it evaluated Iridium as a potential GMDSS service provider, Iridium said Wednesday.
“We welcome the support of the international community and the IMO, and look forward to moving to the next phase in support of providing GMDSS services,” said Brian Pemberton, vice president and general manager of aviation and maritime businesses at Iridium.
Iridium’s current network of 66 low-Earth orbit satellites works to provide mobile voice and data communications to government and commercial clients.
The company is scheduled to launch the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation in July.