Long Range Identification & Tracking

The introduction of LRIT now places two key demands on ship operators: - The obligation to provide a shipboard terminal that complies with requirements SOLAS ChV/19-1. - Implementation of conformance testing for shipboard terminals in accordance with MSC Circ 1257.

To help Ship Operators comply with their obligations Transas will conduct Conformity Test in accordance with SOLAS requirements.

Heightened security measures in recent years have seen many industries review and improve their security. The shipping industry is no exception. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is enforcing clear guidelines on the implementation of Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), to enable monitoring of ships at sea with the objective of identifying potential threats. Each vessel will regularly transmit via satellite its unique identifier and position, while every flag state will be required to establish its own national data centre connected to a global monitoring network.

As an experienced and established provider of asset tracking and management, Transas can provide solutions to meet all LRIT requirements. Highly proficient in delivering solutions to meet standards accepted and approved by governments worldwide, Transas can provide shipowners both large and small with a tailor-made LRIT solution.

 

Terminal performance is an essential component of overall ship compliance. Early testing within the three month period prior to survey is important so that in the unlikely event of terminal test failure, remedial action can be taken in good time. As part of its commitment to customer support, Transas can assist ship operators in sourcing a compliant terminal where test results indicate this is necessary. Subsequent to MSC 84, Transas has already been accepted by many Flag States as an approved tester and is currently seeking approval from other administrations in order to offer this service to all customers.
Ship operators must comply with the performance standards defined in the LRIT regulations, which means substitute testing the Inmarsat C (either the main GMDSS or mini-C terminal) on board. For ships trading into sea area 4 (the Polar Regions) there is an extended timetable, however a suitable communications channel that provides polar coverage will have to be employed.

The Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) regulation will apply to the following ship types engaged on international voyages:
- All passenger ships high speed crafts
- Cargo ships, including high speed craft of 300 gross tonnage and above, and
- Mobile offshore drilling units.

All vessels of 300 gross tonnage and above on international voyage will need to be compliant with LRIT regulations.
Those ships operating exclusively in coastal Sea Area A1 and fitted with an Automatic Identification System will be exempt, while ships operating in near-coastal Sea Area A2 not fitted with Inmarsat C GMDSS will be required to fit a compliant terminal. Ships operating in polar Sea Area A4 above 70 degrees latitude will require a non-Inmarsat terminal that operates in conjunction with a low-earth orbit Communication Service Provider (CSP) approved by the Flag in conjunction with its appointed Application Service Provider (ASP).

A phased approach to the implementation of the regulation will allow for compliance not later than the first radio survey after 31 December 2008 or in the case of ships operating in Sea Area A4 not later than the first radio survey after 1 July 2009.
The terminal must be capable of being configured to transmit the following minimum information set in an Automatic Position Report (APR):

- The identity of the ship,
- The position of the ship, and
- The date and time of the position.

In addition, the terminal must be able to respond to polling for an on-demand position report and be able immediately to respond to instructions to modify the APR interval to a frequency of a maximum of one every 15 minutes. APR's will be transmitted as a minimum 4 times per day to a National Data Centre (NDC), a Cooperative Data Centre (CDC), or a Regional Data Centre (RDC) nominated by the Flag.

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