Part II Commercial Aspects of the Marine Environment, 7 INMARSAT and the Modern International Mobile Satellite Organization

Abstract

This chapter focuses on INMARSAT and the modern International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO). INMARSAT is a commercial company that provides maritime communications by satellite as well as telecommunication services to mobile users. It also has international service obligations that fall within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) established by the International Maritime Organisation in 1988. Compliance with these is supervised by the IMSO. The chapter first provides a technical background on INMARSAT as well as an overview of its history and its maritime satellite communications services before turning to the IMSO and what it does. In addition to technical responsibilities in relation to GDMSS and the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT), IMSO has entered into an Agreement of Cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) relating to aeronautical mobile satellite communications.