Marine satellite communications and vessel monitoring systems
Introduction
Fisheries management authorities throughout the world are progressively requiring commercial fishing operators to fit their vessels with radio equipment to enable participation in a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).
VMS allows shore based users to interrogate a vessel’s position, course and speed and facilitates the interchange of fishing data.
In Australia, VMS is supported by a satellite communications system operated by Inmarsat through a system of four geostationary satellites, and which can provide a range of marine radiocommunications including those relating to distress and safety.
Radiocommunication stations known as Earth stations, provide the link between shore and satellites and enable the exchange of signals with appropriately fitted vessels. Australia's Earth stations which communicate through Inmarsat’s Indian and Pacific Ocean satellites, are located in Perth and are operated by Telstra.
The shipboard satellite communications equipment which supports VMS, is known as Inmarsat-C.
Inmarsat-C equipment
Inmarsat-C, in addition to supporting VMS, can provide a data messaging system (e-mail) to subscriber terminals throughout the world, including Inmarsat installations on other vessels. It also provides an effective weather forecast and navigational warning service.
Most importantly, using worldwide facilities provided under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), it can supply vessels with immediate, direct and assured access to search and rescue authorities in the case of distress or other emergency situations.
In Australian waters, Inmarsat-C equipment provides a direct and immediate link between a vessel in trouble and the Rescue Coordination Centre operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in Canberra.
Inmarsat-C equipment does not provide voice communications and successful communications rely on operator expertise to use a computer keyboard to access software stored in the message processor.
Radio licensing of Inmarsat-C equipment used for VMS
The use of Inmarsat-C satellite equipment is authorised under a class licence. Owners and operators do not need to apply for this licence and it is free of charge.
However, the operation of some shipboard Inmarsat-C equipment needs to be under the control of a person holding a suitable marine radio operators qualification.
Operator qualifications for Inmarsat-C equipment used for VMS
Under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 the operation of some shipboard Inmarsat-C equipment must be under the control of a qualified person at all times.
Where the shipboard Inmarsat-C equipment includes computer peripherals allowing operator control over the priority, address and contents of transmitted messages, the appropriate qualification is the ACMA’s Marine Satellite Communications Certificate of Endorsement. In circumstances where the shipboard Inmarsat-C equipment supports only VMS, the Marine Satellite Communications Certificate of Endorsement is not required. The Marine Satellite Communications Certificate of Endorsement is not ‘stand-alone’ and a basic radio operator qualification such as the Marine Radio Operator's Certificate of Proficiency (MROCP), the Marine Radio Operator’s VHF Certificate of Proficiency (MROVCP) or the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate of Proficiency (RROCP), must also be held. The examination to gain the satellite qualification is only available at educational organisations providing a suitable training course.
Training for the Marine Satellite Communications Certificate of Endorsement is currently being provided by a number of organisations in various parts of Australia. The syllabus for the examination and the necessary text is contained in the Marine Radio Operators Handbook which is available from the ACMA’s website www.acma.gov.au.
Obligations for owners and operators fitting satellite equipment for VMS purposes
Further information
If you require any further information access the ACMA’s website at www.acma.gov.au or 1300 850 115.
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