Enhancing Maritime Safety & Security with Iridium® GMDSS
What is GMDSS
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a ship-to-shore or ship-to-ship safety and communications system mandated for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) vessels, as classified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—including merchant vessels over 300 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) and passenger vessels like cruise ships and ferries. The IMO requires each SOLAS vessel to be capable of transmitting and receiving GMDSS supported distress alerts via two separate and independent means.
What is Iridium GMDSS?
Iridium GMDSS is a comprehensive maritime safety solution that combines the advantages of Iridium GMDSS over the powerful and proven Iridium Certus® platform.
In addition to providing best in class L-band voice and data capabilities, Iridium GMDSS supports truly global, comprehensive safety services across the world's oceans, including polar regions.
The combination of capabilities offered by our GMDSS terminals supported by world class manufacturers sets a new standard for the cost, efficiency, and performance of maritime safety and security solutions. It is the critical connectivity service needed for any ship's hybrid network system.
The 3 “C’s” at Sea: Iridium GMDSS Benefits
Coverage
In 2019, we expanded GMDSS coverage to the entire planet.
Iridium’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network provides the maritime industry with:
- Pole-to-pole coverage
- Highly-weather-resilient L-band connectivity
- Superior coverage, look angles and lower latency that help reduce signal blockage compared to geostationary (GEO) systems.
- Cross-linked satellites that create highly reliable satellite connectivity that covers the entire planet.
We not only brought innovation to GMDSS, but also choice to mariners for the first time when it comes to their mandatory safety services. The market is not a one-size-fits-all, so we are bringing innovation and choice to mariners when it comes to their mandatory safety services.
Our industry leading equipment manufacturer partners including Cobham Satcom, Intellian, Lars Thrane, and Thales offer a broad range of GMDSS equipment for each budget and market need.
Capabilities
Iridium GMDSS combines essential safety functions all-in-one terminal:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Distress Alert | Instant distress signal with vessel details to RCC. |
| Safety Voice | Automated voice connection, no action required to phone to coordinate with RCCs during emergencies. |
| Maritime Safety Information (MSI) | Automated delivery of weather, navigational, and anti-piracy alerts. Receive meteorological warnings and forecasts, navigational warnings and other urgent safety-related messages. |
| Long-Range Identification & Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) | Compliance features included in same hardware (automated tracking and covert alerts). |
| Broadband Companion | IP data, messaging, and tracking tools—backup to VSAT, Starlink and other LEO satellite providers. |
Iridium GMDSS is the only system with safety voice capabilities. A single button push sends vessel ID, position, and status to the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) with voice connection established within ~30 seconds.
Mariners can share over the phone the nature of the distress, how many people are on board, and what the crew is doing to allow the RCC to understand more about what’s going on and design an appropriate response. Iridium GMDSS also connects crew members to medical professionals for immediate assistance in emergencies.
Regardless of whether a ship chooses a geostationary (GEO) or LEO broadband provider, Iridium GMDSS solutions are the ideal companion needed to support uninterrupted operations and the critical connectivity that a vessel needs. This comprehensive solution consolidates and simplifies maritime communication while enhancing safety, meeting compliance requirements and supporting continuous business operations.
Standalone, or as a companion to a ship's Ka/Ku-band broadband system, the Iridium GMDSS system offers the maximum capability for equipment mandated to be on all SOLAS-class ships by the IMO.
Confidence
Iridium GMDSS provides the fastest L-band broadband with the most technologically advanced GMDSS all combined in one terminal. The inaugural Lars Thrane LT-4200S meets all standards and certification requirements needed for GMDSS communications equipment (MED, Wheelmark).
Iridium GMDSS equipment is small, lightweight, and has no moving parts, making it virtually maintenance free. Easily hand-carried aboard any vessel, installation can be quickly completed, while providing a cost-effective and reliable solution that meets SOLAS safety and regulatory requirements.
This efficiency, combined with reduced infrastructure costs and increased reliability, makes Iridium GMDSS a valuable investment for modern maritime operations looking to optimize safety, compliance, and overall cost savings for their vessel's hybrid communications system.
The small, lightweight equipment has no moving parts, making it virtually maintenance free. Easily hand-carried aboard any vessel, installation can be quickly completed, while providing a cost-effective and reliable solution that meets safety and regulatory requirements.
Want to learn more?
Iridium offers a free GMDSS Academy—a comprehensive curriculum designed for maritime academies and students. The three-module training includes up-to-date resources on our network and its evolving performance, Iridium GMDSS service capabilities, the latest equipment developments, and insights on how Iridium GMDSS can make a critical difference in maritime safety operations.
