GMDSS Service Updates

Iridium GMDSS enhances safety at sea, offering reliable coverage where no other options exist.

Scroll below for the latest details on various product and service approvals from regulatory bodies around the world. Please check back as we continue to update this page with information about Iridium GMDSS.

This map shows the initial geographic areas of responsibility for the RCCs that have them. The dark blue represents the area for RCC Atlantic Area Command, the lighter blue is for RCC Pacific Area Command.

As the Iridium Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) rolls out, Iridium expects the number of operational Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) will be increasing. Iridium is regularly providing updates to mariners regarding the status of the RCCs connected to the Iridium GMDSS throughout the first year of operation. It is important to know that the addition of new RCCs and Iridium Connected® GMDSS terminals to the system will be done automatically as they come online.

As required under International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.1001 (25), a Recognised GMDSS Provider should be connected to at least one RCC. At launch, Iridium was connected to five RCCs around the world, which was fully compliant with IMO regulations.

Iridium Connected™ GMDSS terminal users should regularly check with their equipment supplier. Information is also available on the Iridium GMDSS website to ensure that users are up to date on any additions to the system.

Legend:

• RCC = Rescue Coordination Center
• JRCC = Joint Rescue Coordination Center
• MRCC = Maritime Rescue Coordination Center

Automatic Mode – Iridium GMDSS equipment has the ability to select an RCC (for emergency communications) either automatically of manually. When in automatic mode the terminal will automatically select an RCC based on their geographic area of responsibility for the RCCs in the system.

Manual Mode – Some RCCs do not have a geographic area of responsibility. However, the user of the terminal can select any specific RCC (in the Iridium GMDSS) for the terminal to always communicate with (regardless of location of the terminal). So Manual mode will override the Automatic features of the terminal and will send emergency communications to the selected RCC by default. In the table below we list the initial RCCs that will be available for Manual Selection in the column title “Mode”.

With a valid connection, a mariner’s Iridium Connected GMDSS terminal receives information for new areas once the associated MSI providers commence broadcasting. Below is the status of the connection for each provider (by NAVAREA or METAREA) to the Iridium GMDSS.

*The Iridium^® network is capable of broadcasting MSI through Iridium SafetyCast^SM to anywhere in the world. For METAREAS/NAVAREAS who have not yet opted into sharing data with Iridium, information may not be available at this time.