LRIT

=Overview=

On 19th May 2006 the International Maritime Organization adopted resolution MSC.202(81) which required the establishment of an international system for the Long range Identification and Tracking of ships (LRIT). This resolution amends chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), regulation 19-1 and binds all governments which have contracted to the IMO.

The LRIT regulation will apply to the following ship types engaged on international voyages:

* All passenger ships including high speed craft,
* Cargo ships, including high speed craft of 300 gross tonnage and above, and
* Mobile offshore drilling units.

These ships must automatically report their position to the their Flag Administration at least 4 times a day. Other contracting governments may request information about vessels in which they have a legitimate interest under the regulation.

This is explained in more detail in the requirements section of [http://lrit.com/regulation.html LRIT.com]

The automatic system consists of the shipborne LRIT information transmitting equipment, Communications Service Providers (CSPs), Application Service Providers (ASPs), LRIT Data Centres, the LRIT Data Distribution Plan and the International LRIT Data Exchange. Certain aspects of the performance of the LRIT system are reviewed or audited by the LRIT Coordinator acting on behalf of the IMO and its Contracting Governments.

European Implementation

The European Union has issued a tender for the provision of a regional LRIT data centre which will receive position reports from ships which fly flags of its member nations. European flag administrations may choose whether to participate and there is some concern that the European solution will be available several months after statutory date of operation.

United States Implementation

In the United States integration of LRIT information with that from sensors and enables the Coast Guard to correlate Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) data with data from other sources, detect anomalies, and heighten overall Maritime Domain Awareness. The United States implementation of this regulation is consistent with the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime security and maritime safety, and the Department's strategic goals of awareness, prevention, protection, and response.

References

* [http://www.fulcrum-maritime.com www.fulcrum-maritime.com] What is LRIT? What do you have to do about it? How much will it cost? When does it need to be done by?? Fulcrum-Maritime can answer all your LRIT questions. We can also supply you with the solutions. Learn more about LRIT from our web site.
* [http://www.lrit.com/ www.lrit.com] A comprehensive source of information about LRIT which includes information for ship owners and flag administrations.

* [http://www.lrit.de www.lrit.de] As the first and only company, German Lloyd has certify SatPro`s LRIT Units with a Type Approval Certificate. SatPro is now official certified for its LRIT-Equipment and an official Service Provider from German Government.

* [http://www.imo.org/ www.imo.org] Visit the IMO site for the full set of technical specifications relating to LRIT.

* [http://www.bluetraker.com/LRIT_solutions.php www.bluetraker.com/LRIT_solutions.php] World’s first Iridium transponder BlueTraker® LRIT, compliant with Long range identification and tracking IMO resolution.

* [http://www.thrane.com/Systems/Products/LRIT.aspx www.thrane.com/Systems/Products/LRIT.aspx] Thrane & Thrane is a main supplier og LRIT compliant terminal equipment and terrestrial gateways (ASP and DC). Please visit the link for more information

Further information

For a more detailed description of the United States implementation of the LRIT system, please refer to the NPRM published October 3, 2007, in the US Government Federal Register (72 FR 56600).
* [http://cryptome.org/uscg042908.htm Federal Register: April 29, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 83)]