Marlink is technically ready to support the proposed Inmarsat C SSAS routing solution via Vizada, and is awaiting service approval by Inmarsat. Inmarsat is currently lobbying the nations represented at the IMO to agree that SSAS alerts should be delivered as a priority 3 call directly to the designated Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC). Once the Inmarsat routing is finalized, a system diagram will be posted on the Marlink Web illustrating the routing of an SSAS alert upon dispatch from a vessel.
Similar to the Iridium solution, the alert dispatched from the Inmarsat C terminal will include the Inmarsat C IMN, position of the ship (latitude/longitude), date/time of transmission, and the course and speed of the ship. Current SSAS solutions entail the use of Inmarsat C messaging services. Marlink will deliver via Vizada any routine message to the intended recipient whether it is a telex, or fax number or E-mail or SMS address.
How to Get Started Using SSAS via Inmarsat C:
While Inmarsat has not finalized the SSAS routing, some manufacturers such as Thrane & Thrane have introduced new SSAS hardware solutions using Inmarsat C.
Alternatively, some existing Inmarsat C and Mini-C equipment can be modified for SSAS compliance. Inmarsat's Change Notice 137 (CN137) details the equipment approved for modifications, including the terminals listed below. (Please note however that CN137 has been put on hold pending IMO agreement.)
- Thrane & Thrane T&T 3042SSA.
- Thrane & Thrane TT-3000SSA Mini-C
- Furuno Felcom 15 Inmarsat C
- Furuno Felcom 16 Mini-C
- JRC JUE-75A Inmarsat C
- JRC JUE-75C Inmarsat C
- NERA C (rebrand of Furuno Felcom 15)
- NERA Mini-C (rebrand of Furuno Felcom 16)
Inmarsat C Pricing
Preset SSAS messages that are transmitted by the terminal will be billed by Marlink at the standard message rate and will be delivered to the customer's pre-assigned destination.
If and when SSAS alerts are approved for direct routing to the designated MRCCs, the transmission will be at "no charge" to the ship - similar to a distress alert with priority status 3.
