ABSTRACT

For the first two decades of GMDSS Inmarsat has been the sole IMO approved provider of high quality voice, telex, data and fax circuits to and from suitably equipped ships. Similar services are also offered to land mobile and aeronautical users via the same satellite system. These, together with distress, urgency and safety services, are available using geostationary satellites via land earth stations situated in many countries. The International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO) currently has responsibility for Inmarsat in the GMDSS.