Pole Star, Long-Range Identification and Tracking

Ship Operator Obligations

All the ship operator has to do is provide shipborne equipment which complies with the LRIT regulation, have it conformance tested and obtain a test certificate.

To ensure that all ships’ LRIT terminals actually work in January 2009, every terminal allocated for LRIT must undergo a LRIT Conformance Testing (LRIT-CT) during the next six months. The testing programme will give ship operators time to replace or upgrade any equipment that fails the test.

All shipborne LRIT equipment must be tested and certified by a Recognised Testing ASP or an Authorised Testing ASP appointed by your Flag.

Authorised Testing ASPs will also, on behalf of the Flag, be able to issue Conformance Test Reports (Test Certificates) for terminals that pass the test. Test Certificates for LRIT terminals will be required for radio surveys and inspection from 31 December 2008.

You should arrange to test your equipment as soon as possible.

What systems and equipment will be used for LRITtop of page

Inmarsat C, which includes mini-C, will be the primary system used for LRIT as it is a reliable, proven system and the majority of ships required to comply with the regulation are already fitted with LRIT compatible Inmarsat C GMDSS or mini-C equipment. Therefore, most owners will not have to invest in new equipment – which was one of the IMO’s goals when designing the LRIT regulation.

Currently the only system and equipment type which satisfies all the conformance requirements of the LRIT regulation is Inmarsat C/mini-C.

Ship operators should not fit any type of equipment for LRIT compliance other than Inmarsat C/mini-C, and should be guided only by their Flag and by their Flag’s Authorised Testing ASP’s on suitable equipment.

Other systems will be developed for LRIT reporting in the future, e.g. a system using low earth orbit satellites will be required for Sea Area A4 coverage.

For more information about LRIT facts for ship owners, please download the pdf.

Contact us to find out more
Flag Administrations: For more information please contact: flaginfo@lrit.com
Ship Owners: For more information please contact: shipinfo@lrit.com