Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 M600 LEADERBOARD

The Improving Rescue - how satellites are making the oceans safer

by Sail-World Cruising on 15 Feb 2010
ORBCOMM AIS data, showing Indian Ocean sea traffic, graphically represented SW
While you wouldn't want to go to sea envisaging having to be rescued, satellite AIS data is becoming more and more crucial in the safety of yachts at sea, as the new satellite technology is more and more used to source additional potential rescuers.

In a recent report to the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue (COMSAR), the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) highlighted the use of ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS data by Australia’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Australia) to execute a search and rescue in August 2009.


ORBCOMM Inc. is a global satellite data communications company focused on two-way Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications and leading provider of space-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) services, and their AIS data was used to help rescue two yachters in distress and in detecting low power search and rescue transponders from space.

The report explains that ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS data was used to 'identify a merchant ship not otherwise known to RCC Australia'. The AIS data was then used to direct the ship to the scene of a yacht in distress off the northern Australia coast, where two people were rescued.

ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS data, which was easily incorporated into AMSA’s commercial AIS display tools and Australia’s in-house maritime domain awareness tools, 'appeared identical to terrestrial data, with the ‘time from last update’, ranging from two seconds to over nine minutes. When an AIS satellite was over a region where an ORBCOMM ground station had satellite visibility, the AIS traffic had latency in the order of seconds.'

As part of a recent test, ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS data successfully detected one-watt search and rescue transponders from space, which were meant to simulate a life raft and a person in the water. This task was conducted by participants from the U.S. Coast Guard, the UK’s Northern Lighthouse Board, Germany’s Waterways and Shipping Administration, and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) on January 20 and January 21, 2010, off the coast of Hawaii.

'We are pleased that ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS technology is being applied to maritime safety applications, both live and simulated. It clearly demonstrates the usefulness of space-based AIS technology in conducting search and rescue operations,' said Marc Eisenberg, Chief Executive Officer of ORBCOMM.

'We are proud that ORBCOMM’s satellite AIS receivers were able to collect messages from the low wattage search and rescue transponders. The fact that our satellite AIS capability is saving lives is a testament to the reliability of our satellite AIS technology and can significantly benefit SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) in the future.'

For more information about ORBCOMM, visit their www.orbcomm.com!website.
MySail 2025Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignAllen Dynamic 40 Footer

Related Articles

Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS overall
Great Britain tops medal table as the event enjoys a fabulous finale The showcase curtain-raiser to the new Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle, Mallorca's famous 54 Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels started in perfect sunshine and seabreezes last Monday and today came to a fabulous conclusion.
Posted today at 4:16 pm
Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS day 5
It's a fab four in a row for Beckett but Saturday is Medal Day Sofía as the first major Olympic sailing regatta of the Los Angeles 2028 cycle, the Balearics' giant 54 Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca by FERGUS Hotels rolls into Saturday's big finalé, the Medal races
Posted today at 1:57 am
2025 International Lightning Class Boat Grant
Proud to announce the three 2025 Boat Grant teams Since the inception of the International Lightning Class Boat Grant Program in 2007, over 50 young teams have enjoyed the incredible level of racing and camaraderie the Lightning Class offers.
Posted on 4 Apr
Seattle set to host Clipper Race stopover
Tenth anniversary of first visit, returning with team entry Seattle is set to host the Clipper 2025-26 Race as the global sailing event has announced the city will feature on its race route.
Posted on 4 Apr
Seldén Mast Launches U.S. Online Store
Making Genuine Spare Parts Available Nationwide Seldén Mast is proud to announce the launch of its dedicated online store for the U.S. market. For the first time, sailboat owners across the United States will have direct access to a comprehensive selection of genuine Seldén parts and accessories.
Posted on 4 Apr
BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival day 3
Excitement on the docks as big breeze lines up for thrilling racing There's no shortage of talent or breeze in the BVI as almost eighty boats prepare to assume the challenge in the 52nd edition of the BVI Spring Regatta which starts Friday in the stunning Caribbean waters off Nanny Cay Resort and Marina.
Posted on 4 Apr
Vaikobi Launches New Board Short Collection
With a buy second pair half price deal Vaikobi, a leader in high-performance ocean sports apparel, is proud to introduce its latest collection of men's boardshorts: the Newport Boardies and Paddle Boardies. Designed for comfort, sports versatility and hydrodynamic efficiency.
Posted on 3 Apr
Transat Paprec skippers under the microscope
Favorites, outsiders, newbies… In 12 days' time, the iconic 100% mixed transatlantic race between Concarneau and Saint-Barthélemy, Transat Paprec, will get under way.
Posted on 3 Apr
J/70 Corinthian Europeans in Cascais day 1
54 teams participating in this new continental format The International J/70 Class Association continues to grow and evolve, debuting the Corinthian European Championship this year in Cascais Portugal.
Posted on 3 Apr
Bayview Mackinac Race Communication #6
ORC rating information USSailing's application was designed to be completed in sections. An owner can submit their initial application without having all the required measurement data on hand, including your final crew weight.
Posted on 3 Apr