12 June 2020
Applicability: shipowners, ship operators, ship managers, ship masters, agents and all ships using Inmarsat Fleet 77 to comply with the SOLAS Chapter IV or applicable code requirement for Radiocommunications, where Radio Survey is carried out by LR on behalf of the Flag.
The Inmarsat Fleet 77 satellite communication service will close on 1 December 2020.
This follows the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) informing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of the scheduled closure in 2015.
The service supports Inmarsat Fleet 77 ship earth stations (SES), which are compliant with the specifications of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Although the use of Inmarsat Fleet 77 SES is not mandatory under the GMDSS requirements of SOLAS, some Flags have agreed to their use on vessels, as meeting part of the carriage requirement of SOLAS Chapter IV Radiocommunications, or applicable code requirements.
What should owners and operators do now?
Inmarsat Fleet 77 SES still in use on LR Classed vessels will need to be replaced to meet statutory compliance with the applicable GMDSS requirements. The replacement arrangements should be installed, surveyed and reflected on Certification prior to 1 December 2020.
To establish if Inmarsat Fleet 77 SES are provided for statutory compliance (or as an owner option), owners should review the vessel’s Radio Certificate, GMDSS Record and Form R (or equivalent).
Should any additional information be required, please contact your local LR office or email StatutorySupport@lr.org