The Lars Thrane LT-3100S GMDSS terminal built for the Iridium network, planned for 2020. Photo: Iridium

Satellite operator Iridium Communications revealed its first seven authorized Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) service partners. Beginning in the first half of 2020, Arion Communications, AST, Marlink, Marsat, NSSLGlobal, Satcom Global and Speedcast will provide Iridium’s global satellite GMDSS services, include safety voice, distress alerting, maritime safety information messaging, and data services, to mariners.

GMDSS is a safety-of-life system created by the International Maritime Organization designed to rescue mariners in distress while at sea. The system is partially comprised of satellite networks that feed distress information to rescue coordination centers around the world and enable the dissemination of navigational and meteorological information to vessels on the world’s waterways, facilitating safer marine travel.

Iridium said it selected its GMDSS service partners based on the ability to provide 24/7 customer support, a global or regional footprint, a portfolio of maritime value-added services, and an established track record with maritime safety and security-related services.

Additional companies are expected to become Iridium GMDSS service providers in the near future.