[Satellite Today – 5-1-08] India is setting up a satellite-based information system using Inmarsat’s maritime network to enable vessel tracking for maritime security and permit faster search and rescue of vessels along its coastline, Inmarsat announced May 1.
    The new system will use Inmarsat C and Mini C to track all safety of life at sea vessels of more than 300 gross tons up to 1,000 nautical miles (1,852 kilometers) from the coastline.
    "This welcome announcement by India further reinforces what has been accepted by many countries already, that Inmarsat C and Mini C provide the technology of choice when it comes to maritime security and safety,” Brian Mullan, Inmarsat’s head of maritime safety services, said in a statement. "Inmarsat C has been the core provider of distress and safety for the IMO Global Maritime Distress and Safety System for all deep-sea [safety of life] vessels, for more than 10 years. [Long-range identification and tracking of ships] is a natural extension of these well-proven capabilities."
    Financial details of the contract were not released.