What exactly is maritime communication? In layman’s terms, it is the communication from ship to shore and ship to ship. Maritime communication is an essential component of how the shipping industry operates and its effectiveness or lack thereof has far-reaching consequences.
Ships require communication for four major reasons: coordinating vessels, navigation, gathering information, and emergency services.
These communication requirements have remained constant since man first learned to sail, but how and what devices have been used for maritime communications have changed over time.
A Brief History of Maritime Communication
Semaphore signalling is one of the earliest recorded forms of maritime communication. This method involved sending messages between ships by using lights and flags.
The sender would spell out phrases and words on a white background (the flag) using lights in a manner similar to Morse code. The receiver then employed a telescope to identify the shifting pattern of size shutters on a white background.
This method quickly fell out of favour because it required both ships to be reasonably close to one another.
When the technological development of the 1800s arrived, the maritime industry adopted radio waves to send messages using Morse code. With James Clerk Maxwell’s discovery that sound waves could be converted to radio waves and back, ships could now communicate over greater distances. Since then, radio technology has been an integral part of maritime communication, though it is constantly evolving to meet changing technological demands.
The Introduction of Satellite Communication for Maritime Operations
Following the launch of Telstar (the world’s first telecommunications satellite) in 1962, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recognised the potential for satellite communications to assist in emergencies at sea.
A study was launched to investigate the operational possibilities of satellite-based maritime communication systems. Based on the findings of this study, the IMO called a conference to discuss the establishment of satellite communication systems for maritime purposes. The first meeting was in 1975, but an operating agreement was adopted by the third meeting in 1976.
Operating Requirements for Maritime Satellite Communication
Shipping satellite services necessitate the use of stationary satellites for signal transmission and reception. Depending on the type of satellite communication system selected, one or more of the following pieces of equipment may be required:
- Medium Frequency (MF) transceiver
- High Frequency (HF) transmitter
- Very High Frequency (VHF) transceiver
- Navtex (Navigational Telex) equipment
- Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) equipment
The Application of Satellite Technology in Maritime Communication
Satellite communication systems have proven to be beneficial and convenient for maritime communications, assisting in improving ship management and efficiency, distress and life-saving communications at sea, radio determination capabilities, and maritime public correspondence services.
The following areas have seen the most progress since the adoption of satellite technology for communication in the maritime sector.
● Connections for Developing and Remote Areas
Many places around the world have limited communication options. Satellites now provide a quick and easy way for ships in these areas to connect to global networks.
The use of satellite communication technologies for arctic communications is an example of its effectiveness in this regard.
Melting Arctic ice has increased marine traffic in the region for research, trade, and other purposes. The Arctic is an unexplored area with extremely limited communication options due to the extreme weather conditions. Satellites have played an important role in ensuring the smooth exchange of information by providing efficient means of communication.
● Advancement of e-Navigation for Open Waters
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) created the e-navigation strategy to improve maritime communication because it allows for more data and information exchange.
E-navigation reduces the margin for failure due to human error by implementing a more functional program comprised of improved navigational systems, tools, and electronics such as the Long Range Identification and Tracking Systems (LRIT), Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS), among others.
The success of the IMO’s e-Navigation strategy is largely due to the fact that satellite-based navigation systems are not affected by bad weather and can be tracked from anywhere in the world.
● Rapid Digitalisation of Ship Operations
Digitalisation has led to an increase in international coordination and rapid globalisation with many industries adopting these technologies to improve their operations. However, the maritime industry has been slow to adopt it due to the unique conditions that working on open waters present, particularly in terms of internet connectivity, which powers the Internet-of-Things (IoT).
This is changing as a result of advanced maritime satellite communication systems.
For example, the Inmarsat Fleet Xpress systems provide services such as high data speed connections, endpoint cyber security protection, traditional voice calls systems, data tracking systems, and distress and safety services, allowing ships to stay connected 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and helping to improve the efficiency of onboard operations, including crew welfare and regulatory compliance.
● Evolution of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an internationally agreed-upon system that consists of pre-established communication protocols, safety procedures, and equipment to assist ships in distress.
The IMO issued a method that significantly improved maritime distress communication using medium and high frequency signal transponders. It is based on a combination of satellite signals and radio services, allowing ship-to-shore rescue operations.
This updated GMDSS protocol, which many countries have adopted, is only possible due to maritime satellite communication systems.
Conclusion
According to the IMO, more than 90% of global trade is carried by sea. The oceans are congested highways with some routes being used more than others depending on trade requirements that govern the inflow of containers and vessels.
Since a majority of the world’s trade in oil, goods, and gas is carried out by sea, the importance of real-time communication and data transfer cannot be overstated in terms of its impact on the maritime industry and global trade.
Satellite communication systems have proven to be the most effective at keeping communication lines open between ports, businesses, and vessels at sea. The outlook is that these systems’ applications in the shipping industry are expected to grow in the coming years.
