Earlier this week, IMSO Director General Captain Moin Ahmed paid a visit to the Iridium facilities in Tempe, Arizona and Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The visit was hosted on the back of the recent introduction of Iridium as a certified GMDSS service provider, following the issuance of the Letter of Compliance from IMSO on 19 December 2019.
The Letter of Compliance triggered the entry into force of the Public Services Agreement (PSA) between IMSO and Iridium signed on the 12th March 2019. This PSA sets out the obligations of Iridium to provide a Recognized Mobile Satellite Service and the mandate of IMSO to oversee and ensure the Iridium’s compliance with those obligations under the IMO and IMSO legal framework.
When in Washington, the IMSO Director General formally handed the Letter of Compliance to Iridium CEO Matt Desch during a ceremony at Iridium’s Headquarters on 13 January 2020. The formal authorisation signifies a landmark day for both parties and was attended by members of the U.S. Coast Guard. During the ceremony the Director General highlighted the importance of the occasion, stating “This is historic moment for the public safety in the maritime community globally. The addition of new providers, such as Iridium, for GMDSS services can help to create safer seas for all mariners”.
This point has been reached after a thorough testing process of over four years where IMSO have been assessing Iridium’s capability in meeting the technical and operational requirements demanded to provide GMDSS services. As such, Iridium can now roll out its GMDSS service worldwide, with Iridium CEO Matt Desch proclaiming Iridium’s truly global service and reiterated Iridium’s “[dedication] to keep finding innovative new ways to facilitate safer marine travel.”
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