IMSO participated in the Satellite Maritime & Aeronautical Safety & Security Seminar

The IMSO Director General, Mr. Laurent Parenté took part in the Satellite Maritime & Aeronautical Safety & Security Seminar, organized by Viasat Inmarsat in Johannesburg, South Africa on 25 March 2025. The event brought together key players from telecommunications regulators, the aviation sector, and maritime stakeholders to discuss important issues affecting safety and security in these industries.

During the seminar, the Director General spoke about the crucial role of the L-Band spectrum in supporting Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) and stressed the need to protect this valuable resource for essential maritime public safety services. He highlighted the important contributions of Inmarsat and Iridium as International Maritime Organization (IMO) Recognized Providers in the GMDSS, whose services are vital for global maritime safety.

The Director General also drew attention to the changing technological landscape and raised concerns about potential risks to the L-Band spectrum, particularly the threat of interference from International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) systems. He emphasized the need for stronger coordination among national authorities to safeguard this critical spectrum and ensure it remains available for satellite public safety services. IMSO’s participation in this seminar seeks to reinforce IMSO’s ongoing commitment to supporting IMO Recognized Providers in their efforts to maintain their indispensable services for the global maritime community.