Long-range identification and tracking (ships)

Long range identification and tracking ( LRIT ) to about German system for identifying and tracking over long distances is a requirement on ships than previously broadcast identification data over a greater distance to query.

As a result of increased security requirements since the year 2001, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC ) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO ) decided in May 2006 includes new provisions in the SOLAS regulations on safety of navigation. The extension applies only to the method and therefore requires no adjustment of the existing Convention (UNCLOS ).

LRIT prescribes broadcast the following identification data that can be queried in the World:

• Ship identification
• Position
• Time

From 31 December 2008, all vessels of 300 gross tonnage must: be including oil rigs equipped with LRIT (English Gross tonnage ). The data may be retrieved only by the ship operators, port operators and the Coast Guard within a 1000 - nautical-mile zone off the coast and rescue services ( SAR). In it LRIT different from AIS. AIS sends unencrypted with a limited range for the prevention of collisions at sea.

Exempt from the identification requirements by LRIT are ships operating exclusively in sea area A1. Their data can be obtained by AIS.

Technically, the service via the Inmarsat -C satellite systems or iridium could be provided. Also a short wave or SSB use is technically possible.