Orbcomm Inc., said announced Thursday that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to develop and supply Automatic Identification System (AIS) capability over the Orbcomm satellite network.
AIS is a shipboard broadcast system that transmits a vessel's identification and position to aid navigation and improve maritime safety. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated the use of AIS on all Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) vessels.
Current terrestrial based AIS systems provide limited coverage and are not able to feasibly provide the expanded coverage capability desired by the USCG. By using Orbcomm's satellite system, the USCG will be able to collect and process AIS data well beyond the coast of the United States in a cost effective and timely fashion.
"The ability of Orbcomm to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in expanding the visibility of maritime activities by providing AIS data is very exciting," said Jerry Eisenberg, CEO of Orbcomm. "This is a major initiative for us and the solution being implemented by Orbcomm provides a far reaching communication capability that meets their needs at an extremely low cost."
