Kordia has received ten virtual operator positions from Frequentis to improve Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) communications and safety along the coast of Victoria, Australia.
The system has already been used for recreational vessels encountering incidents, and for communication with large vessels in the vicinity of an incident.
In March, 2016, Kordia entrusted Frequentis with the delivery of a new Marine Distress Emergency Monitoring Service (MDEMS), known as Marine Radio Victoria, under a contract with the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.
Requiring just an internet connection, MDEMS makes it possible to conduct and manage safety services without being in a physical control centre.
Kordia is a leading provider of mission-critical technology solutions and provides enterprise-grade broadcast, telecommunications and specialised networks to a wide range of customers.
As a provider to maritime organisations across Australia, New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific region, Kordia’s Maritime Operations Centres monitor more than a quarter of the world’s oceans, managing all voice and radio calls, and coordinating the required action with the relevant local search and rescue services.
Kordia has used Frequentis solutions since 2012 when the company delivered a nationwide GMDSS solution consisting of its voice communication system MCS 3020 IP and the Tracking and Tracing application for the management of DSC (Digital Selective Calling) messages.
The MDEMS from Frequentis is based on a new radio network utilising up to nine new VHF radio sites along the Victorian coast, for VHF distress and safety traffic, using both DSC and voice communications.
First duties using the MDEMS solution have already been executed for recreational vessels encountering flooding, being grounded, suffering steering failure, engine failure or abandonment, and to transfer important passenger information.
The system has also been used to communicate with large vessels in the vicinity of an incident using VHF. Now there is extended coast-wise VHF coverage using marine distress and safety channels, where previously there was limited or no coverage. In addition, the VHF DSC test facility is expected to be very useful to boaters.
The MDEMS facilitates marine search and rescue for the state coastal waters of Victoria and adapts to operational procedures and policies. All tasks are monitored and recorded by the DIVOS voice recording system.
“With this delivery, we are supporting the first virtual maritime operator positions to work remotely when needed. Frequentis is proud to ensure a reliable communication solution with high availability for contact between the coastal base stations, volunteers and marine rescue organisations, without physical limits and constraints”, added Khashayar Saravandi-Rad, Frequentis vice-president.