SCT
- SHIPCOM'S VESSEL TRACKING PRODUCT
is part of GlobalStation, a multi node marine
tracking system. GlobalStation
Network GlobalStation(tm) is a solution that beings together different
forms of Marine data into a central system for processing and then, in
real time sending to client users via the internet. GlobalStation
connects to Hardware (HF, VHF, UHF Radios) for the processing of vessel
data and re-distribution to customers desktops.
For a complete understanding of the vessel tracking application, please
view our Live Demonstration tracking real vessels at sea in selected
areas.
For an explanation of some of the technical systems and hardware involved, the following information is provided:
Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a system used by ships and
vessel traffic systems (VTS)
principally for identification of vessels at sea. AIS helps to resolve the
difficulty of identifying ships when not in sight (e.g. at night, in fog, in
radar blind arcs or shadows or at distance) by providing a means for ships to
exchange ID, position, course, speed and other ship data with all other nearby
ships and VTS stations. It works by integrating a standardized VHF transponder system with a GPS receiver and other navigational equipment on board ship (Gyro compass,
Rate of turn indicator, etc.).
What's is DSC? The IMO also introduced Digital Selective Calling (DSC) on MF, HF and VHF maritime radios as part of the GMDSS system. DSC is primarily intended
to initiate ship/ship, ship/shore, and shore/ship radiotelephone and MF/HF
radio telex calls. DSC calls can also be made to individual ships or groups of
ships. Each DSC-equipped ship, shore station and group is assigned a unique
9-digit Maritime Mobile Service Identity.DSC distress alerts, which consist of a preformatted distress
message, are used initiate emergency communications with ships and rescue
coordination centers. DSC was intended to eliminate the need for persons on a
ship's bridge or on shore to continuously guard radio receivers on voice radio
channels, including VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and 2182 kHz now used for
distress, safety and calling. A listening watch aboard GMDSS-equipped ships on
2182 kHz ended on February 1, 1999. In May 2002,
IMO decided to postpone cessation of a VHF listening watch aboard ships. That
watch keeping requirement had been scheduled to end on 1 February 2005.
What is a vessel's MMSI? A Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
is a series of nine digits which are transmitted over the radio path in order to
uniquely identify ship stations, ship earth stations, coast stations, coast
earth stations, and group calls. These identities are formed in such a way that
the identity or part thereof can be used by telephone and telex subscribers
connected to the general telecommunications network to call ships automatically.
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