Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) has introduced Iridium Certus® GMDSS, marking a significant advancement in maritime safety, compliance, and communication.

Leveraging the powerful Iridium Certus technology, this new service provides distress alerts, safety voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), while also integrating regulated services such as Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

Iridium Certus GMDSS terminals deliver an unmatched combination of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and performance, setting a new benchmark for maritime safety and security solutions, and serving as an essential connectivity service for any ship's hybrid network system.

By integrating GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS into Iridium Certus terminals, the maritime industry gains access to a single, versatile, and dependable communication solution for its fleets. Leading manufacturers such as Cobham Satcom, Intellian, Lars Thrane, and Thales will soon introduce Iridium Certus 700 and 200 GMDSS solutions in the coming months.

Ship Out To Sea - Iridium GMDSS

In addition to offering broadband and midband voice and data capabilities, Iridium Certus GMDSS delivers comprehensive, truly global safety services across all oceans, including polar regions.

The compact, lightweight equipment is designed with no moving parts, making it virtually maintenance-free. Easily portable and quick to install, it provides a cost-effective, reliable solution that meets both safety and regulatory requirements for vessels.

"When we introduced Iridium GMDSS a few years ago, we broke a long-standing monopoly,  bringing much needed innovation to this life-saving service," said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. "But we didn't stop there. We wanted to make the most powerful and efficient GMDSS-capable solution ever, and by getting all this functionality into one terminal, we've once again raised the bar we set with our first GMDSS solution."

Wouter Deknopper, vice president of maritime, Iridium, added, "Regardless of whether a ship chooses a GEO or LEO broadband provider, Iridium Certus GMDSS solutions are the ideal companion needed to support uninterrupted operations and the critical connectivity that a vessel needs. This new and comprehensive solution consolidates and simplifies maritime communications while enhancing safety, meeting compliance requirements and supporting continuous business operations. It is simply unmatched in the industry."

Ship Out To Sea - Iridium GMDSS

Whether used as a standalone system or alongside a ship's Ka/Ku-band broadband setup, the Iridium Certus GMDSS system offers maximum functionality for equipment required on all SOLAS-class ships by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

This GMDSS service ensures vessels can always send distress signals, receive critical safety information, and access emergency assistance. In an emergency, crew members can simply press the red distress button to connect with a rescue coordination center (RCC) within seconds.

Vessels equipped with Iridium Certus GMDSS will receive an immediate call from the RCC to assess the situation, allowing the crew to provide essential information for the rescue.

Ship Out To Sea - Iridium GMDSS

As the maritime industry navigates evolving environmental, regulatory, and technological challenges, effective communication and ensuring the safety of crew and cargo remain top priorities.

Iridium Certus GMDSS provides fleets worldwide with peace of mind, offering a simple and reliable solution that meets compliance and critical safety requirements, all while delivering truly global coverage.

As the industry rapidly evolves, Iridium GMDSS embodies a mariner’s vision for a comprehensive, modern safety and communication system.