LONDON – Pole Star has announced it is now offering global Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) services through the Iridium satellite network.

From 1st July 2009, the LRIT regulation, implemented under SOLAS V/19 -1, has required operators of ships engaged on international voyages, including passenger ships, cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above, and Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) to provide tested and certified shipborne equipment for the transmission of LRIT information. This information is forwarded via satellite to a national data centre operated by the administration under which the vessel is flagged. The data centre may be accessed by authorised users, such as national coastguards and port security authorities. "Pole Star has worked closely with Iridium and its manufacturers of dedicated LRIT equipment in order to deliver a reliable Iridium-based global LRIT solution"

John Duckworth,
Pole Star’s Technical Operations Manager

Pole Star is a leading provider of LRIT Data Centres and the recognised LRIT Application Service Provider (ASP) for major flag states including Liberia, Singapore and the Marshall Islands. In addition, 90 flag states have appointed Pole Star as their LRIT authorised testing ASP. To date, more than 20,000 LRIT conformance tests have been carried out by Pole Star and its worldwide network of 40 distributors.

John Duckworth, Pole Star’s Technical Operations Manager, said: “Pole Star has worked closely with Iridium and its manufacturers of dedicated LRIT equipment in order to deliver a reliable Iridium-based global LRIT solution that complies with IMO requirements. We can now offer 25,000 ship operators multiple network and equipment options from which to choose.”

Greg Ewert, Iridium Executive Vice President of Global Distribution Channels, said: “Iridium offers a unique value proposition of global pole-to-pole satellite coverage, low-latency data links and proven network reliability, providing an ideal solution for ship-to-shore LRIT transmissions. Iridium is the only LRIT communication service provider that covers all IMO Sea Areas, including A4, enabling ships operating in waters above 70 degrees latitude to comply with the regulations without adding extra equipment.”

For the fourth year running Pole Star is pleased to support the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) in its ocean racing series.
 
The thirty one boats entered into  the first of the racing series – from Hong Kong to Subic Bay in the Philippines,  will be tracked at thirty minute intervals for the race leg and at a reduced rate for the non racing return leg.  The race, which starts at noon on April 1st, spans a two to four day period dependant on the speed of the boats.
 
In addition to providing a key safety element for the contestants, tracking the yachts adds a new dimension for the local yachting community in Hong Kong, one enthusiast commenting, “It’s been amazing to see the yachts’ positions by satellite. You have made the world smaller and the fun greater!”
 
This year shore observers will have be able to add to their enjoyment by using the Google Earth feature that is an integral part of Pole Star’s Fleet Management product which is used to provide the race tracking service.

A number of Pole Star customers take part in this race which is jointly supported by Pole Star and SkyWave Mobile Communications.