Enhanced Group Call
Abbreviation: EGC
Inmarsat-C broadcast service for distributing safety, navigational, and security messages to ships in defined geographic areas.
In practice
Inmarsat-C SafetyNET deliveries print automatically on the bridge GMDSS printer. The OOW logs receipt and updates the passage plan if a navigational warning lies on the route. Unprinted EGC paper jam is a routine finding at GMDSS surveys.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Enhanced Group Call (EGC) is an Inmarsat-C broadcast service that distributes safety, navigational and security messages to all ships within a defined geographic area. It provides two services: SafetyNET, the free channel for Maritime Safety Information (MSI) broadcasts, and FleetNET, a commercial fee-based channel for company or fleet messaging. EGC gives coverage equivalent to NAVTEX for vessels outside NAVTEX range; receivers print the message and log its receipt as required under SOLAS Chapter IV. Iridium SafetyCAST has since emerged as an alternative GMDSS broadcast service.
Authoritative source: SOLAS Chapter IV (Radiocommunications / GMDSS) ↗
Related
Source: SOLAS Ch. IV; Inmarsat SafetyNET User Guide
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.