Iridium GMDSS Service

Iridium satellite service recognised by IMO since 2018 (Resolution MSC.99/22) as a GMDSS provider. Iridium provides distress alerting, safety information, and ship-to-shore distress communications across all GMDSS sea areas (A1–A4), including the polar regions where Inmarsat geostationary coverage is weak. The service complements rather than replaces Inmarsat-C. Approved Iridium GMDSS terminals carry IMO type approval and are integrated with the GMDSS-required equipment list under SOLAS Ch. IV. The polar coverage capability is particularly valuable for vessels operating under the Polar Code.