Ship security and safety at the sea is ensured by various maritime systems working together simultaneously. From tracking ships to ensuring immediate help in time of distress, these systems keep the shipping industry on the right track all the time.
Mentioned herein are eight such systems that not only help in ensuring safety to the ships but also provide important data for overall smooth running of the industry.
1. Ship Security Reporting System
The ship security reporting system is an alerting system, which helps in sending distress signals from the ship directly to the maritime security centre located at Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) and UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The ship security reporting system is an upgraded version of the ship security alert system, which was a bit slow and ineffective.
2. Automatic Identification System
The Automatic Identification System or AIS system is an excellent ship navigation and tracking system which helps to pinpoint the exact location of the ships along with other navigational statistics. The system also helps in sending and receiving real time data between ships or between ship and shore.
3. Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS)
GMDSS system uses a maritime safety information and general communication channel to receive distress signals from ships in danger. GMDSS system takes help from various elements like INMARSAT, NAVEX, EPIRB etc. to send and receive signals. According to SOLAS there are certain requirements for GMDSS which are compulsory for every ship to follow.
4. Long Range Tracking and Identification (LRIT) System
The LRIT system is an international ship tracking and identification system adopted by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS convention to ensure a thorough tracking system for ships across the world.
5. Automated Manifest System (AMS)
The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is a freight tracking system, which requires ships to enter the details of the cargo carried by them. This system was first adopted by the United States of America in 2004 to increase the security level at maritime ports.
Another cargo security initiative undertaken by the US is called the Container Security Initiative
6. Vessel Monitoring System
Vessel Monitoring System or the Ship Tracking System is an important system in the shipping industry to find out location of ships across the world. It is an essential tool for ship tracking and vessel monitoring system.
7. Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER)
AMVER is a vessel safety system which was introduced by the USCG to provide immediate assistance to vessels which are in emergency situation. The system helps in finding out the location of the vessel and thus provides better crises management.
8. Vessel Management System
Vessel management system uses various tools to monitor and manage shipping traffic at the sea. With the assistance of global positioning system (GPS), VMS not only helps in pin pointing the location of the ships but also helps in transfer of important weather and environmental data.
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