Vessel Tracking - LRIT
Download LRIT Guide [
PDF: 857Kb] and Fact
Sheet: LRIT [
PDF: 360KB]
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently adopted an amendment to Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS) that introduces new mandatory position reporting obligations for SOLAS ships. Called Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), the system will require vessels to automatically, transmit their identity, position and date/time at 6-hour intervals. SOLAS Contracting Governments will bear all costs of the system. The SOLAS amendment will come into force on 1 January 2008 with compliance by 31 December 2008. The LRIT fact sheet provides more details on LRIT, including the introduction of LRIT in Australia. LRIT Guide to Requirements and Implementation can be accessed here.
Implementation of LRIT
Long Range Identification and Tracking of ships was officially implemented on 1 July 2009. Australia is currently requesting, and receiving, information on vessels within 1000 nautical miles of its coast. More...
As noted at the 86th IMO Maritime Safety Committee, over the coming months a number of data centres will complete their developmental testing and be integrated into the full system. IMO continues to provide access to relevant resolutions and circulars on its web site at www.imo.org, then click on LRIT on the right hand side.
Port State Control (PSC) Inspection relating to Long Range Identification and Tracking
From 1 July 2009, AMSA Marine Surveyors may verify LRIT compliance at routine PSC inspections. The main purpose of these inspections is to establish:
(i) that a vessel required to have LRIT fitted, has the equipment fitted.
(ii) where LRIT equipment is fitted, whether or not the equipment has a Statement of Conformity/Conformance test report as required.
(iii) where LRIT equipment is fitted, it is switched on and operational
Any identified deficiencies will be discussed with the master for resolution.
LRIT and Ship Reporting Systems
While Australia is participating in LRIT develoment and implementation, this does not preclude the use of the existing ship reporting systems. In MSC.1/Circ.1297 IMO addresses this specifically by indicating that 'the LRIT system does not replace any existing or new ship reporting system.'
Current promulgated procedures for Ausrep and ReefRef / ReefVTS will continue unchanged.
For Ausrep, the preferred method of psition reports will continue to be polling until further notice. AMSA will examine the effectiveness of LRIT as a source of ship reprting information over the next 12 months.
It should be noted that the reporting process cost is borne by AMSA, and is at no cost to the vessel.