Page 52: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (April 1995)

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COMSAT's MobileTrac": Providing Security and

Information Control Throughout Shipping Operations

In today's competitive environment, the need to track and manage a large fleet of vessels, in sometimes dangerous at-sea conditions, is perhaps the greatest test facing fleet managers. But what does a commercial fleet operator have in common with the race management of the prestigious

BOC Challenge around-the-world race?

Realizing the complexity of managing numerous vessels around the glohe and needing accurate reports on each vessel's position, speed, heading and other variables, the BOC race management approached COMSAT f or a communications solution.

MobileTrac" Adds Operation and

Management Control

When the race set sail trom Ch arleston, South

Carolina this past September, the fleet of hoats, ranging trom 40-60 feet, left port equipped with

COMSAT's Inmarsat-C data communications ana

MobileTrac1 vessel tracking service for all th eir communications needs.

And with good reason. Because COMSAT s vessel tracking service allows on-shore managers to track the location of each participant, race organizers were ahle to keep a close eye on the fleet and respond to any emergency that might possibly arise.

Indeed, such an emergency occurred. Midway through the first leg, one o f the yachts, skippered hy Josh Hall, ran into a submerged object that crippled his boat and put his life on the line. Josh was able to use COMSAT C-Link ' to summon help. Then, the vessel tracking software was used to locate Josh and the nearest vessel to coordinate the successful rescue.

Proven Security Means Operations Enhancement

Managing a race of this caliber and managing a fleet of commercial shipping or fishing vessels are both critical and difficult tasks. But MobileTrac ' can make it easier—to save time, money and even lives.

In its commercial application, MobileTrac offers unlimited Hexi bility in viewing, storing and ana- lyzing data from ships. I he basic function of the system is position reporting, which is accom- plished by sending Gl obal Positioning System (GPS) data received on board to a shore-based computer and plotting these positions on a global or area map. The positions are reported automati- cally, wi thout any additional burden on the vessel operator, and the frequency of reports can be changed at any time.

In addition to position reports, the system can be set up to send critical operating data from engine monitoring systems such as temperature, fuel con- sumption, etc. The Inmarsat-C service also allows you to send and receive messages at any time, for coordinating crucial business issues or sending a note to family.

Integrating Technology and Information

I he statistical capabilities of the MobileTrac system can be used to compute useful information including distance to destination, speed and head- ing. The graphical capabilities give users the option for custom labeling.

Most importantly, when emergen- cies arise, MobileTrac™ and the

C-Link service can assist hy polling each vessel in a fleet to find the nearest vessel or port.

The system can also be adjusted to report positions more frequently to monitor the status of a rescue or vessel in danger.

MobileTrac Y Range of Services

MobileTrac's greatest feature is its fl exi bility to meet different user needs. Users can easily cus- tomize the system display, the position reporting intervals an d the information reported by the vessels.

COMSAT's MobileTrac service utilizes Inmarsat-C terminals that feature integrated GPS receivers on each vessel being tracked. On -shore managers can use an

MS-DOS computer, running Windows and a modem to receive the reports.

For fleet operators, the computer can be connected to X.25 Public Switched Data Networks for effi- cient and economical transmission of position data.

In addition to using the Inmarsat-C terminals for tracking, the vessel will be able to send and receive messages, weather updates and communicate via numerous electronic mail services or send mes- sages to fax machines.

Offering Technology That Fits

Maritime Needs

With th is C-Link system in place, on-shore managers receive the peace of min d that comes from knowing they are in constant communica- tion with their vessels all over the world. The ves- sel operators also gain peace of mind, because they will know their location at all times and be assured that th ey can communicate to land, anvwhere in the world, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

To reduce disasters at sea, including loss of life and cargo, more and more cruise lines, shipping and commercial fishing fleets are turning to

COMSAT's satellite communications for use 111 tracking and sa fety.

The Mob ileTrac system is an effective partner in making on-shore management a simple task hy offering state- of-the -art technology and services that fit today's maritime needs.

Using COMSAT's Mobile Trac™ services; fleet managers can take advantage of enhanced

Inmarsat-C communications to plot the course and location of their vessels.

Proven Performance.

Total Solution Support.

COMSAT's MobileTrac' ' system: a marketable distinction and a true competitive advantage for today's fleet manager. Call us for more informa- tion and you will see that we're more than cut- ting-edge technology.

ADVANTAGES OF COMSAT'S MobileTrac"

VESSEL TRACKING SERVICE • Worry-free, hands-off reporting that transmits a vessel's position automatically. • Improved management through instant retrieval of information on each terminal position. • Enhanced reporting with numerous options for sharing in-progress information with ter- minal users. • Ease of operation that requires only an MS-

DOS computer with running Windows. •At a glance understanding of each vessel's progress through displays. • Selective data retrieval through an adjustable viewing range. • Precise measurement capabilities with the use of a movable "ru ler". •Ad vanced plotting abilities. • Definable alarm zones. mCOMSAT w Mobile Communications 22300 COMSAT Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871-9951 Telephone: 301-428-2379 Toll Free in the U.S.: 1-800-424-9152