In 2019, Iridium introduced its Certus solution, a game-changing L-band service that offered unparalleled reliability and low latency for critical and safety communications at sea. With the launch of Certus GMDSS in December 2024, Iridium has taken its service to the next level, meeting the internationally mandated standards of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). As a leading provider of maritime communication solutions, Speedcast is excited to offer Certus GMDSS to our customers.
Benefits of Iridium Certus GMDSS
Speedcast has been integrating Certus into maritime networks for years, and we are excited to offer the new Certus GMDSS solution. Check out why below!
1. From two terminals to one
Before Certus GMDSS, vessels needed two different terminals: Certus for backup and routine communication, and Inmarsat C to comply with GMDSS requirements. Now, Certus GMDSS consolidates these functions into a single terminal, eliminating the capital and operating expense of a second device.
2. More advanced technology
The first Certus GMDSS terminal from Lars Thrane offers a compact and lightweight design in a lower-cost device that delivers greater usability without sacrificing performance. Other manufacturers including Cobham, Intellian and Thales will introduce their own terminals in the coming months, driving competition and improving pricing.
3. Global coverage
Certus GMDSS offers the world’s first pole-to-pole maritime distress safety service, providing significant improvements over incumbent Inmarsat C service.
4. Enhanced maritime safety features
Certus GMDSS includes advanced safety features, such as distress alerting, safety voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI). These features enable mariners in distress to quickly and easily connect with Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) and share critical information.
5. Integration into the SIGMA platform
Maritime, cruise and energy operators have benefited for years from combining all their space and terrestrial network paths using Speedcast’s SIGMA platform. SIGMA seamlessly and automatically integrates LEO, MEO, GEO, L-band, cellular and other connectivity paths to create, for users, a single, virtual wide-area network with 100% uptime that makes more efficient use of bandwidth as well. SIGMA also offers value-added services from cybersecurity to edge applications.
Speak with our maritime safety experts.