Maritime safety continues to face significant challenges, as more than 890 distress calls were handled globally in 2025 through the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) operated by Inmarsat.
Industry experts say each distress call represents a real-life emergency at sea, ranging from severe weather conditions and onboard incidents to security threats and operational failures.
Growing Complexity of Maritime Risks
The global maritime environment is becoming increasingly complex due to a range of evolving factors. Rising geopolitical tensions, shifting trade routes, extreme weather events, re-emerging piracy risks, and growing cybersecurity threats are reshaping the industry’s risk landscape.
Experts also note that while digitalisation and decarbonisation are transforming shipping into a more efficient and sustainable sector, they may also lead to information overload, increasing the risk of human error.
Critical Role of Safety Communications
Despite rapid technological advancements in shipping, the need for reliable and globally available safety communication systems remains unchanged. Shipowners and operators depend on stable and compliant communication networks to ensure crew safety and regulatory compliance.
“Inmarsat C continues to play a central role in the safety ecosystem,” said John Dodd, highlighting the system’s importance in maritime operations.
The Inmarsat C service supports a wide range of critical functions, including:
- Distress alerting and messaging
- Maritime Safety Information (MSI) reception
- Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)
- Medical assistance at sea
- Ship security alert systems
All of these services are delivered through a single, resilient satellite communication terminal, fully compliant with international maritime regulations.
Global Coverage and Innovation
Inmarsat is currently the only GMDSS provider offering comprehensive global Maritime Safety Information through an IMO-recognised Enhanced Group Call (EGC) system, ensuring that seafarers receive critical alerts regardless of their location.
The company continues to invest in its infrastructure, including satellite redundancy, ground systems, and L-band spectrum, to enhance reliability and support future safety innovations.
New Platform to Simplify Safety Services
In 2025, Inmarsat introduced the SafetyLink platform, developed in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union and International Mobile Satellite Organization.
The platform aims to simplify billing and administrative processes for safety services while supporting regulatory compliance, making it easier for operators to manage safety systems.
Additionally, Inmarsat is transitioning to a new service delivery platform designed to improve user experience and enhance service capabilities for future maritime safety needs.
Ensuring Global Compliance
Inmarsat operates under a multilateral international agreement governing Ship Earth Stations (SES), allowing its GMDSS terminals to function across the territorial waters of multiple countries worldwide.
This agreement, signed by nations across six continents, ensures that vessels can rely on uninterrupted safety communication services regardless of their location.
Conclusion
As global shipping faces increasing uncertainty, the importance of robust, reliable, and globally supported safety communication systems remains critical. With maritime risks evolving, industry stakeholders are emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and international cooperation to ensure safety at sea.
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