The Establishment of Inmarsat on December 12, 1979

On December 12, 1979, the International Maritime Satellite Organization, known as Inmarsat, was officially established. This marked a significant milestone in the advancement of global maritime communications, addressing the critical need for reliable communication systems for ships at sea.

Background and Context

Prior to the establishment of Inmarsat, maritime communication was primarily reliant on radio systems, which were often unreliable and limited in range. The growing volume of international maritime traffic and the need for enhanced safety measures highlighted the inadequacies of existing communication methods. The tragic loss of lives and ships due to communication failures underscored the urgency for a more robust system.

Formation of Inmarsat

Inmarsat was created as an intergovernmental organization with the primary goal of improving maritime communications. It was established under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. The founding of Inmarsat was driven by the collaboration of several countries and stakeholders who recognized the importance of satellite technology in enhancing maritime safety and efficiency.

Objectives

The main objectives of Inmarsat included:

• Enhancing Safety: Providing reliable communication channels for distress and safety communications at sea.
• Improving Efficiency: Facilitating better operational communications for shipping companies, thereby improving the efficiency of maritime operations.
• Global Coverage: Ensuring that ships, regardless of their location, could maintain communication with shore-based facilities.

Key Developments

Inmarsat’s establishment led to the deployment of a series of geostationary satellites, which provided global coverage and significantly improved the reliability and quality of maritime communications. These satellites enabled voice, fax, and data services, which were crucial for both safety and commercial operations.

Impact on Maritime Industry

• Safety: The introduction of satellite communication systems drastically reduced the response time in emergencies, contributing to a decrease in maritime accidents and loss of life.
• Regulatory Changes: Inmarsat’s services became integral to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), an international safety protocol that mandates the use of satellite communications for ships.
• Commercial Benefits: Shipping companies benefited from improved logistics, navigation, and operational management, leading to cost savings and increased efficiency.

Broader Historical Significance

The establishment of Inmarsat represented a pivotal shift in the maritime industry, demonstrating the transformative power of satellite technology. It set a precedent for the use of satellite communications in other sectors, including aviation and land-based mobile communications.

Inmarsat’s success also paved the way for the privatization of satellite services, leading to the eventual transformation of the organization into a private company in 1999, while still maintaining its commitment to public safety services.

Conclusion

The creation of Inmarsat on December 12, 1979, was a landmark event that revolutionized maritime communications. By leveraging satellite technology, Inmarsat significantly enhanced the safety and efficiency of maritime operations, leaving a lasting impact on the global shipping industry and setting the stage for future advancements in communication technologies.