LRIT: A Critical Tool for Modern Maritime Surveillance

Posted on May 22, 2024 at 09:05 PM

Safety, security, and environmental protection are highly noticed and important factors in the maritime industry, whether on the international or local levels. Thus, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is working toward LRIT system obligation for all ships on the sea.

The incorporated long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system helps ships and ports share vital reports and information with the data centres to boost tracking and identification based on international maritime regulation.

Discover more about the unique LRIT system with our article, including information about long-range identification and tracking equipment, components, and more!

What Is the LRIT System?

LRIT term stands for Long-Range Identification and Tracking System is used in maritime transportation for the identification and tracking of ships on the international level. To enhance maritime security and safety by providing marine authorities and governments with the required technical services to monitor vessels over long distances.

Moreover, the designed long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system is a designated system unit that is obligated by the IMO under its SOLAS convention regulations and announcements.

The long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system automatically transmits and shares details about a ship, that are established by the IMO and include the identity of the vessel, the marine location of the vessel (latitude and longitude), and the date and time of the position. At regular intervals (usually every 6 hours) via satellite communication. 

The long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) information-transmitting process is shared only with authorised operators, such as maritime authorities, for tracking and monitoring purposes. 

The LRIT of ships enables and provides compliance with international regulations and documents, enhancing search and rescue operations, boosting real-time communications, and improving overall maritime domain awareness for all engaged maritime service providers.

Which Vessels Need to Comply with LRIT?

The digital LRIT information transmitting equipment is not mandatory for any ship with a flag, particularly not a mini ship, especially since it targets a ship moving between one international terminal and another. 

Formally, and based on the IMO rules, these are the vessel types that must install the long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system to monitor their voyages:

• All passenger and cruise ships, plus high-speed rate passenger craft.

• Standard commercial and cargo ships, including high-speed craft–of 300GRT and up.

• Developed mobile offshore drilling units.

How Does the LRIT System Function?

The LRIT long-range identification and tracking system works among ships with installed LRIT equipment and data collecting centres through satellite communication equipment. 

As the transmission of data and information is done automatically through regular pauses to a satellite. Then the satellite shares this information with a ground-based data centre for processing and analysing. 

Next, the wide range of insights and data is given to authorised users, like maritime authorities, for identification, tracking, and monitoring purposes with the ultimate goal of improving current maritime security and safety.

The Key Components of the LRIT System:

The long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system consists of the latest e-navigation systems and tools that work to boost safety and efficiency on all levels.

However, although the components are the same yet the duplication of the tools relies on the size of the ship.

Moreover, these tools ensure that long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) conformance testing is always perfect for delivering leading data and solutions to international data centres.

• The Shipborne LRIT Information Transmitting Equipment. 

• The Communication Service Provider (CSP).

• The Application Service Provider (ASP).

• The LRIT Data Centre (DC).

• The LRIT Data Distribution Plan (DDP). 

• The International LRIT Data Exchange (IDE). 

FAQs about the LRIT System:  

According to the maritime safety training courses in Dubai, the tracking LRIT system is highly effective in ship long-range identification and tracking on international water.

Thus, many important questions are asked, and here are the best answers for them:

• What Is the Difference Between AIS And LRIT?

On one hand, the AIS (Automatic Identification System) is used to broadcast information between ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore, to provide an effective communication channel and avoid collision. 

On the other hand, the LRIT (Long-Range Identification and Tracking) also collect and share information but over long distances, via satellite, and only with maritime authorities.

• Is LRIT Part of GMDSS?

The long-range identification and tracking system (LRIT) is not part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). 

As the GMDSS system is used for distress and safety communication through radio and satellite communication systems.

• What Is the Purpose of LRIT?

The purpose of identification and tracking LRIT is to boost maritime security and safety by providing authorities with the required data and techniques to monitor and track ships over long distances.

This can improve maritime international domain awareness, enable better response to security threats, and ensure compliance with international regulations.

• What Is the LRIT Requirement for Ships?

The ships that are required to install the LRIT requirements shipborne need to have LRIT-compliant satellite communication equipment to transmit their identity, position, and other relevant information at regular intervals.

At the bottom line,

Although the long-range identification and tracking system (LRIT) is mandatory by the IMO, yet installing it is something great for your own safety and interest.

Furthermore, you must start training your crew for the latest safety training and equipment so that they are ready for all situations.