WHERE IS THE BACK UP FOR SHIPS COMMUNICATIONS?

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Below an article published on the  “THE TELEGRAPH” – the Nautilus International monthly magazine – wrote by British Radio Officer George Clive Evans.

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I am trying to raise awareness of the fact that there is no effective backup if satellites fail.

May be of interest

I recently carried out some research into modern communications systems to/from ships.

There are currently 5 satcom systems in use or shortly becoming operational. Inmarsat, international; Iridium USA; Thuraya, UAE?; Orbcomm, USA; Globalstar, USA.

Sadly, Goonhilly/U.K. no longer exists.

There are now hundreds of orbiting satellites for these systems.

I have been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of these satellite systems.

They could be made non-operational by serious cosmic events (sunspots, flares) or Warlike operations disabling or jamming satellite frequencies.

WHERE IS THE BACK UP FOR SHIPS COMMUNICATIONS?

Terrestriel commercial, maritime stations, GKA, PCH, Dan. Etc all dismantled.

Radio direction finding stations on radio frequencies, dismantled and removed from ships.

Decca Navigator, Loran C, Consol. All ceased to be operational and dismantled.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I submit that the shipping world is sleepwalking into a communication blackout or worse.

Worldwide coast guard and MRCC stations cannot possibly cope with latterly hundreds of ships out of communications.

I would be interested to have some feedback/thoughts of all seagoing personnel, deck officers and ETOs. Am I wrong, is there a fallback for ships communications?

Remember, if satellites stop operating, this means: No GPS, no navwarings deep sea, navtex should cover coastal voyages.

Although all the ITU SSB r/t, telex, dsc frequencies are still available they will become overloaded or useless as there are no commercial stations capable of dealing with them all.

I am surprised that the UK sold Goonhilly earth station, dismantled Portishead radio without thinking of the possible consequences.

So, I need your thoughts, Gov. UK has taken its eye of the maritime ball.

Stay safe, safe sailing, stay well

Clive Evans 426107

Chair of Nautilus Professional and Technical Committee

Email responses via Nautilus International please.