IMO amends LRIT system - Technical documentation (Part I)

The International Maritime Organization has issued the circular amending the Long-range identification and tracking system - Technical documentation (Part I).

This circular has been published on November 29th, 2022.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 106th session, approved amendments to the Long-range identification and tracking system – Technical documentation (Part I) (MSC.1/Circ.1259/Rev.8) prepared by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, at its ninth session (NCSR 9/24/Add.1, annex 4).

This circular incorporates the aforesaid amendments as well as additional editorial amendments and minor corrections.

The Long-range identification and tracking system – Technical documentation (Part I) includes:

.1 Technical specifications for the International LRIT Data Exchange;
.2 Technical specifications for the International LRIT Data Centre;
.3 Technical specifications for communications within the LRIT system;
.4 Technical specifications for the LRIT Data Distribution Plan;
.5 Criteria for the location of the International LRIT Data Centre and the International LRIT Data Exchange; and
.6 XML schemas.

This circular should always be read together with SOLAS regulation V/19-1, the revised Performance standards and functional requirements for the long range identification and tracking of ships (resolution MSC.263(84), as amended) and the Long-range identification and tracking system – Technical documentation (Part II) (MSC.1/Circ.1294, as revised).

The XML schemas are available in their native format for downloading from the LRIT Data Distribution Plan server. In addition, those wishing to receive the XML schemas in their native format may request them from the Secretariat by sending an email to LRIT@imo.org.

SOLAS Contracting Governments are invited to bring the present circular and its annex to the attention of those engaged in implementation of the provisions of SOLAS regulation V/19-1 and/or the development, establishment, operation and maintenance of their LRIT Data Centres and the International LRIT Dat Exchange.

This circular revokes MSC.1/Circ.1259/Rev.8 issued on 8 April 2020. Any reference to MSC.1/Circ.1259/Rev.8 or any of its previous versions should be read as reference to the present circular.

This document sets out the Technical specifications for the Long-range identification and tracking system as specified in the revised Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships (the revised Performance standards) adopted by resolution MSC.263(84), as amended.

This part provides an overview of the LRIT system and the various specifications are set out in the following six annexes:

.1 Annex 1 – Technical specifications for the International LRIT Data Exchange;
.2 Annex 2 – Technical specifications for the International LRIT Data Centre;
.3 Annex 3 – Technical specifications for communications within the LRIT system;
.4 Annex 4 – Technical specifications for the LRIT Data Distribution Plan;
.5 Annex 5 – Criteria for the location of the International LRIT Data Centre and the International LRIT Data Exchange; and
.6 Annex 6 – XML schemas.

In preparing the document, account has been taken of the provisions of regulation V/19-1 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention and of the revised Performance standards.