Frequentis’ first global maritime distress and safety system installation has been ordered by the South African Department of Transport through Telkom Maritime Services.
The Maritime Communication System (MCS) 3020 IP and Tracking and Tracing System (T&T) will replace the old coastal maritime distress communications system and will service a coastline extending for 2,800 kilometres.
AME Telecommunications (AME), a Frequentis partner and prime contractor for the project, will integrate the technology in Cape Town, a back-up facility in Klipheuwel and all its remote sites.
MCS 3020 IP will allow search and rescue authorities to be rapidly alerted to a distress incident, whether it is onshore, on a ship or in the immediate vicinity of a vessel.
It features a 'fail-safe' design and a broad range of radio and telephone functionality, capable of transmitting voice messages, weather forecasts and navigation warnings on any selected HF transmitter and VHF transmitter in any combination from any operator workstation.
Marius Schoeman, MD at AME, said: “We successfully completed factory acceptance testing in Vienna, showcasing the full range of capabilities of the Frequentis product, tailored for the needs of our South African system.”
Khashayar Saravandi-Rad, Frequentis Director Maritime, said: “The Frequentis maritime information solution, T&T, provides a solid foundation for a fully integrated maritime solution, while the MCS allows the transmission and receipt of DSC (Area A1, A3), NAVTEX as well as the capability to listen to a combined CH16 radio feed and combined HF receiver feed.”
