Paul Gunton News

The Inmarsat Voice Distress (Non-SOLAS) service was launched last year to enhance safety communication on commercial and leisure vessels. It utilises FleetBroadband to provide priority call access - interrupting all non-distress calls as soon as the red distress button is pushed. The emergency caller is then connected to an operator at one of three Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres (MRCCs) strategically located around the globe. The judges received a record-breaking number of entries for the annual awards, which celebrate the role that safety managers and manufacturers play in saving and protecting life at sea across the international maritime market.

Four shipping industry companies and organisations have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to maritime safety. The third annual Safety at Sea International Awards were presented June 10 at a banquet in Oslo in recognition of excellence in programmes, products and services that encourage and promote safety in the maritime environment. Prizes were awarded in four categories: equipment, systems, training and management/operations. In addition, a special AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue System) award was given to pay homage to bravery and seamanship in assisting those in peril on the sea. The awards ceremony was moderated by Paul Gunton…