Radio Holland Testing ASP LRIT for Dutch

Radio Holland Netherlands BV has been appointed by the Dutch Transport and Water Management Inspectorate (Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat), as Testing ASP for Dutch, Dutch Antilles and Aruban flag vessels, per November 1 2008.

The first successful LRIT (Long Range Tracking & Identification) test resulted in the issue of the first “Statement of Conformity/LRIT Test Conformance Report” for the Dutch vessel ms. Alexandergracht of Spliethoff’s Bevrachtingskantoor in Amsterdam. Since then Radio Holland performed more than 150 LRIT Conformance Tests.

A Testing ASP (Application Service Provider) is appointed by the national flag Administration, and is licensed to issue the official LRIT documents, after performing a successful LRIT test. This document is used by the ship concerned to demonstrate that “LRIT compliance” has been obtained with the equipment mentioned in the document.

The LRIT Conformance Tests are currently performed in cooperation with PoleStar (UK) and Thrane & Thrane (Denmark). On October 8, Radio Holland Group signed the worldwide distributor agreement with Pole star, one of the most prominent suppliers of LRIT services, recognized by over 55 flagstates. The cooperation with the internationally operating PoleStar is self evident to Radio Holland being a worldwide operating company with 61 own offices along the major shipping routes. A PoleStar web-based end-user interface is available on www.purplefinder.com to make it possible for the shipowner to start and finalize the LRIT test.

Since long Radio Holland is a business partner of Thrane & Thrane and as such the company cooperates intensively with the Danish Manufacturer by using Thrane’s LRIT testing facilities. Thrane & Thrane has a global reputation for innovative and high quality maritime communication systems. Recently Thrane & Thrane introduced their LRIT products and services. Radio Holland Group cooperates with Thrane & Thrane in supplying the maritime markets with their equipment and support of the products through RH’s worldwide network.

According to IMO regulations SOLAS ships have to prove 'LRIT compliance' as of the first radio survey after December 31 2008. The proof of that 'compliance' is the availability on board of a 'LRIT Conformance Test rapport'. LRIT testing can be performed with Inmarsat-C, Iridium, mini-C terminals and/or special LRIT terminals. Radio Holland is ready to support its customers into 2009, a busy year for LRIT Testing and LRIT compliance.

(www.radiohollandgroup.com)