What is IMSO?

The International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) is the intergovernmental organization that oversees certain public satellite safety and security communication services provided via the Inmarsat satellites. These public services include:

• services for maritime safety within the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• distress alerting
• search and rescue co-ordinating communications
• maritime safety information (MSI) broadcasts
• general communications
• aeronautical safety AMS(R)S services through compliance with the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

IMSO also acts as the International LRIT Coordinator, appointed by IMO to coordinate the establishment and operation of the international system for the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT) worldwide.

How does IMSO function?

IMSO is established under the provisions of the Convention on the International Mobile Satellite Organization which also defines the public services, such as satellite services for the GMDSS, that are subject to international oversight.

The Organization has a form of public-private partnership contract with Inmarsat Ltd through a Public Services Agreement which sets out the obligations of Inmarsat Ltd in respect of the relevant public services, as well as defining the oversight mechanism that exists between Inmarsat and IMSO. A Public Services Committee which meets every three months provides formal regular contact between the company and the organization. Similar arrangements will be put in place when IMO recognises other mobile satellite service providers for participation in the GMDSS.

IMSO also owns a “special share” in Inmarsat Ltd which provides a mechanism to ensure that any commercial decisions taken are not detrimental to the public services.

How does IMSO operate?

IMSO works closely with IMO, ICAO, ITU and other interested international organizations, as well as Inmarsat Ltd itself, in developing recommendations, standards and operational practices that support and may improve the public services. The Organization’s special relationship with IMO is fostered and maintained by regular reports to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee on the provision and quality of satellite services for the GMDSS, and continuing detailed work on the establishment of the International LRIT System.

The Organization operates through:

• the Assembly of Parties, integrated by its 94 member States, which generally meets every two years;
• the Directorate, headed by the Director General, Capt. Esteban Pacha-Vicente of Spain, who is the Chief Executive Officer and legal representative of IMSO; and
• an Advisory Committee, comprising a number of Member States, appointed by the Assembly, which meets regularly.