Satellite Communications
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1289 – Adoption of Amendments to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual – ( 9 December 2008) - Annex - Section III – Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual – Volume III - Satellite Communications

Satellite Communications

 Inmarsat systems offer two Special Access Codes (SAC) which can be used for medical advice or medical assistance at sea:

  • .1 SAC 32 is used to obtain medical advice. The Land Earth Station will provide a link with the TMAS when this code is used.

  • .2 SAC 38 is used when the condition of an injured or sick person on board a ship justifies medical assistance (evacuation to shore or services of a doctor on board). This code allows the call to be routed to the associated RCC.”

  – Amend on page 4-8 in the MEDICO section:

  • – the first bullet point to read as follows:

    • • “MEDICO messages request or transmit medical advice between vessels at sea and a TMAS.”

  • – the fourth bullet point to read as follows:

    • • “These messages are normally delivered only to TMAS, hospitals, or other facilities with which SAR authorities or the communications facilities have made prior arrangements.”

  • – the fifth bullet point to read as follows:

    • • “SAR services may also provide medical advice either from their own doctors or via arrangements with TMAS.”

  • – the sixth bullet point to read as follows:

    • • “In addition to the many Telemedical Assistance Services provided free of charge, there are several commercial enterprises which provide international subscriptions and pay-per-use medical advice to vessels at sea.”

  – Add on page 4-8 in the MEDICO section a seventh bullet point as follows:

  • “• Vessels fitted with Broadband services, Fleet Broadband (F77) and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) will permit the easy transfer of photographs and videos.”

  – Amend on page 4-9 in the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) section in the second bullet point the first three points of the required information as follows:

“ name of the vessel, flag, IMO number, radio call sign and telephone number
master’s name and nationality
shipowner/operator, nationality and contact details.”
Parent topic: Section III – Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual – Volume III
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