**** LRIT ANNOUNCEMENT ****

LRIT Implementation/Conformance Testing: Operators of U.S. flagged vessels subject to the LRIT Regulation are encouraged to contact the U.S. Coast Guard to discuss LRIT implementation and conformance test scheduling. Operators of vessels whose most recent annual radio survey was completed between January and March 2008 will have conformance test scheduling priority.

To contact the U.S. Coast Guard's LRIT Sponsor's Representative, please go to our "Contact Us" page, select "LRIT" from the "Subject" pull down menu, enter your contact information and enter "Test Scheduling" in the comments field. Someone from the U.S. Coast Guard Office LRIT Sponsor's Office will reply.

The Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system is a designated International Maritime Organization (IMO) system designed to collect and disseminate vessel position information received from IMO member States ships that are subject to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The United States Coast Guard (USCG) is currently developing a National Data Center (NDC) for the United States, which will be fully operational on December 31st, 2008. In addition, the United States has committed to build and operate a temporary International Data Exchange in support of the IMO and the international maritime community. LRIT will complement existing classified and unclassified systems to improve Maritime Domain Awareness. The NDC will monitor any IMO member state ships that are 300 gross tons or greater on international voyages and that are either bound for a U.S. port or traveling within 1000 nm of the U.S. coast.

The LRIT system consists of the ship borne LRIT information transmitting equipment, Communications Service Providers (CSPs), Application Service Providers (ASPs), LRIT Data Centers, including any related Vessel Monitoring System(s) (VMSs), the LRIT Data Distribution Plan (DDP) and the International LRIT Data Exchange. Certain aspects of the performance of the LRIT system are reviewed or audited by the LRIT Coordinator acting on behalf of the IMO and its Contracting Governments. For more detailed information regarding U.S. LRIT rulemaking, please refer to the LRIT Final Rule, published in the Federal Register, Department of Homeland Security, 33 CFR Part 169, on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008.

LRIT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) >>