Maritime Lawyer

Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization

With the launch of Telstar, the world's first telecommunications satellite, in 1962, the IMO recognized the potential of communications satellites in aiding with ship safety and rescue. In February of 1966, the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) undertook a study to determine the operational requirements that a functioning satellite system for maritime purposes would need. In 1973, the IMO convened a convention with the objective of creating a new maritime communications outlet based on satellite technology. The third session of the convention produced the Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization or Inmarsat.

Inmarsat includes among its goals the improvement of maritime communications which would therefore aid in improving distress and safety of life at sea communications, improving the efficiency and management of ships, improving maritime public correspondence systems, and improving radiodetermination systems. In 1998, Inmarsat agreed to the privatization of the organization from April of 1999 on. It now consists of two groups.

The first of the two groups Inmarsat Ltd, a public limited company which makes up the commercial end of Inmarsat. It was completely privatized in 2003 and is subject to British law. The company has taken on all commercial activities of Inmarsat.

The second group is the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO). The IMSO is an intergovernmental body that exists to ensure that Inmarsat meets and continues to meet its public service obligations. IMSO is headquartered in London and has 87 member states. It aims to ensure that Inmarsat meets its public obligations free of discrimination and in a peaceful way available to all people living or working in remote areas inaccessible by conventional, terrestrial means of communication.

Despite the best efforts of the IMO to make sea travel and work as safe as possible, accidents do still happen while on the job or at play. If you or someone you know has been injured on a ship or boat, there may be legal options available to you. Contact a maritime lawyer at Williams Kherkher at 1-866-950-9000 in order to discuss any and all legal options and to schedule an initial consultation.