FleetBroadband 505 emergency call service launch

On 1 October, 2009, a new safety service for mariners - 505 Emergency Calling - will be launched across the world by Inmarsat, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, for all FleetBroadband users. 

Inmarsat FleetBroadband customers who dial 505, the new emergency short code service, will be connected automatically to a coast guard rescue centre – wherever they are in the world.

Commenting on this industry innovation, Inmarsat’s head of maritime safety, Peter Blackhurst said:

“505 Emergency Calling is a short code dialling service for people who use FleetBroadband services and terminals. It puts them straight through to a 24-hour operational coast guard Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) so they can speak to the right person if they have an emergency on board, such as their boat being in difficulties or a medical emergency. “

Continues Blackhurst: “We are not trying in any way to circumvent the GMDSS [the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System] and any SOLAS vessel should still use this as their first means of contact. But for smaller fishing or leisure vessels out of range of shore-based VHF, 505 is a quick and simple means of calling for assistance if they are equipped with FleetBroadband.  The 505 service is all about trying to ensure and enhance the safety of all seafarers, whatever type of mariner they might be.”

There is no subscription or call charge for the 505 emergency service –and it can be activated immediately just by dialling 505.

Commenting on the launch of this service, James Instance, Rescue Centre Manager at Falmouth Coast Guard said:  “505 is an easy number to remember because of its similarity to SOS.  We welcome this new Inmarsat service which seeks to improve sea safety through better communications as we know that any delay can mean the difference between recovering bodies or rescuing people.”

After dialling 505 voice calls will be connected via Inmarsat directly to one of the selected RCCs located strategically around the globe.

These centres are manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are charged with giving advice and providing assistance to vessels in distress. “

505 is an easy number to remember because of its similarity to SOS.  We welcome any service at the heart of maritime safety – any delay in safety communication can mean the difference between recovering bodies or rescuing people.”

After dialling 505 voice calls will be connected via Inmarsat directly to one of the selected RCCs located strategically around the globe. These centres are manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are charged with giving advice and providing assistance to vessels in distress. “

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About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT) is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications.  Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air.  The company’s services are delivered through a global network of more than 500 distribution partners and service providers operating in 180 countries.  For the year ended 31st December 2008, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$996.7 million (2007: US$576.5 million) with an EBITDA of US$531.2 million (2007: US$388.1 million). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

For further information, please contact:

John Warehand,

Inmarsat

Tel: +44 20 7728 1579

Mob: +44 7739 778 128

Email: john_warehand@inmarsat.com

Or, Shireen Crowe, PR + 44 7879 417177 shireen.crowe@direct-pr.co.uk

Shireen Crowe, Anchorpoint Communications + 44 7879 417 177

Chris Wortham, Inmarsat Safety Team representative – 020 7 728 1017