FURUNO IC-305 INMARSAT MES DISTRESS ALERT/RECEIVED CALL UNIT GMDSS 1317

The FURUNO IC-305 is a professional, SOLAS-approved INMARSAT-C satellite terminal designed specifically to fulfill the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) requirements for ships operating in Sea Area A3 (and A4, with limitations).

Its primary purpose is to provide reliable, global, beyond-horizon satellite communications for safety, distress, and routine messaging, independent of VHF/MF/HF radio ranges.

Key Features and Functions

1. Core GMDSS Distress Functionality:

   • One-Touch Distress Alert: The unit features a protected, prominent Distress Button. When activated, it immediately sends a pre-programmed Distress Alert to a Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) via the INMARSAT-C network. This alert includes the ship’s identity, position (from connected GPS), and nature of distress.

   • Distress Message Generator: Allows for the creation and sending of detailed, follow-up distress messages with updated information.

   • Distress Priority Messaging: Ensures distress traffic gets the highest priority on the satellite network.

2. Safety and Routine Communications:

   • Two-Way Data Messaging: Sends and receives Telex (TLX) and E-Mail messages to/from shore-based stations, other ships, or land subscribers.

   • SafetyNET & FleetNET:

     • SafetyNET: Automatically receives maritime safety information (MSI) broadcasts—such as NAVAREA warnings, meteorological forecasts, piracy alerts, and SAR information—for selected NAVAREAs. This is a mandatory GMDSS function.

     • FleetNET: Subscribes to commercial or company-specific information broadcasts (e.g., news, market reports).

   • Position Reporting: Can be configured for automatic or on-demand position reporting to a shore-based station or fleet management system.

3. Technical Design & Interface:

   • Compact Terminal Unit: The IC-305 consists of a Below-Deck Unit (BDU) containing the main electronics and an Above-Deck Unit (ADU)—a small, rugged, omnidirectional antenna (radome) that requires no stabilization or pointing.

   • Integrated Data Terminal: Often supplied with or connected to a dedicated messaging terminal (like a PC with specific software) or a dedicated keyboard/display unit for composing and reading messages.

   • Mandatory Interfaces: Integrates seamlessly with essential ship systems:

     • GPS Receiver: For automatic position and UTC time input (critical for distress alerts).

     • NAVTEX Receiver: While not a function of the IC-305 itself, on a GMDSS console, it complements the SafetyNET reception.

     • Printers: For hard copies of received messages.

     • External Alarms: To alert the bridge watch of incoming distress or urgency traffic.

4. Reliability & Compliance:

   • Fully SOLAS-Compliant: Meets all IMO performance standards for an INMARSAT-C MES in the GMDSS.

   • Continuous Watchkeeping: Once powered on and logged into the INMARSAT network, it maintains a 24/7 watch for incoming distress, urgency, safety, and routine calls directed to its unique identity (IMN).

   • Built-in Test Equipment (BITE): Features self-diagnostics to verify system health.

Typical Components of the IC-305 System

1. IC-305 Main Unit (BDU): The central processor.

2. Antenna Unit (ADU): Omnidirectional INMARSAT-C antenna in a radome.

3. Antenna Cable.

4. Messaging Terminal/Data Terminal: (e.g., a dedicated computer or Furuno’s optional display unit).

5. Interfacing Cables for GPS, printer, and alarm outputs.