Australia officially begins ship tracking

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said LRIT would allow ships to be tracked up to 1,000 nautical miles off the Australian coast.   

The international system was developed and agreed by the International Maritime Organization and forms part of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention.

Regulations came into force on January 1, last year, with compliance initially required from December 31.

However, the IMO maritime safety committee's 85th meeting agreed to a transitional period of six months.

It applies to all passenger ships including high-speed craft, cargo ships of more than 300 gt and mobile offshore drilling units.

It is now mandatory for ships on international voyages to automatically transmit their identity and position every six hours.

“This initiative will improve our awareness of international shipping movements," AMSA chief executive Graham Peachey said.

"The information has direct applications for Australia’s efforts to make shipping safer and more secure, to protect the marine environment and to provide effective search and rescue services at sea.”

The cost to shipowners was minimal as many ships were already fitted with the equipment needed to comply with the scheme.

"This new LRIT capability will enhance crew and vessel safety and security, and AMSA recognises the contribution of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service in supporting the development of maritime domain awareness," AMSA said.

Vessels on domestic voyages trading between Australian ports, pleasure craft and fishing vessels are not included in the scheme.