Communications

Reliable communication systems are essential to safe vessel operation

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) amendment to Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS) Regulation V/19-1 imposes mandatory position reporting obligations for SOLAS ships.

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) is a satellite-based system designed to automatically collect and disseminate real-time vessel position, identity and date/time information at 6-hour intervals.

Scope

The following ship types engaged on international voyages are required to maintain a LRIT system:

  • Cargo Ships ≥ 300 GT
  • Passenger Ships, including High Speed passenger craft
  • Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU)
  • Commercial Yachts ≥ 300 GT

Ships fitted with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and operated exclusively within sea area A1 are exempt from LRIT requirements

Authorized Application Service Providers (ASP)

Luxembourg authorizes the following ASPs to perform conformance test and issue test reports:

Flag Change – Conformance Test Reports

A LRIT Conformance Test Report (CTR) issued by Luxembourg-authorized ASP confirms all shipborne LRIT equipment is operational and complies with the provisions of SOLAS Regulation V/19-1.6, LRIT revised performance standards and functional requirements.

A CTR must be provided prior to the registration of a vessel bearing the Luxembourg Call Sign and designating Luxembourg as the Port of Registry.

A new LRIT Conformance test must only be performed where:

  • the vessel is a newbuilding
  • new LRIT equipment has been installed on-board an existing vessel
  • the previous CTR was issued by an unauthorized ASP

Where required, new Conformance tests should be scheduled with a Luxembourg-authorized ASP prior to registration.


Radio Licence, Call Sign and MMSI Numbers

Radio Licenses, Call Signs and MMSI numbers for Luxembourg vessels are issued for a validity period of 3 years.

Application Procedure

Owners and Operators submit a signed and stamped copy of the Radio License Application Form.

The Luxembourg Call Sign and MMSI number assigned to the vessel are subsequently provided.

Fees

MF/HF Fixed EUR 230 / unit
VHF Fixed EUR 100 / unit
VHF Handheld EUR 60 / unit
UHF Fixed EUR 90 / unit
UHF Handheld EUR 45 / unit
Operator Certificate EUR 120

 

Additional Information

  • SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19-1;
  • MSC.1/Circ.1307 Guidance on the survey and certification of compliance of ships with the requirement to transmit LRIT information;
  • MSC.1/Circ.1298 – Guidance on the implementation of the LRIT system;
  • MSC.1/Circ.1295 Guidance in relation to certain types of ships which are required to transmit LRIT information, on exemptions and equivalents and on certain operational matters;
  • MSC.263(84), MSC.330(90) & MSC.400(95) –Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships;
  • Règlement grand-ducal du 21 février 2013 fixant le montant et les modalités de paiement des redevances pour la mise à disposition de fréquences radioélectriques.