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Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

LRIT is a system for long-range identification and tracking of ships. It consists of LRIT shipborne transmission equipment, service providers as well as LRIT data centres (further information is given in MSC.263(84)). Data of ships flying a European flag are channeled in a joint EU Data Centre.

Communication equipment designated for LRIT has to be operating at all times; in high-risk areas in particular, ships should send the LRIT position information non-stop (i.e. do NOT switch off the transmission). Shipping companies have to notify the flag state about an interruption of operation or permanent suspension of a LRIT; in Germany to LRIT@BSH.de

LRIT equipment requirements

The requirement to be equipped with LRIT applies to the following ships in international trade

  • passenger ships, including high speed craft
  • cargo ships, including high speed craft, with a GT of 300 and above
  • mobile offshore drilling units

Excluded from the equipment requirement are the following vessels:

  • ships with radio equipment (in accordance with SOLAS Regulation IV/8) regardless of their date of construction, provided that these ships exclusively navigate in sea area A1 (in accordance with the definition of SOLAS Regulation IV/2.1.12) and are equipped with an AIS (in accordance with SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.4);
  • authority vessels and vessels of the navy
  • vessels involved in national trade
  • Even if fishing vessels are not required to be equipped with an LRIT system, the German Flag State Administration recommends it for vessels navigating international waters. Among other things, the system contributes to the collection of data of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) and prevents issues with other flag states.

Exemption from equipment requirement (Certificates of equivalence)

The BSH may exempt ships that would otherwise be required to be equipped with a LRIT system (based on SOLAS Regulations I/5 and V/3). Conditions for the exemption are:

  • the ship is equipped with a properly functioning AIS (in accordance with SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.4)
  • the area of trade is from or to European ports within coverage of AIS

If these conditions are met, you may apply for a Statement of Equivalence at the BSH. This statement has to be carried on board the ship as proof of the exemption.

If a ship does not meet the conditions for the exemption any longer (e.g. heading for an international port), the ship becomes required to be equipped with LRIT. Shipping companies or shipowners, respectively, have to notify the BSH accordingly.

The International Maritime Organization IMO stipulates that shipborne LRIT equipment has to be tested (Conformance Tests) in accordance with IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1307. The Test Application Service Providers (Test ASP) approved by the Flag State conduct these conformance tests. In case of a successful completion of the test, they issue Conformance Test Reports (CTRs). 

For the German Flag the Federal Maritime and Hydrpgraphic Agency (BSH) has approved the following Test ASPs:

  • Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS)
  • Fulcrum Maritime UK
  • Kemilinks, Singapur
  • Pole Star Space Appl. Ltd.
  • Thrane & Thrane A/S
  • Transas Telematics Ltd.