U.S. Coast Guard launches Long Range Identification and Tracking
New system, connected to the U.S. National Data Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia
The U.S. Coast Guard announced yesterday that operation of the International Maritime Organization mandated Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) System begins 31 December. The Coast Guard also begins operating the U.S. National Data Center on that date. The U.S. National Data Center, in Martinsburg, West Virginia, will be responsible for the collection, dissemination, and management of all LRIT data submitted by U.S.-flagged vessels subject to LRIT regulations. The U.S. National Data Center also will collect foreign-flagged vessel LRIT information from other data centers. Beginning 1 January 2009 the Coast Guard will examine foreign and U.S. flagged vessels subject to LRIT regulations to determine the status of compliance.
The United States has also agreed to operate the International Data Exchange on an interim basis from 31 December 2008 until 31 December 2011. The International Data Exchange will serve as a global router for the LRIT system and connecting all LRIT data centers.
U.S.-flagged vessel operators subject to Long Range Identification and Tracking regulations may view information on how to comply by following the domestic vessels links on the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Web site.
