Free maritime Emergency Calling launching soon

A new maritime safety service for all FleetBroadband users - 505 Emergency Calling - will be launched across the world on 1 October.

Inmarsat FleetBroadband customers who call 505 will be connected automatically to a coast guard rescue centre wherever they are in the world.
Inmarsat's head of maritime safety, Peter Blackhurst, said: "505 Emergency Calling is a short code dialling service for people who use FleetBroadband services and terminals.

Quick and simple
"It puts them straight through to a 24-hour operational Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) so they can speak to the right person if they have an emergency on board, such as their boat being in difficulties or a medical emergency.

There is no subscription or call charge for the 505 Emergency Calling - and it can be activated immediately just by dialling 505.

James Instance, Rescue Centre manager at Falmouth Coast Guard in the UK said: "505 is an easy number to remember because of its similarity to SOS. We welcome any service at the heart of maritime safety - any delay in safety communication can mean the difference between recovering bodies or rescuing people.

"After dialling 505, voice calls will be connected via Inmarsat directly to one of the selected MRCCs located strategically around the globe. These centres are manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are charged with giving advice and providing assistance to vessels in distress."

Source: Inmarsat