International Mobile Satellite Organization facts for kids

International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) is an important group that makes sure satellite communication systems for ships at sea work properly. Think of it as a global safety supervisor for sea travel.

IMSO oversees the satellite services used in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). The GMDSS is a worldwide system that lets ships send automated emergency signals if they are in trouble. This means that no matter where a ship is, it can call for help. IMSO ensures that companies like Inmarsat and Iridium provide reliable satellite services for this vital job.

The Story of IMSO

The organization we know as IMSO today started out as a different group with a similar name. Its journey involved big changes to keep up with technology and business.

INMARSAT: A New Idea for Sea Safety

The story begins with the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT). It was created on July 16, 1979, with the goal of improving safety for ships. Before INMARSAT, communication over vast oceans was difficult. This new organization was set up to use satellites to provide reliable communication links.

INMARSAT was inspired by another group called Intelsat, which managed satellite communications between countries. A U.S. company called COMSAT played a big role in getting INMARSAT started.

In 1982, INMARSAT began its operations. Its first leader was Olof Lundberg from Sweden, who served as Director General until 1995. Later, the organization also began working to improve communications for airplanes, not just ships.

Becoming IMSO: A New Mission

By the 1990s, the world of satellite communication was changing. It was becoming a competitive business. Many of the countries that were part of INMARSAT felt that the business side of the organization should be separate. This would allow it to compete like a private company.

However, they also believed it was crucial to keep an organization that focused purely on safety. They needed a group to act as a watchdog, making sure that safety rules were followed.

After much discussion, a decision was made in 1998. The organization would be split into two parts:

• A private company to run the satellite network.
• An international organization to oversee safety.

On April 15, 1999, this change officially happened. INMARSAT became the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO). Its old business operations were transferred to a new private company called Inmarsat Ltd.. This new company promised to continue providing the important public safety services, with IMSO watching over them.

Today, IMSO works closely with other international groups like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure safety in the air and at sea. Over 100 countries are members of IMSO, representing most of the world's merchant ships.

External links

• Official website of IMSO: http://www.imso.org/

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