4.4.1 The satellite system should have reliable
communication links to one or more associated MRCCs. These links may
be implemented directly between the MRCC and an earth station, or
some other suitable point in the system’s network. The arrangements
between the system and the MRCC are subject to approval by the national
administration.
4.4.2 The system’s network should be capable
of automatically recognizing maritime distress and safety communications
and of routeing, as far as possible automatically, maritime distress
alerts/calls directly to the associated MRCC, via a highly reliable
communication link. In cases where capability exists, the system may
route alerts directly to the responsible RCC as defined in the IAMSAR
Manual.
4.4.3 The earth station or other relevant part
of the system’s network should be provided with an aural and
visual alarm to alert a designated responsible person in the event
that automatic connection to the MRCC cannot be achieved within 60
seconds. In this case, all necessary action should be taken to immediately
inform the MRCC of the details of the distress alert or call. Personnel
should always be available to react to such an alarm so as to ensure
that the distress alert or call can be forwarded to an MRCC within
5 minutes of the alarm being triggered. All messages with distress
or urgency priority should sound an alarm at the earth station or
other relevant part of the system’s network, which should require
manual cancellation.
4.4.4 The MRCC should be provided with reliable
communication links to the system’s network for efficient handling
of shore-to-ship distress alert relays and distress traffic, preferably
via dedicated communication links.