you need to LOGIN to a satellite. This will occur automatically when
you switch-on your equipment - but the equipment may not log in to
the satellite that provides SafetyNET information for your area - so you
may have to change satellite.
You may also have to change satellite when you move from one
international NAVAREA/METAREA to another, if the SafetyNET
information for your new area is not available on your current satellite.If you do have to change satellite - you should LOGOUT of your
current satellite before logging in to the new satellite. In theory, the system
should take care of the log out for you. In practice, it has been known for
the same vessel to be apparently logged in to more than one satellite at
a time.Your Inmarsat-C equipment, in its normal state, will SCAN the
control channels for all satellites and, if it finds a stronger Signal to that
currently being monitored, it will log out of your chosen satellite and log
in to the stronger Signal. To prevent this (and the possible loss of
SafetyNET information) you can tell your equipment to scan only the
satellite you choose (your equipment manual will explain how to do
this) rather than scan all ocean regions (the default setting).
The Inmarsat Enhanced Group Call (EGC) Service
The Inmarsat EGC service, which works over the Inmarsat-C
system, is used to send group call messages (Le. messages to more than
one vessel at a time). Maritime Safety Information (MSI) is broadcast
using the SafetyNET service (figure 8.4) and will be received by all vessels
that are logged-in to the satellite that broadcasts MSI for their international
NAVAREAlMETAREA.
Company (fleet) messages are broadcast using the FleetNET service
(figure 8.4) and will only be received by vessels whose Inmarsat-C
equipment is programmed with the company's own EGC Network
Identity (ENID).Address Book
You should set up your address book with the main safety special
access codes (two digit address codes) before sailing, in addition to the
address you may need for normal company and private messages. Special
access codes are listed in ALRS Vol. 1 and Vol. 5. The main safety codes
to be set up are:MARINE COMMUNICATIONS 161