India has issued an order regarding the usage of Thuraya, Iridium, and other similar services

The Directorate General of Shipping, India has issued an order about the usage of Thuraya, Iridium, and other such satellite communication in Indian waters.

This DGS Order (No. 9 of 2023) was issued on 12 July 2023 and is in effect from the same date. It supersedes DGS Order 02/2012.

DGS Order No. 02/2012 bans Thuraya, Iridium, and similar satellites in Indian waters.

Thuraya equipment isn't part of GMDSS; its use remains banned in Indian waters.

Regulation 4.1-GMDSS Satellite Providers empowers the Maritime Safety Committee to oversee recognized mobile satellite services under SOLAS Chapter-IV.

MSC recognized Iridium Satellite LLC for GMDSS services since December 2020.

Iridium equipment usage in Indian waters has specific conditions:

• a) Ships can use it if registered and certified onboard only.
• b) Exclusive use for GMDSS purposes.
• c) IMEI number declaration required in PANS.

Satellite phone details must be declared before arrival via PANS.

Unauthorized use may be prosecuted under Indian laws.

Strict compliance with this DGS Order is mandatory for stakeholders.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Usage of Thuraya, Iridium, and Other Such Satellite Communication in Indian Waters