Maritime communication networks play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods traded worldwide, with ship stations, coast stations, and various maritime distress and identification systems making much of the world's commerce possible. ITU is responsible for safeguarding the frequency bands used by vessels to navigate safely and maintain reliable communication, with recommendations, regulations, and databases that support seafarers in their duties.
The training on Aeronautical and Maritime communication services is designed to equip the telecommunication authority in Africa with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and regulate the communication services in these critical sectors.
The training covers various aspects of Aeronautical and Maritime communication services, including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), List of Ship Stations and Maritime Mobile Service Identity Assignments (List V), and Maritime Mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS). The course also covers the role of ITU in promoting the use of technology to enhance safety and security at sea, protecting radio frequency spectrum, and establishing global standards for maritime radio systems.
The workshop covers topics related to spectrum monitoring, spectrum management, maritime communication, and aeronautical communication.
Day 1 will focus on Spectrum Monitoring and Management. This will include an introduction to ITU BR monitoring programs and ITU-R studies on spectrum monitoring. We will be discussing the various definitions of spectrum monitoring, tasks, types of monitoring stations, antennas, measurements, and the use of drones for monitoring. We will also cover the integration and automation of monitoring into the spectrum management system, remote monitoring, harmful interference, and practical exercises using a mobile monitoring station.
Moving on to Day 2, the focus will be on Maritime Communication. This will include an overview of ITU Maritime Publications and MARS (Maritime mobile Access and Retrieval System), notifications of ship and coast stations, and an overview of the SOLAS Convention (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea). We will be discussing international obligations for countries to implement search and rescue services, training and certification of seafarers and coast station personnel, designation of SAR regions, and coordination with neighboring countries. We will also cover the development of a SAR National Plan, international SAR (synthetic aperture radars) cooperation, national coordination, and resources contributing to SAR missions. The day will wrap up with a practical simulation of the design of a national GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) coast station network and SAR system, followed by a visit to a Coast Station.
Day 3, will cover Aeronautical Communication. This will include an overview of aeronautical frequency bands, ITU-R recommendations and reports, and coordination of aeronautical frequencies. We will be discussing future aeronautical communication and navigation technologies, measures to prevent interference to radio altimeters from IMT/5G, handling interference to aircraft GNSS (global navigation satellite system) receivers, compatibility between FM broadcasting and aeronautical radio-navigation systems in VHF band, and usage of FSS VSAT for the safe operation of aircraft and distribution of meteorological information in Africa. We will also discuss interference from Non-Aeronautical Sources (e.g. from LED systems, from IMT (international mobile technology) to MSS (mobile satellite service) aircraft receivers in L-band), current and future airport communication systems, and visit aeronautical installations.
Presentations
IACO (International Civil Aviation Organization) by Isaiah Kofi Tefutor, CNS Technical Officer
1 - Overview of Aeronautical Spectrum Usage
2 - Coordination of Aeronautical Frequencies
3 - Future Aeronautical Communication and Navigation Technologies
ITU, Ben Ousmane Ba, Head Terrestrial Publication and Registration Division, Radiocommunication Bureau
1 - ITU BR Monitoring programs
2 - ITU-R studies on spectrum monitoring
3- Maritime Publications - Maritime mobile Access and Retrieval System (MARS)
ITU, Karlis Bogens, Head, Fixed and Mobile Services Division, Terrestrial Services Department, Radiocommunication Bureau
1 - Aeronautical frequency bands
2 - ITU-R Recommendations & Reports related to aeronautical services
Thierry Besser, expert en administration de la sécurité et de la sûreté maritimes, BSR Maritime Admin - in french
L’élaboration d’un plan SAR national
Mission report (in french)
Rapport Aeronautique PRIDA ITU Aeronautical Services
Rapport de Mission de Thierry BEISSER
Rapport de mission - ICAO - Isaiah Tefutor
A joint initiative of the AU, EU and ITU
