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.
You can now download the 16 presentations from the workshop
1 - Overview of aeronautical spectrum usage
2 - Coordination of aeronautical frequencies
3 - Future Aeronautical communication and navigation technologies
4 - Usage of FSS VSAT for safe operation of aircraft and distribution of meteorological information
5 - Interference from Non Aerounautical sources
6 - Current and future airport communication systems
7 - International Obligations for countries
8 - Aeronautical frequency bands
9 - Aeronautical Recommendations & Reports
11 - ITU-R studies on spectrum monitoring
12 - Maritime Publications and MARS
13 - Notifications for updating MARS
14 - Notifications for updating MARS Ship
16 - SOLAS - Training and Certification
A joint initiative of the AU, EU and ITU
