GPS Service Will Link Ocean-going Rower To Potential Rescuers

A rower planning to travel across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans will be tracked by Global Positioning System capabilities. Satamatics Ltd., a U.K. operator of global satellite-based telematics information services, is providing its location tracking system for Jim Shekhdar’s upcoming attempt to set a record by rowing solo across both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

A veteran of several ocean rows, Shekhdar required a reliable tracking system for his position to be regularly monitored on shore. The tracking system also could alert authorities in an emergency. As part of the effort, U.K. vendor Transas Telematics will contribute its Fleet View Online Web-based charting and tracking service (http://www.fleetviewonline.com) to allow online access to Shekhdar’s progress across 8,087 nautical miles of ocean. The journey is scheduled to begin during the second half of October and take Shekhdar eastward from New Zealand, via Cape Horn, to Cape Town in South Africa.

For more on this innovative satellite application, see the Oct. 20 issue of SATELLITE NEWS. For info on subscribing to PBI Media‘s newsletters, check out our Web site at https://www.satellitetoday.com.