[Satellite Today 01-27-09] Vizada and Absolute Maritime Tracking Systems have been selected by the Panama Maritime Authority to provide long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) for more than 8,000 vessels in Panama’s waters, Vizada announced Jan. 26.
    LRIT is a mandatory requirement for vessels on international voyages for security and search and rescue purposes. The APR is transmitted via a mobile satellite terminal such as Inmarsat-C to the flag authority with which the vessel is registered.
    The companies are contracted to help the fleet of passenger ships, cargo ships and high-speed craft of 300 gross tons and above meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) compliance standards and regulations enacted Jan. 1.