CONFIDENTIAL
6 June 1989
DRAFT
International Maritime Satellite Organisation
(INMARSAT)
Background
The International Maritime Satellite Organisation
(INMARSAT) is an international organisation established by
a Convention dated 3 September 1976, which entered into
force on 16 July 1979. The purpose of the Organisation is
to make provision for the space segment necessary for
improving maritime communications, thereby assisting in
of life at
sea
improving distress and safety
communications, efficiency and management of ships,
maritime public correspondence services and radio
determination capabilities. (Article 3 unamended text of
the Convention). The "space segment" is defined as
"satellites, and the tracking, telemetry, command,
control, monitoring and related facilities and equipment
required to support the operation of these
these satellites".
(Article 1(d) of the Convention). However, the Convention
was amended at the fourth session of the Assembly of
Parties (14-16 October 1985) to extend the competence of