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2. SYSTEM INITIALIZATION
2-8
2.4 EGC Settings
2.4.1 What is the EGC (Enhanced Group Call) service?
The EGC service enables EGC information providers to send SafetyNET
TM
,
FleetNET
TM
and System messages via an LES to a specific groups of ships, or
to all ships within a defined geographical area.
Each type of EGC service is sent as follows:
1) The information provider prepares the message, and then accesses the
appropriate Country of the international telex network to send the message
to an LES.
2) The LES processes and forwards it to the NCS for the ocean region
designated by the provider.
3) Then, the NCS broadcasts the message throughout the ocean region. (The
operator may choose the EGC messages to receive by position (one
position) and geographical position (nine areas). For further details see
paragraph 2.4.2.)
Satellite
NCS common channel
MES
MES
MES
NCS
Ch1
Ch2
Ch3
LES1
LES2
LES3
Ch1-Ch3 are dedicated
channels for each LES.
Information Provider
* Meteorological body
* Navtex station
* Coast guard
* Rescue center
* Shipping company,
etc.
The EGC system
Three EGC services are available:
1) SafetyNET
TM
This provides a means for information providers to distribute Maritime Safety
Information (MSI) from shore-to-ship. Authorized information providers
include:
a) Hydrographic Offices, for navigational warnings
b) National Weather Services, for meteorological warnings and forecasts
c) Rescue Co-ordination Center, for shore-to-ship distress alerts and other
urgent information
d) International Ice Patrol, for North Atlantic ice hazards