Why Long-Range Ship Tracking Is Essential in Modern Shipping
Modern shipping operates on a global scale, with ships sailing across oceans, remote sea areas, and sensitive maritime regions. While coastal surveillance systems and port controls provide visibility near shore, long-range awareness of ship movements far from land is equally critical for safety, security, and environmental protection.
Events such as ship accidents, security incidents, unlawful activities, and search and rescue operations have demonstrated the need for reliable, standardized, and internationally coordinated ship tracking beyond coastal waters. This need led the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system.
To support transparency and administrative coordination, information related to LRIT is made available through the “Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)” module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
This article provides a comprehensive introduction and practical guide to the LRIT option in GISIS. It explains what LRIT is, why it was introduced, how it works, what information is available in GISIS, and why this module is important for maritime administrations, ship operators, educators, and safety professionals worldwide.
Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Maritime Domain Awareness
What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System?
The IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is an online platform managed by the International Maritime Organization that provides transparent and reliable data on ships, companies, flag States, and maritime compliance. It brings together information on safety, security, pollution prevention, port State control, and casualty reports in one place. For seafarers, maritime professionals, researchers, and regulators, IMO GISIS is a trusted tool to check vessel records, track compliance with IMO conventions, and understand global shipping performance. Its free public access supports safer seas, better regulation, and informed decision-making across the maritime industry.
The LRIT module focuses on long-range ship position reporting and information sharing, forming a key element of global maritime domain awareness.
What Is Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)?
Definition of LRIT
Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) is an international system that allows authorized States to receive periodic information on the identity and position of ships anywhere in the world.
LRIT information typically includes:
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Ship identity
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Ship position (latitude and longitude)
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Date and time of the position report
LRIT operates globally, including on the high seas.
Why LRIT Was Introduced
Before LRIT:
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Ship tracking relied mainly on coastal systems
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States had limited visibility of ships far from shore
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Information sharing was inconsistent
LRIT was introduced to:
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Improve maritime safety
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Enhance security
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Support search and rescue
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Strengthen environmental protection
Legal Framework: SOLAS and LRIT
SOLAS Regulation V/19-1
LRIT is established under:
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SOLAS Chapter V (Safety of Navigation)
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Regulation 19-1
This regulation sets out:
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Which ships must transmit LRIT data
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Which States may receive LRIT information
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How the system is governed
LRIT is therefore mandatory for applicable ships under SOLAS.
Which Ships Are Required to Use LRIT?
Applicability
LRIT applies to:
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Passenger ships on international voyages
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Cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and above on international voyages
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Mobile offshore drilling units
Ships must be fitted with approved equipment capable of transmitting LRIT information.
Relationship with Other Tracking Systems
LRIT is not the same as AIS:
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AIS is primarily short-range and collision-avoidance focused
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LRIT is long-range and administratively controlled
The two systems complement each other, but serve different purposes.
How the LRIT System Works
Basic LRIT Architecture
The LRIT system includes:
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Shipborne LRIT equipment
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Communication service providers
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National and regional LRIT data centres
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The IMO LRIT Information Distribution Facility
Ship position data is transmitted securely and distributed only to authorized recipients.
Frequency of Reporting
Ships normally transmit LRIT information:
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At least four times per day
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More frequently if requested by authorized authorities
Who Can Access LRIT Information?
Authorized Recipients
Under SOLAS, LRIT information may be accessed by:
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Flag States – for ships flying their flag
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Port States – for ships intending to enter their ports
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Coastal States – for ships operating near their coast
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Search and Rescue authorities – during emergencies
Access is strictly controlled and regulated.
Purpose of the LRIT Module in GISIS
Core Objectives
The LRIT module in GISIS aims to:
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Provide information related to LRIT implementation
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Support transparency in LRIT governance
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Assist administrations and inspectors
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Improve understanding of long-range ship tracking systems
It is an administrative and reference tool, not a live tracking interface.
What Information Is Available in the GISIS LRIT Module?
Types of Information Provided
Depending on IMO publication scope and Member State submissions, the module may include:
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Information on LRIT system arrangements
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References to SOLAS LRIT requirements
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Administrative details supporting implementation
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High-level information on data access frameworks
Real-time ship positions are not displayed in GISIS.
Who Submits LRIT Information to GISIS?
Role of IMO Member States
LRIT-related information is:
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Submitted by IMO Member States
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Based on national LRIT implementation
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Updated as system arrangements evolve
The IMO coordinates the system but does not monitor ships directly.
Importance of LRIT for Maritime Safety
Supporting Search and Rescue (SAR)
In an emergency:
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LRIT helps identify ships near a distress position
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SAR authorities can coordinate faster responses
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Search areas can be narrowed
LRIT therefore supports lifesaving operations.
Enhancing Navigational Safety
Long-range awareness helps:
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Monitor ship traffic patterns
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Identify potential safety risks
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Support preventive action
Importance of LRIT for Maritime Security
Addressing Security Threats
LRIT supports:
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Detection of suspicious ship movements
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Monitoring of ships approaching sensitive areas
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Cooperation between States
It strengthens maritime security without interfering with commercial operations.
Role in Environmental Protection
Pollution Response and Monitoring
In pollution incidents:
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LRIT helps identify ships in the area
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Authorities can reconstruct vessel movements
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Responsibility assessment is supported
LRIT complements other environmental enforcement tools.
Relationship with Other GISIS Modules
The LRIT module complements:
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Maritime Security – security information sharing
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Search and Rescue (SAR) – emergency coordination
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Ship and Company Particulars – vessel identification
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Port State Control – inspection planning
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Marine Casualties and Incidents – incident investigation
Together, these modules support situational awareness, response, and accountability.
Common Misunderstandings About LRIT
LRIT Is Not a Public Tracking System
LRIT data:
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Is not publicly accessible
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Is shared only with authorized authorities
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Is protected for security and privacy reasons
LRIT Does Not Replace AIS
AIS and LRIT serve different operational and regulatory purposes and are both necessary.
Best Practices for Using the GISIS LRIT Module
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Use it as an official reference for LRIT obligations
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Understand which ships are subject to LRIT
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Integrate LRIT awareness into bridge and management training
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Use GISIS alongside SOLAS and flag State guidance
Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia
For maritime education, the LRIT module provides:
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Insight into global ship tracking governance
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Understanding of SOLAS safety mechanisms
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Real-world context for maritime security and safety
It is especially useful in courses on:
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Maritime safety and security
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Navigation and bridge systems
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Maritime law and regulation
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Maritime domain awareness
LRIT in the Future of Maritime Digitalisation
Integration with New Technologies
As shipping becomes more digital:
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LRIT may integrate with enhanced analytics
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Data fusion with other systems may increase
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Cybersecurity will remain critical
GISIS provides a stable governance platform for these developments.
Conclusion: Seeing Beyond the Horizon for Safer Seas
The Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System represents a major advance in global maritime safety, security, and coordination.
By enabling authorized States to receive standardized ship position information anywhere in the world, LRIT strengthens situational awareness, emergency response, and international cooperation—without disrupting commercial shipping or compromising confidentiality.
For administrations, ship operators, educators, researchers, and students, the GISIS LRIT module offers a clear and authoritative gateway into one of the most important background systems supporting modern maritime governance.
In an era of increasing traffic, security concerns, and environmental responsibility, long-range visibility is not optional—it is essential, and LRIT ensures that the global maritime community can see, coordinate, and act beyond the horizon.