MRMRCC Undergoes Major Equipment Upgrade to Enhance Safety and Compliance
The Monrovia Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRMRCC), a regional maritime Search and Rescue hub in West Africa, is undergoing major upgrades as the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) begins the installation of advanced equipment. This development marks a major step in ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities across five West African countries: Liberia, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire.
This initiative is expected to bring the facility into full compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and enhance its capacity to effectively respond to maritime emergencies across the region. Key improvements include the replacement of the aging 6224 VHF Coastal Radio with the advanced 7224 VHF model, enabling short- and long-range communication up to 600 nautical miles. This marine radio technology ensures instant connectivity between vessels in distress and the rescue center, offering a vital lifeline during emergencies. In addition to communication enhancements, the radios provide 24/7 access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather updates, a critical tool for enhancing navigational safety.
Additionally, New Explorer 700 satellite system has been installed to maintain command and control during emergencies, even when conventional communication networks fail. Complementing this is the Inmarsat-C system, a text-based satellite communication tool offering global ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship, and inter-ship connectivity. The system supports data exchange, including weather updates and emails, and complies with IMO’s Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) standards for Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS).
The upgrade also includes seven handheld short-range radios for staff use and the addition of new receivers for enhanced communication. The MRMRCC, which serves Liberia and neighboring countries Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast, will now operate six fully functional workstations, up from two. This expanded capacity is supported by the creation of a dedicated situation room and an upgraded equipment room, replacing the single-room setup previously in place.
According Mr. Dehcorti C. Karmo, Acting Technical Supervisor assigned at the center, the first stage of the installation will be completed today, with the second phase scheduled for completion next week. Once finalized, the upgrades will allow simultaneous communication with distress vessels, rescue teams, and aeronautical units, ensuring swift and coordinated responses to emergencies in the region’s maritime domain.
As one of five search and rescue centers on the African continent, the enhanced MRMRCC plays a critical role in maritime safety across the region.
These improvements highlight Liberia’s commitment to maritime safety, affirming LiMA’s commitment to global maritime excellence.
Source : LiMA
