NOTE
NEW EPA'S OFFICE. COMPRO Strefa A1 GMDSS
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COMPROEveryone who had the opportunity to participate in a rescue action is aware of the importance of efficient and reliable communication. This applies both to emergency communication and routine traffic between the vessels participating in the action and the rescue coordination centre. In many cases quick and reliable communication between different coordination centres in cooperating states is crucial.
The Polish Ship Salvage (Polskie Ratownictwo Okrętowe, PRO) is a specialized institution dedicated to protection and rescue of life at sea. The requirement of operating an extensive operational communication network was the reason for creation of the COMPRO system. The solution - provided by EPA - is a practical example of combination of standard radio, telecommunication and IT equipment in an integral network fulfilling many advanced functions. The basic functions include radio communication on maritime channels, positioning and current tracking of PRO vessels and selective calling to establish communication between the operator and PRO vessels. The system The COMPRO system is controlled from a computer command centre in the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Gdynia. The Centre supervises the system, allows for remote control of 7 Coast Stations (CS) and, through the Stations, for voice communication with PRO vessels. The system is based on voice transmission through telecommunication channels to Coast Stations and then radio channels to PRO units, and back. The Coast Stations are located to ensure full coverage of the Polish coastal waters. EPA experts selected the number of stations in a way ensuring uninterrupted communication even when one of the stations is damaged.
Radio communication within the COMPRO system is carried out on using two main VHF channels, dedicated only for PRO. One is used for voice communication, whereas the other for DSC (Digital Selective Calling) data transmission. The data transmission channel is also used to provide the vessel's position data. During rescue operations the communication is carried out the rescue channel (Channel 16) available to all participants. All PRO units have been equipped with VHF radios, DSC receivers and GPS satellite navigation systems. Such equipment allows for communicating on any maritime VHF channel (usually on PRO working channels), selective ship calling and on - line tracking of its position. Services supporting rescue PRO operations (such as Polish Navy helicopters and patrol aircraft, medical rescue helicopters) are equipped with maritime radios, what allows for direct coordination of operations by the directing MRCC officer. Summary EPA commenced design works on the COMPRO system at the beginning of 1193. The system has been fully commissioned in mid - 1995. Everyday operation of the system proves legitimacy of the assumptions being the basis for its creation. Therefore, EPA envisages future development of the system and creation of integrated rescue operations command centres basing on the COMPRO network and PRO IT systems.
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