Coast Guard announces implementation of Long Range Identification and Tracking System

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday that operation of the International Maritime Organization mandated Long Range Identification and Tracking System begins Dec. 31.

The Coast Guard also begins operating the U.S. National Data Center on that date. The U.S. National Data Center, in Martinsburg, W.Va., will be responsible for the collection, dissemination and management of all LRIT data submitted by U.S.-flagged vessels subject to LRIT regulations. The U.S. National Data Center also will collect foreign-flagged vessel LRIT information from other data centers. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, the Coast Guard will examine foreign and U.S. flagged vessels subject to LRIT regulations to determine the status of compliance.

The United States has also agreed to operate the International Data Exchange on an interim basis from Dec. 31, 2008, until Dec. 31, 2011. The International Data Exchange will be operated by the U.S. Coast Guard in Martinsburg, W.Va., serving as a global router for the LRIT system and connecting all LRIT data centers.

More information regarding LRIT may be found at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/lrit/default.htm.

U.S.-flagged vessel operators subject to Long Range Identification and Tracking regulations may view information on how to comply by following the domestic vessels links on the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Web site at http://homeport.uscg.mil.

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