FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Terminal | Satellite Communication System | Marine GMDSS Equipment | SM MARINE SERVICE™
FURUNO FELCOM 15 INMARSAT-C TERMINAL
Manufacturer Information
Manufacturer: Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.
Country of Origin: Japan
Equipment Type: Inmarsat-C Satellite Communication Terminal
Marine Application: GMDSS, Ship-to-Shore Communication, SafetyNET & Fleet Messaging
Product Introduction
The FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Terminal is one of the most widely used maritime satellite communication systems installed onboard commercial vessels worldwide.
Designed to meet international GMDSS requirements, the FELCOM 15 enables vessels to send and receive satellite messages, distress alerts, SafetyNET broadcasts, fleet communications, and operational reports regardless of vessel location.
The equipment is approved for worldwide maritime operations and remains a trusted solution for ship owners, technical managers, and marine communication engineers.
The system is commonly installed onboard:
- Cargo Ships
- Bulk Carriers
- Container Vessels
- Oil Tankers
- Chemical Tankers
- Offshore Support Vessels
- Passenger Ships
- Government & Naval Vessels
What Is FURUNO FELCOM 15?
The FELCOM 15 is a satellite communication terminal operating through the Inmarsat-C network.
The system provides:
- Ship-to-Shore Messaging
- Shore-to-Ship Messaging
- Distress Alert Transmission
- SafetyNET Reception
- FleetNET Reception
- Position Reporting
- E-mail Communication
- GMDSS Communication Functions
Unlike standard radio communication systems, the FELCOM 15 uses satellite communication technology, allowing vessels to remain connected worldwide.
Main Features
Global Satellite Coverage
Provides worldwide communication through the Inmarsat satellite network.
GMDSS Compliance
Approved for use as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
Distress Alert Function
Allows immediate distress alert transmission during emergency situations.
SafetyNET Reception
Automatically receives:
- Navigational Warnings
- Meteorological Warnings
- Search and Rescue Information
- Maritime Safety Information
Fleet Communication
Supports communication between vessels and company fleet management centers.
Automatic Position Reporting
Can transmit vessel position reports automatically.
Reliable Marine Construction
Built to withstand harsh marine environments and long-term vessel operation.
Main Components
1. IC-115 Antenna Unit
The antenna receives and transmits satellite communication signals.
2. Communication Terminal
Used for message handling, monitoring, and communication management.
3. Distress Alert Unit
Provides emergency distress transmission capability.
4. Communication Processor
Processes all communication and satellite network functions.
5. Power Supply System
Provides stable power for continuous operation.
Applications
The FELCOM 15 is used for:
- GMDSS Operations
- Distress Alerting
- SafetyNET Reception
- Fleet Communication
- Ship Reporting
- Weather Information Reception
- Maritime Safety Messaging
- Ship Management Reporting
The system remains mandatory equipment on many SOLAS vessels operating internationally.
Importance of Inmarsat-C Onboard Ships
The Inmarsat-C terminal is one of the most important communication systems onboard commercial vessels.
Without a properly functioning Inmarsat-C system:
- Distress Alerting Capability Is Reduced
- GMDSS Compliance May Be Affected
- SafetyNET Information Cannot Be Received
- Fleet Communication May Be Interrupted
- Maritime Safety Information May Be Missed
For this reason, marine communication equipment receives regular inspections and testing during vessel operations.
Common Problems & Troubleshooting
No Satellite Connection
Possible Causes:
- Antenna Failure
- Obstructed Sky View
- Communication Module Problem
Solution:
- Inspect Antenna Condition
- Verify Satellite Visibility
- Check Communication Settings
Distress Alert Failure
Possible Causes:
- Power Supply Issue
- Communication Fault
- Configuration Error
Solution:
- Verify Power Supply
- Check Terminal Status
- Perform System Testing
SafetyNET Not Receiving Messages
Possible Causes:
- Incorrect Configuration
- Antenna Signal Problem
- Software Error
Solution:
- Verify Reception Settings
- Check Antenna Signal
- Restart Communication Terminal
Position Report Failure
Possible Causes:
- GPS Input Failure
- Communication Configuration Error
- Interface Problem
Solution:
- Verify GPS Connection
- Check NMEA Input Data
- Inspect Communication Ports
Terminal Not Starting
Possible Causes:
- Fuse Failure
- Power Supply Fault
- Internal Hardware Failure
Solution:
- Inspect Power Circuit
- Check Input Voltage
- Verify Fuse Condition
Maintenance Tips
Marine engineers should regularly inspect:
- Antenna Condition
- Cable Integrity
- Satellite Signal Strength
- GPS Input Status
- Distress Alert Function
- SafetyNET Reception
- Communication Logs
- Alarm History
Proper maintenance improves:
- Communication Reliability
- Safety Compliance
- Equipment Lifespan
- Operational Performance
Why Ships Still Use FURUNO FELCOM 15
The FELCOM 15 remains popular throughout the maritime industry because of:
- Proven Reliability
- Global Inmarsat Coverage
- GMDSS Approval
- Easy Maintenance
- Long Operational Life
- Worldwide Spare Parts Support
Many commercial vessels continue operating FELCOM 15 systems due to their excellent reliability and proven performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of the FELCOM 15?
The FELCOM 15 provides satellite communication, distress alerting, SafetyNET reception, and GMDSS communication functions.
Is the FELCOM 15 GMDSS approved?
Yes. It is designed to meet international GMDSS requirements.
Does the system require GPS input?
Yes. GPS information is commonly used for position reporting and distress alert functions.
Can the system receive weather warnings?
Yes. Through SafetyNET broadcasts, the system receives maritime safety and weather information.
Do you supply refurbished units?
Yes. SM MARINE SERVICE™ can supply New, Used, Refurbished, and Reconditioned units depending on stock availability.
Short Product Description
The FURUNO FELCOM 15 Inmarsat-C Terminal is a professional satellite communication and GMDSS system designed for worldwide maritime communication, distress alerting, SafetyNET reception, and fleet messaging. It remains one of the most trusted communication systems used onboard commercial vessels worldwide.
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Marine Automation & Navigation Equipment Supplier
Available Condition
• New Equipment
• Used Equipment
• Refurbished Equipment
• Reconditioned Equipment
Stock Location
• Bangladesh
• China
Services
• Worldwide Shipping
• Technical Support
• Spare Parts Supply
• Marine Equipment Sourcing
Contact Information
SM MARINE SERVICE™
Samir Market, DT Road, Pahartali, beside CDA Market, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Mobile / WhatsApp / Viber: +88 01818 929292
Email: info@smmarineservice.com
Website: www.smmarineservice.com
User Manual & Technical Resources
Product Manual
Download PDF Click Here