FURUNO FELCOM 18 Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station – Complete Marine Technical Guide

Product Identification

Manufacturer: Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

Country of Origin: Japan

Product Type: Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station (MES)

Model: FELCOM 18

Marine Application:

• GMDSS Communication
• Inmarsat-C Messaging
• LRIT Reporting
• SSAS (Ship Security Alert System)
• EGC SafetyNET Reception
• Distress Alert Communication
• Ship-to-Shore Data Communication

The FURUNO FELCOM 18 is a globally recognized Inmarsat-C terminal designed for merchant ships, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore vessels, fishing vessels, and government vessels requiring reliable satellite communication and GMDSS compliance.

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Product Introduction

The FURUNO FELCOM 18 is an advanced Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station that enables worldwide satellite communication through the Inmarsat network.

Unlike conventional radio systems, the FELCOM 18 provides reliable communication regardless of distance from shore. The system supports distress messaging, email transmission, telex communication, EGC SafetyNET services, polling, data reporting, LRIT reporting, and vessel security functions.

Actual FURUNO FELCOM 18 System

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What Is This Equipment?

The FELCOM 18 is an Inmarsat-C communication terminal that operates through geostationary satellites.

It provides:

• Worldwide satellite messaging
• Distress alert transmission
• Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
• LRIT vessel reporting
• Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
• Email communication
• Data reporting and polling

The system is fully compatible with GMDSS requirements and can be configured to meet international maritime safety regulations.

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Main Features

Global Satellite Coverage

Provides communication through the Inmarsat-C network.

Distress Alert Function

Dedicated distress alert capability for emergency situations.

EGC SafetyNET Reception

Receives navigational warnings, weather forecasts, and safety information.

LRIT Compatible

Supports Long Range Identification and Tracking requirements.

SSAS Capability

Supports Ship Security Alert System operation.

Email & Data Communication

Allows transmission and reception of email and digital messages.

SD Card Support

Used for data recording, backup, and software updates.

Optional Internal GPS

Supports automatic position reporting.

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Typical FELCOM 18 Components

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Main Components

Antenna Unit (IC-118)

Provides satellite communication link with Inmarsat satellites.

Terminal Unit (IC-218)

Main operating workstation with display and keyboard functions.

Junction Box (IC-318)

Interconnection point for system wiring.

Distress Alert Unit (IC-305)

Used to activate emergency distress messages.

Alarm Unit (IC-306)

Provides audible alarm indications.

Printer (Optional)

Prints received messages and safety information.

GPS Board Kit (Optional)

Provides automatic vessel position updates.

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Technical Specifications

Communication Services

• Inmarsat-C Messaging
• E-mail
• Telex
• SafetyNET
• FleetNET
• Polling
• Data Reporting

Display

10.4-inch color LCD display.

Recording Media

SD Memory Card.

Satellite Network

Inmarsat-C.

Position Reporting

GPS compatible.

Compliance

• GMDSS
• LRIT
• SSAS

Power Supply

12/24 VDC (depending on configuration).

 

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Shipboard Applications

Cargo Vessels

Primary GMDSS satellite communication.

Tankers

Emergency and routine communication.

Offshore Vessels

Remote communication support.

Fishing Vessels

Long-range operational communication.

Government Vessels

Security and tracking operations.

Research Ships

Global scientific communication support.

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Typical Onboard Installation

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Common Problems & Troubleshooting

Login Failure

Possible Causes

• Satellite synchronization issue
• Incorrect ocean region selection
• Communication interruption

Solution

• Verify satellite lock
• Confirm correct NCS selection
• Restart terminal and login again

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Distress Alert Not Available

Possible Causes

• System configuration issue
• GPS input failure
• Terminal fault

Solution

• Verify distress unit operation
• Check GPS position data
• Review system status menu

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No EGC Messages Received

Possible Causes

• Wrong ocean region
• Poor antenna visibility
• Configuration issue

Solution

• Verify EGC setup
• Check antenna orientation
• Confirm SafetyNET settings

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GPS Position Missing

Possible Causes

• GPS board fault
• External GPS communication failure

Solution

• Verify GPS connection
• Check NMEA communication

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Printer Failure

Possible Causes

• Paper jam
• Printer offline
• Communication error

Solution

• Replace paper roll
• Verify printer connection
• Restart printer system

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Maintenance Recommendations

Daily

• Verify satellite synchronization.
• Check distress alert status.

Weekly

• Review received SafetyNET messages.
• Inspect antenna condition.

Monthly

• Test communication functions.
• Verify LRIT reporting.

Quarterly

• Check all cable connections.
• Verify alarm unit operation.

Annual

• GMDSS survey.
• Satellite communication verification.
• Software update if required.

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Why Ships Still Use Inmarsat-C

Despite modern broadband satellite systems, Inmarsat-C remains mandatory and widely used because:

• Reliable distress communication
• Low operating cost
• Global maritime acceptance
• GMDSS compliance
• LRIT reporting capability
• Proven long-term reliability

For many vessels, Inmarsat-C remains one of the most critical emergency communication systems onboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is FELCOM 18 used for?

It is used for GMDSS communication, distress alerting, SafetyNET reception, email, LRIT, and SSAS operation.

Is FELCOM 18 GMDSS approved?

Yes, it was specifically designed for GMDSS applications.

Can FELCOM 18 send email?

Yes. It supports e-mail, telex, polling, and data communication.

Does FELCOM 18 support LRIT?

Yes, LRIT functionality is supported.

Does FELCOM 18 support SSAS?

Yes, optional SSAS alert units can be integrated.

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Short Product Description

The FURUNO FELCOM 18 is a professional Inmarsat-C Mobile Earth Station designed for global maritime communication, GMDSS compliance, LRIT reporting, and vessel security applications. Featuring satellite messaging, SafetyNET reception, distress alerting, and optional SSAS integration, the FELCOM 18 remains one of the most trusted Inmarsat-C systems installed aboard 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

SM MARINE SERVICE™ supplies FURUNO Inmarsat-C Systems, AIS, GPS, Radar, ECDIS, Gyro Compass, Navtex Receivers, VDR Systems, Satellite Communication Equipment, Marine Automation Equipment, and Navigation Spare Parts worldwide.

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