Furuno FELCOM 16 Inmarsat-C Terminal – Complete Technical Guide for Marine Satellite Communications

Product Identification

Manufacturer: Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

Country of Origin: Japan

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

Marine Application:

• GMDSS Communications
• SafetyNET Reception
• Fleet Communications
• Distress Alerting
• Ship Position Reporting
• Email & Text Messaging
• LRIT Support
• Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

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Product Introduction

Reliable communication is one of the most critical requirements aboard any commercial vessel. Even when ships operate thousands of miles from shore, they must remain capable of sending distress alerts, receiving navigational warnings, and communicating with shore authorities.

The Furuno FELCOM 16 is a compact Inmarsat-C satellite communication terminal designed specifically for maritime operations. It provides worldwide satellite communication coverage through the Inmarsat network and supports numerous GMDSS requirements.

The system became one of the most widely installed Inmarsat-C terminals on merchant vessels, tankers, bulk carriers, offshore vessels, and government ships worldwide.

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Furuno FELCOM 16 System Overview

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What Is the Furuno FELCOM 16?

The Furuno FELCOM 16 is a satellite communication terminal that operates through the Inmarsat-C network.

Unlike voice communication systems, Inmarsat-C primarily handles:

• Distress Alerts
• Text Messaging
• Email Communications
• Telex Services
• SafetyNET Broadcast Reception
• Position Reporting
• Data Transmission

The equipment continuously communicates with Inmarsat satellites, allowing ships to maintain communication almost anywhere in the world.

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Typical Shipboard Installation

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Main Features

Global Satellite Coverage

Provides communication through the Inmarsat satellite network.

GMDSS Compliance

Supports mandatory GMDSS communication requirements for SOLAS vessels.

Distress Alert Function

Allows emergency distress messages to be transmitted to rescue coordination centers.

SafetyNET Reception

Receives Maritime Safety Information (MSI) including:

• Weather Warnings
• Navigational Warnings
• SAR Information
• Piracy Alerts
• Ice Reports

Store-and-Forward Messaging

Messages are securely transmitted through satellite networks.

Position Reporting

Supports automatic vessel position reporting.

Compact System Architecture

Designed with minimal installation requirements.

Reliable Operation

Built specifically for continuous marine service.

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System Components

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Main Components

Antenna Unit

The satellite antenna receives and transmits signals to Inmarsat satellites.

Communication Unit

Processes incoming and outgoing satellite communications.

Terminal Interface

Provides operator access to messages and system functions.

Distress Alert Unit

Dedicated emergency alert transmission capability.

GPS Interface

Provides position information to the communication system.

Power Supply Unit

Provides stable operating voltage.

Data Interface Modules

Allow integration with navigation and monitoring systems.

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Applications Onboard Ships

GMDSS Operations

Mandatory communication equipment for SOLAS vessels.

Maritime Safety Information

Reception of:

• NAVAREA Warnings
• Meteorological Warnings
• Search & Rescue Information

Fleet Management

Communication with company headquarters.

Position Monitoring

Regular reporting of vessel position.

Emergency Communications

Distress and urgency message transmission.

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

Supports international vessel tracking requirements.

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Satellite Communication Network

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Common Problems & Troubleshooting

No Satellite Connection

Possible Causes

• Antenna obstruction
• Damaged RF cable
• Antenna failure
• Satellite acquisition problem

Troubleshooting

• Check antenna visibility
• Inspect cable connections
• Verify antenna status indicators
• Restart communication unit

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Distress Alert Failure

Possible Causes

• Incorrect MMSI
• GPS position unavailable
• Communication fault

Troubleshooting

• Verify vessel data
• Check GPS input
• Inspect distress panel wiring

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Unable to Receive SafetyNET Messages

Possible Causes

• Incorrect NAVAREA selection
• Reception settings error

Troubleshooting

• Check EGC configuration
• Verify satellite coverage
• Review message filter settings

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Position Reports Not Updating

Possible Causes

• GPS failure
• NMEA communication loss

Troubleshooting

• Verify GPS operation
• Inspect NMEA interfaces
• Check data configuration

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Printer or Message Output Failure

Possible Causes

• Printer malfunction
• Interface problem

Troubleshooting

• Check printer status
• Verify communication ports
• Inspect message settings

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Maintenance Tips

Daily Checks

• Verify terminal status.
• Confirm satellite lock.
• Check SafetyNET reception.

Weekly Checks

• Review message logs.
• Verify GPS position input.

Monthly Checks

• Inspect antenna cables.
• Check connectors for corrosion.

Quarterly Checks

• Verify distress alert system operation.
• Perform communication tests.

Annual Maintenance

• Full GMDSS survey inspection.
• Antenna integrity verification.
• Software and configuration review.

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Why Ships Still Use the Furuno FELCOM 16

Although newer satellite systems are available today, many vessels continue to operate the FELCOM 16 because of:

• Proven reliability
• Global Inmarsat coverage
• SOLAS compliance
• Simple operation
• Long service life
• Low maintenance requirements
• Strong Furuno support network

Thousands of vessels worldwide still rely on FELCOM series terminals for essential satellite communication services.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Furuno FELCOM 16 used for?

It is an Inmarsat-C satellite communication terminal used for GMDSS, SafetyNET, messaging, and distress communications.

Does FELCOM 16 support GMDSS requirements?

Yes. It was designed specifically for maritime GMDSS operations.

Can it receive SafetyNET broadcasts?

Yes. It supports Enhanced Group Call (EGC) SafetyNET reception.

Does the system require GPS input?

Yes. GPS position information is required for several functions including distress alerting.

Is the FELCOM 16 still used onboard ships?

Yes. Many commercial vessels continue operating FELCOM 16 systems worldwide.

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Short Product Description

The Furuno FELCOM 16 is a professional Inmarsat-C satellite communication terminal designed for GMDSS operations, SafetyNET reception, distress alerting, vessel tracking, and worldwide maritime communication. Its proven reliability and global satellite coverage have made it one of the most trusted marine communication systems ever installed aboard commercial vessels.

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

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