By By Alphanso G. Kalama
Monrovia, Liberia – The Monrovia Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRMRCC), a pivotal hub for maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in West Africa, is set for a major technological upgrade, strengthening the region’s emergency response capabilities and aligning with global safety standards.
As part of an ambitious initiative spearheaded by the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), the MRMRCC is undergoing a significant overhaul, with the installation of state-of-the-art equipment designed to enhance safety and ensure compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. These upgrades are expected to boost the center’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies across five countries: Liberia, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Key to the improvements is the replacement of the aging 6224 VHF Coastal Radio with the advanced 7224 VHF model, which extends communication range up to 600 nautical miles. This new system allows the MRMRCC to maintain reliable, real-time contact with distressed vessels, ensuring quicker and more effective rescues. Additionally, the upgraded radios provide continuous access to NOAA weather updates, vital for the safe navigation of ships in the region.
In a further leap toward modernizing its communication infrastructure, the MRMRCC has installed the New Explorer 700 satellite system. This addition guarantees uninterrupted command and control during emergencies, even when traditional communication networks are unavailable. Complementing this system is the Inmarsat-C satellite communication tool, which enables text-based ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship, and inter-ship communication. This tool also ensures compliance with the IMO’s Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), supporting vital functions such as Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS).
The facility is also seeing a major expansion in operational capacity. Seven new handheld short-range radios have been introduced for staff use, along with updated receivers for improved communication clarity. The MRMRCC’s workstations are being increased from two to six, providing more space and resources to handle multiple emergency situations simultaneously. In addition, a dedicated situation room and a more advanced equipment room have been established, replacing the former single-room setup.
According to Mr. Dehcorti C. Karmo, the Acting Technical Supervisor at the MRMRCC, the first stage of the installation is set to be completed today, with the second phase expected to wrap up by next week. “These upgrades will enable us to communicate seamlessly with vessels in distress, rescue teams, and aeronautical units, ensuring faster, more coordinated responses to maritime emergencies,” Karmo said.
The MRMRCC is one of five such centers in Africa, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the maritime environment and protecting lives at sea. These significant improvements underscore Liberia’s commitment to enhancing maritime safety, bolstering its position as a leader in the region’s maritime sector, and reinforcing LiMA’s dedication to international maritime excellence.
