About Maritime Operations Centre
The Maritime Operations Centre is the 24-hour operational hub of the Bermuda Government's maritime support program. Various distinct
international safety and security responsibilities are overseen from a common facility where the use of specialist marine technology,
training and experience all combine to create a high degree of situational awareness, communications connectivity and ultimately -
timely decision making to support local and international operations.
Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC Bermuda)
Fulfilling international obligations to mariners and aviators requiring search and rescue support.
Vessel Traffic Coastal Radar Surveillance (VTS)
This serves as the backbone of the Bermuda Maritime Domain Awareness program and allows radar, AIS, radio direction finding and
electronic chart technologies to be combined on one platform to assist border control, search and rescue, environmental protection and port operations.
Coast Radio Station (Bermuda Radio, callsign ZBR)
This marine communications hub is interconnected with other Bermuda public safety agencies and fulfils regional communication obligations under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) where Bermuda has declared A1/A2 radio coverage in this area of the Atlantic. 24-hour watchkeeping on international distress frequencies and the dissemination of Marine Safety Information consisting of Notices to Mariners, Weather Forecasts and other Search and Rescue information all being broadcast around the clock in accordance with an international broadcast schedule. Navigational assistance to local and visiting recreational vessels and shipping traffic is provided on a case by case basis and port operations involving matters of pilotage and tugs also facilitated.
406 MHz Beacon Registry
Management of the database holding details on beacons fitted aboard Bermuda vessels and aircraft required to fit COSPAS/SARSAT 406 MHz beacons as well as advice on beacon programming also occurs at this facility. This is of direct benefit to Rescue Coordination Centre operations when an alert is detected and a response to a possible incident must be initiated based upon the beacon user information on file.
Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)
The global tracking of ships is an International Maritime Organisation requirement introduced in the last few years. Oversight of the Bermuda fleet sailing worldwide ensures that equipment faults aboard individual ships are quickly detected, and port state compliance issues avoided and of course remote monitoring of position data assists in genuine emergencies of whatever form. Access to position data from foreign flag vessels is also permitted under certain circumstances and this is extremely valuable for border security and search and rescue operations near our remote island.
Ship Security Alerting System (SSAS)
The Maritime Operations Centre will assist with testing of this specialist system and this service is available to Bermuda vessels on a pre-agreed basis at no charge. As a covert system, all other alerts received are considered genuine security alerts requiring verification and a potential operational response by authorities.
Seaport Security and the ISPS Code
The Centre serves as the Government hub for Bermuda seaport security coordination with the various Port Facility Security Officers in each port. Mandatory filing with Bermuda Radio of pre-arrival information from all SOLAS vessels calling at Bermuda is required 48 hours prior to entry into territorial waters. Each port has an individual security plan and security guard services for cruise terminals is also a Government contracted program. Security screening of all persons and goods embarking/loaded aboard ship is required under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and port security certification and oversight is ultimately a UK Government function delegated to the Governor of Bermuda.
