Icom provides unique MMSI numbers for tenders

Icom has announced a firmware upgrade for its MA-510TR Class B AIS transponder, which allows operators to equip transponders to their fleet of tenders with unique MMSI numbers. Icom says it is the first manufacturer to have this facility available on a Class B Transponder.

The upgrade gives the operator the ability to be able to track tenders and safety boats that are assigned to a mother ship. For instance, a cruise ship might have some tenders to take guests ashore. The operator may want to know where they are. The MA-510TR enables them to use the unique MMSI assigned to the tender or lifeboat.

Icom says this will be beneficial to cruise ships, superyachts, research vessels and any larger commercial vessel that needs to identify the whereabouts of its tender. In the past, this could only be done with Class A, but now the upgrade means it can happen with the Class B MA-510TR Transponder.

This upgrade will be incorporated on all new MA-510TR from Icom UK. Clients with an existing MA-510TR can contact Icom UK to arrange upgrading for a nominal fee.