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1.5 Different Classes of Inmarsat-C MES
Different Classes of Inmarsat C MES are manufactured as below. The FELCOM12
belongs to class 2 MES.
Class 1 MES
This may be used only for ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship message transfer and distress
alerting, but is not able to receive EGC messages.
Transmitter Receiver
Message Processor
Inm-C Antenna
Class 1 (no EGC)
Class 2 MES
This is capable of two modes of operation (selectable by the operator):
1. As Class 1, and also capable of receiving EGC messages when not engaeged in
Inmarsat-C traffic.
2. Ready for EGC reception exclusively, (and not available in that mode for Inmarsat-C
message transfer).
Transmitter Receiver
Message Processor EGC Message Processor
Inm-C Antenna
Class 2
Class 3 MES
This has two independent receivers, one capable of two-way Inmarsat-C message transfer,
the other capable of receiving EGC messages. So this class makes possible the
independent simultaneous operation of both modes, via the one MES.
In addition to the above classes, Figure 8-1 shows that EGC receives may be fitted as
listed below.
Transmitter Receiver
Message Processor EGC Message Processor
EGC Receiver
Inm-C Antenna
Class 3