These messages are safety updates that were transmitted by satellite to the ships at sea.

Reading these messages is an unconventional but fun way to learn geography. Look up place names on Wikipedia. Visit the provided web addresses. Do a Google search for the vessels mentioned. Try to locate transmission facilities on Google Earth. Deduce where the major offshore oil fields are by observing the mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) locations. Use Google Street View to find the lighthouses. Seismic survey areas are where oil companies are prospecting for hydrocarbons. Learn about the importance of submarine communications cables. Go to YouTube and do a search for “life aboard a seismic vessel.” Discover an off-the-beaten-path place to take your next vacation.

We’re glad you found us. Find a comfortable spot, take a sip of coffee and come take a virtual sea cruise.

Technical Information

The messages enumerated on this web site were transmitted through the Inmarsat Enhanced Group Call service. This site posts messages from the Atlantic Ocean Region – East (AOR-E) and Atlantic Ocean Region – West (AOR-W) satellites.