906 Oil Spill Cleanup

Communications Equipment

The Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC) , the largest dedicated oil spill removal organization (OSRO) in the U.S., maintains advanced communications systems to ensure reliable voice, data, and radio connectivity during spill responses.

These tools support coordination between vessels, command centers, field teams, aerial surveillance, and Unified Command structures—especially in remote offshore, coastal, or disaster-affected areas where normal infrastructure may fail.

• Integrated satellite voice and data connectivity Provides broadband internet, VoIP telephony, and data transfer for mapping, reporting, and agency coordination (e.g., USCG, NOAA).
• VOIP telephony services Establishes temporary phone networks (scalable to dozens of lines) for command centers.
• Extensive command and control radio system Supports multi-frequency interoperable communications among responders, vessels, aircraft, and shore teams.

Satellite Systems: Satellite-based solutions deliver high-speed connectivity in remote or infrastructure-damaged areas, serving as the backbone for internet and voice during large-scale or offshore responses.

• AVL 1.2 M self-acquiring satellite systems Portable 1.2-meter auto-acquire dishes that automatically align for reliable broadband internet and voice services without existing infrastructure.
• Ku-Band stabilized satellite systems Used on Oil Spill Response Vessels (OSRVs) and in ECPs for primary voice and internet connectivity.
• Ka-Band satellite terminals Included in FirstNet CRDs and other packages for high-speed data in outage zones.

Cellular and FirstNet Solutions: >These units provide priority cellular coverage and Wi-Fi in areas with unreliable or no service, leveraging public safety networks for responders.

• FirstNet Compact Rapid Deployable Unit (CRD) Standalone "Cell on Wheels" (COW) that creates up to 1-mile Band 14 FirstNet cellular range and 1000' Wi-Fi coverage; includes integrated Ka-Band satellite backup for internet during outages.
• Cell repeaters / boosters Extend cellular signals in low-coverage coastal or marine environments.

Radio and Multiband Systems: Radio packages enable interoperable, tactical communications across VHF marine, land mobile, and command channels for vessel-to-vessel, air-to-ground, and field-to-command coordination.

• Multiband radio packages Handheld and vehicle-mounted radios supporting multiple frequencies/bands for seamless team integration.

Vessel-Based Command and Control Communications: Oil Spill Response Vessels (OSRVs) replicate full command center capabilities, allowing vessels to serve as floating hubs for coordination during at-sea operations.

• On-board vessel command and control systems Ku-Band satellite uplinks, radio networks, and integration with surveillance tools (e.g., radar, FLIR) for spill tracking and response management.

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