Maritime Administration's Satellite Communications Program: Is It Still Needed?
Abstract
The Maritime Administration needs to identify and demonstrate specific benefits that exceed the Government's costs for continuing the satellite communications services offered shippers. The continuing development of maritime satellite communications-related technology by the Maritime Administration is questionable because this technology is now available commercially. Findings/Conclusions: Many shipping companies have stated that the costs for procuring, installing, and operating shipboard satellite communications equipment are too high for them to independently finance these operations, especially since it has not been demonstrated that the potential benefits of satellite communications and related data processing could offset these costs. Recommendations: The Secretary of Commerce should direct the Assistant Secretary for Maritime Affairs to: undertake a cost-benefit analysis of the satellite program: to determine the value to the U.S. shipping industry using the satellite communications and the available fleet management computer programs; demonstrate these benefits to the shipping industry if they can be shown to offset the equivalent commercial or Government costs for these services; correct promptly management deficiencies with emphasis on the development or and adherence to a master plan and requisite management controls and the method by which the Kings Point Center's functions can be turned over to private industry; and terminate the satellite program unless the first two recommendations can be fully achieved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 1977
- Accession Number
- AD1121492
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office