Protecting communication channels – Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

Many rumors have sprung up regarding the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 last week.  Until the black boxes on-board 370 can be detected and recovered intact for analysis, the lack of information will continue to fuel speculation.

The purpose of relating Flight 370 to this week’s post is to also bring to attention the scenario of complete data blackouts and low recovery potentials for the offshore energy industry even though many maritime vessels and subsea installations operate close enough to a home hub or carry enough logistics to maintain regular communications traffic.  However, if smaller vessels are called to operate further away from home bases or logistical support (such as the arctic), what policies and practices are in discussion so that incidents such as Flight 370 does not happen?