In 1976, the Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) was signed in London by representatives of the member countries. It was set up by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enable ships to stay in constant touch with shore or to call for help in an emergency, no matter how far out to sea. Operations began in 1982. On 15 Apr 1999, it transformed from an intergovernmental organization into a private company overseen by the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO). It now provides a global network using 11 satellites, offering mobile and fixed communications services for maritime, enterprise, government and aviation.«