The LRIT IDE is part of the global ship Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system designed and developed under the coordination of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The overall purpose of LRIT is maritime security and safety. The LRIT system provides the functionality to request and receive position reports from ships with worldwide coverage. The system has been operational since 1 July 2009.

The LRIT network is composed of the LRIT Cooperative Data Centres that are in charge of collecting and making available ship position reports. The LRIT IDE is the central module of the LRIT network that interconnects all LRIT Cooperative Data Centres. The LRIT IDE makes it possible for LRIT users worldwide to request and receive LRIT position reports from ships in an effective and timely manner.

The LRIT IDE is also responsible for broadcasting search and rescue (SAR) requests to all LRIT Cooperative Data Centres in order to provide SAR services with a complete maritime picture of all ships sailing in the vicinity of people in distress.