Asociación Española de Marina Civil - NCSR 13 opens as IMO tackles next steps in navigation and communication

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has opened the 13th session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13), with Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighting seafarer safety, maritime communications and digital navigation.

Opening the session on 22 June, Dominguez linked the committee’s work to the upcoming Day of the Seafarer on 25 June, noting this year’s theme — “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks” — as a reminder of the challenges faced by seafarers operating in increasingly complex environments.

NCSR agenda focuses on navigation and communications transition

The five-day NCSR 13 session will address a range of issues shaping the future of maritime navigation, communication systems and search and rescue operations.

Among the key agenda items are proposals to amend existing ship routeing measures and reporting systems, an area that has attracted increasing attention due to growing operational and safety challenges.

The committee will also work on the IMO’s position ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027, with the finalisation of draft positions on relevant agenda items identified as a priority before consideration by the Maritime Safety Committee.

Key agenda items:

Routeing measures and ship reporting systems
Updates to the LRIT system
Developments in GMDSS services, including guidelines on maritime safety information (MSI)
Response to matters related to ITU-R Study Groups and the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference
Development of global maritime SAR services, including harmonisation of maritime and aeronautical procedures and amendments to the IAMSAR Manual
Development of guidelines for EPIRB, including implementation of the two-way communication service via the SAR/Galileo Return Link service as a complement to EPIRB performance standards (Resolution MSC.471(101))
Development of guidance for a framework on data distribution and global IP-based connectivity between shore-based facilities and ships for ECDIS S-100 products, including operational guidance for route exchange
Development of performance standards for dual frequency multi-constellation satellite-based augmentation systems (DFMC SBAS) and advanced receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (ARAIM) in shipborne radionavigation receivers
Development of a transition scheme for the introduction of digital technology for Very High Frequency (VHF) voice communications
Revision of performance standards for gyro-compasses (Resolution A.424(XI)) and guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for ships operating in polar waters (MSC.1/Circ.1612)
Development of performance standards for Ranging mode (R-mode) in radionavigation receivers
Unified interpretation of provisions of IMO safety, security, environmental, facilitation, liability and compensation-related conventions

ECDIS developments

A major focus of the session will be the continued development of digital navigation frameworks, including the S-100 data distribution framework, global IP-based connectivity for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), and operational guidance for digital route exchange.

These developments are expected to support the next generation of ECDIS installations from 2029, marking a significant step towards more connected and data-driven maritime operations.

Arsenio Dominguez also highlighted the introduction of digital VHF voice communications as a major milestone for maritime radio communications, calling for careful consideration of transitional arrangements to ensure a smooth implementation process.

The session marks the first time the NCSR Sub-Committee will operate under a five-day meeting format. Dominguez expressed confidence that the committee would maintain effective working practices and deliver outcomes despite the shorter schedule.

The session will be chaired by Joris Brouwers of the Netherlands.