Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), 4th session, 6-10 March 2017

Modernization of global maritime distress and safety system continues

Work to review and update the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) continued during the fourth session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR).

A draft Modernization Plan of the GMDSS was completed, for submission to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for approval. The plan envisages the development of amendments to SOLAS and related instruments for approval in 2021 and their adoption in 2022, with entry into force in 2024. 

The aim is to eventually adopt a revised and updated SOLAS chapter IV, enabling the use of modern communication systems in the GMDSS, while removing the requirement to carry obsolete systems, at the same time maintaining the requirements for ships to carry specified terrestrial and satellite radiocommunications equipment for sending and receiving distress alerts and maritime safety information, as well as for other communications.

While the modernization plan does not envisage new carriage requirements for ships, the revised GMDSS is expected to provide for the introduction of new services and systems, such as other terrestrial communications using digital technologies for broadcasting maritime safety and security related information from shore-to-ship, and for enhanced and more reliable Search and Rescue capabilities by, for example, including the Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR system.

The modernization plan also proposes the review of related regulations in other SOLAS chapters, including SOLAS chapter III (life-saving appliances), for example in relation to search and rescue transponders, and the incorporation of maritime security communications in SOLAS chapter IV.  

Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee developed draft amendments to SOLAS chapter IV and its appendix to accommodate additional mobile satellite services within the GMDSS. Draft new Performance Standards for a ship earth station for use in the GMDSS were also agreed. The Iridium mobile-satellite system has applied for recognition and use in the GMDSS.

A correspondence group was established to work on the GMDSS modernization, including preparing draft revisions of SOLAS chapters III and IV and a work plan for the related and consequential amendments to other existing instruments.

Ships routeing systems approved 
The Sub-Committee approved the following new and amended ships' routeing measures, for submission to the MSC for adoption:
 
Amendments to existing traffic separation schemes (TSSs) and associated measures
• amendments to the existing Long Sand Head two-way route and SUNK Inner precautionary area in the traffic separation scheme "In the SUNK area and in the Northern approaches to the Thames Estuary" (United Kingdom).

Other routeing measures
• establishment of a new recommended route "Off the western coast of Izu O Shima Island" (Japan);
• establishment of a new area to be avoided "Off Peninsula de Osa in the Pacific coast off Costa Rica" (Costa Rica);
• establishment of a new area to be avoided as an associated protective measure for the "Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) in the Sulu Sea" (the Philippines).

Development and implementation of e-navigation
The Sub-Committee moved forward with the work on e-navigation.

Automation encouraged in ship reporting systems – revised guidelines agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed draft amendments to the Revised Guidelines and criteria for ship reporting systems (resolution MSC.43(64)), addressing mandatory ship reporting systems established in accordance with SOLAS regulation V/11. The revisions update the resolution and encourage the use and recognition of automated electronic means of ship reporting. 

Activation of the IMO-IHO Harmonization Group on Data Modelling
The Sub-Committee agreed to propose to the MSC the activation of the IMO-International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Harmonization Group on Data Modelling (HGDM). The group would be activated to support the development of e-navigation by harmonizing data formats and structures of Maritime Service Portfolios that fall under the remit of IMO and IHO. The Terms of Reference for the HGDM will be considered by the MSC. 

Draft Guidelines for Position, Navigation and Timing data processing agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed draft guidelines for shipborne Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) data processing to support the harmonization and improvement of onboard PNT data processing. The purpose of the guidelines is to enhance the safety and efficiency of navigation by improved provision of position, navigation and timing (PNT) data to bridge teams (including pilots) and shipboard applications (e.g. AIS, ECDIS, etc.).

Preparation of plans for search and rescue – updated guidelines agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed draft revisions to update MSC.1/Circ.1079 on Guidelines for preparing plans for cooperation between search and rescue services and passenger ships.

Placement of sidelights – unified interpretation agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed a draft unified Interpretation on application of the COLREGs with respect to the placement of side lights as an interim measure, ahead of a future revision of the COLREGs.
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