E-navigation can offer enhanced safety, better environmental protection, improved traffic management and commercial benefits; and both the technological advances and the advantages they can bring are continuing to evolve. That was the message from IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim in his keynote speech to the International E-Navigation Underway conference
The International E-Navigation Underway conference organized by IALA and the Danish Maritime Authority, held aboard a passenger ferry, at sea on February 2, 2016. The event focused on technical developments and far-reaching initiatives into viable solutions for the shipping industry. Both shipboard and shore-side technologies were showcased, as well as the related training and human-element aspects that are essential if they are to be effective.
”The aim of e-navigation is to meet present and future user needs through the harmonization of marine navigation systems and supporting shore services; and the overall goal is to improve safety of navigation and to reduce errors by equipping users, on ships and ashore, with modern, proven tools, optimized for good decision-making, to make maritime navigation and communication more reliable and user-friendly.” explained Mr Lim in his speech.
IMO Secretary- General referred to the development and the implementation strategy for e-navigation which completed in 2012. This gave rise to the identification of nine potential e-navigation solutions. Further analysis led to the following five priority solutions which formed the basis of the e-navigation Strategy Implementation Plan, or SIP, finalized in 2013 and later approved by the Maritime Safety Committee in 2015.
- improved, harmonized and user-friendly bridge design
- the means for standardized and automated reporting
- improved reliability, resilience and integrity of bridge equipment and navigation information
- integration and presentation of available information in graphical displays, received via communication equipment
- and improved communication of the VTS service portfolio
The SIP contains a list of 17 tasks emanating from the five prioritized e-navigation solutions. These, it has been agreed, should be implemented between 2016 and 2019. Last year, the Maritime Safety Committee considered a number of proposals and agreed to include five new outputs in IMO’s High-level Action Plan under the heading “Development and implementation of e-navigation”.
The three first are:
- Additional modules to the Revised Performance Standards for Integrated Navigation Systems relating to the harmonization of bridge design and display of information
- Revised Guidelines and criteria for ship reporting systems
- Guidelines for the harmonized display of navigation information received via communications equipment
Mr Lim said that these three tasks are to be considered during the IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue in March this year.
” Of vital importance here is the need for harmonization in all of these areas – for example, harmonization of data formats, of the symbols used, and harmonization between equipment, systems and interfaces. This will, of course, require a coordinated approach between international organizations and the industry. Indeed the important role of the industry in the design and development of equipment and systems cannot be overestimated.” he explained
He also highlighted that the software developed for the equipment and systems of the future is absolutely vital.
”Good software can help ensure proper harmonization across platforms and holds the key to cyber-security – securing and protecting the information that is being processed.” Mr Kitack Lim added.
Source & Image Credit: IMO
