Tag: navigation

Assisting mariners in the proper entry of AIS data The US Coast Guard (USCG) issued an AIS Encoding Guide to assist mariners in the proper entry of AIS data.AIS is a valuable navigation safety radio communication tool. However, its usefulness is undermined by the broadcast of inaccurate, improper or outdated data.Mariners are reminded that U.S. regulation requires that each AIS be maintained in effective operating condition, which includes accurate input and upkeep of AIS data parameters. Continual failure to do so may subject a vessel to civil penalties; to avoid such action AIS users should ensure their system is up-to-date and encoded according to the guide.Things to be notedDynamic Data should be provided via systems that are type-certified, properly installed, maintained and operational.Safety-Related Text Messaging should be short, concise, and used only to exchange pertinent navigation safety-related information.Static Data should reflect the vessels official radio license or documentation, be inputted at installation, and be password protected.Voyage Related Data should be inputted as necessary to always indicate up to date conditions.You may view the guide by clicking below:Source: USCG Navigation Center

Two new placards have been added to the West of England Club's Radar Best Practice series of Loss Prevention placards

New normative references for the type approval of ECDIS The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has published new versions of some of its ECDIS Standards. These have been reviewed and updated to reflect lessons learned from earlier reports of unexpected chart behaviour in some ECDIS.The updated versions of the Standards are a significant contribution by the IHO to supporting navigational safety by ensuring that all identified ambiguities and inconsistencies relating to the display of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) in ECDIS have been resolved.The IHO has published the following new editions:IHO Specifications for Chart Content and Display Aspects of ECDIS S-52 Edition 6.1 - October 2014IHO Presentation Library S-52 Annex A Edition 4.0- October 2014IHO Test Data Sets for ECDIS S-64 Edition 3.0 - December 2014IHO Data Protection Scheme S-63 Edition 1.2 - January 2015Commenting on the updated IHO Standards, Robert Ward, President of the IHO, said: When the various parts of the revised Standards have been implemented by ENC producers, ECDIS manufacturers and ECDIS testing authorities, it will result in an improved ECDIS experience for the mariner.The updated IHO Standards include a number of changes that will bring significant benefits to the mariner. Discussing these changes, Thomas Mellor, Chairman of the ...

IHO launches ENC datasets for ECDIS performance check

China MSA announces Ship Routing System and Ship Reporting System at Xiamen Port

EU has decided to contribute with 21 million to the Sea Traffic Management Validation Project, a Motorways of the Sea project.

AMSA issues Marine Notice AMSA has identified a number of instances where deep draught vessels may have transited very close to the charted position of OG Rock in the Prince of Wales Channel.For deep draught vessels the practice of transiting close to, or over, the charted position of OG Rock may increase risk, lead to a breach of AMSA's stipulated under keel clearance limit or, in the worst case scenario, lead to a vessel grounding.To assist deep draught vessels navigate in and around this area, AMSA has established a virtual' AIS Aid to Navigation (AtoN). A virtual AIS AtoN is an AtoN that can be displayed on vessel's navigation displays for a location where no actual physical aid to navigation exists.The virtual AIS AtoN readily and clearly indicates the charted position of OG Rock on navigational displays to assist Mariners keep deep draught vessels well clear of OG Rock and to avoid accidental breaches of Under Keel Clearance limits as stipulated in Marine Order 54.The virtual AIS AtoN appears in position (WGS84) 10 degrees 29.865 South; 142 degrees 20.753 East. This should display on vessels' ECDIS / Minimum Keyboard Displays / AIS equipment as a virtual Special Mark. The AIS ...

AMSA issues Marine Notice The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a Marine Notice to remind masters, skippers, watchkeepers and all other personnel involved in the operation of vessels about the importance of adhering to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (known as the Collision Regulations or COLREGs). This Notice also provides guidance for fishing vessels, yachts, barges and towing vessels to reduce the risk of collisions at sea.Application of COLREGsThe COLREGs apply to all vessels including barges, tugs, yachts, both commercial and recreational fishing vessels and all types of cargo and passenger vessels whether underway or at anchor. These regulations are applicable in all navigable waters, from inland waters to the high seas. The Navigation Act 2012 and Marine Order 30 (Prevention of Collisions) implements the COLREGs for Australian vessels and for other vessels operating in Australian waters. Contravention of COLREGs may jeopardise the safety of life at sea and constitutes an offence, for which substantial penalties may apply1.The COLREGs recognise the limitations associated with the navigation of different types of vessels in different waterways. For example, larger vessels may not be able to reduce speed quickly and will often require more sea-room to slow down ...

The Republic of Liberia has issued Marine Security Advisory to heighten awareness onboard ships making calls into ports and or anchorages in the State of Libya. Coastal navigation should be avoided to the extent possible.

Two new placards have been added to the West of England Club's Radar Best Practice series