Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), 12th session, 13 – 22 May 2025

The Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) held its 12th session at IMO Headquarters in London (in-person with hybrid participation) from 13 to 22 May 2025. The meeting was chaired by Mr. J. Brouwers (Kingdom of the Netherlands), with Mr. C. Cerda Espejo (Chile) as Vice-Chair.    

• Secretary-General’s opening remarks / closing remarks   
• Photo gallery    

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Integrating VDES into SOLAS – draft amendments finalized 

The Sub-Committee agreed to draft amendments to chapter V and the appendix of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) introducing the VHF data exchange system (VDES) as an alternative shipborne navigational equipment and system to comply with the existing requirements of the automatic identification system (AIS). These will be submitted for approval by the Maritime Safety Committee at its upcoming session (MSC 110), with a view to adoption by MSC 111 in 2026 and entry into force on 1 January 2028. 

VDES is a radiocommunication system in the VHF maritime mobile band, capable of exchanging digital data between ships, ships and shore authorities and services, with minimal involvement of ship's personnel and higher data transmission rates than AIS by employing wider bandwidths and advanced modulation methods. VDES offers a high level of availability and security, using both terrestrial and satellite components (including AIS). 

The Sub-Committee also agreed to draft amendments to associated instruments and draft MSC resolutions on Performance standards for shipborne VDES and on Introduction of VDES, and a draft MSC circular on Guidelines for the operational use of VDES, which are also expected to be approved in conjunction with the aforementioned amendments to SOLAS. 

Dissemination of maritime safety information (MSI) – draft amendments to SOLAS finalized 

The Sub-Committee agreed on draft amendments to SOLAS regulations IV/5, V/4 and V/5 to clearly state the requirement for dissemination of maritime safety information and SAR-related (search and rescue) information through all operational recognized mobile satellite services.  

The draft amendments will be submitted to MSC 110 for approval, with a view to adoption by MSC 111 and entry into force on 1 January 2028. 

Alongside the amendments to SOLAS regulations IV/5, V/4 and V/5, the Sub-Committee also agreed to the draft revision of resolution MSC.509(105)/Rev.1 on Provision of Radio Services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), adding additional criteria for the provision of an international enhanced group call service in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).  

Ship routeing measures and ship reporting systems  

The Sub-Committee agreed on the following draft measures, with a view to adoption by MSC 111: 

• a new area to be avoided (ATBA) "off the coast of Réunion" in the Mascarene Basin, aiming at reducing the risk of maritime accidents, improving the safety of navigation and protecting the marine environment; 
• a revision of the existing mandatory ship reporting system "In the Adriatic Sea" (ADRIREP), expanding the existing system to improve maritime safety in the region and facilitating ship reporting requirements by using electronic means; and 
• amendments to existing mandatory ship reporting systems "In the Sound between Denmark and Sweden" (SOUNDREP) and "In the Storebælt (Great Belt) traffic area" (BELTREP), adding new reporting requirements to provide evidence of existence of insurance for maritime claims, as well as civil liability certificates.  

Matters related to ITU-R Study Groups and ITU World Radiocommunication Conference  

IMO works closely with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) on issues that concern maritime radiocommunication services. This long-term collaboration is supported by the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on Maritime Radiocommunication Matters which meets intersessionally on an annual basis. IMO submits a position paper for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) on matters concerning maritime services. In preparation for ITU WRC 27, the Sub-Committee finalized the draft IMO position on relevant WRC 27 agenda items, for approval by MSC 111. 

Guidelines on carriage and use of electronic nautical publications (ENP) system finalized 

The Sub-Committee finalized the draft MSC circular on Guidelines on carriage and use of electronic nautical publications (ENP) system, for approval by MSC 111. The new guidelines aim to promote the effective use of electronic nautical publications, covering aspects such as the general requirements for carriage and operation of ENP on board a vessel, adequate backup arrangements and power supply.  

Performance standards for BeiDou Satellite Navigation System revised 

The Sub-Committee agreed to the draft revised Performance standards for shipborne BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) receiver equipment (resolution MSC.379(93)), to be submitted with a view to adoption by MSC 111 in 2026. 

BDS is a satellite navigation system, independently developed and operated by China, that was recognized by IMO as a component of the World-Wide Radionavigation System (WWRNS) to assist in the navigation of ships in ocean waters. The revised performance standards enable maritime users to utilize improved services and would apply to BDS receiver equipment installed on or after 31 July 2028.  

Procedures and requirements for augmentation systems used in the Worldwide Radionavigation System – amendments developed 

The Sub-Committee agreed to draft amendments to the Worldwide radionavigation system (resolution A.1046(27)), introducing procedures and requirements for augmentation systems.  Augmentation systems provide corrections or additional data to GNSS signals, supporting safe and precise navigation, especially in congested or sensitive areas like harbours and coastal waters.  

The draft MSC resolution on Amendments to Worldwide radionavigation system revises the annex to resolution A.1046(27) and will be submitted with a view to adoption by MSC 111. 

Draft Guidelines for software maintenance of shipboard computer-based navigation and communication equipment and systems finalized 

The Sub-Committee finalized new guidelines for software maintenance of shipboard computer-based navigation and communication equipment and systems. The guidelines aim to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, safety and security of shipboard software maintenance events by introducing a standardized, controlled and transparent process. 

The draft MSC circular containing the guidelines will be submitted with a view to approval by MSC 111. 

Progress on digital navigation data system (NAVDAT) 

The Sub-Committee progressed its work towards introducing NAVDAT - a digital broadcasting system operating on selected medium and high frequency (MF and HF) bands – into the IMO regulatory framework. NAVDAT can communicate texts, images, graphs and data to compatible receiving equipment on ships, at speeds much higher than NAVTEX.    

Guidance for updating information on the Global SAR Plan finalized 

The Sub-Committee approved a COMSAR circular on Guidance for entering and updating information on search and rescue services into the Global SAR Plan and on how to get access to the information for operational use.  

SOLAS Contracting Governments are required to provide the IMO with details of their search and rescue (SAR) services and the delimitations of their SAR regions. The Global SAR Plan module in GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) allows Member States to submit and update this information using an authorized IMO account. The guidance explains how to update SAR data in GISIS and access it for operational use. 

Progress on the development of an IP-based S-100 data distribution framework 

The Sub-Committee progressed the development of guidance for establishing a framework for data distribution and global IP-based connectivity for shore-based facilities and ships supporting ECDIS S-100 products.  

S-100 is a new standard for digital marine data developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and used in systems like ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) to help ships navigate safely. It supports e-navigation by combining different types of information like depth, currents, and weather in one system, helping seafarers make better decisions and improving safety at sea. 

The Sub-Committee established a correspondence group to continue to progress the work intersessionally and report back to NCSR 13.  

Model training course validated 

The Sub-Committee validated Model Course 3.14 on SAR Mission Coordinator (IAMSAR Manual Volume II). The course provides specific training for those who may be designated to perform the duties and responsibilities of a search and rescue mission coordinator. 

The Sub-Committee established a review group on the revision of Model Course 3.15 on SAR On-scene Coordinator (IAMSAR Manual Volume III), with a view to validation at NCSR 14.