Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 12) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 12TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE (NCSR 12), (13 to 22 May 2025)

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on 22 May 2025

Distinguished delegates,

Another productive session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, and Search and Rescue is coming to an end with important achievements.

You have made considerable progress by completing several important tasks such as the draft amendments to SOLAS chapter V to introduce the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), along with associated Performance Standards and operational guidelines, and also to SOLAS chapters IV and V in relation to dissemination of maritime safety information, and search and rescue information.

I would also like to highlight the finalization of:

  • the Guidelines for software maintenance of shipboard navigation, and communication equipment and systems;
  • the Guidelines for the use of electronic nautical publications;
  • amendments to resolution A.1046(27) to introduce procedures and requirements for the recognition of augmentation systems in the Worldwide Radionavigation System; and
  • the revision of the Performance standards for shipborne BeiDou satellite navigation system (BDS) receiver equipment.

You also took considerable time in important discussions towards the preparation of your biennial agenda for 2026-2027, and the associated workload. I am sure that through the continuous implementation of efficient measures and making appropriate use of all available working arrangements outlined the method of work, your Sub-committee will continue to deliver the necessary outputs similarly to how all the other organs of the Organization do.

Special appreciation goes to your Chair, Mr. Joris Brouwers, of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for skillfully guiding you through the diverse and intricate subjects on your agenda. He was ably supported by the Vice-Chair, Captain Carlos Cerda Espejo of Chile, who was actively involved in ensuring that consensus could be reached. 

I would also like to thank the Chairs of the working and experts’ groups: 

  • The Vice Chair of the Sub-committee,
  • Mr. Aidan Jennings of Ireland, 
  • Mr. Hideki Noguchi of Japan, 
  • Mr. Falong Liu of China and 
  • Mr. Nazwan Hafeez Bin Hashim of Malaysia. 

As always, this is also an opportune moment to express our gratitude to those delegates and experts who are leaving and concluding their tenure with us, and for whom this marks the final session of the Sub-Committee. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

I am grateful for the efforts of the Maritime Safety Division, who led the preparations for this meeting, and for the dedication of all the staff of the Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations.

I also take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

Before I close, I would like to remind you that we will be celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer on 25 June. I invite you all to mark the occasion and share photos online - full details are available on the IMO website.

I wish you all a restful weekend, and a safe journey to your destinations.

Thank you.

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