Introduction to E-Navigation
The concept of e-navigation was centred around how to make navigation safer and simpler for the ships bridge teams and shore authorities using technology. This has seen the introduction of technology such as electronic navigation charts (ENC) and the evolution of Automatic Identification System (AIS).
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) defines e-navigation as
the harmonized collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of marine information on board and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment.
There needs to be a harmonized approach to the international introduction of technology to shipping to ensure ease of use, security of the system and interoperability if required with other systems. To achieve this international frameworks are required.
International Maritime Organisation e-navigation strategy
The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
As part of its work it was identified in 2006 that technology could benefit the maritime sector with particular focus on improving navigation safety, security and increase efficiencies in processes. With how quickly technology can be developed in the modern era, a strategy was needed. The e-navigation strategy was subsequently developed.
16 maritime services have been identified as falling under the e-navigation umbrella.
Most of these services are linked to others so when technology to support a service is introduced it needs to be considered how it impacts or supports the linked service. These services are:
- MS 1 - VTS Information service (INS)
- MS 2 - VTS Navigational assistance service (NAS)
- MS 3 - Traffic organisation service (TOS)
- MS 4 - Port support service (PSS)
- MS 5 - Maritime Safety Information (MSI)
- MS 6 - Pilotage service
- MS 7 - Tug service
- MS 8 - Vessel shore reporting
- MS 9 - Telemedical assistance service (TMAS)
- MS 10 - Maritime assistance service (MAS)
- MS 11 - Nautical chart service
- MS 12 - Nautical publications service
- MS 13 - Ice navigation service
- MS 14 - Meteorological information service
- MS 15 - Real time hydrographic and environment information services
- MS 16 - Search and rescue (SAR) service.
The e-navigation Strategy Implementation Plan was developed to give guidance on how to develop technology to work within the 16 maritime services.
There are 5 focus areas in the Strategy Implementation Plan:
- Improved, harmonized and user friendly bridge design
- Means for standardized and automated reporting
- Improved reliability, resilience and integrity of bridge equipment and navigation information
- Integration and presentatio of available information in graphical displays recieved via communications equipment
- Improved communication of Vessel Traffic Sservice (VTS) service portfolio.
Learn more about the e-navigation strategy and SIP at the IMO website.
Future developments
With the ability to get IP connections reliably and affordably at sea now, the next revolutionary system to enter the e-naviagation fold is S-100. S-100 will provide products for a number of the previously mentioned maritime services with greater graphic displays, updates of real time data for some and greater ability to display or send more data.