The 13th session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) was held from 22 to 26 June 2026, chaired by Mr. J. Brouwers (Kingdom of the Netherlands). Polish Register of Shipping was represented at the session by Ms. Ewelina Galant – Machinery and Equipment Department Technical Specialist.
The key outcomes of the session include:
Digitalization of Communications and Navigation
- Finalized a draft MSC circular outlining a coordinated transition plan from analogue to digital technology for VHF voice communications, aimed at addressing spectrum congestion.
- Completed draft guidance for global IP-based connectivity to support S-100 ECDIS products and established operational guidance for the digital exchange of route plans.
- Progressed the implementation of the NAVDAT system by updating the transition roadmap and identifying nine priority actions for its operational deployment.
Radionavigation
- Advanced the development of performance standards for next-generation Dual-Frequency Multi-Constellation systems (DFMC SBAS) and Advanced Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (ARAIM). A Correspondence Group, led by Australia, was re-established to finalize these standards by 2027.
- Finalized performance standards for Ranging mode (R-mode) receivers, which serve as a voluntary terrestrial backup system to GNSS.
- Decided to develop a new set of performance standards specifically for modern technologies like fibre optic gyro-compasses and polar navigation.
Search And Rescue
- Approved draft amendments to allow for an optional Two-Way Communication (TWC) service via the Galileo Return Link Service in Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB).
- Approved the amendments for the 2028 edition of the IAMSAR Manual, including new guidance on the psychology of emergencies and the rescue of deep-water submersibles.
Ships’ Routeing and Reporting
- Agreed on amendments to several Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) off the U.S. coast to accommodate offshore energy infrastructure and modernized European mandatory ship reporting systems (CALDOVREP, WETREP, and BONIFREP) by introducing electronic data exchange.
- Approved a free-of-charge policy for providing Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) information to coastal states, expected to enter into force in 2032.
