Abstract
The International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its 101st session (5 to 14 June 2019), adopted Resolution MSC.467(101) on the guidance on the definition and harmonization of the format and structure of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation and agreed to consolidate the descriptions of maritime services and to consider them together with all involved international organizations and interested member states, in order to harmonize the provision and exchange of maritime information and data. In doing so, the MSC also approved the initial descriptions of maritime services in the context of e-Navigation (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1610), which had been prepared by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, at its sixth session (16 to 25 January 2019). The information contained in this paper constitutes the descriptions of two selected examples of maritime services, an initial contribution for the harmonization of the formats and structures of pilotage and tug services. The initial description of each of maritime services is expected to be next periodically updated, taking into account developments and related work on international harmonization.
Highlights
The majority of accidents in the maritime domain are caused by human errors
Examples of Information Related to maritime services (MSs) 7 vessel traffic service (VTS) area, types of VTS services, VTS contact information, places of refuge, local regulations, limitation, visibility, and information regarding the traffic in an area Traffic clearance and time slots Berthing information, time slots, security, local regulations, supply, assistance, and port contact information Navigational warnings, meteorological information, and other urgent safety-related information Pilot regulations, contact information, and request procedures Vessel information, cargo information, and crew information Contact information and places of refuge Charting information and chart updates Digital information from nautical publications that is relevant for operations at hand Ice chart, ice conditions, information regarding icebreaker service/assistance, and ice routes Information regarding the weather in an area
The paper strongly supports the initial descriptions of MSs in the context of e-Navigation approved by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC)
Summary
The present situation in international shipping is characterized by fast technological development, affecting basic concepts of ship operation and even changing traditional paradigms of ship control. Modern information and communication technologies (ICT) are the core to the implementation of the e-Navigation strategy, but provide good foundation for automation of systems. The progressing digitalization further presses ahead application of integrated and automated systems to steer even large sea-going ships. The manifold abilities of these technologies and companies looking for more cost-effective solutions present autonomous navigation and unmanned shipping as soon to come. Taking this for granted, it will not happen that all ships will be unmanned and autonomous immediately. Mixed traffic scenarios appear to be difficult in terms of ship traffic safety and efficiency [1,2]
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