Integrated Data as backbone of e-Navigation

Abstract

e-Navigation, a theme introduced by International Maritime Organization (IMO) to improve safety of navigation at sea, is starting to gain traction in various organizations. As the concept develops, the importance of data, both static as well as dynamic, is more and more realized. International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), in their efforts to help making e-Navigation a reality, have agreed to propose the IHO GI Register (often known as S-100 Register) as the conceptual basis for the Common Maritime Data Structure (CMDS). Utilizing this common understanding of key players in e-Navigation arena, the IMO e-Navigation Correspondence Group has firmed up the overarching architecture, enabling a series to test beds proving the concept of integration of various data streams to enable improved communication between the stakeholders on shore or at sea. The integration of pre-composed, expert generated navigational data with real time and semi real-time data like Virtual Aids to Navigation (AtoNs), Tide Gages Data or Maritime Safety Information (MSI) transmission from Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) into a single e-Navigation display, if correctly developed, implemented and executed, will be the enabler of increased situational awareness.