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Polar Radio Communication, Navigation Norms Getting Ready
International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Polar Code helps
ensure that ships operating in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic
areas take into account extremes of temperature and make sure
critical equipment remains operational.
Draft guidance for navigation and communication equipment
intended for use on ships operating in polar waters is expected
to be finalized by the current session of the Sub-Committee on
Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 6, 16-25
January).
The guidance will include recommendations on temperature and
mechanical shock testing, and on how to address ice accretion and
battery performance in cold temperatures.
The Sub-Committee will also consider the report of the 14th
meeting of the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on maritime
radiocommunication matters. The meeting will finalize the draft
IMO position on maritime radiocommunication matters for
submission to the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019
(WRC-19), to be held in November.
The availability of interference-free parts of radio spectrum,
dedicated for maritime radiocommunication and radionavigation
purposes, is essential to ensure the safety and security of
shipping.
The Sub-Committee will continue its work on a number of key
agenda items, including the ongoing work to modernize the Global
Maritime Distress and Safety system (GMDSS).
The mandatory GMDSS was adopted in 1988 to ensure full
integration of maritime radio and satellite communications so
that distress alerts can be generated from anywhere on the
world's oceans. The modernization plan aims to update the
provisions, including allowing for the incorporation of new
satellite communication services.
On e-navigation matters, the meeting will focus on harmonization
and standardization which is key for the effective implementation
of the e-navigation strategy. The Sub-Committee will further
develop the description of various maritime services coordinated
by different organizations with the view to enhance
harmonization; and draft guidelines on standardized modes of
operation, or S-mode, which will improve standardization of the
user interface and information used by seafarers.
On search and rescue matters, the Sub-Committee will consider
recommendations from the latest regular International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO)/IMO Joint Working Group. IMO works
closely with ICAO on the harmonization of aeronautical and
maritime search and rescue. The meeting is expected to validate a
revised model course on SAR Mission Coordinator.
Amongst other regular agenda items, the Sub-Committee will review
proposed new and amended ships' routeing measures, consider
updates to Maritime Safety Information (MSI) related provisions
and will discuss matters relating to the functioning and
operation of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT).
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim opened the session, which is
being chaired by Mr. Ringo Lakeman (Netherlands).
Jan 16, 2019
