11th Session of IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR) concluded

The 11th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR) has concluded. During this session, experts and stakeholders discussed various aspects related to maritime safety, including navigation, communication, and search and rescue operations.  The meeting was held in London from 4-13 June 2024.

Summary of NCSR 11

Here are key outcomes as summarised by Llyod’s Register. Outcomes from NCSR 11 is shared as shown below:

• NCSR 11 agreed to draft amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 and associated codes to improve the safety of pilot transfer arrangements. The sub-committee also agreed the draft MSC resolution on Performance Standards for pilot transfer arrangements. The proposed changes are set to be submitted to MSC 109 for approval, followed by adoption by MSC 110 (June 2025).
• NCSR 11 progressed its work on amending SOLAS V to include the VHF data exchange system (VDES) as an additional voluntary carriage requirement at this stage. The sub-committee will continue to work intersessionally to finalise draft amendments to SOLAS chapter V, draft performance standards for VDES, and the draft guidelines for the operational use of shipborne VDES.
• NCSR 11 approved the draft MSC resolution on Performance Standards for digital navigational data system (NAVDAT) and the draft revision of resolution MSC.509(105) on Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), set for adoption by MSC 109 (December 2024). MSC 108 previously agreed that NAVDAT implementation should not replace shipborne NAVTEX receivers. The remaining work for NAVDAT implementation can be addressed under the existing output of
  “Developments in GMDSS services, including guidelines on maritime safety information (MSI)”.
• NCSR 11 agreed to the draft revision of the MSC circular on Guidance on the validity of radiocommunications equipment installed and used on ships (MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.4), which will be disseminated as MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5, pending approval by MSC 109 (December 2024). The revision clarifies that mandatory VHF/DSC equipment should comply with ITU requirements at the time of implementation. Once approved, the requirement to update existing VHF radiocommunication equipment will follow the first radio survey after January 1, 2028.

The complete Summary can be found here

About Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR)

The Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) deals with all matters related to navigation and communication, including the analysis and approval of ships routeing measures and ship reporting systems; carriage requirements and performance standards for navigational and communication equipment; the long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system and the development of e-navigation. It also deals with search and rescue matters and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), including recognition of service providers. Joint working groups reporting to the NCSR Sub-Committee include the ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group on Harmonization of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue and the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on Maritime Radiocommunication Matters.

The key topics discussed during the NCSR Sub-Committee session included:

• Navigation & Communication: The focus was on the analysis and approval of ships’ routeing measures and ship reporting systems.
• Equipment Standards: They reviewed carriage requirements and performance standards for navigational and communication equipment.
• Safety Systems: The development of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and the long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system were key points.
• Search & Rescue: Matters related to search and rescue, including the recognition of service providers and the harmonization of aeronautical and maritime search and rescue, were discussed. Joint working groups reported on these topics.