Navigation & Communications Sub-Committee (NCSR 13) Wraps Up — Here’s What Changes for Ships
The IMO’s Navigation, Communications, Search & Rescue Sub-Committee met 22–26 June 2026, pushing forward three big shifts at sea: next-gen electronic charts, a slow move to digital VHF, and a new digital safety broadcast system. Most items now head to MSC 112 in December 2026 for approval.
Next-Gen ECDIS (S-100)
Draft connectivity rules finalized so ships and shore can exchange live chart data. New standards apply from 1 Jan 2029; ships can use either old or new standards from 1 Jan 2026–2029.
VHF Goes Digital
A phased shift from analogue to digital VHF voice was agreed. Safety channels (06, 13, 16, 70, 75, 76, AIS-SART) stay untouched throughout. Full rollout isn’t expected until the 2030s–40s.
NAVDAT — Digital Safety Broadcasts
A roadmap update for NAVDAT, the future digital replacement/companion to NAVTEX, broadcasting weather, navigation warnings and SAR info over MF/HF. No fixed timeline yet — rolls out gradually alongside NAVTEX.
Quick Hits
- EPIRBs: draft rules add optional two-way comms via Galileo Return Link.
- R-Mode receivers: backup positioning standard finalized — works even if GNSS is jammed.
- GNSS augmentation (DFMC SBAS): new performance standards now in development.
- LRIT: coastal states to get ship-tracking data free of charge (in principle, approved).