Russia
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) Reports on NCSR 11 Outcomes
The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) has published the outcomes of the 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, and Search and Rescue (NCSR 11), held in June 2024 at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.
Detailed information can be accessed under the section “Information to RS customers” on the official RS website.
Participation and Agenda:
As part of the Russian delegation, RS actively participated in the NCSR 11 meetings. The session’s agenda included significant discussions on introducing the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), which aims to eventually replace the existing Automatic Identification System (AIS).
Key Outcomes:
- Draft MSC Resolution on AIS:
- The Sub-Committee agreed to the draft MSC resolution on Performance standards for a universal shipborne AIS. This modifies existing conditions for entering the IMO number into AIS equipment and introduces new requirements for providing a unique manufacturer equipment identification number and the official flag State number where the ship has no IMO number.
- GMDSS Satellite Communication Services:
- The Sub-Committee concluded the revision of resolution A.1001(25) on the Criteria for the provision of mobile satellite communication services in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This resulted in updated criteria for service providers.
- Additionally, the Sub-Committee completed the review of circular MSC.1/Circ.1414, Guidance for prospective GMDSS Satellite Service Providers, aimed at creating a level playing field for service providers using varied technical solutions.
- Collaboration with ITU:
- The Sub-Committee reviewed Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-5 and amended the table of ship type identifiers programmable in shipboard AIS equipment. The updated table includes modern vessel types and various categories of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
- NAVDAT System:
- The Sub-Committee finalized and endorsed a draft technical and operational standard for the reception of maritime safety information and search and rescue related information by MF and HF digital navigational data (NAVDAT) system. This system allows the transmission of a greater volume and range of data but is currently not expected to replace the existing mandatory maritime safety information transmission system (NAVTEX).
- Pilot Transfer Arrangements:
- The revision of requirements for pilot transfer arrangements on board ships has been completed. The new requirements cover the design, manufacture, and construction of pilot transfer arrangements, as well as the maintenance, inspection, and training of shipboard personnel on their use.
Next Session:
The next session of the Sub-Committee (NCSR 12) will be held from May 13 to 22, 2025.
About Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS):
Founded in 1913, RS is a globally recognized classification society operating across all maritime industry spheres. Its primary objectives include enhancing the safety of human life at sea, ensuring safe navigation, and secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, and developing environmental protection standards.
RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues various certificates and documents, conducts measurements, and ensures compliance with international conventions. It also certifies industrial products, manufacturers, and quality management systems, and provides services related to the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.
For more information, visit the RS official website.
