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Brief: NCSR 13

Session Dates 22 June – 26 June 2026

 

Overview: NCSR 13

 

The IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, and Search and Rescue (NCSR) held its latest session, making substantive progress across a broad range of maritime safety, security and operational regulatory areas. The key milestones of this session were the finalization of draft Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) circulars providing guidance on global IP-based data exchange and secure connectivity for S-100 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) products, the finalization of a draft MSC circular on the transition scheme for digital Very High Frequency (VHF) voice communications and the finalization of draft amendments to introduce the two-way communication capability as an optional feature for Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).

 

This Brief provides an overview of the more significant issues progressed at this session.

Key Takeaways

  • Routeing Measures and Ship Reporting Systems: Finalized draft amendments for both the European ship reporting systems and the United States routeing measures that will be submitted to MSC 112 (December 2026) for adoption. These draft amendments will be officially implemented six months after their adoption.
  • ECDIS S-100: Finalization of draft MSC circulars on global IP-based data exchange and secure connectivity for S-100 ECDIS products, as well as operational guidance for route exchange. The circulars will be submitted to MSC 112 (December 2026) for approval.
  • Transitional scheme for the digital VHF voice communication: Finalization of the draft MSC circular on the transition scheme for digital Very High Frequency (VHF) voice communications, retaining some existing analogue VHF channels to ensure the continuity of vital GMDSS distress. The circular will be submitted to MSC 112 (December 2026) for approval.
  • Two-way Communication as a complement to EPIRB: Draft amendments were finalized to introduce the Galileo Return Link Service two-way communication capability as an optional feature for 406 MHz float-free EPIRBs. The enhancement will allow distress alerts to be acknowledged and enable predefined message exchanges between rescue coordination centers and persons in distress. The draft revision of resolution MSC.471(101) will be submitted to MSC 112 (December 2026) for adoption.
  • Developments in GMDSS: NCSR 13 advanced the implementation of NAVDAT, the next-generation digital broadcasting system intended to complement NAVTEX by enabling transmission of text, images, S-100 products and other digital data. The Sub-Committee updated the roadmap for NAVDAT deployment and identified a series of technical, operational and regulatory actions that must be completed before implementation. This demonstrates IMO's continued transition toward a more digital and data-rich GMDSS environment.
  • Search and Rescue: Progress was made on amendments to the 2028 edition of the IAMSAR Manual, including guidance related to emergency psychology, Radar SART, Ship Security Alert Systems, submarines and submersible crafts. The Sub-Committee also took steps to improve the quality and maintenance of Global SAR Plan information within GISIS. These developments will strengthen SAR coordination, operational readiness and the integration of emerging maritime activities into the global SAR framework.
  • Satellite Communications and Navigation: NCSR 13 continued work on next-generation satellite-enabled navigation and communication capabilities, including development of performance standards for DFMC SBAS and ARAIM technologies and introduction of Galileo-enabled EPIRB return-link services. Together with ongoing enhancements to recognized mobile satellite services under the GMDSS, these developments support improved positioning integrity, navigation resilience and emergency communications while maintaining technology neutrality and compatibility with the Worldwide Radionavigation System.
  • Gyro Compass: The Sub-Committee concluded that existing IMO gyro-compass standards remain fit-for-purpose for conventional mechanical equipment and that no evidence currently justifies revising the long-standing performance standard. However, regulatory gaps associated with newer technologies, particularly fiber-optic gyro-compasses and high-latitude operations, were recognized. Rather than modifying existing requirements, IMO is expected to consider development of a new standalone standard for fiber-optic gyro-compass technology, ensuring innovation can be accommodated without affecting existing installations.

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