IMO NAV 59 Summary Report Introduction The 59th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV 59) was held from 2nd to 6th September 2013, at the IMO headquarters in London. This briefing summarises subjects under discussion which were relevant to the work of Lloyd's Register. Due attention should be made to the Advice and Application sections given under each subject. Please note that this is the last session of the NAV Sub-Committee. Following the re-structuring of the IMO, the remaining issues will be addressed by the new Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communication, Search and Rescue (NCSR). Summary of discussions The following agenda items are relevant to the work of Lloyd s Register. Decisions of other IMO bodies (Agenda item 2) The outcomes of the MSC, MEPC, COMSAR and Council were introduced. The decision of Council in relation to the re-organization of IMO s sub-committees structure was taken into account when NAV 59 considered the new work programme. The NAV Sub-Committee will be merged with the COMSAR Sub-Committee in 2014. The task given by MSC 92 on the interpretation on BNWAS was discussed under Any other business given below. Application of Satellite navigation system BeiDou (Agenda item 4) NAV 59 gave preliminary consideration to the recognition of the satellite navigation system "Beidou" as a future component of the World-Wide Radionavigation System (WWRNS) and development of performance standards for shipborne "Beidou" receiver equipment taking into account proposals received. Draft performance standards for shipborne "BeiDou" BDS receiver equipment NAV 59 made proposals in relation to the BeiDou system, including its performance standard. The draft performance standard was developed for adoption at MSC 93. Readers are to note that unless BeiDou system is recognized under World-Wide Radionavigation System (WWRNS - resolution A.824(19)), a BDS receiver cannot be recognized as an alternative to a GPS receiver. IEC was requested to develop the necessary technical standard for testing for type approval of shipborne BDS receiver. ITU matters, including Radiocommunication ITU-R Study Group matters (Agenda item 5) The progress of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) was presented to the NAV Sub-Committee. Some of the movements in ITU, e.g., radio frequency allocation for maritime use, may affect future carriage requirements of navigational/ radiocommunication equipment onboard ships. This includes the following topics: Development of a draft new report on Man Overboard Systems and AIS for distress communications 1
NAV 59 noted a development at ITU. Different opinions were expressed with regard to the use of AIS for distress alerting purposes. The concept of VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) This is a new technology allowing integration of functions of AIS, ASM (Application Specific Messages), but to go further it requires proper distribution of spectrum (frequency) allocation for this technology. NAV 59 was of the view that IMO should further support development of the VDES concept, without committing the Organization regarding future requirements on the use of the VHF frequency band. Others A liaison statement was prepared for the Secretariat to communicate with ITU with regard to the allocation of spectrum (radio frequencies) for the marine use. There is no immediate impact to equipment carried onboard ships, but the above discussions may trigger further changes to the existing performance standards. Development of an e-navigation strategy implementation plan (Agenda item 6) NAV 59 reviewed the outcome of the correspondence group (NAV 59/6), and documents submitted. In general concerns were expressed by several members that it was important to remain focused on the agreed work programme and to not become distracted by tangential matters such as new technology. The task under this agenda item, i.e., Development of an e-navigation strategy implementation plan was not concluded in this year, despite the target completion date, which was set for 2013. The strategy implementation plan has become the focus, and is seen as the next milestone for the correspondence group in addressing e-navigation. Several member states expressed disagreement on the cost benefit analysis (CBA) which was undertaken as a part of the FSA study, however overall NAV 59 decided not to re-visit the formal safety assessment and simply Noted the CBA. Further work is required for the following areas. Draft Guidelines on Human Centred Design (HCD) for navigational equipment and systems; Draft Guidelines on Usability evaluation of navigational equipment; Draft Guidelines for the Harmonization of test beds reporting Software quality assurance Development of policy and new symbols for AIS aids to navigation (Agenda item 7) NAV 59 developed the following for approval by MSC 93. Draft MSC circular on the Policy on use of AIS Aids to navigation The purpose of this Policy is to provide mariners and shore authorities, especially Aids to Navigation service providers a clear policy direction on the use of AIS Aids to Navigation (AtoN) for ensuring the safety of navigation. Draft SN Circular on Amended Guidelines for the presentation of navigational-related symbols This circular revokes SN/Circ.243 and SN.1/Circ.243/Add.1 and provides updated guidelines on the appropriate use of navigation-related symbols to achieve a harmonized and consistent presentation. Review of general cargo ship safety (Agenda item 8) 2
NAV 59 considered documents produced at MSC 90 relating to action plans for relevant Sub-Committees regarding the review of general cargo ship safety and provided its comments on the Risk Control Options (RCOs) of relevance to safety of navigation, namely RCO 27, RCO 32 and RCO 2, taking into account the proposals received. The following views were agreed and NAV 59 concluded that no further action was necessary. RCO 27 (Anchoring watch alarm integrated in ECDIS; no additional costs if ECDIS is already integrated on bridge) NAV 59 was of the view that this was commonly integrated on ECDIS systems. For a mandatory requirement, the performance standards would have to be amended, which would entail a submission from a Member Government of a new unplanned output for consideration by the Committee. RCO 32 (Combine watch alarm with autopilot) NAV 59 was of the view that The BNWAS has been already introduced in recent amendments to SOLAS regulation V/19 and that the BNWAS has a facility of control from the auto-pilot. RCO 2 (ECDIS with AIS and RADAR, only for newbuilds, for matters of navigation). NAV 59 was of the view that this had been already addressed by the recent amendments to SOLAS regulation V/19. Revision of the Guidelines for the onboard operational use of shipborne automatic identification systems (AIS) (Agenda item 10) There was a proposal on an amendment to the Guidelines for the onboard operational use of shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) (resolution A.917(22), as amended). This matter will be further discussed at the NCSR1 meeting. Consideration of ECDIS-related IMO circulars (Agenda item 11) NAV 59 progressed with the consolidation of ECDIS-related IMO circulars, taking into account the proposals received. NAV 59 recognized that due to time constraints, it was not possible at this session to consolidate the existing circulars into one consolidated circular, which would also indicate revocation of already existing circulars. The matter will be further discussed at the NCSR 1 meeting. Consideration of ECDIS matters related to the implementation of the carriage requirements in SOLAS regulation V/19.2.10 and V/15, V/18, V19 and V/27 (Agenda item 12) NAV 59 considered ECDIS matters related to the implementation of the carriage requirements in SOLAS regulations V/19.2.10 and V/19.2.11, taking into account the proposals received, including: The outcome of a survey conducted to obtain information on the implementation of use of ECDIS and in particular operating anomalies (NAV 59/12) The action taken by IHO since NAV 58 to monitor and address ECDIS issues related to the implementation of the carriage requirements in SOLAS regulations V/19.2.10 and V/19.2.11 (NAV 59/12/1) Proposal for modernization of ECDIS for VHF radiocommunication (NAV 59/12/2) No particular decision was taken on these issues. The matter will be further addressed at the NCSR 1 meeting. Development of explanatory footnotes to SOLAS regulations V/15, V/18, V/19 and V/27 (Agenda item 13) The primary focus under this agenda item is software updates that operate navigational equipment required by the SOLAS Chapter V. 3
Despite the discussions, NAV 59 could not reach an agreeable conclusion. The matter will be further addressed at the NCSR 1 meeting. Casualty analysis (Agenda item 15) NAV 59 recalled that MSC 78 (MSC 78/26, paragraph 24.8) had decided that the item on "Casualty analysis" should remain on the work programme of the sub-committees but MSC 92 decided to assign the Sub- Committee on the Implementation of IMO Instrument (III) as the Sub-Committee solely responsible for this subject. The matter is now deleted from the agenda of the NCSR 1. Consideration of IACS Unified Interpretations (Agenda item 16) The following interpretations were submitted for considerations: Interpretation to COLREG 1972 annex I, section 9(b) (IACS UI COLREG 1) (NAV 59/16) NAV 59 agreed to the IACS UI with a minor amendment to paragraph 2 with the deletion of the words "by Societies". NAV 59 further agreed to revise MSC.1/Circ.1260 and instructed the Secretariat to prepare a draft revised MSC.1/Circ.1260 for consideration of the Sub-Committee with a view to approval by MSC 93. Pilot Transfer Arrangements (SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3, as amended by resolution MSC.308(88)) IACS UI SC 257 (NAV 59/16/1) NAV 59 did not agree to the proposed interpretation (IACS UI SC257). IACS was requested to re-consider the interpretation. Clarification on how to complete items 2.1 and 2.2 of part 3 of Form E (NAV 59/16/2) The issue raised was whether or not to record primary means, i.e., ECDIS or paper chart in the supplement form of the certificate (Form E/P/C). NAV 59 invited IACS to develop a unified interpretation for submission to NCSR 1. Interpretation relevant to the Performance Standards for Voyage Data Recorders (VRDs) (resolution MSC.333(90)) IACS UI SC261 (NAV 59/16/3) The interpretation is on the application date - date of installation. NAV 59 did not agree to the interpretation provided by IACS. Any other business (Agenda item 19) NAV 59 addressed the following matters under this agenda item: Draft MSC Circular on BNWAS NAV 59 prepared a draft MSC Circular on Auto Function of the Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) for approval at MSC 93. The circular will solve the current conflict between the SOLAS (always on) vs Performance Standard (provision of auto on/off function). 4
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