The 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue (NCSR 12) was held from May 13 to 22, 2025, in London. 🇬🇧 This sub-committee is responsible for addressing all matters related to navigation, communication, search and rescue, and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). ⚓

NCSR 12 played a pivotal role in advancing the digitalization of the maritime industry. 💻 Key areas of work included finalizing draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter V to enable digital VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), developing guidelines for shipboard software maintenance, progressing the NAVDAT manual, and creating recommendations for ECDIS S-100 data dissemination. These collective efforts aim to enhance navigation safety, communication efficiency, and the overall resilience of maritime operations. 🌊

The diverse agenda of NCSR 12, encompassing VDES, software maintenance, NAVDAT, ECDIS S-100, and the revision of BeiDou standards, indicates a comprehensive rather than fragmented approach to maritime digitalization. 🌐 These are not merely isolated technologies but interconnected components forming a robust digital ecosystem. VDES is for data exchange 📡, software maintenance ensures system reliability 🛠️, NAVDAT provides digital safety information 🚨, ECDIS S-100 offers enhanced charting data 🗺️, and BeiDou provides fundamental positioning. This focus demonstrates IMO's strategic, holistic commitment to creating an integrated e-navigation environment where all these digital elements must operate seamlessly and reliably together. The primary emphasis is on building resilient digital infrastructure for future maritime operations. 💡

Key Outcomes of IMO NCSR 12 (Beyond BeiDou) ✨

VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) 📶
Finalized draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and related instruments to enable digital VHF data exchange. This includes performance standards, operational guidelines, and provisions allowing VDES to replace AIS. The draft amendments are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2028, subject to approval by MSC 110 (June 2025) and adoption by MSC 111 (May 2026). ✅

Shipboard Software Maintenance 💾
Completed new draft guidelines for the software maintenance of shipboard computer-based navigation and communication equipment and systems. These focus on cybersecurity 🔒, remote servicing, and standardized processes. The draft guidelines will be submitted to MSC for approval.

Electronic Nautical Publications (ENP) 📚
Finalized draft guidelines for the carriage and use of the ENP system on board to support uniform implementation of SOLAS regulations. The guidelines will be submitted to MSC 111 (May 2026) for approval and are expected to take effect immediately upon approval. 📄

Digital Navigational Data System (NAVDAT) 📊
Agreed on a roadmap for implementing a digital system for broadcasting Maritime Safety Information (MSI) and Search and Rescue (SAR) data from shore to ships. Finalization has been deferred to NCSR 13 (June 2026), with approval expected at MSC 112 (December 2026). ⏳

ECDIS S-100 📈
Progressed the development of guidance for data distribution and IP-based connectivity for the next generation of electronic navigational charts. This aims to address technical, operational, and cybersecurity challenges. 🛡️

GMDSS (Digital VHF Voice Communications) 🗣️
Agreed to instruct the IMO/ITU Experts Group to consider a transition scheme for introducing digital VHF voice communication technology. Work will continue at NCSR 13 (June 2026). 📞

Dual-Frequency Multi-Constellation Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (DFMC SBAS) and ARAIM 🛰️
Agreed to commence the development of performance standards for DFMC SBAS and ARAIM. This work will officially begin at NCSR 13 (June 2026). 🚀

BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS): An Overview 🌟
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a satellite-based radionavigation system developed by China. 🇨🇳 Its third generation, BeiDou-3, achieved full global operational capability in July 2020. The system comprises a constellation of 35 satellites in various orbits, including 24 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites for global coverage, 3 Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO) satellites for Asia-Pacific coverage, and 3 Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites primarily covering China. 🛰️🌍

BeiDou-3 offers an open service with a global public positioning accuracy of 3.6 meters (2.6 meters in the Asia-Pacific region), timing accuracy of 0.2 microseconds, and velocity measurement accuracy of 0.2 meters per second. The system also provides enhanced capabilities such as Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) and Search and Rescue (SAR) services. 🎯🆘

BeiDou is one of the key Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a component of the Worldwide Radionavigation System (WWRNS). Its official inclusion occurred in November 2014 at the 94th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 94), following the approval of a "Navigation Safety Circular" for BDS. This placed BeiDou alongside GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo as globally recognized systems for maritime navigation. 🗺️🚢

BeiDou's global operational capability and its recognition within WWRNS signify a strategic move by the IMO to promote reliance on multiple GNSS. This reduces dependence on any single system, such as GPS, thereby enhancing the overall resilience and availability of positioning services for maritime users. Such diversification is crucial for safety, especially in light of increasing GNSS interference threats. When vessels can utilize BeiDou as a primary or supplementary navigation source, their PNT capabilities become more robust, directly contributing to resilience against jamming and spoofing. 🛡️📡

IV. Historical Context of IMO's Recognition of BeiDou 📜
The inclusion of BeiDou into the international maritime navigation framework has occurred in phases, reflecting both the system's technical development and its gradual international recognition. ⏳

BeiDou's initial official inclusion into the Worldwide Radionavigation System (WWRNS) took place in November 2014 at the 94th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 94). This event was hailed as a "milestone" for China, signifying international endorsement of BeiDou's standards and laying the groundwork for its global maritime use. 🌟

Even before this, at the 93rd session of the MSC in May 2014, the Committee adopted Resolution MSC.379(93), which established "Performance Standards for Shipborne BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) Receiver Equipment." This resolution recommended that governments ensure BeiDou receiver equipment installed on or after July 1, 2016, conformed to these standards. These standards define minimum necessary components such as the antenna, receiver, and processor, as well as essential functions including providing position information in latitude and longitude, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), Course Over Ground (COG), and Speed Over Ground (SOG), along with alarm functions. IEC Standard 61108-5, in turn, details the minimum performance requirements, test methods, and required test results for shipborne BDS receiver equipment, based on IMO Resolution MSC.379(93). ⚙️

Further expanding BeiDou's utility in maritime safety, in November 2022, MSC 106 adopted an MSC resolution on the "Statement of recognition of the maritime mobile satellite services provided by CTTIC through BDMSS." This recognized the BeiDou Message Service System for use in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), further integrating BeiDou into critical maritime operations. 🆘📞

This timeline demonstrates a deliberate, phased approach to integrating BeiDou into the IMO's regulatory framework: initial performance standards in 2014, WWRNS recognition in the same year, full global operation of BeiDou-3 in 2020, GMDSS recognition in 2022, and finally, the revision of performance standards in 2025. This sequence of actions indicates the system's maturity, steadily gaining full international recognition and utility. Each step builds upon the last, reflecting the system's technical development and growing international trust and integration. This phased approach showcases the commitment of both China (in developing the system) and the IMO (in regulating its use) to ensuring thorough vetting and official recognition of BeiDou's capabilities for critical maritime applications, fostering confidence and broader adoption. 🤝

Timeline of IMO Recognition and Standards for BeiDou 🗓️
May 2014
MSC 93
Adoption of Resolution MSC.379(93) "Performance Standards for Shipborne BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) Receiver Equipment"
Establishment of initial standards for shipborne BeiDou receiver equipment; recommended for application from July 1, 2016.

November 2014
MSC 94
Inclusion of BeiDou in the Worldwide Radionavigation System (WWRNS) Official recognition of BeiDou as a component of WWRNS alongside GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, marking a "milestone" for global maritime use.

July 2020
Full global operational capability of BeiDou-3 system BeiDou-3 provides global coverage for timing and navigation with improved performance.

November 2022
MSC 106 Recognition of BeiDou Message Service System (BDMSS) for use in GMDSS Expansion of BeiDou's utility for maritime safety and distress communication.

May 2025
NCSR 12 Finalization of the revision of Resolution MSC.379(93)
Alignment of performance standards for shipborne BeiDou receiver equipment with the current capabilities of the BeiDou-3 system.

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V. Key Outcome of NCSR 12: Revision of BeiDou Performance Standards 🔑
At its 12th session, NCSR finalized the review and approval of the revision to Resolution MSC.379(93) on "Performance Standards for Shipborne BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) Receiver Equipment." This action was specifically highlighted in reports by DNV and Hellenic Shipping News, as well as in KRS's technical review. ✅

The primary objective of this revision is to "align the performance standards with the current services and characteristics of BDS." The original resolution was adopted in 2014, long before the full global operation of BeiDou-3 in July 2020 and the advent of its enhanced capabilities, such as improved accuracy, new signals, and SBAS functions. Without this revision, new BeiDou receivers might have been built to outdated specifications, failing to leverage the full potential of BeiDou-3's improved accuracy and reliability. Thus, the revision ensures that the regulatory framework keeps pace with technological advancements, facilitating the adoption of modern navigation equipment on vessels. 🚀

This revision directly addresses the gap between the original 2014 performance standards and the significantly enhanced capabilities of the globally operational BeiDou-3 system. It is a critically important step to ensure that maritime equipment can fully utilize the benefits of the modern BeiDou constellation. 🌉

As a result of this revision, future shipborne BeiDou receiver equipment, as well as updates to existing systems, will need to comply with the updated performance standards. This ensures that equipment can fully leverage the enhanced capabilities of the current BeiDou-3 system, providing more accurate, reliable, and available positioning information. It also impacts type approval processes for manufacturers. IEC Standard 61108-5, in turn, specifies the minimum performance requirements, test methods, and required test results for shipborne BDS receiver equipment, based on IMO Resolution MSC.379(93). The revision undertaken by NCSR 12 will necessitate an update to this underlying technical standard to ensure consistency between IMO regulatory requirements and industry testing and manufacturing specifications. 🚢⚙️

By updating the performance standards, IMO strengthens the compatibility of BeiDou receivers with other maritime systems and encourages broader market adoption. Manufacturers now have clear, updated guidelines for developing compliant equipment, which can lead to more competitive and diverse GNSS receiver options for shipowners. When manufacturers can confidently build compliant products, it facilitates their entry into the global maritime market. This increases the availability of BeiDou-compatible equipment, making it easier for shipowners to adopt the system, thereby enhancing the multi-GNSS strategy for resilience. 🌐🤝

BeiDou-3 Open Service Characteristics (Current)
-Positioning Accuracy (Horizontal) ≤ 9 m (global, public); 2.6 m (Asia-Pacific, public)
-Positioning Accuracy (Vertical) ≤ 10 m (global, public)
-Timing Accuracy ≤ 20 ns
-Velocity Measurement Accuracy 0.2 m/s
-Service Availability ≥ 99%
-Additional Capabilities SBAS (B1C, B2a, B1A - GEO sats), Precise Point Positioning (B2b - GEO sats), Search and Rescue Transponder (6 MEOSAR)

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VI. Broader Developments in Maritime Navigation and GNSS Resilience 💡
Beyond the BeiDou standards revision, NCSR 12 actively pursued other significant areas aimed at enhancing the resilience and digitalization of maritime navigation. 🌊

The initiation of performance standards development for Dual-Frequency Multi-Constellation Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (DFMC SBAS) and Advanced Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (ARAIM) was agreed upon. This work will officially commence at NCSR 13 in June 2026. These systems are designed to improve GNSS accuracy, reliability, and availability by providing differential corrections and integrity monitoring across multiple satellite constellations. 🛰️✨

IMO expressed significant concern regarding the increasing number of GNSS jamming and spoofing incidents, particularly in areas near conflict zones. Such interference poses a serious threat to maritime safety, potentially leading to collisions and groundings. The development of DFMC SBAS and ARAIM, alongside the updated BeiDou standards, is a direct response to this threat, aiming to create more resilient navigation systems capable of withstanding interference. The emphasis on DFMC SBAS and ARAIM, coupled with the BeiDou standards revision, represents IMO's proactive regulatory response to the growing and documented threats of GNSS jamming and spoofing. This indicates a shift from reactive measures to building inherent resilience within the global navigation infrastructure. 🚨🛡️

Among other significant outcomes of NCSR 12: 👇

VHF Data Exchange System (VDES): 📶
NCSR 12 finalized draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter V to enable digital VHF data exchange, including performance standards and operational guidelines. VDES is designed to ensure safe and reliable data exchange between ships and shore, ultimately aiming to replace AIS. These amendments are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2028. ✅

Shipboard Software Maintenance: 💻
New draft guidelines for the software maintenance of shipboard computer-based navigation and communication equipment and systems were completed. These guidelines focus on cybersecurity 🔒, remote servicing, and standardized maintenance processes to ensure system reliability and safety.

NAVDAT: 🗺️
Agreement was reached on a draft NAVDAT manual and a roadmap for implementing a digital system for transmitting Maritime Safety Information and Search and Rescue data from shore to ships. Finalization was deferred to NCSR 13. ⏳

ECDIS S-100: 📈
Progress was made in developing guidance for data distribution and IP-based connectivity for the next generation of electronic navigational charts (ECDIS S-100), addressing technical, operational, and cybersecurity challenges. 🛡️

All these NCSR 12 initiatives are closely interconnected. For instance, robust GNSS like BeiDou, enhanced by new standards, are fundamental for accurate ECDIS S-100 data display and efficient VDES operations. Software maintenance is critical for the reliable functioning of all these digital systems. IMO is building a holistic digital architecture for maritime operations. The success and safety of one component often depend on the reliable functioning of others, creating a synergistic effect where improvements in one area, such as BeiDou standards, propagate across the entire digital maritime landscape. 🔗

VII. Impact and Outlook for Maritime Navigation 🚢
The revision of BeiDou performance standards, combined with the broader outcomes of NCSR 12, significantly enhances global shipping safety. By ensuring that shipborne BeiDou receivers comply with updated, high-performance criteria, IMO facilitates more accurate and reliable positioning data. This contributes to safer navigation, reduced incident risk, and improved search and rescue operations, especially when integrated with other GNSS as part of a resilient PNT strategy. 🗺️✅

For shipowners and operators, this means improved navigation accuracy and resilience, particularly in areas with strong BeiDou coverage. They should anticipate future equipment compliance requirements with the revised Resolution MSC.379(93) and may consider multi-constellation GNSS receivers. Equipment manufacturers, in turn, will need to update their product designs and testing procedures to meet the revised performance standards and the associated IEC 61108-5 standard. This may necessitate investment in research and development for new receiver technologies that fully leverage BeiDou-3's capabilities, including its dual-frequency signals and augmentation features. 🛠️💰

The updated BeiDou standards are a critical enabler for IMO's e-navigation concept, which aims for a holistic, integrated approach to shipboard and shore-based navigation. Resilient PNT, supported by multi-constellation GNSS like BeiDou, is a core pillar of e-navigation, ensuring enhanced reliability and integrity of navigational information. This aligns with the broader digital transformation of the maritime industry, where data exchange, automation, and cybersecurity are paramount. 🌐🔒

The updated BeiDou performance standards, by providing clarity and confidence, are likely to accelerate the global adoption of BeiDou-compatible equipment. This can foster a more competitive GNSS receiver market, potentially leading to innovation and cost reductions for the maritime industry. When manufacturers can confidently build compliant products, it facilitates their entry into the global maritime market. An increased supply of compatible, high-performance BeiDou receivers (or multi-system GNSS receivers incorporating BeiDou) can lead to enhanced competition among suppliers, potentially driving down prices and improving product features for shipowners, thus encouraging broader adoption and integration. 📈💰

The emphasis on aligning performance standards and the broader focus on software maintenance and cybersecurity indicate a deeper concern for data integrity within the digital maritime domain. Reliable GNSS data, underpinned by robust standards, is foundational for the trustworthiness of all subsequent digital applications, such as ECDIS S-100. If the positioning data source (GNSS) is compromised or its standards are outdated, the integrity of the entire digital navigation chain is at risk. The update to BeiDou performance standards ensures a high-quality data source. Coupled with software maintenance and cybersecurity guidelines, this creates a multi-layered approach to building trust and integrity in the digital systems underpinning modern maritime operations, which is crucial for the successful implementation of e-navigation. 🔒📊

VIII. Conclusion 📝
NCSR 12's finalization of the revision to Resolution MSC.379(93) is a critically important development. It ensures that the regulatory framework for shipborne BeiDou receiver equipment remains current with the enhanced capabilities of the globally operational BeiDou-3 system, contributing to improved accuracy, reliability, and resilience in maritime navigation. ✅🚢

The outcomes of NCSR 12, including BeiDou standards, VDES, software maintenance, and advancements in NAVDAT and ECDIS S-100, collectively represent a significant stride forward in IMO's ongoing efforts to digitalize the maritime industry and enhance safety. These developments pave the way for a more integrated, resilient, and technologically advanced global maritime navigation and communication system, which is crucial for addressing current and future challenges in the shipping industry. 🚀🌊