RS takes part in the annual meeting of the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group

As specialized agencies within the United Nations, IMO and ITU work together on issues concerning the operational needs of maritime radio services.

The objective of the Joint session was to develop a set of tools for enhancing maritime radiocommunication. The meeting’s outcome documents will be reviewed at the 12th session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR) in May 2025, as well as by ITU working groups.

Via their joint efforts IMO and ITU:

• drafted amendments to Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-5 on Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment aimed at significantly expanding the list of ship and watercraft type identifiers;
• initiated a new branch of cooperation on the problem of AIS reception interference due to Very High Frequency (VHF) radio transmission that leads to breaches in the integrity of AIS information on ships and shore facilities;
• prepared draft amendments to chapters IV and V of the SOLAS Convention, obligating Member States to disseminate Maritime Safety Information (MSI) as well as search and rescue information through all recognized Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) mobile satellite communications services operating in the region;
• addressed a number of issues related to the implementation of the digital navigational data system (NAVDAT) and continued drafting the NAVDAT manual.

In addition, work began on preparing the IMO position on relevant agenda items of the World Radiocommunication Conference to be held in 2027.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively implementing the concept "More than class" by expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys and certification. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.