RS reports on the NCSR 11 outcomes

Detailed information can be found under the section “Information to RS customers” on the official RS website.

As a member of the Russian delegation, RS actively took part in the session’s meetings. The agenda of the NCSR 11 included work on the introduction of the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) that is to replace the existing Automatic Identification System (AIS) in the long run.

The Sub-Committee agreed to the draft MSC resolution on Performance standards for a universal shipborne AIS which modify the 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.

In addition, 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). As a result, an upd ated set of criteria for service providers has been se t out. The Sub-Committee likewise completed reviewing circular MSC.1/Circ.1414, Guidance for prospective GMDSS Satellite Service Providers. The main objective of the revision is the creation of a level playing field for service providers using varied technical solutions.

As part of the collaboration between IMO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Sub-Committee reviewed Recommendation ITU-R M.1371-5 and amended the table of ship type identifiers programmable in shipboard AIS equipment. Apart from new modern vessel types, the table included various categories of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

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 that allows to transmit a greater volume and range of data. However, NAVDAT is currently not expected to replace the existing mandatory maritime safety information transmission system (NAVTEX).

The revision of requirements for pilot transfer arrangements on board a ship has been completed. New requirements cover the design, manufacture and construction of pilot transfer arrangements, as well as the maintenance, inspection and training of shipboard personnel on the use of these devices.

The next session of the Sub-Committee will be held between May 13 - 22, 2025.

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. The organization’s main objectives are to enhance the safety standards of human life at sea, ensure the safe navigation of ships and the secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, as well as to develop standards for environmental protection.

RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues documents and certificates for vessels, offshore facilities, ship machinery, equipment and devices; conducts measurements of ships and floating facilities; carries out surveys to ensure compliance with international conventions; recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards. 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.