Digitalization in the IALA Domain
Digitalization of the maritime domain is well underway
Soon, all information exchange within our industry will be fully digital, with authorities expected to provide their services in digital formats whenever possible. Although some authorities are making efforts toward digitalization, many still seem to be lagging behind in this development.
The S-100 framework: A Universal Hydrographic Data Model
The S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model was adopted in 2010 by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). It was developed as an evolution of the older S-57 standard to support modern hydrographic and maritime data needs, particularly for Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and e-Navigation service provision.
The S-200 series of Product Specifications
The S-200 series is a set of data product specifications developed and managed by IALA under the IHO S-100 framework. This namespace defines various datasets related to Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN), Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), and other data products related to safety of navigation.
IALA committees are actively developing the S-200 series for AtoN and VTS services, and members who are AtoN and/or VTS authorities must prepare to deliver their data products in such formats.
S-201 Aids to Navigation information
The AtoN Information Product Specification, S-201, was released as edition 1.1.0 in October 2022. This version is intended for testing and development work. This document will eventually be progressed to version 2.0 which is for operational production. It provides a common structure for exchange of AtoN information, including buoys, beacons, racons, lights, sound signals and equipment that produce or support the creation of these signals, such as mooring equipment and battery backup details. It also contains positions, properties, operational status and general comments related to the object at hand.
S-201 is intended to be used by AtoN authorities to exchange AtoN information with their stakeholders in a standardized and harmonised way. Using a global standard for this exchange should greatly simplify data sharing and reduce costs. It also reduces data processing time when updating ENC information with the most recent AtoN Information. Experience from both the Canadian Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard have shown significant savings in man hours every month when exchanging AtoN information with their stakeholders.
Currently AtoN Authorities develop their own custom made AtoN management systems, which are relatively expensive to develop and maintain. Common standards permit system developers to create “off the shelf” management systems which allows many customers to share the development costs and improves the ability of such systems to exchange data between them.
New standard for Electronic Navigation Charts
The S-100 suite of Product Specifications defines a new standard for Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs) aimed at replacing the current S-57 standard. Following the release of S-100 edition 2.0.0, it is anticipated that hydrographic offices will begin providing S-100 ENC services starting in 2026. This will involve the production and distribution of S-100 ENCs alongside the existing S-57 ENCs. This will be followed by a “dual-fuel” period during which both S-57 and S-100 ENCs are available. After 1. January 2029 all new ships much be equipped with S-100 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) installations capable of supporting the new S-100 standard.
Call for Action
IALA first published its recommendation R1019 on the provision of maritime Services in the context of e-navigation in the domain of IALA which recommends that members:
- Provide Maritime Services in digital formats, using international standards;
- Ensure that a communications infrastructure to provide such digital maritime services is available in their area of responsibility; and
- Ensure worldwide harmonization and interoperability by taking into account international standards and guidance.
Noting the timeline for the new S-100 ECDIS implementation, which includes information contained in our S‑201 AtoN standard as well as the speed of various digitalization initiatives in the maritime domain, it seems that now is the time to start preparing for this digital transformation. Necessary investments should be planned, and efforts should begin on developing the required technical infrastructure to support the delivery of digital services.
