The 13th Session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13) was held from 22 to 26 June 2026 at the IMO Headquarters in London.The highlights of the meetings are as follows:

1. Finalization of Amendments to European Ship Reporting Systems and U.S. Routeing Measures.
NCSR 13 has finalized draft amendments to European ship reporting systems and United States ship routing measures. These draft amendments will be submitted to MSC 112 for adoption and are expected to enter into force six months after adoption.
The Sub-Committee also considered proposals submitted under SOLAS Chapter V concerning ships’ routing systems and mandatory ship reporting systems, including amendments to existing IMO-adopted systems and the expanded use of digital reporting platforms such as SafeSeaNet.
Electronic reporting through the SafeSeaNet platform (https://www.emsa.europa.eu/ssn-main.html) is expected to become the primary reporting method, significantly reducing congestion in VHF voice communications. In addition, new mandatory reporting requirements relating to insurance certificates were introduced, covering the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1992 (CLC 1992), the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001 (Bunkers Convention), and the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 (WRC).
However, these reporting requirements apply only where the flag State is a Party to the relevant convention. In other words, the scope of reporting is being expanded beyond navigational safety considerations to encompass regulatory compliance obligations.

2. Finalization of the Draft MSC Circular on Guidelines for the Transition to Digital VHF Voice Communications.
NCSR 13 finalized a draft MSC circular containing guidelines for the transition to digital Very High Frequency (VHF) voice communications. The transition framework retains certain existing analogue VHF channels to ensure the continuity of critical GMDSS distress, urgency, and safety communications. The draft circular will be submitted to MSC 112 for approval.
In recent years, the number of available voice channels within the maritime VHF mobile band has steadily decreased, resulting in channel congestion, particularly in areas of dense maritime traffic. At the same time, there is a need to improve spectrum efficiency while maintaining the integrity of safety-of-life communications, including the distress, urgency, and safety services provided under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Accordingly, MSC 109 agreed to include a new output on the development of a transition framework for introducing digital technologies into VHF voice communications, with a target completion year of 2027.
At NCSR 13, the Sub-Committee agreed to a draft MSC circular outlining a phased transition from analogue VHF voice communications to digital VHF voice communications. The proposed transition framework includes the gradual introduction of digital channels. To ensure maritime safety and avoid disruption to GMDSS distress, urgency, and safety communications, the existing assignments for analogue Channels 06, 13, 16, 75, and 76, as well as Channel 70 (Digital Selective Calling, DSC), AIS 1 (AIS Search and Rescue Transmitter, AIS-SART), and AIS 2 (AIS-SART), will be retained.
In addition, within the frequency bands currently allocated to the maritime mobile service, additional digital VHF channels will be identified in accordance with Appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations. The implementation process is intended to minimize the financial burden on both ship operators and shore-based administrations.
The indicative timeline is summarized as follows:
(1) 2025–2028: Development of the transition framework;
(2) 2028–2031: Development of the regulatory framework and technical standards;
(3) 2032–2045: Phased implementation and gradual equipment replacement and retirement.
The draft circular will be submitted to MSC 112 for approval.

3. Finalization of Draft MSC Circulars on Global IP-Based Data Exchange and Secure Connectivity for ECDIS S-100 Products, and Operational Guidance on Route Exchange.
NCSR 13 finalized a draft MSC circular on guidelines for global IP-based data exchange and secure connectivity for S-100 products used in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), as well as operational guidance on route exchange. These draft circulars will be submitted to MSC 112 for approval.
Pursuant to resolution MSC.530(106)/Rev.1, ECDIS equipped with S-100 functionality may be installed on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2026 and will become mandatory for all newly installed ECDIS equipment from 1 January 2029.
To support the transition to the next generation of S-100 products, IMO has recognized the need to establish a robust framework for secure and standardized IP-based data exchange between shore-based facilities and ships. Such a framework will facilitate the real-time integration of hydrographic, environmental, and navigational safety information, thereby enhancing maritime safety and situational awareness while supporting improvements in operational efficiency.
Based on the preceding technical work, NCSR 13 finalized the following draft MSC circulars:
(1) Data distribution framework (IP-based connectivity):
Guidance to establish a framework for data distribution and global IP-based connectivity for shore-based facilities and ships supporting ECDIS S-100 products. The guidance also emphasizes the need for appropriate cybersecurity measures, including network segregation, to protect shipboard systems against external threats. The meeting further clarified that there is currently no mandatory requirement for ships to be equipped with IP-based connectivity or continuous internet access.
(2) Operational guidance for digital route exchange:
This circular is intended to facilitate the secure and efficient exchange of route plans between ships and shore-based services. The meeting also noted that digital route exchange is entirely voluntary and does not replace any mandatory ship reporting requirements.
The development of the above guidance follows the adoption in 2022 of the revised ECDIS Performance Standards under resolution MSC.530(106), which enabled the introduction of the next generation of electronic navigational charts. The revised Performance Standards will apply to ECDIS equipment installed on or after 1 January 2029. During the transitional period from 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2029, ECDIS equipment may comply either with the existing standards under resolution MSC.232(82) or with the new Performance Standards.
The new draft MSC circulars will be submitted to MSC 112 for approval.

4. Development of the Draft NAVDAT Manual and the Roadmap for Introducing the Digital Navigational Information System. 
NCSR 13 has updated the roadmap for the introduction of the Digital Navigational Data System (NAVDAT). The roadmap is intended to serve as a living document that may be updated in response to future developments. It adopts a phased implementation approach without establishing a fixed timeline.
The roadmap covers the development, testing, and standardization of NAVDAT and envisages its gradual introduction alongside the existing shore-based NAVTEX system, which is currently used to broadcast Maritime Safety Information (MSI) and search-and-rescue information.
New medium-frequency (MF) NAVDAT transmitters are expected to support the transmission of both NAVTEX and NAVDAT messages. By contrast, high-frequency (HF) NAVDAT transmitters may be deployed as a standalone solution dedicated exclusively to transmitting NAVDAT messages.
It should also be noted that the following NAVDAT-related performance standards and recommendations have already been developed:
．Resolution MSC.569(109);
．Resolution MSC.509(105)/Rev.2;
．Recommendation ITU-R M.2010-3 (ITU-R M.2010.3);
．Recommendation ITU-R M.2058-2 (ITU-R M.2058-2); and
．Recommendation ITU-R M.2443-0 (ITU-R M.2443-0).
However, the relevant IEC testing standards for NAVDAT equipment have not yet been finalized.

5. Finalization of Draft Amendments to Resolution MSC.471(101) to Introduce Two-Way Communication as an Optional Function for 406 MHz Float-Free EPIRBs. 
NCSR 13 finalized draft amendments to resolution MSC.471(101) to incorporate the Two-Way Communication (TWC) capability provided through the Galileo Search and Rescue Return Link Service (SAR RLS) as an optional supplementary function for 406 MHz float-free Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). This enhanced capability will enable confirmation that a distress alert has been received and allow the exchange of predefined messages between the rescue coordination centre and persons in distress.
At NCSR 13, the Sub-Committee agreed to draft amendments to the performance standards for 406 MHz float-free EPIRBs, adopted by resolution MSC.471(101). The draft amendments introduce the TWC capability provided by the Galileo SAR RLS as an optional function. Two-way communication will enable acknowledgement of the receipt of a distress alert and facilitate the bidirectional exchange of predefined messages between Rescue Coordination Centres (RCCs) and the party in distress.
The ICAO/IMO Joint Working Group was instructed to develop operational guidance for the use of EPIRBs equipped with two-way communication services and to submit recommendations to the NCSR Sub-Committee, as appropriate. The draft amendments will be submitted to MSC 112 for approval.

References:
1. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), News Brief: NCSR 13. https://ww2.eagle.org/en/rules-and-resources/regulatory-updates/regulatory-news/ncsr-13-brief.html  
2. Bureau Veritas (BV), Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue Sub-Committee 13th Session (NCSR 13) Summary Report. https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com/newsroom/navigation-communications-and-search-and-rescue-sub-committee-13th-session-ncsr-13-summary  
3. Det Norske Veritas (DNV), The IMO sub-committee on navigation, communications, search and rescue (NCSR 13) https://www.dnv.com/news/2026/the-imo-sub-committee-on-navigation-communications-search-and-rescue-ncsr13/   
4. InterManager, Summary report on IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue 13th session (NCSR 13). https://www.intermanager.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMO%20SUB-COMMITTEE%20ON%20NAVIGATION,%20COMMUNICATIONS%20AND%20SEARCH%20AND%20RESCUE,%2022-26%20JUNE%202026.pdf  
5. Lloyd’s Register (LR), NCSR 13 Summary Report. https://maritime.lr.org/NCSR-13-Summary-Report