The NCSR 12th session was held from May 13th to 22nd, 2025, at the IMO Headquarters in London. Key outcomes for NCSR 12 are as follows:

1. VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) (Note 1)

VHF data exchange system (VDES) is a digital communication system that operates over the VHF band to provide secure and reliable data exchange, for example between ships and between ships and the shore.
NCSR 12 had finalized the draft amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V (Safety of navigation) and associated documents. It is about introducing the VDES as an alternative shipborne navigational equipment and system to comply with the existing requirements of the automatic identification system (AIS). The draft amendments will be subject to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 110th Session (MSC 110)（June 2025）for approval, and further be adopted by MSC 111 (May 2026), then enter into force on January 1st, 2028. 

2. Development of guidelines for software maintenance of shipboard navigation and communication equipment and systems 

At the MSC 107 meeting (June 2023), IMO decided to develop further requirements for software maintenance of shipboard navigation and communication equipment and systems related to the SOLAS Convention on Chapter IV (Radio communications) and Chapter V (Safety of navigation).
NCSR 12 had finalized the new draft Guidelines for the software maintenance of shipboard computer-based navigation and communication equipment and systems, which aimed to ensure a controlled and standardized approach to software maintenance. It is, however, important that any software installed in accordance with these guidelines should not compromise the type approval of the relevant equipment or systems. 
It will be submitted to MSC 111 (May 2026) for approval and is expected to be released in the form of an MSC circular.

3. Finalized the draft MSC circular on Guidelines on carriage and use of Electronic Nautical Publications (ENP) system

SOLAS Regulations V/19.2.1.4 and V/19.2.1.5 require all ships to carry the nautical charts and nautical publications, including back-up arrangements if this function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic means, to plan and display the ship’s route for the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. Publications may be carried in the form of electronic media. 
NCSR 12 had finalized the draft MSC circular on Guidelines on carriage and use of electronic nautical publications (ENP) system, and will be further approved by the MSC 111. 
The new guidelines aim to promote the effective use of electronic nautical publications, covering aspects such as the general requirements for carriage and operation of ENP on board a vessel, adequate backup arrangements, and power supply.

4. Digital navigational data system (NAVDAT) (Note 2)

On the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109, Dec. 2024), IMO had adopted a new performance standard for NAVDAT equipment as Resolution MSC.569(109). It introduced NAVDAT into the IMO regulatory framework. NAVDAT is confirmed as one of the radio equipment as a receiver or receivers capable of receiving MSI and search and rescue related information, relating to the SOLAS Ch. IV (Radiocommunications) Regulation 7.1.4.
NCSR 12 had a discussion on the NAVDAT service and agreed that initial proposals related to the introduction and administration of a global NAVDAT system, renaming of the IMO NAVTEX Coordinating Panel, and related draft terms of reference.
NCSR 12 also urged Member States to ensure that METAREA and NAVAREA Coordinators have completed the required training and testing that declare the Iridium SafetyCast service operational as soon as possible; and those not presently conducting testing or trial activities to progress the implementation of such service. 
A planning roadmap was updated in preparation for the implementation of the NAVDAT service and forwarded to the IMO/ITU Experts Group for consideration. The draft of the NAVDAT manual was agreed upon and will be forwarded to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for review.

5. Guidance for global ECDIS S-100 data connectivity

NCSR 12 reviewed the draft of a guidance to establish a framework for data distribution and global IP-based connectivity for shore-based facilities and ships supporting Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) S-100 products (Note 3).
The development of the guidance follows the adoption of a revised version of the ECDIS Performance Standards (Resolution MSC.530(106)) in 2022, which enables the next technical generation of Electronic Navigational Charts. 
The revised version 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 with the current standards (Resolution MSC.232(82)) or the new performance standards. 

Note 1: VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) is a digital communication system that operates over the VHF band to provide secure and reliable data exchange, for example between ships and between ships and shore. VDES includes four components:
(1) Automatic Identification System (AIS) component for the identification and tracking of vessels, along with additional communication capabilities; 
(2) Application-specific message (ASM) component;
(3) Terrestrial component for VHF data exchange (VDE-TER);
(4) Satellite component for VHF data exchange (VDE-SAT).
VDES offers a high level of availability and security, using both terrestrial and satellite components (including AIS).

Note 2: NAVDAT is intended for broadcasting digital data, including information related to MSI and SAR, on middle-frequency (MF) and high-frequency (HF) bands, from shore to ships.

Note 3: S-100 is a new standard for digital marine data developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and used in systems like ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) to help ships navigate safely. It supports e-navigation by combining different types of information like depth, currents, and weather in one system, helping seafarers make better decisions and improving safety at sea.

References:
1. American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), News Brief: NCSR 12. https://absinfo.eagle.org/acton/ct/16130/s-10d3-2505/Bct/q-0d8a/l-0d89:3681/ct1_0/1/lu?sid=TV2%3AnHSBaUvii   
2. Det Norske Veritas (DNV), IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue. News from DNV. https://www.dnv.com/news/imos-sub-committee-on-navigation-communications-search-and-rescue/   
3. InterManager, IMO Sub Committee NCSR 12, 13-22 May 2025. https://www.intermanager.org/2025/05/imo-sub-committee-ncsr-12-13-22-may-2025-166946/   
4. IMO, Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), 12th session, 13 – 22 May 2025. https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/MeetingSummaries/Pages/NCSR-12th-session.aspx   
5. Korea Register (KR), IMO News Brief NCSR 12. http://www.krs.co.kr/TECHNICAL_FILE/NCSR%2012%20News%20Brief%20(E).pdf   
6. Lloyd's Register (LR), NCSR 12 Summary Report. https://maritime.lr.org/NCSR-12-Summary-Report