New system for navigational data to be unveiled at IMO

The system will be presented on 12 March during the 16th session of the IMO sub-committee on radio-communications and search and rescue (COMSAR).

Navdat is intended to help modernise international systems for broadcasting data for maritime safety and security, and will use the universal 500kHz frequency, which was historically used for maritime safety transmissions. It is the result of a collaborative internet-protocol communication based project known as IPBC, undertaken by Pole Mer Bretagne and led by Kenta. The goal was to offer, by means of the IPBC project, a numerical maritime communication system accessible to smaller tonnage vessels worldwide.

Navdat assumes the same major functions (navigational warnings, weather forecasts and emergency information for shipping) as the existing Navtex system, but increases the speed of transmission and the processing quality by providing access, not only in text format but also in the form of images and graphs, to data such as:

• Meteo-oceanographic information in the form of charts (e .g. isobaric) or numerical data (e.g. regular updates on the position of the eye of a tropical cyclone),
• Reports showing mapped positioning of ice and icebergs and details of the evolving situation,
• Warning reports relating to piracy in the form of maps indicating sensitive areas and recommended navigational routes,
• Useful maritime shipping Information,
• Information relating to maritime search and rescue.

The Navdat system offers a range of broadcasting options: to all vessels or to vessels sailing within a specific geographical area, and has an encryption option for transmitting confidential information.

The system has been trialled at sea onboard the Brittany Ferries ship Pont Aven, and the results debated by Working Group 5 of the ITU with regard to the use of the 500kHz frequency band, and the ITU has now recognised the use of this frequency band for the transmissions. At the 2012 World Radiocommunication Conference, 153 countries signed up to the exclusive use worldwide of the 500 kHz band by mobile maritime services.

At the IMO on 12 March, France will be joining with Germany, Belgium and Romania on the Navdat system and will propose the setting up of a dedicated working group. Following this demonstraion, Kenta will be presenting and demonstrating the Navdat system to 400 international experts and members of COMSAR.