NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE SUB-COMMITTEE 13th SESSION (NCSR 13) SUMMARY REPORT

The thirteenth session of NCSR Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13) was held in person from the 22nd to 26th of June 2026, with hybrid facilities allowing remote participation.

NCSR 13 agreed to submit to MSC 112:

• the updated road map regarding the introduction of the NAVDAT service and keeping it updated based on future developments;
• draft IMO position on relevant WRC-27 agenda items concerning matters relating to maritime services;
• the draft terms of reference for the 22nd meeting of the Joint IMO/ITU Experts Group on Maritime Radiocommunication Matters;
• guidance to establish a framework for data distribution and global IP-based connectivity for shore-based facilities and ships supporting ECDIS S-100 products and an operational guidance for digital route exchange;
• the draft MSC circular on the transition scheme for the introduction of digital technology for VHF voice communications; 
• draft performance standards for shipborne R-mode receiver equipment;
• several traffic separation schemes and associated measures with a view to adoption by the MSC: Off Delaware Bay; Off New York; In the approaches to the Cape Fear River; and In the approaches to Chesapeake Bay (draft COLREG2 circular);
• amended mandatory ship reporting system In the Dover Strait/Pas De Calais (CALDOVREP), In the Western European Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (WETREP), In the Strait of Bonifacio (BONIFREP).
• draft SAR.7/Circ.17 on List of documents and publications which should be held by a maritime or joint rescue coordination centre;
• draft amendments to resolution MSC.471(101) introducing the two-way communication service as an optional functionality.
• draft revision of the Guidance for the dissemination of search and rescue related information through the international enhanced group call service (MSC.1/Circ.1659)

NCSR 13 progressed on:

• the development of performance standards for dual frequency multi-constellation satellite-based augmentation systems (DFMC SBAS) and advanced receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (ARAIM) in shipborne radionavigation receivers: terms of reference of the correspondence group were also approved;
• the IAMSAR Manual Volumes II and III.