University of New Hampshire Scholars\u27 Repository
Abstract
e-Navigation is a recent initiative aimed at moving traditional maritime navigation towards a connected digital environment. Defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as “the harmonized collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of maritime information onboard and ashore by electronic means to enhance birth-to-birth navigation and related services, for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment”, e-Navigation is not a new system of equipment but more an operational concept. Three significant outcomes are envisioned: 1) Shipboard navigation systems will benefit from the integration of own ship sensors, supporting information, standard user interface, and a comprehensive system for managing guard zones and alerts. Core elements include high-integrity electronic positioning, use of ENCs, and an analysis capability to reduce human error. 2) The management of vessel traffic and related services from ashore will be enhanced through better provision, coordination, and exchange of comprehensive data in formats that will be more easily understood and utilized. 3) A communications infrastructure designed to enable authorised seamless information transfer onboard ship, between ships, between ship and shore and between shore authorities. This paper discusses the main hydrographic-related components, implications for further standards development, some challenges/opportunities, and the role that IHO and others in the hydrographic community should play to facilitate the development and implementation of eNavigation