EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

It has widely been accepted that more than 80% of all high consequence marine disasters have been the result of human error. Accidents related to navigation continue to occur despite the development and availability of a number of ship- and shore-based technologies that promise to improve situational awareness and decision-making. Some of the currently used technologies are:

Automatic Identification System (AIS), Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), Integrated Bridge Systems/Integrated Navigation Systems (IBS/INS), Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA), radio navigation, Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) systems, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

These technologies are able to reduce navigational errors and failures to a large extent, Some more applications include benefits in areas such as search and rescue, pollution incident response, security and the protection of critical marine resources, such as fishing grounds. These also contribute to efficiencies in the planning and operation of cargo logistics, and provide information about sea, port and forwarder conditions.

This project deals with how mobile communication plays an important role in achieving safety in the maritime industry and also study different types of e-navigation systems currently used.

In this project I will start with the history of marine accidents and then will study the compelling need for e-navigation which was conceptualised by IMO to avoid such accidents. And finally the current status of e-Navigation systems will be analysed based on applications and ship requirements.

INTRODUCTION

Mariners require information related to the planning and execution of voyages, the assessment of navigation risk and compliance with regulation. This information needs to be accessible from a single integrated system. Shore users also need information related to their maritime domain, including static and dynamic information on vessels and their voyages. Hence , this information should be provided in an internationally agreed common data structure. Such a data structure is necessary for the sharing of information among the shore authorities on both regional as well as international basis.

Thus came the concept of e-Navigation. The concept of e-Navigation was proposed in 2006 by IMO Member States as a combination of harmonisation, collection, integration, exchange and presentation of maritime information. But the generic electronic marine navigation already exists in many forms and hence should not be confused with this specific IMO initiative.

e-Navigation encompasses in itself various things such as : integration of ship sensors, supporting information , a standard user interface , and a comprehensive system for managing guard zones and alerts. It provides automated and standardised reporting functions for optimal communication of ship and voyage information. This includes safety related information that is transmitted ashore, sent from shore to ship borne users and information pertaining to security and environmental protection to be communicated amongst all users. Reporting requirements should be automated or pre-prepared to the extent possible both in terms of content and communications technology.

CORE OBJECTIVES OF e-NAVIGATION :

It facilitates safe and secure navigation of vessels with regard to hydrographic meteorological and navigational information and risks;

It facilitates the vessel traffic and management from shore/coastal facilities

It facilitates communications, including data exchange, among ship to ship, ship to shore, shore to ship, shore to shore and other users etc

It also provides opportunities for improving the efficiency of transport and logistics

It supports the effective operation of contingency response, and search and rescue services

It demonstrates defined levels of accuracy, integrity and continuity appropriate to a safety critical system

It also integrates and present information onboard and ashore through a human interface thus maximizing navigational safety benefits and minimizing any risks of confusion or misinterpretation on the part of the user;

It integrates and present all the information onboard and ashore to manage the workload of the users, while also motivating and engaging the user and supporting decision-making;

It incorporates training and familiarization requirements for the users throughout the development and implementation process;

It also facilitates global coverage, consistent standards and arrangements, and mutual compatibility and interoperability of equipment, systems and operational procedures, so that it can avoid potential conflicts between users

Literature Review

According to the international maritime organization, Since 1959 a whole series of measures have been introduced, in the form of conventions, recommendations and other instruments. The best known and most important of these measures are conventions, three of which are particularly relevant to navigation. These are the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS); the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 (COLREG); and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978

The SOLAS encompasses various aspects of ship safety, including construction, fire protection, life-saving instruments, radio communications, safety of navigation, the carriage of cargoes and safety measures for high speed craft. Measures dealing with the safety of navigation . Apart from Conventions, IMO has also issued a series of resolutions and codes, including guidelines on navigation issues and performance standards for ship borne navigational and radio communications appliance.