IMSO attended WWNWS Sub-Committee in Washington D.C.

Last week, IMSO participated in the 17th session of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)’s World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS) Sub-Committee, held in Washington D.C. IMSO was represented by Technical Officer Philip Lane.

The WWNWS Sub-Committee plays a key role in guiding and monitoring the dissemination of Maritime Safety Information (MSI), including NAVAREA, Sub-area and coastal warnings.

IMSO presented a report on the performance and compliance of the mobile satellite service providers recognized under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), namely Inmarsat Maritime and Iridium. Updates were also provided on related issues such as spectrum and orbit protection and on the regulatory context for the implementation of China’s BeiDou Message Service System (BDMSS).

The meeting also considered new approaches to the dissemination of piracy warnings. IMSO supported ongoing work by satellite service providers to ensure that mariners continue to receive timely and actionable information on piracy and maritime crime.

Significant progress was noted from MSI providers towards delivering navigation warnings via all operational recognized satellite service providers ahead of the 31 December 2026 deadline.

Attention was also given to the development of the IHO’s S-124 data format for navigation warnings, which could in the future allow such warnings to be displayed on Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).