E-Navigation

  • Headquarters office of the International Maritime Organization (Image courtesy of IMO)

    Headquarters office of the International Maritime Organization (Image courtesy of IMO).

  • Weather satellite orbiting earth

    Weather satellite orbiting earth.

  • Portion of book cover from Canadian Current Atlas

    Portion of book cover from Canadian Current Atlas.

  • Portion of a Canadian nautical chart with two images of two buoys draped over it

    Portion of a Canadian nautical chart with two images of two buoys draped over it.

  • A portion of nautical Chart 4202, in vector format, of Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia.

    A portion of nautical Chart 4202, in vector format, of Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia.

  • A diagram of the componenets of the new international standard, S-100, for nautical charts.

    A diagram of the componenets of the new international standard, S-100, for nautical charts.

click to enlarge

Technological advances have opened the way for e-navigation—the integrated electronic delivery of navigational information and communications, as well as the use of high-tech equipment to analyze and collate maritime data.

An e-navigation system will permit ships to access and integrate shore-based maritime information and to transmit key information to shore or to other ships, including:

  • accurate and reliable electronic positioning with satellite navigation systems
  • accurate and approved electronic navigational charts
  • digital broadcast services that provide critical information, such as weather conditions, tide/water level, current flow, ice coverage, status of aids-to-navigation, security zones and sensitive marine protected areas
  • positional and navigational information from ship to shore, shore to ship, and ship to ship, including information on vessels regarding their course, speed and manoeuvring parameters, as well as vessel identification and cargo details

Benefits

The goal of e-navigation is to improve maritime safety and environmental protection while making navigation easier. Besides reducing errors and providing more reliable and user-friendly maritime navigation and communication systems, e-navigation can also increase maritime trading and collaborative opportunities. All involved in maritime activity, both nationally and internationally, will benefit—commercial companies, recreational boaters and shore-based clients such as ports and government agencies.

International cooperation in e-navigation

The concept of e-navigation was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in association with its member states, other international agencies and national governments. IMO involvement in e-navigation will make possible the international harmonization of marine navigation systems and shore services to answer a wide range of user needs.

E-navigation in Canada

The development of e-navigation relies on the standardization of electronic marine navigational systems, compatibility between vessels and shore services, and smooth transmission of key information, such as positioning data, navigational charts and broadcast services.

To accomplish that, Canada has developed a national implementation strategy under the coordination of the Canadian Coast Guard. The Canadian Hydrographic Service also has several e-navigation projects in various stages of development.