Gatehouse Maritime recently had the pleasure of attending the RTCM Conference 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida. The focus of this year’s assembly was “The Future of Maritime Communications and Navigation,” and we are excited to share 4 interesting takeaways with you from this conference.

The RTCM Annual Assembly Meeting and Conference

The RTCM Annual Assembly Meeting and Conference is a highly anticipated event that brings together maritime industry professionals to discuss and address the evolving landscape of maritime radio communications and radio navigation.

With a focus on efficient message transmission, expanding AIS communication channels, and leveraging data for improved decision-making, the conference provides a holistic perspective on maritime communications worldwide, and serves as a platform for attendees to gain valuable insights into current challenges, advancements, and opportunities.

The conference program includes a series of paper presentations, panel sessions, workshops, and RTCM Special Committee meetings dealing with issues of current concern to the maritime community.

Key takeaway #1: Enhance the Transmission of Maritime Safety Information (MSI)

One of the top priorities highlighted during the conference was the efficient and effective transmission of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) through radio communications. The maritime community recognizes the critical role of MSI in ensuring safe navigation and prompt response to emergencies at sea. As a result, there is an ongoing drive to continuously enhance the MSI transmission process to consistently keep mariners well-informed and strengthen their situational awareness.

Key takeaway #2: Improve the Utilization of Existing AIS Communication Channels

Another key takeaway was the growing emphasis on utilizing Automatic Identification System (AIS) communication channels for message transmission. Industry experts emphasized the need for more effective utilization of existing AIS channels to improve data transmission capabilities.

In addition, there was a strong desire to accelerate the adoption of VHF Data Exchange System, VDES (AIS 2.0) standards on an international scale, since this advancement will provide increased capacity, enabling the transmission of more data such as meteorological data directly from vessels to weather authorities for analytics and forecasting purposes.

When it comes to message transmission and monitoring tools and capabilities, Gatehouse Maritime is a prominent player in the industry and is universally recognized for its strength in providing reliable and efficient solutions for maritime communication. At Gatehouse Maritime, we optimize message transmission processes, ensuring seamless communication flow and enhanced data exchange within the maritime community.

Key takeaway #3: Unlock the Full Potential of AIS Data and Use It for More Than Just Vessel Tracking

A third key topic debated at the conference revolved around expanding the utilization of AIS data beyond mere vessel tracking. There was a notable emphasis on harnessing machine learning and artificial intelligence for enhanced risk assessment across the maritime market. By analyzing AIS data, industry stakeholders can identify potential risks and make informed decisions to prevent accidents, streamline operations, and enhance overall maritime safety.

Additionally, there was a call for enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities to support the mandates of maritime authorities and enable them to have a more comprehensive understanding of the maritime domain.

Key takeaway #4: Address the Persisting AIS Data Security Concerns

As AIS data becomes more integral to maritime operations, the concerns regarding its security were also discussed during the conference, highlighting the industry’s commitment to ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of AIS data. By addressing these concerns through ongoing research, industry experts aim to develop robust security measures and protocols that safeguard critical maritime information and protect against potential vulnerabilities.

Wrapping up the RTCM Annual Assembly Meeting and Conference

The RTCM Annual Assembly Meeting and Conference is an invaluable event that offers maritime professionals an extensive overview of the constantly changing landscape of maritime radio communications and radio navigation.

This year’s emphasis on efficient message transmission, improved usage of AIS communication channels, expanded utilization of AIS data, and ongoing research in AIS data security collectively contribute to shaping the future of global maritime communications.

Staying updated on the latest advancements and engaging in rewarding discussions at RTCM will help Gatehouse Maritime effectively navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the dynamic landscape of maritime communications.

Get in touch with one of our experts

Author

Joel Box

Sales Manager (US)
+1 (256) 658-8633
jbo@gatehouse.com