Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
Hydrographic Commission
Electronic
Chart Working Group
4 April 2001
Miami, Florida, USA
Record of Discussions
1. Administrative Details
Chairman (Doug Brown, USA-NOAA) opened the meeting and welcomed those attending. Attendees were asked to introduce themselves. He provided a brief overview of what was to be discussed during the meeting, in particular the extension of the SHARED Project in the Caribbean. Dr. Lee Alexander (USA-UNH/NOAA) served as Rapporteur.
2. Approval of Agenda
There were no changes to the Agenda.
3. Chairman’s Report on the Draft Plan
Chairman provided an overview of the SHARED Project. In particular, he emphasized the benefits of using both raster and vector data (so called “dual-fuel”). In his view, the extension of the SHARED Project into the Caribbean – Gulf of Mexico (CGM) region would demonstrate the commitment of HOs to improve safety of navigation.
RADM Angrisano (IHB) explained the efforts of IHO to facilitate the implementation of electronic charting. He emphasized that these efforts should be in conjunction with standards approved by IMO and IHO. He also mentioned the need to find an international funding mechanism.
Chairman further explained that the primary purpose of this meeting is to implement a plan for extending SHARED into the CGM region. Ideally, SHARED will be an interim step toward WEND
Chairman gave a brief slide show on how SHARED could help the development of ENCs in the region.
Chairman then stated the Meeting Objectives:
1. Identify shipping companies and routes that already use “official” raster electronic chart data (e.g., ARCS). As ENCs become available, they would then be used as well.
2 Consider options for coastal states to progress ENC production (e.g., in-house production, bi-lateral arrangements, contract partnerships, etc.).
3. Identify any training requirements and sources of training for ENC production (e.g., source of training, travel training support, etc.).
4. Assign a coordinator to facilitate these activities.
4. Discussion
of Plan
Chairman specifically mentioned that Cuba, Colombia, Panama, Honduras, UKHO and IHB provided written comments.
Ms. Tuhey (UK) pointed out that the main aim should be to stimulate ENC production, and that a demonstration or proof-of-concept approach was no longer the main objective.
RADM Andreasen (USA-NIMA) emphasized that INT charts should be a primary focus. He further explained that of the INT chart scheme for CGMHC was well in hand with a publication date of May. No proposed changes have been submitted during the 60-day period following issuance of the CGMHC final report of the meeting in Jamaica. Mr. Parvillers (France) asked if all producer nations had been identified? RADM Andreasen (USA-NIMA) felt that this should be an action item to review, i.e., identification of producer nations.
Chairman stated that for interested nations, the order and priority for production could be decided during a lunchtime meeting by a small working group. (This will have to be a follow-on task as it was not possible to address at the meeting.)
RADM Andreasen also pointed out the need to review the parts on the INT charts list to ensure it reflected the latest position on key ports.
Erich Frey (USA-NOAA) described the intention of Cuba and USA-NOAA to co-produce two INT charts for the Straits of Florida (1:500,000 scale). Cuba will produce the western area while USA the eastern area.
Chairman made particular mention of the efforts of Mexico and Columbia related to ENC production.
RADM Andreasen (USA-NIMA) gave a brief slide presentation on the use of digital charts. He explained how Vector Product Format (VPFâ) Digital Nautical Charts (DNCâ) produced by NIMA compares to an IHO S-57 ENC. He described the new policy approach by the US Department of Defense and NIMA to adopt international and commercial standards. This would be a phased approach whereby current product standards (e.g., VPF) will “migrate” to an open vector database standard. Long-term goal is to achieve full harmonization with S-57. He also provided an overview of the planned Navigation Safety System whereby updates to NIMA’s DNCs would be provided via the web. DNC updating has been a challenge, but a new “patch” method appears to be solution. An operational testing phase is planned for April/May 2001 with implementation to begin in 2001.
DNCs are currently restricted to US Navy and Coast Guard due to
foreign intellectual property rights, and the fact that DNC being a “work in
progress.” Availability to foreign
military partners is with agreement mandating no public release of DNC. US waters are planned to be available from
the public NIMA website in late 2001.
Foreign waters will not be available until foreign offices gives
authorization. Foreign nations may
recover royalties from “requesters.”
Requesters would be DNC users.
He described a proposed process whereby:
- requesters identify desired DNC data from a worldwide index interactively with a NIMA website.
- requesters must agree with NIMA as to conditions pertaining to use of NIMA name, logo, and third party release restrictions, etc.
- the NIMA website would identify the source hydrographic office (HO), and refer the requester to that HO for development of a release agreement prior to NIMA giving access to DNC.
- release might optionally be as navigation data or GIS data. The DNC will contain a “digital signature” such that use of DNC data could be tracked. RADM Andreasen finally noted that NIMA disseminates Notices to Mariners for this region on behalf of IHO and Mr. Roy Soluri offered to work with any CGMHC nation to implement this dissemination.
Chairman explained that:
- this is essential for the CGM region.
- harmonizing ENCs with regard to encoding and edge matching is necessary for compatibility.
- for those HOs already producing, communication with other producers is best way to achieve uniformity.
- for coastal states that wish to have ENC coverage for their waters, there are several options (e.g., in-house production, contracting, bilateral agreements, etc.)
- goal of SHARED is to facilitate communication among HOs and interested coastal states to resolve production issues. For instance, a website for CGMHC.
Chairman summarized that:
- training is a basic foundation of IHO S-57 and ENC production specs for potential producers.
- production platform training (generally associated with manufacturer)
- also, training in proper use and interpretation of ECDIS and ENCs for the mariners
France pointed out that there is a need for specific training in ENC production.
Dr. Alexander (USA-UNH/NOAA) briefly described the scope and level of activity of ECDIS and ENC-related training in the USA during the past year.
Ms. Tuhey (UK) provided a brief explanation of what is occurring in the UK.
RADM Angrisano (IHB) mentioned that the minimum standards for competence on electronic charting are being developed and should be published in a few months.
Chairman pointed out that within the CGM region, there is a need to get a sense of the production capability and the ability to exchange/compare ENC data via Internet. It will also be important to coordinate this effort with shipping companies in terms of how best to deliver ENC data (e.g., by internet or CD).
Chairman pointed out that this would be best determined by the shipping companies and service providers.
RADM Andreasen (USA-NIMA) mentioned that this may be impacted by WEND and the IHO decision on CL 15/2001 since this pertains to direct SENC distribution. RADM Angrisano (IHB) explained how this was being handled within IHO and that it would be discussed at the next WEND meeting.
Chairman also pointed out that for the foreseeable future, ships would need to continue to carry paper charts. Following a brief discussion on what constituted acceptable backup to ECDIS, the Chairman stated that it would be made clear to ships participating in the demonstration that they would need to comply with national and legal requirements for a backup system.
Chairman emphasized the need to promote electronic charting products and services. One strategy would be to establish a website for CGM region. This could be something to be done by a Project Coordinator. Mr. Parvillers (France) also suggested the website of IHO hosts such a web page, or at least includes a link. It was also suggested that this could be done through the PRIMAR website.
Mr. Francis (Jamaica) also suggested that a videotape could be produced (similar to what Canada did).
RADM Angrisano (IHB) suggested that this should also be announced at IMO. Mr. O’Connor (Canada) suggested that the larger issue of hydrography and its contribution to marine safety and economic development needs to be promoted in addition to the use of ENCs.
Chairman explained that the responsibilities would be:
1) manage the harmonization of ENCs to ensure that the data are compatible on demonstration ships.
2) manage the distribution infrastructure (network) with a RENC (e.g., PRIMAR), private sector, or collaboration with other HO.
3) develop the criteria for the feedback from the demonstration of SHARED ENC/RNCs by shipping companies and participating ships
4) consider and resolve potential policy issues relating to data exchange
5) coordinate the promotional work (e.g., brochures, website, videotape, etc.).
6) produce a catalogue of RNC and ENC data coverage
7) facilitate training on ENC and ECDIS
8) institute a feedback mechanism on ENC production and services
9) identify demonstration participants
Chairman mentioned that Cuba had expressed specific interest to become the Coordinator. However, Cuba was not able to attend this meeting to confirm. As such, NOAA will assume the role of coordinator, but will contact Cuba regarding the opportunity for joint-coordination.
#1 Identify
shipping companies interested in and capable of using ENCs. UK offered to
interrogate the ARCS license database once potential project (participants) had
been identified.
#2 Identify
HOs and port authorities to participate in the project, and establish
procedures by which they can cooperate.
Develop a draft Terms of Reference (TORs). NOAA will send a letter to all participants present,
requesting confirmation of participation and the level thereof. The initial draft TORs will be included in
the letter.
#3 Assess the level of ENC production and capabilities of participating HOs. Completed.
#4 Assess the need to formulate the development of an ENC training course, syllabus, duration, and facilities for production of ENC data and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures. UK agreed to draw up a list of training classes and syllabi and requested nations identify the equipment they were using (e.g., CARIS) when asking for training. Participants should inform UK regarding the equipment.
#5 Wherever appropriate, establish cooperative arrangements for joint ENC data production and QA. To be determined.
#6 Establish the mechanism for assembling and integrating the requisite data and updates. To be determined by coordinator.
#7 Agree on guidelines to assist shipping companies and data distributors to select ECDIS systems with view to ensure compatibility of data and systems (e.g., type-approved ECDIS).
- this will require some contact with ECDIS manufacturers beforehand. All participants are requested to identify manufacturers who are presently capable of using both raster and vector (dual-fuel) data in their systems.
#8 Establish role and responsibilities of demonstration
coordinator(s). Completed, see
bottom of page 4.
#9 Identify and support effective and efficient method(s) of exchanging data and updates among participating HOs. Hold – to be determined by coordinator.
- this should be coordinated with existing RENC organizations such as PRIMAR.
#10 Identify and establish a distribution network for the dissemination of ENC data and updates. This will require consultation with shipping companies and PRIMAR. To be determined by coordinator.
#11 Devise strategies to:
a) promote the use and awareness of ECDIS for enhancement of safety of navigation.
b) educate the marine community on benefits of
the use of ECDIS. This is a
coordinated action by all participants.
#12 Develop a “nautical milestone” chart for
project implementation. To be
developed by Coordinator.
#13 Identify potential funding source for
training in ENC production and QA. To
be explored by IHB with coordinator collaboration.
1. Network of data exchange and arrangements to carry out QA prior to release of commercial use.
2. Delivery mechanism for the supply and updating of ENC and raster data.
3. Guidelines for ENC production and QA, and a syllabus for training of mariners.
4. An exclusive web page for the purpose of keeping MS and contributors informed on progress of demonstration.
Ms. Tuhey (UK) inquired if the Project/Coordinator was to continue beyond FY 2002? Chairman responded this project would have a defined end. However, a logical outcome would be the establishment of a RENC for the CGM region, and that this could be discussed at the next meeting.
Mr. O’Connor (Canada) mentioned that any website established by CGMHC on the SHARED Project be linked to the Singapore SHARED Website.
Ms. Nichols (USA-US Navy) said that US Navy offered to host the next meeting. An October -November 2002 meeting of the Gulf Coast region of USA was planned.
The Chair will circulate the Draft Minutes to this meeting. He also asked that any comments be forwarded to him prior to he forwarding the Minutes to the Commission.
7 Closing Remarks
Chairman thanked the participants for a productive meeting. He also made specific mention of the following day meeting on “Alternative Uses of Hydrographic Data”.