First stage of S-100 certification completed

The first stage of implementation of the new international standard S-100, developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), has been successfully completed. It resulted in the release of working versions of two key specifications: S-124 (Navigational Warnings) and S-128 (Marine Product Catalogue).
The S-100 standard is designed to combine disparate hydrographic data in a single system, such as the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). This will allow users to overlay various data layers on electronic navigational charts, such as detailed bathymetry or dynamic information on currents and tides.
The new standard develops the digital basis of its predecessor, S-57 (adopted in 1992), and is aimed at improving situational awareness and decision-making, which is especially important in complex coastal and port waters.
Services based on the S-100 specifications provide almost instantaneous data updates, which significantly improves navigation safety. While navigational warnings were previously transmitted to ships via radio, the S-124 standard allows them to be integrated directly into electronic charts on ships equipped with ECDIS.
The S-128 specification solves another problem: it automatically tracks the status of subscriptions to navigational data services, indicating which of them are current, available or missing.
The IHO emphasizes that the successful completion of the first stage confirms the commitment of the international hydrographic community to the goals stated in the ten-year plan for the implementation of S-100 (2020-2030).