Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 11TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE (NCSR 11), 4 to 13 June 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 13 June 2024

Mr. Chair, distinguished delegates,

Another productive session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, and Search and Rescue is coming to an end with important achievements.

You have made considerable progress by completing a number of important tasks like finalization of the draft revisions of resolutions A.1001(25) and A.707(17) related to mobile satellite services for use in the GMDSS, the finalization of the draft amendments to SOLAS regulation V/23 and several associated instruments to improve the safety of pilot transfer arrangements and the finalization of the performance standards for a digital navigational data system (NAVDAT) and the Criteria for providing NAVDAT services.

Significant progress has also been made regarding the development of SOLAS amendments and associated instruments to introduce VHF Data Exchange System (VDES); and on the development of guidelines for the use of electronic nautical publications (ENP).

These accomplishments remind us of the essential role this Organization plays in enhancing maritime safety. 

Special thanks go to your new Chair, Mr. Joris Brouwers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for skillfully guiding you through the diverse and intricate subjects on your agenda. He was ably supported by the new Vice-Chair, Captain Carlos Cerda Espejo of Chile, who was actively involved in ensuring that consensus could be reached. Mr. Chair, together with your Vice-Chair, you have been elected to serve for current calendar year. Your exceptional decision-making abilities and exemplary leadership have steered the discussions on the complex matters of the Sub-Committee to a great success.

I would also like to thank the Chairs of the working and experts’ groups, Mr. Aidan Jennings of Ireland, Mr. Hideki Noguchi of Japan, Mr. Falong Liu of China and Mr. Nazwan Hafeez Bin Hashim of Malaysia. 

As always, this is also an opportune moment to express our gratitude to those delegates and experts who are leaving and concluding their tenure with us and for whom this marks the final session of the Sub-Committee. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

I am grateful for the efforts of the Maritime Safety Division, who led the preparations for this meeting, for the dedication of all the staff of the Secretariat, who work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

Before I close, I would like to remind you that we will be celebrating the International Day of the Seafarer on 25 June. I invite you all to mark the day and share photos online - all details are on the IMO website.

I wish you all a restful weekend, and a safe journey to your destinations.

Thank you.

***