Webinar recording available: Shaping the future of navigation with S-100

On 3 December, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) hosted the first webinar in our new series: Shaping the future of navigation with S-100. We were delighted to be joined virtually by delegates from across the world to join the discussion on how S-100 will enhance navigation at sea and support more efficient and responsible decision making.

This webinar covered key topics, including: 

• An introduction to the S-100 framework
• How S-100 can enhance safety and efficiency
• Development and testing of S-100 data
• Steps towards implementing S-100

A recording of the webinar is now available to watch below for those unable to attend the live event.

The panel explored how the S-100 data framework will seek to replicate the success of its predecessor, S-57 – the product specification that underpins the Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) in use today. By using a common framework that is standardised across the international hydrographic community and beyond, S-100 data will be interoperable for use by a wide range of organisations – from shore-based planning to navigation at sea. 

The discussions focused on the first phase of the S-100 product specifications associated with route monitoring. This included S-101, the standard for next-generation ENCs, where panellists explored exactly how S-101 ENCs will reduce clutter and enhance safety for users – from more intelligent text placement to enhanced symbology. 

Our panel also shared how granular S-102 data (bathymetric surface) could afford greater precision in calculating under-keel clearance and, when combined with S-104 (water levels) and S-111 (surface currents), could underpin a dynamic safety contour based on real-time tidal information. This not only supports safety in reducing the risk of groundings due to insufficient under-keel clearance but could even extend the tidal window within the port environment to support greater operational efficiencies.

In an increasingly connected maritime environment, a key topic of conversation was the benefits of more frequent updating and near real-time data, along with how S-100 could provide greater resilience against modern cyber threats. Panellists also explored how S-100 is being developed with future technologies in mind, including increased automation and even autonomous navigation.

We also shared insight into the sea trials that have taken place in collaboration with various ports, hydrographic offices, ECDIS manufacturers and shipping companies. This has included trials in the port environment to test the value of S-100 data in highly congested, tightly constrained areas, as well as forthcoming trials to test interoperability on ECDIS.

Parts of the webinar were dedicated to answering audience questions with live Q&As. We received a wide range of questions from viewers across the globe, ranging from data production to CATZOC. Our audience were particularly keen to hear more about the practical implementation of S-100, including necessary hardware upgrades, implications for cybersecurity, and the requirements for crew training and familiarisation. 

You can find out more about the benefits of S-100 and steps towards implementation in our brand-new report: New Waters: How the S-100 data framework will shape e-navigation. This report was developed by the UKHO in partnership with maritime technology research company, Thetius, to explore the role S-100-based products will play in the future of digital navigation. 

For more information on S-100 and the next generation of navigation, visit our webpage. Here, you can also find details on how to subscribe for the latest updates on S-100, including news on any upcoming events and webinars.