Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR 13) - Opening remarks

REMARKS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 13TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON NAVIGATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE (NCSR 13), 22 to 26 June 2026

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 22 June 2026

Good morning distinguished delegates.

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the thirteenth session (13) of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue.

This week is particularly significant as we are preparing to celebrate the Day of the Seafarer on Thursday, 25 June. This year's theme is "Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks," which highlights the realities of life at sea and the hardships, pressures, and risks seafarers face every day. I encourage you to join us in promoting and celebrating the Day of the Seafarer, in recognition of seafarers' resilience and sacrifice in the face of daily risks and challenges, particularly in high-risk and conflict areas.

I would also like to you to reflect for a moment on the human cost of the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Innocent seafarers have tragically lost their lives in connection with this conflict.

The negative impacts at global level, both economically and in terms of food security, have also been felt.

The current situation is showing positive signs of improvements, and I hope that we will soon be able to evacuate the crew members and restore trade in the area.

I will provide further information on this matter in due course.

One immediate change for the NCSR Sub-Committee at this session is the transition to a five-day meeting format. I am confident that, with your dedication, collaboration and efficient working methods, your Sub-Committee will adapt quickly and continue to deliver high-quality outcomes. The less this already taken decision is brought up during the week, the more time we will have for our substantive discussions.

I would like to highlight a few of them for your attention.

You will consider several proposals to amend existing routeing measures and ship reporting systems. This is an item that has recently attracted growing interest while also presenting significant challenges.

Protecting maritime interests at the forthcoming ITU World Radiocommunication Conference is a key priority for the Organization. In this context, finalization of the draft IMO position on the relevant WRC-27 agenda items for approval by MSC 112 will be one of the high-priority tasks in your agenda.

Another important item in your agenda is the finalization of the work related to the S-100 data distribution framework for data distribution and global IP-based connectivity for ECDIS and operational guidance for digital route exchange, both of which are essential to support new ECDIS installations from 2029.

The introduction of digital VHF voice communications will be a major milestone in the history of maritime radiocommunications therefore, I am confident that you will give the transitional arrangements a thorough consideration to ensure an orderly and smooth process.

Distinguished delegates,

I am confident that, under the expert guidance of your Chair, Mr. Joris Brouwers of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, you will address these items in a spirit of cooperation and professionalism, and once again achieve successful outcomes.

I invite you all to the welcome reception [in the Delegates' Lounge] [at the roof terrace on the fourth floor] after the close of today's business.

Thank you.