The introduction of S-100 requires the implementation of several steps to ensure a smooth transition. This article explores a selection of the complexities of implementing S-100 and the steps that can be taken to ensure its successful adoption.
Training and user preparation
The introduction of S-100 will enable the simultaneous display of S-57 charts alongside the S-101 charts. While the purpose of S-100 is not to overwhelm mariners with substantial changes in terms of what they’re viewing in the portrayal, there will be some changes that will require additional or modified training and management of resources on the bridge.
For example, S-101 sees the redesign of buoyage. According to the UKHO, mariners had expressed difficulty with the traditional buoyage symbols on screen, as they lacked colour coding similar to that of simplified symbology. In S-101, this feedback was addressed by redesigning the buoy symbols to include colour coding, which aligns with traditional paper chart representations. This change is designed to help mariners maintain better situational awareness, as what they see on screen now visually matches what they observe out the window, such as the colour patterns of cardinal buoys.
As previously mentioned, S-101 also reduces screen clutter. Mariners often turn off textual information on their charts due to the overwhelming amount of data, which includes light characteristics and place names, cluttering the screen. To fix this, S-101 uses cartographic attributes that allow for more intelligent placement of text, reducing conflicting names of features and fairways. This ensures that mariners can access the navigational data they need without the display becoming overcrowded.
According to a recent seminar held by the UKHO, data from an ECDIS training assessment showed that there were significant areas of weakness among seafarers relating to ENC installation and updating, display settings and how to declutter the screen, and safety settings. These areas in particular will require further training before the introduction of S-100 to ensure that users are able to interpret the data layers on the screen.
Another study published in 2022 that examined the perceived impact of S-100 on seafarers, found that there are some concerns about the readiness of senior personnel to adapt to new technologies and the potential degradation of traditional navigation skills. Manufacturers of S-100 products will need to make their tools as customer-orientated as possible to ensure uptake and usability. Shipping companies will need to ensure that their seafarers who are involved in bridge operations are given adequate training and time to learn how to use the new products to their full potential.
The standardisation of training will also be necessary to ensure all mariners possess the knowledge required to configure safety contours or manage different datasets. The formalisation of training will also be required to ensure mariners receive certification of S-100 training, proving their ability to correctly interpret and apply the data.
Verification and validation
The global incident with Crowdstrike in 2024 underlines the importance of thoroughly testing software updates before they are released. Even well-intentioned updates can cause significant issues if they are not correctly and comprehensively tested. This is especially crucial for S-100 data product specifications used in ECDIS on board ships.
To avoid potential catastrophes, such as an ECDIS system failure while navigating sensitive areas, the IHO and manufacturers must collaborate closely. A key part of this collaboration is a rigorous process of pre-testing with all ECDIS manufacturers before any updates are released. This pre-testing ensures that updates from the IHO do not inadvertently cause system failures or operational disruptions at sea, which could have serious safety implications.
For further insight into the areas highlighted in this article, download our thought leadership report ‘New Waters’, created in partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office. Based on the findings of a comprehensive maritime research project, this report explores the five key steps to supporting the successful adoption of the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) S-100 data framework.
