The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has approved significant amendments aimed at enhancing the accessibility of ship-tracking data under the international convention for the safety of life at sea (SOLAS). These changes, which will be presented for adoption at the upcoming MSC 112 session in December 2026, are designed to streamline the long-range identification and tracking (LRIT) system. Coastal nations will soon be able to access standard ship position reports free of charge, facilitating improved vessel monitoring and enhancing maritime safety.
During its 111th session held in London from May 13 to 22, 2026, the MSC emphasized the importance of these amendments. By improving data accessibility, the changes are expected to bolster countries’ abilities to monitor maritime activities, support search and rescue operations, and address issues like illegal shipping and marine pollution. The IMO highlighted that these enhancements will provide governments with regular updates on ship positions and identities.
Additionally, the MSC adopted a resolution to implement the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) as part of the IMO regulatory framework. This system will serve as a more secure alternative to the existing automatic identification system (AIS) for vessel tracking. Set to go into effect on January 1, 2028, VDES will allow for faster and more secure data exchanges between ships and coastal authorities, incorporating authentication measures to reduce the risk of spoofing. Revised performance standards for shipborne VDES and guidelines for its operational use were also approved during the session.
