Manama: Rashid Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Director of the Hydrographic Survey Directorate at the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB), took part in the International Centre for Electronic Navigational Charts (IC-ENC) Steering Committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, along with delegates from 55 countries.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting centered around several strategic areas, including the implementation plans and timeline for transitioning to the S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model. This transition signifies the next era of digital navigational products and services, aimed at boosting maritime navigation efficiency and safety. Discussion also focused on new pricing strategies for electronic navigational charts and initiatives for training and technical capacity building, which are essential for enhancing the quality and efficiency of navigational services globally.
Further deliberations at the meeting included the future distribution of electronic navigational charts, developing operational and pricing models for IC-ENC services, and the S-124 service dedicated to the exchange of navigational warnings and digital maritime safety information. The meeting also addressed the importance of strengthening specialized training and qualification programs for verifying electronic navigational charts, which are crucial for fostering national capabilities and promoting the exchange of expertise in alignment with international best practices.