We look at services for both ships trading internationally and domestic commercial vessels.

It explores:

• trends and drivers in technology and communications for maritime navigation
• impacts on the maritime industry
• our policy response to these changes and related timeframes.

To help illustrate these changes in a real-world context we use a case study. We take you on board the Blue Sky, a fictitious gas carrier en-route from Hay Point (Qld) to Singapore. Our example explores the navigation technologies that might be in use in the year 2035.

Our response to technological change

The pace of change is great and we need to be agile and innovative in response.

For example, we will contribute to a global approach to resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) through measures such as:

• supporting the adoption of new technologies such as Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) to improve the positional accuracy of satellite navigation systems on ships  
• maintaining our traditional physical aids to navigation (AtoN) which will remain an essential, albeit secondary source of position information for most vessels in the future.

Automated navigation of ships represents a monumental shift in global surface transportation and is a contributor to the drive for the digitalisation of maritime services. At the same time, as our case study shows, systems like physical AtoN and human control will continue to play an essential role for safe navigation.

The outlook details AMSA’s policy response to a suite of key trends and challenges for navigation services in the next decade. These will include:

• enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the AtoN network
• developing security measures to protect it from cybercrime.

Central to our approach is a set of guiding principles. These will help us deliver new practices and technologies to enhance navigation services. These principles also reaffirm:

• our commitment to stakeholder and community engagement
• observance of the relevant conventions,  International Maritime Organization (IMO) obligations and International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA) standards and guidance.

This latest edition of our Navigation Services in Australian Waters provides a framework for a safe, efficient, sustainable and secure maritime transport system for Australia.

Email navsafety@amsa.gov.au if you need help accessing the report.