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Document 32007R0414

    Commission Regulation (EC) No 414/2007 of 13 March 2007 concerning the technical guidelines for the planning, implementation and operational use of river information services (RIS) referred to in Article 5 of Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community

    IO L 105, 23.4.2007, p. 1–34 (BG, ES, CS, DA, DE, ET, EL, EN, FR, IT, LV, LT, HU, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SL, FI, SV)
    IO L 327M, 5.12.2008, p. 992–1040 (MT)

    Foilsíodh an doiciméad seo in eagrán speisialta (HR)

    Legal status of the document In force

    ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2007/414/oj

    23.4.2007   

    EN

    Official Journal of the European Union

    L 105/1


    COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 414/2007

    of 13 March 2007

    concerning the technical guidelines for the planning, implementation and operational use of river information services (RIS) referred to in Article 5 of Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community

    THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

    Having regard to Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterways in the Community (1), and in particular Article 5 thereof,

    Whereas:

    (1)

    In accordance with Article 1 of Directive 2005/44/EC, river information services (RIS) shall be developed and implemented in a harmonised, interoperable and open way.

    (2)

    In accordance with Article 5 of Directive 2005/44/EC, technical guidelines for the planning, implementation and operational use of river information services (RIS), hereafter referred to as RIS guidelines, shall be defined.

    (3)

    The RIS guidelines shall be based on the technical principles set out in Annex II to the Directive.

    (4)

    In accordance with Article 1(2) of Directive 2005/44/EC, the RIS guidelines shall take due account of the work carried out by relevant international organisations such as PIANC, CCNR and UNECE. Continuity shall be ensured with other modal traffic management services, in particular maritime vessel traffic management and information services.

    (5)

    In order to ensure a mutual understanding regarding the planning, implementation and operational use of RIS, the terms and definitions given in these RIS guidelines shall be used in further standardisation work and in application design.

    (6)

    The RIS architecture given in these guidelines shall be applied when developing services, systems and applications.

    (7)

    In planning RIS, a systematic procedure as described in these RIS Guidelines shall be followed.

    (8)

    The guidelines, which are the subject of this Regulation, correspond to the current technical state of the art. Experiences gained from the application of Directive 2005/44/EC as well as future technical progress may make it necessary to amend the guidelines in accordance with Article 5(2) of Directive 2005/44/EC.

    (9)

    The draft RIS guidelines have been examined by the Committee referred to in Article 11 of Directive 2005/44/EC.

    (10)

    The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee referred to in Article 11 of Directive 2005/44/EC.

    HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

    Article 1

    This Regulation defines guidelines for the planning, implementation and operational use of river information services (RIS). The guidelines are set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

    Article 2

    This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

    Done at Brussels, 13 March 2007.

    For the Commission

    Jacques BARROT

    Vice-President


    (1)   OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 152.


    ANNEX

    RIS guidelines

    CONTENTS

    1.

    Introduction 6

    2.

    Definitions 7

    2.1.

    River information services (RIS) 7

    2.2.

    RIS system 7

    2.3.

    RIS area 8

    2.4.

    RIS centre 8

    2.5.

    Inland VTS 8

    2.6.

    VTS area 8

    2.7.

    VTS centre 9

    2.8.

    Competent authority 9

    2.9.

    RIS authority 9

    2.10.

    RIS users 9

    2.11.

    Levels of RIS information 9

    2.12.

    Vessel tracking and tracing 9

    3.

    Participating vessels 10

    4.

    RIS architecture 10

    4.1.

    General 10

    4.2.

    RIS stakeholders 11

    4.2.1.

    Policy makers 11

    4.2.2.

    Regional managers 11

    4.2.3.

    System engineers 11

    4.2.4.

    Service providers 12

    4.2.5.

    RIS users 12

    4.3.

    RIS objectives 12

    4.4.

    RIS tasks 12

    4.5.

    River information services 15

    4.6.

    RIS functions and information needs 16

    4.7.

    RIS applications 20

    4.8.

    RIS systems 20

    5.

    Recommendations for individual services 21

    5.1.

    Fairway information service (FIS) 21

    5.1.1.

    General 21

    5.1.2.

    Radiotelephone service on inland waterways 21

    5.1.3.

    Internet service 22

    5.1.4.

    Electronic navigational chart service (Inland ECDIS) 23

    5.2.

    Traffic information service 23

    5.2.1.

    General 23

    5.2.2.

    Tactical traffic information (TTI) 23

    5.2.3.

    Strategic traffic information (STI) 24

    5.3.

    Traffic management 25

    5.3.1.

    Local traffic management (vessel traffic services — VTS) 25

    5.3.2.

    Navigational support 26

    5.3.3.

    Lock and bridge management 26

    5.4.

    Calamity abatement support 26

    5.5.

    Information for transport logistics 27

    5.6.

    Information for law enforcement 28

    6.

    Planning of RIS 28

    6.1.

    General 28

    6.2.

    Responsibilities 28

    6.3.

    Liability 29

    6.4.

    Planning process 29

    6.5.

    Training 30

    7.

    Stepwise development of RIS 30

    8.

    RIS standardisation procedures 32
    Appendix: Example of an information processing loop to Chapter 4.4 34

    ABBREVIATIONS

    ADNR

    Accord européen relative au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par voie de navigation intérieur du Rhin

    AIS

    Automatic identification system (transponder)

    ARGO

    Advanced river navigation

    AVV

    Adviesdienst Verkeer en Vervoer (The Netherlands)

    BICS

    Binnenvaart informatie en communicatie systeem (electronic reporting system)

    CAS

    Calamity abatement support

    CCNR

    Central Commission for the Navigation on the Rhine

    CCTV

    Closed circuit television

    CEVNI

    Code européen de voies de la navigation intérieure (European code for inland waterways), edited by UN/ECE

    COMPRIS

    Consortium operational management platform river information services (R&D project of the EU, 2003 — 2005)

    D4D

    Data warehouse for the River Danube

    DGPS

    Differential global positioning system

    ECDIS

    Electronic chart and display information system

    ECE

    Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations

    EDI

    Electronic data interchange

    EDIFACT

    Electronic data interchange for administration, commerce and transport (UN/ECE Standard)

    ENC

    Electronic navigational chart

    ETA

    Estimated time of arrival

    ETD

    Estimated time of departure

    ETSI

    European Telecommunications Standards Institute

    FI

    Fairway information

    FIS

    Fairway information service

    GLONASS

    Global orbiting navigation satellite system

    GNSS

    Global navigation satellite system

    GSM

    Global system for mobile communication

    HF

    High frequency

    HS Code

    Harmonised commodity description and coding system of WCO

    IALA

    International Organisation of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities

    IEC

    International Electrotechnical Commission

    IHO

    International Hydrographic Organisation

    IMDG Code

    International maritime dangerous goods code

    IMO

    International Maritime Organisation

    INDRIS

    Inland navigation demonstrator of river information services (R&D project of EU, 1998–2000)

    ISO

    International Standardisation Organisation

    IT

    Information technology

    ITU

    International Telecommunication Union

    LAN

    Local area network

    LBM

    Lock and bridge management

    OFS

    Official ship number

    PIANC

    International Navigation Association

    PTM

    Port and terminal management

    RIS

    River information services

    RTA

    Required time of arrival

    SAR

    Search and rescue

    SIGNI

    Signs and signals on inland waterways, edited by UN/ECE

    SMS

    Short message service

    SOLAS

    International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea

    SOTDMA AIS

    Self organising time division multiple access AIS

    STI

    Strategic traffic information (image)

    TCP/IP

    Transmission control protocol/Internet protocol

    TI

    Traffic information

    TTI

    Tactical traffic information (image)

    UMTS

    Universal mobile telecommunication system

    UTC

    Universal time coordinated

    VDL

    VHF data link

    VHF

    Very high frequency

    VTC

    Vessel traffic centre

    VTMIS

    Vessel traffic management and information services (maritime navigation)

    VTS

    Vessel traffic services

    WAP

    Wireless application protocol

    WCO

    World Customs Organisation

    WI-FI

    Wireless fidelity

    ZKR/CCNR

    Zentralkommission für die Rheinschifffahrt

    FIGURES

    Figure 2.3.

    Relation between RIS area and VTS area

    Figure 4.1.

    RIS development and redesign

    Figure 4.4a.

    Arenas roles and management tasks in inland shipping

    Figure 4.4c.

    Elements of an information processing loop

    Figure 4.4d.

    Information processing loop

    TABLES

    Table 4.4b.

    Derivation of RIS services

    Table 4.5.

    River information services

    Table 4.6.

    Functional decomposition of river information services

    Table 4.8.

    Relation between services and systems

    Table 5.2.3.

    Data set for ship reporting

    Table 6.4.

    The planning process for RIS

    Table 7.

    Possible stepwise development of the different parts of RIS

    1.   INTRODUCTION

    (1)

    The RIS guidelines describe the principles and general requirements for planning, implementing and operational use of river information services and related systems.

    (2)

    They are equally applicable to the traffic of cargo vessels, passenger vessels and pleasure craft.

    (3)

    They should be used in conjunction with international regulations, recommendations and guidelines, such as:

    (a)

    Guidelines and Criteria for Vessel Traffic Services in Inland Waters (Inland VTS Guidelines), (world-wide), IALA recommendation V-120, June 2001, 2001;

    (b)

    Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways (Basel), 2000;

    (c)

    technical specifications for Inland ECDIS as defined under the RIS Directive (1);

    (d)

    technical specifications for vessel tracking and tracing systems, such as Inland AIS, as defined under the RIS Directive;

    (e)

    technical specifications for electronic ship reporting in inland navigation as defined under the RIS Directive;

    (f)

    technical specifications for notices to skippers in inland navigation as defined under the RIS Directive;

    (g)

    Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System of the WCO (worldwide);

    (h)

    UN Code for Trade and Transport Locations UN/LOCODE (worldwide);

    (i)

    EDIFACT Standard of the UN (worldwide);

    (j)

    Standardised UN/ECE Vocabulary for Radio Connections in Inland Navigation (Europe), 1997.

    (4)

    A number of concepts and standardisation proposals for river information services have been developed in the research and development project INDRIS of the European Union (2). These are:

    (a)

    Guidelines and recommendations for RIS, 1999 (used as starting point for the RIS Guidelines by PIANC);

    (b)

    Functional definition of the RIS concept, 1998;

    (c)

    Standardisation of data communication (AIS, GNSS, Internet), 1999;

    (d)

    Standards for tactical data exchange, communication and messages (Inland AIS), 1998;

    (e)

    Standardisation of data, 1998:

    standards of codes (country, location, terminal, type of vessel, cargo),

    RIS scenarios (functions),

    data-interchange standards (EDIFACT, S-57 update mechanism);

    (f)

    reporting databases, 1999.

    (5)

    The concept for Inland ECDIS has been developed in the German ARGO (3) project in cooperation with INDRIS.

    (6)

    The concept for a RIS architecture has been developed by the WATERMAN (4) thematic network, an action under the Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development of the EU in the fields of VTMIS (maritime navigation) and RIS. Using these achievements, the RIS architecture has been elaborated comprehensively and in detail in the research and development project COMPRIS (5) of the European Union in 2003.

    (7)

    When reference is made in this document to Inland ECDIS (and electronic navigational charts), Inland AIS (or vessel tracking and tracing systems in general), electronic ship reporting and notices to skippers, the technical specifications as defined under the RIS Directive are meant.

    2.   DEFINITIONS

    The following terms are used in connection with river information services in these RIS Guidelines (see also some specific definitions in Chapters 4 and 5).

    2.1.   River information services (RIS)

    River information services means harmonised information services to support traffic and transport management in inland navigation, including, wherever technically feasible interfaces to other transport modes. RIS aim at contributing to a safe and efficient transport process and at utilising the inland waterways to their fullest extent. RIS are already in operation in manifold ways.

    Explanatory notes:

    (1)

    RIS include interfaces with other transport modes, sea, roads and railways.

    (2)

    Rivers in the context of RIS include all inland waterways and ports as defined in Article 2(1) of the RIS Directive.

    (3)

    RIS is also the generic term for all individual information services to support inland navigation in a harmonised way.

    (4)

    RIS collect, process, assess and disseminate fairway, traffic and transport information.

    (5)

    RIS are not dealing with internal commercial activities between one or more of the involved companies, but RIS are open for interfacing with commercial activities.

    2.2.   RIS system

    For the purpose of RIS, modern river information systems consist of one or more harmonised IT systems. An IT system (information technology system) is the totality of human resources, hardware, software, communication means and regulations in order to fulfil the task of processing information.

    2.3.   RIS area

    The RIS area is the formally described area, where RIS are active. A RIS area may comprise the waterways in a geographical river basin, including the territories of one or more countries (e.g. in a situation where a waterway forms the borderline between two countries) (Figure 2.3).

    Image 1
    Figure 2.3. Relation between RIS area and VTS area

    Figure 2.3.

    Relation between RIS area and VTS area

    VTS area with VTS centre

    RIS area with RIS centre

    2.4.   RIS centre

    A RIS centre is the place, where the services are managed by operators. A RIS may exist without a RIS centre (e.g. an Internet service, a buoys service). When ship/shore interaction in both ways (e.g. by VHF service) is intended, one or more RIS centres are needed. If a VTS centre or a lock exists in a RIS area, they may also be used as RIS centres. It is recommended to concentrate all services in a RIS area into one single RIS centre.

    2.5.   Inland VTS

    Inland vessel traffic services are a service, implemented by a competent authority, designed to improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the environment. The service should have the capability to interact with the traffic and to respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area.

    VTS should comprise at least an information service and may include others, such as navigational assistance service, or a traffic organisation service, or both, defined as below:

    an information service is a service to ensure that essential information becomes available in time for on-board navigational decision-making,

    a navigational assistance service is a service to assist on-board navigational decision-making and to monitor its effects. Navigational assistance is especially of importance in reduced visibility, or difficult meteorological circumstances or in case of defects or deficiencies affecting the radar, steering or propulsion. Navigational assistance is given in due form of position information at the request of the traffic participant or in special circumstances when deemed necessary by the VTS operator, using technologies such as GNSS/Galileo,

    a traffic organisation service is a service to prevent the development of dangerous vessel traffic situations by managing traffic movements and to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vessel traffic within the VTS area (Chapters 4.5 and 5.3.1).

    Where present, VTS are part of river information services (Figure 2.3). Within RIS, Inland VTS belongs to the group of traffic management services with the emphasis on information service and traffic organisation (Chapter 4.5 and 5.3.1).

    2.6.   VTS area

    A VTS area is the delineated, formally declared service area of a VTS. A VTS area may be subdivided in sub-areas or sectors.

    2.7.   VTS centre

    A VTS centre is the centre from where the VTS is operated. Each sub-area of the VTS may have its own sub-centre.

    2.8.   Competent authority

    The competent authority as referred to in Article 8 of the RIS Directive is the authority made responsible for safety, in whole or in part, by the government, including environmental friendliness and efficiency of vessel traffic. The competent authority usually has the tasks of planning, arranging funding and of commissioning of RIS.

    2.9.   RIS authority

    The RIS authority is the authority with the responsibility for the management, operation and coordination of RIS, the interaction with participating vessels, and safe and effective provision of the service.

    2.10.   RIS users

    The users of the services can be described in a number of different groups: skippers, RIS operators, lock/bridge operators, waterway authorities, terminal operators, operators in calamity centres, fleet managers, cargo shippers, consignors, consignees, freight brokers, and supply forwarders.

    2.11.   Levels of RIS information

    River information services work on the basis of different information levels. Fairway information contains the data of the waterway only. Traffic information has the information on vessels in the RIS area. Traffic information can be divided into tactical traffic information and strategic traffic information. Traffic information is provided by traffic images.

    There are three levels of information:

    (1)

    Fairway information (FI) contains geographical, hydrological, and administrative information regarding the waterway (fairway) in the RIS area that is required by the RIS users to plan, execute and monitor a voyage. Fairway information is one-way information: shore to ship or shore to office (users’ office).

    (2)

    Tactical traffic information (TTI) is the information affecting the skipper's or the VTS operator's immediate decisions with respect to navigation in the actual traffic situation and the close geographic surroundings. A tactical traffic image contains position information and specific vessel information of all targets detected by a radar and presented on an electronic navigational chart, and — if available — enhanced by external traffic information, such as the information delivered by an Inland AIS. TTI may be provided on board a vessel or on shore, e.g. in a VTS centre.

    (3)

    Strategic traffic information (STI) is the information affecting the medium and long term decisions of RIS users. A strategic traffic image contributes to the planning decision capabilities regarding a safe and efficient voyage. A strategic traffic image is produced in a RIS centre and delivered to the users on demand. A strategic traffic image contains all relevant vessels in the RIS area with their characteristics, cargoes and positions, stored in a database and presented in a table or on an electronic map. Strategic traffic information may be provided by a RIS/VTS centre or by an office.

    2.12.   Vessel tracking and tracing

    Vessel tracking means the function of maintaining status information of the vessel, such as the current position and characteristics, and — if needed — combined with information on cargo and consignments.

    Vessel tracing means the retrieving of information concerning the whereabouts of the vessel and — if needed — information on cargo, consignments and equipment.

    Part of this service can be fulfilled for example by Inland AIS. Other parts can be fulfilled by an electronic ship reporting system.

    3.   PARTICIPATING VESSELS

    (1)

    Vessels navigating in a RIS area shall make use of mandatory services and are recommended to make use as far as possible of the information provided by RIS and relevant services.

    (2)

    Decisions concerning the actual navigation and the manoeuvring of the vessel remain within the responsibility of the skipper. Any information provided by the RIS cannot replace any decision made by the skipper.

    (3)

    Depending on the level of information available and on the requirements of the competent authority, the vessels (except pleasure craft) are recommended to be equipped step by step with (see Chapter 4.8):

    (a)

    a radio equipped for the simultaneous reception of inland navigation radio on two VHF channels (ship/ship and ship/shore);

    (b)

    a radar for the presentation of the traffic in the close surroundings of the vessel;

    (c)

    a PC with mobile communication facilities (GSM) for the reception of e-mail and Internet, and for electronic reporting;

    (d)

    an Inland ECDIS device with electronic navigational charts (ENCs);

    in information mode,

    in navigation mode (with radar overlay);

    (e)

    a vessel tracking and tracing system, such as Inland AIS, with position receiver (GNSS/Galileo) and radio transceiver using Inland ECDIS for visualisation.

    4.   RIS ARCHITECTURE

    4.1.   General

    The idea of the thematic network WATERMAN (Chapter 1(6)) behind the development of the framework architecture for RIS was to translate policy objectives into specifications for application design. The RIS architecture should be defined in such a way that RIS applications will be produced to be efficient, expandable and able to interact with other RIS applications or applications for other modes of transport. RIS architecture development should lead to an integrated environment of RIS applications in a way that the performance, usefulness and efficiency of the applications will be enhanced.

    River information services may be developed and redesigned according to Figure 4.1.

    Image 2
    Figure 4.1. RIS development and redesign

    Figure 4.1.

    RIS development and redesign

    DEVELOPMENT

    Objectives

    OPERATION

    are fulfilled by:

    Policy makers

    define:

    Tasks

    require:

    Services

    Functions

    Information needs

    Regulations

    are provided by:

    define:

    Regional managers

    REQUIREMENTS

    design:

    System engineers

    SYSTEMS

    Applications (regional)

    are supplied by:

    DATA

    Services providers

    produce:

    Information

    Fairway information

    Tactical traffic information

    Strategic traffic information

    and supplied by:

    are used by:

    Users

    Feedback

    Stakeholders

    4.2.   RIS stakeholders

    RIS will be realised and kept operational by a set of cooperating stakeholders. The most important of them are:

    4.2.1.   Policy makers

    Policy makers want the RIS to solve (or diminish) traffic and transport problems. One party of policy makers are the authorities responsible for safety on the waterways. Other policy makers, e.g. organisations of ship owners, want to provide transport/logistical information services to cargo shippers and terminal operators. The different groups of policy makers have their own policy objectives, tasks and ideas about the required services to achieve its objectives. Once the services have been selected, the functions and information needs with their restrictions and interactions for providing these services should be determined.

    4.2.2.   Regional managers

    Regional managers control the RIS applications, e.g. waterway managers of the competent authority, traffic control managers, managers of search and rescue services, ship owners, and cargo shippers. They define requirements for applications with more detailed and accurate descriptions of the services and the functions, regarding local aspects or aspects of man/machine interface.

    4.2.3.   System engineers

    System engineers prepare system specifications and integrate hardware and software components into system components. RIS and VTS suppliers, system integrators, and telecommunication operators will combine the system components into complete systems which enable RIS services.

    4.2.4.   Service providers

    Service providers make and keep RIS operational and therefore they develop, maintain and operate the RIS applications. They control the autonomous applications and, where necessary, they provide the main input into the applications either by themselves or by RIS users.

    4.2.5.   RIS users

    RIS users can be described as a number of different groups: skippers, RIS operators, lock/bridge operators, waterway authorities, terminal operators, operators in calamity centres, fleet managers, cargo shippers, consignors, consignees, freight brokers, supply forwarders.

    4.3.   RIS objectives

    An objective is the description of intention. The objective may also be called the goal or aim. RIS have three main objectives:

    (1)

    transport should be safe:

    minimise injuries,

    minimise fatalities,

    minimise voyage incidents;

    (2)

    transport should be efficient:

    maximise throughput or effective capacity of waterways,

    maximise the carrying capacity of vessels (length, width, draught and height),

    reduce travel time,

    reduce workload of RIS users,

    reduce transport costs,

    reduce fuel consumption,

    provide efficient and economical link between transport modes,

    provide efficient harbours and terminals;

    (3)

    transport should be environmentally friendly:

    reduce environmental hazard,

    reduce polluting emissions and spills due to accidents, illegal actions or normal operations.

    These objectives should be met under the constraints that all RIS are supplied in a manner that is reliable, cost efficient and legally sound.

    4.4.   RIS tasks

    River information services support a number of management tasks in inland shipping. These tasks are related to the objectives (Chapter 4.3) and performed in three different ‘arenas’:

    transport logistics where parties that cause the transport cooperate with parties that organise the transport (e.g. consignors, consignees, shippers, supply forwarders, freight brokers, fleet owners),

    transport where parties that organise the transport cooperate with parties that execute the transport (e.g. fleet owners, terminal operators, customers),

    traffic where parties that execute the transport (e. g. ship masters and navigators) cooperate with parties that manage the resulting vessel traffic (e.g. traffic manager, competent authorities).

    The tasks are performed by different actors playing their role and being involved in transport objects and transport processes. One actor can be a stakeholder in one or more arenas at the same time. The activities of the actors are combined at transfer points and transfer processes. Figure 4.4.a gives an overview of all the relevant roles (and thus the stakeholders fulfilling these roles) responsible for traffic, transport and transport logistics in inland shipping. The tasks in Figure 4.4.a are also called communal tasks in the sense that individual tasks of the involved roles have to be tuned to each other by mutually informing each other, by negotiation or — in some cases — by passing on directions. This overview is the basis for defining RIS (Source: COMPRIS: RIS architecture, reference model).

    Figure 4.4.a.

    Image 3
    Figure 4.4.a. Arenas, roles and management tasks in inland shipping

    Figure 4.4.a.

    Arenas, roles and management tasks in inland shipping

    ROLE

    Object managers

    TASK

    TRANSPORT OBJECT

    TRANSPORT PROCESS

    TASK

    ROLE

    Process managers

    TRANSFER POINT

    TRANSFER PROCESS

    TRANSPORT LOGISTICS ARENA

    TRANSPORT ARENA

    TRAFFIC ARENA

    Consignment delivery manager

    Consignment management

    Materials, products, interests

    Trade and exchange

    Supply forwarder (& distributor)

    Stock manager

    Stock management

    Warehouse, shelter

    Gathering, distribution

    Supply chain management

    Transport service quality manager

    Transport service management

    Cargo, load unit, passenger

    Journey of cargo, load unit, passengers

    Freight broker

    Terminal manager

    Terminal management

    Terminal

    Transship, anchor

    Transport chain management

    Incident management and calamity abatement

    Information for law enforcement

    Terminal operator (stevedore)

    Fleet manager

    Fleet management

    Vessel

    Voyage, rotation

    Ship master

    Conning skipper

    Waterway, port manager

    Infrastructure management

    Junctions forks

    Route choice

    Traffic management

    Competent authority

    VTS-, lock-, bridge-operator

    Infrastructure element

    Passage, traffic flow

    The management tasks allow deriving the following RIS in relation to the objectives, where one RIS service can fulfil one or more management tasks (Table 4.4.b):

    Table 4.4.b.

    Derivation of RIS

    Objectives Chapter 4.3)

    Management tasks (Figure 4.4 a)

    RIS (Table 4.5)

    Efficiency

    Transport

    object related

    Consignment management

    ITL cargo management (5.d)

    Stock management

    Transport service management

    ITL outside the scope of RIS

    Terminal management

    ITL terminal management (5.c)

    Fleet management

    ITL cargo and

    fleet management (5.d)

    Safety, environmental friendliness,

    efficiency

    Infrastructure management

    Fairway information service (1)

    Statistics (7)

    Waterway charges and

    harbour dues (8)

    Efficiency

    Transport process related

    Supply chain management

    Transport chain management

    ITL cargo and fleet management (5.d)

    ITL transport management (5.b)

    ITL inter-modal port

    and terminal management (5.c)

    ITL voyage planning (5.a)

    Safety, efficiency

    Traffic process related

    Traffic management

    Traffic information (2)

    Traffic management (3)

    Safety, environmental friendliness, efficiency

    All objects and processes

    Incident management and calamity abatement

    Calamity abatement support (4)

    Law enforcement

    Information for law enforcement (6)

    ITL = Information for transport logistics () = numbering in Table 4.5

    The tasks in all RIS arenas are performed by the actors in cycles as shown in Figures 4.4.c and d. Moreover, the tasks may take place on an operational, tactical or strategic level (good examples are the tactical and strategic traffic information levels, defined in Chapter 2.11). This concept allows to draw for each individual task an information processing loop including the actions of the different actors. Every step in the information processing loop can be supported by river information services, which help the actor in his observations, evaluations, decisions, and actions. The information processing loop can be used to define the river information services (Chapter 4.5) and RIS functions (Chapter 4.6). An example for an information processing loop is given in Appendix A (COMPRIS: RIS architecture, information architecture).

    Image 4
    Figure 4.4.c Elements of an information processing loop

    Image 5
    Figure 4.4.d Information processing loop

    4.5.   River information services

    A service provides and uses information. It supports the user in achieving an improvement in performance. Services are developed by development projects and initiatives (driven by stakeholders or by technology push). Services are the means for the user to achieve the objectives. The execution of a task can be enhanced by using one or more services.

    River information services as identified in Chapter 4.4 are rearranged and subdivided according to Table 4.5.

    Table 4.5

    River information services

    Mainly traffic related

    1.   Fairway information service (FIS)

    a)

    Visual aids to navigation

    b)

    Radiotelephone service on inland waterways

    c)

    Internet service

    d)

    Electronic navigational chart service

    2.   Traffic information (TI)

    a)

    Tactical traffic information (TTI)

    b)

    Strategic traffic information (STI)

    3.   Traffic management (TM)

    a)

    Local traffic management (vessel traffic services - VTS

    b)

    Navigational support (NS)

    c)

    Lock and bridge management (LBM)

    4.

    Calamity abatement support (CAS)

    Mainly transport related

    5.   Information for transport logistics/management (ITL)

    a)

    Voyage planning (VP)

    b)

    Transport management (TPM)

    c)

    Intermodal port and terminal management (PTM)

    d)

    Cargo and fleet management (CFM)

    6.

    Information for law enforcement (ILE)

    7.

    Statistics (ST)

    8.

    Waterway charges and harbour dues (CHD)

    Abbreviations in Table 4.5 are used only to provide the connection to Table 4.6.

    4.6.   RIS functions and information needs

    A RIS function is understood as a contribution to a service. The functional decomposition of river information services allows the allocation of information supply to user demand. Table 4.6 shows the connections between services (Chapter 4.5), functions (Chapter 4.6), users (Chapter 4.2.5) and information levels (Chapter 2.11). It also shows that in many cases the same function serves many participants in the transport process. Table 4.6 gives an example as a guide to anybody else and may remind the reader in making his/her own list.

    Table 4.6.

    Functional decomposition of river information services

    No

    RIS service

    RIS sub-service

    RIS function

    Information level

    User

    Ship master

    VTS operator

    Lock/bridge operator

    Waterways authority

    Terminal operator

    Calamity centre

    Fleet manager

    Cargo shipper

    FIS

    Fairway information service

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Provision of information on:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    FIS.1

    Geography of the navigation area and their updates

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    FIS.2

    Navigation aids and traffic signs

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

     

     

    FIS.3

    Water depths contours in the navigation channel

    FIS

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    FIS.4

    Long time obstructions in the fairway

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    FIS.5

    Actual meteorological information

    FIS

    X

    X

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    FIS.6

    Temporary obstructions in the fairway

    FIS

    X

    X

     

    X

     

    X

     

    X

    FIS.7

    Present and future water levels at gauges

    FIS

    X

    X

     

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    FIS.8

    State of the rivers, canals, locks and bridges in the RIS area

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

     

    X

    FIS.9

    Restrictions caused by flood and ice

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    FIS.10

    Malfunctions of aids to navigation

    FIS

    X

    X

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    FIS .11

    Short term changes of lock and bridge operating times

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

     

     

    X

    FIS .12

    Short term changes of aids to navigation

    FIS

    X

    X

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    FIS.13

    Regular lock and bridge operating times

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    FIS.14

    Physical limitations on waterways, bridges and locks

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    FIS.15

    Navigational rules and regulations

    FIS

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    X

     

    FIS.16

    Rates of waterway infrastructure charges

    FIS

    X

     

     

    X

     

     

    X

    X

    FIS.17

    Regulations and recommendations for pleasure navigation

    FIS

    (X)

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    TI

    Traffic information

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TTI

    Tactical traffic information (short term related)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TTI.1

    Presentation of own vessel's position

    TTI

    X

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    TTI.2

    Presentation of other vessels' positions

    TTI

    X

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

    STI

    Strategic traffic information (medium and long term related)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    STI. 1

    Presentation of fairway information (=FIS)

    FIS

    X

     

     

    X

     

    X

    X

     

    STI. 2

    Presentation of vessel's positions in large surroundings

    STI

    X

     

    X

    X

     

    X

     

     

    STI.3

    Medium and long term assessment of traffic situation

    STI

    X

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    STI.4

    Presentation of vessel's characteristics

    STI

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    STI.5

    Presentation of cargo's characteristics

    STI

    X

     

    X

    X

    X

    X

     

    X

    STI.6

    Presentation of intended destination

    STI

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    X

    STI.7

    Presentation of information on incidents/accidents in the coverage area

    STI

    X

    X

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    STI.8

    Organisation and regulation of traffic flow

    STI

    X

    X

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    TM

    Traffic management

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VTS

    Vessel traffic services (local)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VTS.1

    Presentation of vessel's positions in large scale

    TTI

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VTS.2

    Monitoring of passing and manoeuvring arrangements

    TTI

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VTS.3

    Short term assessment of traffic situation

    TTI

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VTS.4

    Organisation and regulation of traffic flow in RIS coverage area

    TTI

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

    NS

    Navigational support

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    NS.1

    Information to pilots (navigational support)

    TTI

    X

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

    NS.2

    Information to tug boats (nautical support)

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    NS.3

    Information to bunker boats, waste oil removal boats, vessel equipment firms (vessel support service)

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    X

     

    LBM

    Lock and bridge management

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    LBM.1

    Lock/bridge operation

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    LBM.1.1

    Presentation of actual status of lock/bridge process

    TTI

    X

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    LBM.1.2

    Presentation of short term planning of lock/bridge (ETAs/RTAs of vessels, waiting places, lock/bridge positions)

    TTI

    X

    X

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    LBM.2

    Lock/bridge planning

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    LBM.2.1

    Provision of ETAs of approaching vessels

    STI

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    LBM.2.2

    Provision of information on medium and long term schedule of lock/bridge process

    STI

     

     

    X

    X

     

     

     

     

    LBM.2.3

    Provision of medium and long term RTAs of vessels

    STI

    X

     

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    CAS

    Calamity abatement support

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    CAS.1

    Information on incidents focused on traffic situation

    TTI

    X

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    CAS.2

    Assessment of the traffic situation in the situation of an incident

    TTI

     

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    CAS.3

    Coordination of the assistance of patrol vessels

    TTI

     

    X

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    CAS.4

    Assessment of the possible effects of the accident on environment, people and traffic

    TTI

     

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    CAS.5

    Presentation of information to patrol vessels, police boats, fire squad boats

    TTI

     

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    CAS.6

    Initiation and coordination of search and rescue activities

    TTI

    X

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    CAS.7

    Taking measures on traffic, environmental and people protection

    TTI

     

     

     

    X

     

    X

     

     

    ITL

    Information for transport logistics/management

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VP

    Voyage planning

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    VP.1

    Provision of information on port of destination, RTA at final destination, type of cargo

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    VP.2

    Provision of information on and presentation of the fairway network at different scales

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    VP.3

    Presentation of lock and bridge opening times and general waiting times

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    VP.4

    Presentation of long term weather information

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    VP.5

    Presentation of mid and long term prediction of water levels

    STI

    x

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    VP.6

    Presentation of information on route characteristics with RTAs, ETAs, ETDs at waypoints

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    VP.7

    Presentation of information affecting travel information

    STI

    X

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TPM

    Transport management

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    TPM.1

    Provision and presentation of ETAs of vessels

    STI

    X

    Ship supplier organisation

    Bunker organisation

    Repair organisation

    X

    TPM.2

    Provision and presentation of voyage plans of vessels

    STI

    X

    X

    TPM.3

    Provision of information on free loading space

    STI

    X

    X

    TPM.4

    Monitoring of the performance of contracted transports and terminals

     

    Freight brokers

    Transport service quality managers

    TPM.5

    Monitoring unusual threats (like strikes, fall in water level) for the reliability of transport

     

    TPM.6

    Match the transport and terminal performance with service levels agreed on

     

    TPM.7

    Define adjustments to methods for voyage planning

     

    PTM

    Inter-modal port and terminal management

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PTM.1

    Presentation of actual terminal or port status

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PTM.1.1

    Presentation of vessels waiting, being loaded/unloaded

    TTI

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

    X

    PTM.1.2

    Presentation of actual status of terminal process

    TTI

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

    X

    PTM.1.3

    RTAs of vessels, waiting places, positions

     

    X

     

     

     

    X

     

     

    X

    PTM.2

    Port or terminal planning

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    PTM.2.1

    ETAs of approaching vessels

    STI

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

    PTM.2.2

    Medium and long term schedule terminal process

     

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

    PTM.2.3

    Medium and long terms RTAs of vessels

    STI

    X

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

    CFM

    Cargo and fleet management

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    CFM.1

    Information on fleet of vessels and their transport characteristics

    STI

     

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    CFM.2

    Information on the cargo to be transported

    STI

     

     

     

     

     

     

    X

    X

    ILE

    Information for law enforcement

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ILE.1

    Cross-border management (immigration service, customs)

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    ILE.2

    Compliance with requirements for traffic safety

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    ILE.3

    Compliance with environmental requirements

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    ST

    Statistics

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    ST.1

    Transit of vessels and cargo at certain points (locks) of the waterway

     

     

     

     

    X

     

     

     

     

    CHD

    Waterway charges and harbour dues

     

    X

     

    X

    X

     

     

     

    X

    4.7.   RIS applications

    RIS applications are regional or dedicated uses of systems under specific requirements: local, functional, process-oriented. RIS application means the provision of river information services through dedicated systems. A single application can use one or more systems to provide a service.

    4.8.   RIS systems

    A wide range of technical systems has been developed for RIS, most of them used for more than one service, function or application (Table 4.8):

    Table 4.8.

    Relation between services and systems

    System

    Service

    Fairway information

    Traffic information

    Traffic management

    Calamity abatement support

    Information for transport logistics

    Information for law enforcement

    Statistics

    Waterway charges and harbour dues

    Tactical

    Strategic

    Vessel traffic services

    Navigational support

    Lock and bridge management

    Voyage planning

    Transport management

    Inter-modal port and terminal management

    Fleet and cargo management

    Visual aids to navigation

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Radar reflecting aids to navigation

    x

     

     

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Light signals

    x

     

     

    x

     

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Mobile phone (voice and data)

    x

     

     

     

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

     

    x

    GNSS/Galileo for vessel positioning

     

    x

    x

     

     

     

    x

    x

    x

    x

     

     

     

     

    VHF radio

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

     

    x

     

    x

     

     

    Internet

    x

     

     

     

    x

     

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

     

     

    x

    Vessel based radar

    x

    x

     

     

     

     

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Shore based radar

     

    x

     

    x

     

    x

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Shore based CCTV cameras

     

    x

     

    x

     

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Electronic navigational chart

    x

    x

     

    x

     

    x

    x

    x

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Vessel tracking and tracing system

     

    x

    x

    x

     

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

     

    x

    Ship reporting system

     

     

    X

     

     

     

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    x

    5.   RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL SERVICES

    Because technology changes fast, the emphasis is laid more on services and less on technology dependent systems in this Chapter.

    5.1.   Fairway information service (FIS)

    5.1.1.   General

    (1)

    Traditional means to supply FIS are e.g. visual aids to navigation, notices to skippers on paper, broadcast and fixed telephone on locks. The mobile phone using GSM has added new possibilities of voice and data communication, but GSM is not available in all places and at all times. Tailor-made FIS for the waterways can be supplied by:

    (a)

    radiotelephone service on inland waterways;

    (b)

    Internet service;

    (c)

    electronic navigational chart service (e.g. Inland ECDIS with ENC).

    These three FIS categories are dealt with in this Chapter. They are mainly based on the current situation, but for example notices to skipper may be supplied also via ENC service in the future.

    (2)

    Types of fairway information are listed in Table 4.6.

    (3)

    Fairway information contains static and dynamic as well as urgent information regarding the fairway. Static and dynamic information should be communicated on a scheduled basis. The urgent information needs to be updated very frequently and/or should be communicated on a real time basis (e.g. by voice VHF or electronic data interchange, Internet, WAP).

    (4)

    Safety related fairway information should be provided by or on behalf of the competent authority.

    (5)

    Fairway information for an international river area should be given by one single dissemination point provided with data from the concerned competent authorities.

    (6)

    Provided safety related data should be certified by the competent authority.

    (7)

    Values should only be given with an indication of the accuracy that can be attached to it.

    (8)

    Fairway information services should be provided through the approved communication tools (e.g. notices to skippers via the Internet or by VHF) and be given tailor-made as much as practicable.

    (9)

    In order to enable navigation in poor visibility by means of radar, the fairway should be equipped with radar reflecting top marks on buoys and beacons and with radar marks in front of bridge piles. The equipment of the fairway for radar navigation is the infrastructure task of radar reflecting aids to navigation. This task is related to, but not part of RIS. Therefore, it is not dealt with in these RIS guidelines.

    5.1.2.   Radiotelephone service on inland waterways

    (1)

    The radiotelephone service on inland waterways enables the establishment of radio communication for specific purposes by using agreed channels and an agreed operational procedure (service categories). The radiotelephone service comprises five service categories:

    (a)

    ship-to-ship;

    (b)

    nautical information;

    (c)

    ship-to-port authorities;

    (d)

    on-board communications;

    (e)

    public correspondence (service on a non-mandatory basis).

    Of these five categories, only the first three are important for RIS. The radiotelephone service enables direct and fast communication between skippers, waterway authorities and port authorities. It is best suited for urgently needed information on a real time basis.

    (2)

    The radiotelephone service is based on the following rules and regulations:

    (a)

    Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union ITU (worldwide);

    (b)

    Regional Arrangement Concerning the Radiotelephone Service on Inland Waterways (Basel, 6 April 2000);

    (c)

    Standardised UN/ECE Vocabulary for Radio Connections in Inland Navigation (UN Economic Commission for Europe No 35, 1997);

    (d)

    national inland waterway rules for navigation.

    (3)

    In the service categories ship-to-ship, nautical information and ship-to-port authorities, the transmission of messages should deal exclusively with the safety of human life, and with the movement and the safety of vessels.

    (4)

    Fairway information by voice in the nautical information (shore/ship) service category is recommended to be implemented:

    (a)

    for urgent information needing to be updated frequently and having to be communicated on a real time basis;

    (b)

    for dynamic information having to be communicated on a daily basis.

    (5)

    The urgent and dynamic information to be communicated by voice radio could concern for example:

    (a)

    temporary obstructions in the fairway, malfunctions of aids to navigation;

    (b)

    short-term changes of lock and bridge operation times;

    (c)

    restrictions in navigation caused by flood and ice;

    (d)

    present and future water levels at gauges.

    (6)

    The RIS area should be fully covered by the range of the VHF base stations for nautical information.

    (7)

    In the nautical information service category, information may be transmitted ‘to all users’ as:

    (a)

    scheduled reports on the state of the waterways incl. water level reports at the gauges at fixed times of the day;

    (b)

    urgent reports at special events (e.g. traffic regulations after accidents).

    (8)

    It should be possible for the operator in the RIS centre to answer specific questions of skippers on demand and to receive reports from skippers.

    5.1.3.   Internet service

    (1)

    An Internet service is recommended to be established for the following types of fairway information:

    (a)

    dynamic nautical information on the state of the waterways that needs to be communicated not faster than on a daily basis;

    (b)

    dynamic hydrographical information, as actual water levels, water level predictions, navigation channel depths (if available), ice and flood predictions and reports;

    (c)

    static information (e.g. physical limitations of the waterway, regular operating times of locks and bridges, navigational rules and regulations).

    The abovementioned information shall be provided via notices to skippers or via Inland ECDIS for waterways of class Va and above.

    (2)

    A standard vocabulary should be used for the notices to skippers in order to enable easy or automatic translation into other languages.

    (3)

    For a dense and/or extended waterway network, the dynamic information may be organised in interactive databases (content management system) in order to enable easy access to the data.

    (4)

    In addition to the Internet presentation, the notices to skippers may be mailed by:

    (a)

    E-mail subscription to computers on board of vessels and in offices;

    (b)

    SMS subscription to mobile phones;

    (c)

    WAP pages to mobile phones.

    (5)

    In order to facilitate route planning by the skipper, all fairway information needed for a route from port of departure to port of destination may be presented on one page on demand by the user.

    (6)

    Notices to skippers via the Internet or via data exchange between authorities should be communicated in an agreed format in order to enable automatic translation in other languages.

    (7)

    The requirements of the technical specifications for notices to skippers as defined under the RIS Directive shall be fulfilled.

    5.1.4.   Electronic navigational chart service (Inland ECDIS)

    (1)

    Electronic navigational charts (ENC) as a means of presenting fairway information shall fulfil the requirements of the Inland ECDIS technical specifications as defined under the RIS Directive.

    (2)

    The chart information to be used in Inland ECDIS should be the latest edition of information.

    (3)

    If the ENC is intended to be used in the navigation mode of Inland ECDIS, at least the safety relevant geo-objects should be included into the ENC. The competent authority should verify the safety relevant information in the ENC.

    (4)

    It is recommended to include all geo-objects of the object catalogue of the Inland ECDIS technical specifications into the ENC.

    (5)

    It is recommended to include the water depths to the ENC (depths contours). The water depths may be related to a predefined water level or to the actual water level.

    5.2.   Traffic information service

    5.2.1.   General

    Information concerning the traffic situation may be provided in two ways (Chapter 2.11):

    (a)

    as tactical traffic information (TTI), using radar and — if available — a vessel tracking and tracing system such as Inland AIS with underlain electronic navigational charts;

    (b)

    as strategic traffic information (STI) using an electronic ship reporting system (e.g. database with ship and cargo data, reports by VHF or other mobile communication facilities — voice and data).

    5.2.2.   Tactical traffic information (TTI)

    (1)

    Vessels should be equipped with radar in order to monitor all other ships in the close navigational surroundings of the skipper in poor visibility.

    (2)

    A tactical traffic image on board (Chapter 2.11 (2)) should be enhanced at least by displaying the radar information and — if available — Inland AIS vessel information on an electronic navigational chart (ENC).

    (3)

    The integrated display should be in accordance with the requirements for the navigation mode of the technical specifications for Inland ECDIS as defined under the RIS Directive.

    (4)

    In the navigation mode of Inland ECDIS, the vessel's position should be derived from a continuous positioning system of which the accuracy is consistent with the requirements of safe navigation.

    (5)

    The use of a vessel tracking and tracing system (such as Inland AIS) as an additional position sensor for detection of surrounding vessels should fulfil the requirements of the technical specifications for such systems as defined under the RIS Directive. The vessel information should be identified on the tactical traffic image, and other additional information on the vessels should be available.

    (6)

    Tactical traffic information on shore is used also in local traffic management (e.g. VTS centres) (Chapter 5.3.1).

    5.2.3.   Strategic traffic information (STI)

    (1)

    Strategic traffic information (Chapter 2.11(3)) should be established, when a permanent survey of the shipping situation in the RIS area is needed for medium term and long term decisions (e.g. for the emergency management at flood and ice).

    (2)

    Strategic traffic information can be helpful to the following services:

    (a)

    lock and bridge management (calculation of estimated time of arrival — ETA — and required time of arrival — RTA);

    (b)

    voyage planning;

    (c)

    calamity abatement support (vessel and cargo data);

    (d)

    terminal management (calculation of ETA and RTA).

    (3)

    For strategic information a ship reporting system (e.g. in connection with a RIS centre) should be established by the competent authority. The system has the task of collecting, verifying and disseminating the reported data.

    (4)

    The STI should be delivered to RIS users (Chapter 2.10) on demand (Chapter 5.5 (7)) taking into account privacy regulations.

    (5)

    Vessel and cargo data should be collected in a database. The database can be filled up by:

    (a)

    voice reporting via mobile phone;

    (b)

    voice reporting via VHF (Chapter 5.1.2 (6));

    (c)

    electronic reporting via on-board computer (e.g. BICS application) and mobile communication facilities (e.g. mobile phone data) or shore based computers and fixed communication lines for initial reports (vessel identity and cargo);

    (d)

    vessel tracking and tracing (e.g. by Inland AIS) for progress reports (vessel's position and ETA).

    (6)

    Reports from inland vessels should fulfil the requirements of the technical specifications for Electronic Ship Reporting as defined under the RIS Directive.

    (7)

    A possible composition of data sets for different services like lock and bridge management, calamity abatement support or terminal management is given as an example in Table 5.2.3.

    Table 5.2.3.

    Data set for ship reporting (example)

    Static data of vessels in composition

    Type

    MV

    Name

    Arcona

    Official vessel No (for sea vessels IMO-No)

    4,620,004

    Length

    110 m

    Width

    11,40  m

    Variable data

    Number of crew on board

    3

    Position (by waterway and km)

    Emmerich, km 857,0

    Sailing direction

    upstream bound

    Number of vessels in composition

    2

    Length of composition

    187 m

    Width of composition

    11,40

    Draught

    3,20  m

    Next reporting point (lock/bridge, terminal)

    Meiderich lock

    ETA at reporting point with accuracy

    17:30 ± 0:30

    For each partial cargo

    Category of cargo

    Chemical product

    Harmonised system code of cargo

    310 210

    Loading point (UN location code)

    Rotterdam

    Destination point (UN location code)

    Dortmund

    Amount of cargo (tons)

    2 800

    Only if dangerous cargo

    Name of cargo

    Na-Nitrit

    Code of cargo

    ADN, ADNR

    Class

    5.1

    Package code

    III

    UN-No (if available)

    1 500

    Quantity of blue cones/lights

    1

    (8)

    A strategic traffic image on shore may be restricted to special types of vessels (e.g. extraordinarily big vessels, vessels with dangerous cargo, special transports, and special tug combinations).

    (9)

    Data interchange should be established between neighbouring authorities. In case of neighbouring authorities in Member States which fall under the scope of the RIS Directive, the data interchange should be done electronically. In other cases and depending on the number of vessels involved, it should be done by telephone, fax, e-mail or electronic data interchange.

    5.3.   Traffic management

    5.3.1.   Local traffic management (vessel traffic services — VTS)

    (1)

    Reference is made to the Inland VTS Guidelines of IALA (Chapter 1.3.a).

    (2)

    A VTS centre for local traffic management by means of a tactical traffic image on shore (Chapter 2.11) should be established for the safety of navigation in difficult local situations and the protection of the surrounding human population and infrastructure from potential dangers of shipping. It emphasises on traffic organisation. The difficult local situations may be:

    (a)

    narrow fairway and/or shoals,

    (b)

    narrow bends,

    (c)

    narrow and/or many bridges,

    (d)

    fast water currents and/or cross currents,

    (e)

    fairway with traffic regulations, e.g. one-way-traffic,

    (f)

    conjunction of waterways,

    (g)

    high traffic density.

    (3)

    The tactical traffic image (TTI) is produced by collecting shore-based radar and vessel tracking and tracing information, and displaying the vessel information on an Inland ECDIS based on the technical specifications for Inland ECDIS and inland vessel tracking and tracing systems as defined under the RIS Directive. For a long river stretch and heavy traffic, the TTI may be enhanced by target tracking.

    5.3.2.   Navigational support

    Navigational support is the generic term for some services to assist inland navigation.

    In the traffic arena (Chapter 4.4), navigational support is provided by pilots to prevent the development of dangerous vessel traffic situations on board or in special circumstances on shore. Nautical support is provided by tug boats or boatmen to assist in safe navigation and mooring.

    In the transport arena, vessel support services are services given to the skipper by e.g., bunker boats, waste oil removal boats, vessel equipment firms, and repair organisations.

    5.3.3.   Lock and bridge management

    (1)

    RIS should optimise the traffic flow by:

    (a)

    support of the lock/bridge master in short-term decisions for planning of the lock and bridge cycle by presentation of an electronic lock diary, by a database, and by registration of waiting times;

    (b)

    support of the lock/bridge master in medium term decisions by data exchange with the neighbouring locks;

    (c)

    support of the skipper by transmission of waiting times;

    (d)

    optimising of lock circles by calculation of ETAs/RTAs for a chain of locks, transmission of RTAs to skippers.

    (2)

    A vessel tracking and tracing system with a database and appropriate means of communication (e.g. VHF, GSM — voice and data) (Chapter 5.2.3) can support lock and bridge planning.

    5.4.   Calamity abatement support

    (1)

    Calamity abatement support registers the vessel and transport data at the beginning of a voyage in a RIS centre and updates the data during the voyage. In case of an accident, the RIS centre delivers the data without delay to the emergency services.

    (2)

    Depending on the risk assessment (Table 6.4 point B.2.a), a calamity abatement service may register only certain types of vessels and compositions (Chapter 5.2.3(8)) or all vessels.

    (3)

    It should be the responsibility of the skipper to report the required data (Table 5.2.3).

    (4)

    A ship reporting system with a database and appropriate means of communication should be established (Chapter 5.2.3).

    (5)

    Position and sailing direction of the vessel should be reported:

    (a)

    when entering or leaving the area of a RIS centre;

    (b)

    at specified reporting points within the area of the RIS centre;

    (c)

    when the data has been changed during the voyage;

    (d)

    before and after stops of longer than a specific period.

    5.5.   Information for transport logistics

    (1)

    Logistic applications of RIS comprise:

    (a)

    voyage planning;

    (b)

    transport management;

    (c)

    intermodal port and terminal management;

    (d)

    cargo and fleet management.

    (2)

    Voyage planning is the task of the skipper and the vessel owner. Voyage planning comprises the planning of the loading and the draught of the vessel, as well as the planning of the ETA and of possible loading or unloading during the voyage. RIS should support voyage planning by:

    (a)

    fairway information service (Chapter 5.1);

    (b)

    strategic traffic information (Chapter 5.2.3);

    (c)

    lock and bridge management (Chapter 5.3.3).

    (3)

    Transport management means the management of the transport chain beyond the scope of navigation driven by freight brokers and transport service quality managers. It is aimed at:

    (a)

    controlling the overall performance of the contracted fleet managers/skippers and terminal operators;

    (b)

    controlling the progress in the contracted transports;

    (c)

    monitoring unexpected threats for the reliability of these transports;

    (d)

    finalising the transport (delivery and invoice).

    (4)

    The competent authorities should design their information systems in a way that the data flow between public and private partners is possible. The standards and technical specifications according to Chapter 1, points 3.e to j shall be used.

    (5)

    Communication and information exchange between private and public partners in RIS for logistic applications should be carried out according to the procedures and technical specifications that are being agreed for RIS.

    (6)

    The competent authorities should provide ample room for logistics applications within the bounds of their possibilities, such as:

    (a)

    the exchange of information between users and customers relating to vessels and terminals;

    (b)

    fleet planning support;

    (c)

    ETA/RTA negotiations between vessels and terminals;

    (d)

    vessel tracking and tracing;

    (e)

    electronic market places.

    The competent authorities should indicate the data structure in use to application builders.

    (7)

    Confidentiality of data exchange in a RIS needs to be ensured in accordance with Article 9 of the RIS Directive. In cases where logistic information is provided by systems operated by a competent authority, this authority should take the necessary steps to ensure the protection of confidentiality of commercial information. When confidential data are provided to third parties, privacy regulations have to be taken into account.

    5.6.   Information for law enforcement

    Law enforcement ensures that people within a given jurisdiction adhere to the laws of that jurisdiction. RIS supports law enforcement in inland navigation in the fields of:

    (a)

    cross-border management (e.g. the movement of people controlled by the immigration service, customs);

    (b)

    compliance with the requirements for traffic safety;

    (c)

    compliance with the environmental requirements.

    6.   PLANNING OF RIS

    6.1.   General

    In accordance with Article 4 of the RIS Directive, Member States shall take the necessary measures to implement RIS on inland waterways falling within the scope of Article 2.1 of that Directive. Member States may apply the Directive also to those inland waterways and ports which are not referred to in Article 2.1.

    The concerned competent authority usually should provide the necessary expertise and arrange funding to provide the desired levels of technology and expertise to meet the objectives.

    6.2.   Responsibilities

    (1)

    The competent authority has the responsibility — as far as RIS are traffic related — to plan RIS, to commission RIS and to arrange funding of RIS. In case of existing RIS, the competent authority should change the scope of the RIS if circumstances dictate so.

    (2)

    Where two or more governments or competent authorities have a common interest in establishing RIS in a particular area, they may decide to develop common RIS.

    (3)

    Attention should be paid to the possibilities of monitoring and maintaining the desired level of reliability and availability of RIS.

    (4)

    During the planning of RIS, the concerned competent authority should:

    (a)

    have a legal basis for the actions of the RIS and assure that the RIS are in conformity with national and international laws;

    (b)

    determine the objectives of the RIS;

    (c)

    appoint a RIS authority;

    (d)

    describe the area of coverage of the RIS;

    (e)

    determine the services and functions which will be rendered;

    (f)

    define the requirements for the applications;

    (g)

    provide the equipment necessary to carry out the tasks given to the RIS;

    (h)

    provide and train sufficient and competent personnel;

    (i)

    harmonise the demands of traffic and transport management by cooperation with the organisations of cargo shippers, fleet owners and port owners.

    6.3.   Liability

    The liability element of compliance with RIS guidance is an important consideration which can only be decided on a case-by-case basis in accordance with national law. Consequently, a RIS authority should take into account the legal implications in the event of a shipping accident, where RIS operators may have failed to carry out their duty competently.

    6.4.   Planning process

    Table 6.4 illustrates the steps to follow when planning for the development and implementation of RIS.

    Table 6.4

    The planning process for RIS

    A.   PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

    1.   Description and analysis of the existing and future situation in the area

    a)

    Hydrographical, hydrological and meteorological conditions

    b)

    Waterway conditions

    e.g. dimensions of waterways (locks, bridges, fairways), visibility along fairways, specific constraints (bends, narrows, shoals, narrow and low bridges), navigation patterns, bottlenecks, operating times of locks

    c)

    Current and future traffic and transport situation

    number of passengers, tons of cargo, kind of cargo, composition of fleet

    d)

    Number, type and impact of accidents including analysis of consequences

    e)

    Legal situation

    authorities, incident/calamity regulations

    f)

    Regional management and organisational situation

    e.g. lock operators, harbour and terminal companies

    g)

    Existing RIS systems

    h)

    Other problems in the area,

    e.g. delays

    2.

    Objectives see Chapter 4.3

    3.

    Tasks see Chapter 4.4

    4.

    Services and functions to be provided see Chapter 4.5 and 4.6

    5.

    Regulations required

    6.

    Requirements for the applications

    7.

    Proposal for decision on further procedure

    B.   APPLICATION DESIGN

    1.   Design of one or more future RIS applications

    short description, representation of performance and cost estimation of the potential IT systems

    a)

    Design on a functional basis

    external and internal functions dependant on the local situation

    b)

    Translation of the functional design into a technical design (systems)

    c)

    Definition of equipment needed on vessels and on shore

    2.   Evaluation of future RIS applications

    a)

    Risk assessment, e.g. types of risks and weighing of risks by pair wise comparison

    b)

    Efficiency of transport by cost/benefit analysis

    reduction of waiting times for vessels, higher reliability, shorter voyage duration, costs of incidents, accidents and delays

    c)

    Environment impact study

    if appropriate, for urban areas and the river

    3.   Organisational structure of the future RIS applications

    a)

    Liability in the legislation and regional legal basis

    b)

    Competent authority for planning and construction

    c)

    RIS authority for operation

    authority that is carrying out the task

    d)

    Personnel facilities

    eventually fully automated, training aspects

    6.5.   Training

    The successful delivery of RIS depends upon competent and experienced personnel to fulfil the responsibilities of a RIS authority. The recruitment, selection and training of suitable personnel are a pre-requisite to the provision of professionally qualified personnel capable of contributing to safe and efficient vessel operations. Such personnel will help to ensure that full regard is given to the diverse tasks inherent in RIS activities.

    7.   STEPWISE DEVELOPMENT OF RIS

    (1)

    An overview of the possible step by step development of the different parts of RIS is given in Table 7.

    (2)

    Because of the widely varying parameters, it is not possible to give general recommendations on RIS solutions for certain circumstances.

    Table 7

    Possible stepwise development of the different parts of RIS

    (in italics: system tested, but not implemented yet)

    Type of service

    Step

    System configuration

    Chapter

    1.

    Fairway information services

    1.1

    Voice communication shore/ship

    1

    Local nautical information by VHF at locks and bridges

    5.1.2

    2

    Central nautical information by VHF system with RIS centre

    5.1.2

    1.2

    Internet

    1

    Internet homepage with notices to skippers and water levels, static pages without content management system

    5.1.3(1)

    2

    As No 1, but additionally dynamic pages with content management system

    5.1.3(3)

    3

    E-mail subscription of notices to skippers and water levels

    5.1.3(4)

    4

    On demand, presentation of all fairway information from port of departure to port of destination for route planning on one web page

    5.1.3(5)

    1.3

    Electronic navigational chart

    1

    Electronic raster chart (scan from paper chart)

     

    2

    Inland ECDIS in information mode

    5.1.4(1)

    2.

    Traffic

    information

    2.1

    Tactical traffic information (TTI) on board by radar, Inland ECDIS, and vessel tracking and tracing

    1

    TTI by radar

    5.2.2(1)

    2

    TTI by radar and Inland ECDIS in navigation mode, only safety relevant objects in the ENC

    5.2.2(2) to (4) 5.1.4(3)

    3

    As No 2, all objects in ENC

    5.1.4(4)

    4

    Inland ECDIS as No 3, additionally with water depths

    5.1.4(5)

    5

    Inland ECDIS as No 1, additionally with vessel tracking and tracing

    5.2.2(5)

    2.2

    Strategic traffic information by ship reporting system

    1

    Database at RIS centre, reports via voice GSM, input in RIS centre manually

    5.2.3(5a)

    2

    Database at RIS centre, reports via voice VHF, input in RIS centre manually

    5.2.3(5b)

    3

    Database at RIS centre, initial reports via electronic ship reporting (data GSM), input in RIS centre automatically, position reports via voice VHF

    5.2.3(5c)

    4

    As No 3, add. reports on positions and ETAs via vessel tracking and tracing systems, input in RIS centre automatically

    5.2.3(5d)

    5

    Database at RIS centre, add. electronic data interchange between RIS centres

    5.2.3(9)

    3.

    Traffic

    management

    3.1

    Vessel traffic services (VTS)

    1

    Shore based radar stations, VTS centre, Inland ECDIS with radar overlay

    5.3.1(1)

    2

    As No 1, Inland ECDIS with radar overlay and target tracking

    5.3.1(3)

    3

    Inland ECDIS with vessel tracking and tracing information

    5.3.1(3)

    3.2

    Lock and bridge management

    1

    Database for lock diary, registration of waiting times, local

    5.3.3(1a)

    2

    As No 1, add. data exchange with other locks

    5.3.3(1b)

    3

    As No 2, add. transmission of waiting times to skippers (support of voyage planning)

    5.3.3(1c)

    4

    Optimising of lock circles by calculation of ETAs/RTAs for a chain of locks, emission of RTAs to skippers, input of positions of vessels by vessel tracking and tracing system

    5.3.3(1d)

    4.

    Calamity abatement support

    4.1

    Ship reporting system for certain types of vessels and compositions

    1 — 5

    System configurations as No 2.2

    5.4

    4.2

    Ship reporting system for all vessels

    1 — 5

    System configurations as No 2.2

    5.4

    5.

    Voyage planning

    5.1

    Fairway information

    1

    System configurations as Nos 1.1 to 1.3

    5.5(2)

    5.2

    Lock/bridge management, transmission of RTAs and waiting times

    2

    System configurations as No 3.2.4

    8.   RIS STANDARDISATION PROCEDURES

    (1)

    Standardisation of RIS is needed because:

    (a)

    inland navigation does not stop at borders of countries;

    (b)

    new IT developments in other modes of transport should be adopted in inland navigation in order to enable an integration of transport (multimodal transport on road, rail and waterway);

    (c)

    the different RIS systems reach their full benefit only when they are harmonised;

    (d)

    suppliers of equipment will not start producing hardware and software for RIS, if the standards and technical specifications are not drawn up.

    (2)

    RIS shall be developed and operated, following agreed standards and technical specifications, such as:

    (a)

    these RIS guidelines as a framework;

    (b)

    IALA inland VTS guidelines;

    (c)

    inland ECDIS technical specifications;

    (d)

    Eelectronic ship reporting technical specifications;

    (e)

    notices to skippers technical specifications;

    (f)

    vessel tracking and tracing technical specifications (such as Inland AIS technical specifications);

    (g)

    inland radar requirements (future ETSI standard);

    (h)

    regional arrangement concerning the radio telephone service on inland waterways.

    (3)

    Technical specifications should be developed in compatibility with the maritime world in order to enable mixed traffic in the estuaries of rivers/sea-river trade.

    (4)

    International organisations being already involved in maritime standardisation should be asked to take into account standardisation developments in the inland waterway sector, such as:

    (a)

    IHO, IEC as regards Inland ECDIS;

    (b)

    IALA as regards Inland VTS;

    (c)

    PIANC as regards river information services;

    (d)

    ITU, ETSI; IEC, IALA as regards Inland AIS;

    (e)

    ITU as regards inland VHF;

    (f)

    UN/ECE as regards special standards to be used in electronic ship reporting (e.g. EDIFACT, UN/LOCODE).

    (5)

    Those organisations should be invited to participate and cooperate in the development and maintenance of the technical specifications and standards (as it already happens).

    (6)

    The international bodies like UN/ECE; the Central Commission for the Navigation on the Rhine, the Danube Commission and similar bodies in other parts of the world, are asked to either adopt or recommend the technical specifications as defined under the RIS Directive.

    (7)

    The national governments are asked to certify the equipment produced according to the technical specifications as defined under the RIS Directive.

    (8)

    National governments are requested to cooperate in a bilateral or multilateral way to achieve the greatest amount of harmonisation.

    (1)  Directive 2005/44/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on harmonised river information services (RIS) on inland waterway in the Community (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 152).

    (2)  Results available on CD from the Transport Research Centre (AVV), Rijkswaterstaat, PO Box 1031, 3000 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

    (3)  The final report of 15 March 2003 on the ARGO test operation with depths information can be downloaded from the web page www.elwis.de under the rubric ‘RIS-Telematikprojekte (ARGO)’.

    (4)  Information available from the Transport Research Centre (AVV), Rijkswaterstaat, PO Box 1031, 3000 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

    (5)  Results available from the Transport Research Centre (AVV), Rijkswaterstaat, PO Box 1031, 3000 BA Rotterdam, The Netherlands and www.euro-compris.org.

    Appendix

    Example of an information processing loop to Chapter 4.4

    Image 6

    Task: Lock management

    Role: Lock operator

    Evaluate

    Decide

    Evaluate waiting times for approaching vessels

    STRATEGIC LEVEL

    Long time lock planning

    Decide on the estimated reopening and delays

    Evaluate the locking situation for the next locking cycle

    TACTICAL LEVEL

    short time lock planning

    Decide on the estimated waiting time

    Observe

    Act

    Observe blockings of neighbouring locks

    Evaluate priority of vessels and order of lockage

    Decide on priority and lock chamber to be used

    Inform skippers on situation on the whole waterway

    Observe approaching vessels from both directions

    OPERATIONAL LEVEL

    Inform skipper of approaching vessels

    Observe arriving vessels

    Inform skipper to enter the lock


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