ICSM S-100 - Australian Branch

The Australian branch of the S-100WG provides a national forum to facilitate S-100 implementation in Australia's maritime domain. Australian stakeholders are working together to deliver new data models to support next generation of data services.

Australia's S-100 Implementation Roadmap

The branch has established a structured implementation roadmap to guide Australia's transition towards next generation hydrographic data services. This roadmap outlines the phased introduction of various S-100 product specifications, ensuring a smooth transition to a more data-rich and interoperable maritime environment.

Key Milestone and Phases

2025 - Test Data availability

In December 2025, the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) will make available the following S-100 sample datasets to support general public familiarisation, testing and feedback in Port Botany (Sydney):

  • S-101 Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)

  • S-102 Bathymetric Surface

  • S-104 Water Level Information for Surface Navigation

2026 - Initial Rollout

  • S-101 Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC): The production of the next generation ENCs is planned to commence from Q1 2026. S-101 ENC production will gradually grow in coverage until it replicates the existing S-57 ENC portfolio. In the meantime, both product types will coexist and work alongside each other with no significant impact to users.

  • S-102 Bathymetric Surface: Limited production will begin from Q1 2026 to provide higher resolution bathymetry in some of the areas where S-57 High Density Bathymetric ENCs are currently available to mariners.

  • S-104 Water Level Information for Surface Navigation: Gridded products using predicted tides will be gradually introduced to enable water level adjustments in areas where S-102 products became available. The first S-104 products are expected to be released in Q4 2026.

  • S-111 Surface Currents: Implementation of gridded products using predicted current streams is also scheduled for Q4 2026. Initial production will provide these datasets in limited locations. Mariners will be able to leverage this useful environmental information to more efficiently plan and execute their navigation through challenging areas.

  • S-128 Catalogue of Nautical Products: This product will provide a comprehensive and official list of all S-100 products available to the public and include important information such as product type, geographic extents, latest version (Edition and Up numbers), etc.

2027 - Expanded Production

  • S-124 Navigational Warnings: Expected to become operational in 2027, supporting improved real time navigation safety (led by AMSA).

  • S-129 Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM): Expected operational deployment by 2027, ensuring enhanced clearance management for vessel safety (managed by OMC).

2027-2030 - Full Adoption & Expansion

During this period, additional S-100-based services will be integrated into Australia's maritime domain, ensuring full functionality and interoperability of hydrographic data across various government and industry stakeholders.

Strategic Benefits

  • Improved Navigation Safety through real time and predictive data.

  • Enhanced Maritime Efficiency by transitioning to an interoperable data environment.

  • Alignment with International Standards to ensure compatibility with global e-Navigation systems.

This roadmap represents Australia's commitment to modernising hydrographic data services and strengthening maritime safety and efficiency through S-100 implementations.

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In general, Australia's S-100 Working Group is discussing the following production lines:

  • S-101 Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)
  • S-102 Bathymetric Surface
  • S-104 Water Level for Surface Navigation
  • S-111 Surface Currents
  • S-122 Marine Protected Areas
  • S-124 Navigational Warnings
  • S-125 Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN)
  • S-127 Marine Traffic Management
  • S-128 Catalogue of Nautical Products
  • S-129 Under Keel Clearance Management (UKCM)
  • S-131 Marine Harbour Infrastructure
  • S-201 Aids to Navigation Information
  • S-411 Dynamic Ice Information 
  • S-412 Weather Wave Hazards
  • S-421 Route Plan

 

Test Bed Activities

A Test Bed Focus Group (S100TBFG) was established under the Australian branch of the S-100WG in October 2023. The group's main focus is creating a national test bed to enable the development and testing of different S-100 product prototypes. The national test bed will allow all participating agencies to test their use cases and work collaboratively to ensure the efficient implementation of S-100 products and services to enable e-Navigation in Australia and the region.

S-100TBFG Lead - Gabriela Balla (AHO) gabriela.balla@defence.gov.au

S-102 The Rip (SEAiq Pilot)

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Overarching Strategy

Australia's S-100 Working Group has developed a comprehensive implementation roadmap to transition to the advanced S-100 framework. This strategic plan outlines the trial, validation and phased introduction and adoption of various S-100 based product specifications, ensuring a coordinated and efficient rollout across the maritime sector.

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