Assessing the potential of future maritime applications in the context of VHF data exchange system

The JERICHO VDE project's goal is to assess the potential of future maritime applications in the context of VDE (VHF Data Exchange System). The service aims at identifying and specifying new viable VDES services, combining space and non-space assets. The project focuses on two services: the exchange of security maritime safety information (MSI), with emphasis on polar regions, and the search and rescue (SAR) operation coordination. The MSI service introduces the VDES satellite segment as an additional way of Maritime Safety Information promulgation in global scale. The SAR service allows exchange of search patterns during search and rescue operations and thus streamlines the rescue process by means such as, visualization of the search schemes on the electronic map and using the VDES ground (VDES-TER) or space (VDES-SAT) segment to transmit search coordination data. The service targets users among MSI and SAR services such as: employees (seafarers with ranks: Captain, Chief Officer), governments and regulators, academia and R&D, classification societies, and ship owners. For both services assessed, the JERICHO VDE project makes use of satellite communication and satellite navigation products.