ISRO NavIC Gets International Maritime Organisation Recognition: All You Need to Know

ISRO NavIC, which is the operational name for the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), has been recognised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as a component of the World-Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS). This recognition was awarded to ISRO NavIC in the 102nd meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee of IMO (MSC 102) held in November 2020.

The International Maritime Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. “The committee stated that NavIC meets the operational requirements to assist in the navigation of ships in ocean waters within the area covered by 55 degrees E longitude, 50 degrees N latitude, 110 degrees E longitude and 5 degrees S latitude. NavIC has been represented at IMO by the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways with technical support from ISRO,” said a statement from ISRO.

This latest development will enable the utilisation of ISRO NavIC in the fields of maritime navigation, surveying, and geodesy among others. NavIC or IRNSS is an independent regional navigation satellite system developed by India. The Indian GPS-like system is designed to provide accurate position information service to users in India as well as the region extending up to 1500 km from its boundary, which is its primary service area.

Applications of ISRO NavIC or IRNSS

• Terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation.
• Disaster management.
• Vehicle tracking and fleet management.
• Integration with mobile phones.
• Precise timing.
• Mapping and geodetic data capture.
• Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers.
• Visual and voice navigation for drivers.