“Mapping the Future of Maritime Operations Together with NAMRIA OMSIS”

Themes

e-Government: OMSIS exemplifies the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) within public sector operations. By transitioning from traditional methods to an online platform, NAMRIA enhances its productivity and service delivery, making critical maritime information readily accessible to users.

Service Quality: OMSIS aims to enhance the quality of services provided by NAMRIA through the integration of nautical chart data and real-time chart corrections. By offering an intuitive online platform, the system facilitates easier access to important maritime information, thereby ensuring that mariners receive timely and accurate updates.

Overview

The Online Maritime Safety Information System (OMSIS) was developed by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to modernize the dissemination of maritime safety information, specifically chart corrections, for the maritime community. The main challenge was the outdated system of delivering Notices to Mariners (NMs), which hindered access to up-to-date navigational data. The solution was to create OMSIS, an electronic platform aligned with international standards, to provide organized, easily accessible chart corrections. This system improved efficiency, accessibility, and user satisfaction, ensuring mariners have the most current information for safe navigation. OMSIS was evaluated as highly functional and cost-effective during pilot testing.

Challenge

Mariners, tasked with correcting their nautical charts based on Notices to Mariners (NMs), encounter significant difficulties in navigating the backlog of corrections. Despite increased accessibility via downloadable digital notices, the system has not adequately addressed the overwhelming volume of data, which mariners must manually sift through. This problem is compounded by a growing influx of information due to rising internet connectivity and technological advancements, leading to inefficiencies surrounding the dissemination and utilization of Maritime Safety Information (MSI). Moreover, the current manual process for reporting navigationally significant information only allows limited participation from a small number of mariners. Thus, the existing MSI service delivery system requires substantial improvements to handle the growing volume of data while ensuring a more user-friendly and responsive process for mariners.

Solution/s

NAMRIA introduced the OMSIS to address current challenges in chart corrections, information collection, and registration services by introducing innovative features to streamline maritime operations:

Electronic Notice to Correct Charts (e-NCC) Module is an electronic service for managing and disseminating Notices to Mariners (NMs), which are essential updates to correct nautical charts. These notices are critical for ensuring maritime safety, as they inform users about the latest changes in navigation conditions, navigational hazards, and other important data related to chart corrections. Traditionally, mariners and relevant stakeholders had to rely on manual processes to access these updates. The e-NCC module automates this process by providing timely and accurate electronic notices that are easily accessible online. This significantly improves the speed of chart corrections and reduces the risk of outdated information being used in maritime operations. The e-NCC module enhances safety for seafarers and other maritime stakeholders by ensuring they always have the most current information available. The move to electronic distribution also aligns with global trends toward digitalization and automation in maritime services.

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Maritime Safety Information Subscription (MSI-Subs) Module allows users to subscribe to receive real-time maritime safety information (MSI). This includes warnings about navigation conditions, hazards, and other critical maritime safety alerts. Users can customize their subscriptions to receive information relevant to specific geographic areas or types of services. By allowing customizable subscriptions, the MSI-Subs module ensures that users are only alerted to information relevant to their operations, reducing information overload while keeping them informed about potential risks. This real-time service is crucial for enhancing maritime safety and improving operational decision-making. The subscription-based model empowers stakeholders to stay up-to-date with safety information that could affect their voyages or operations. This feature represents a significant innovation in how maritime safety information is disseminated, transitioning from passive data retrieval to proactive, automated notifications.

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Maritime Safety Information (MSI) Admin Module is a backend tool designed for NAMRIA administrators to manage and distribute new MSI. This module simplifies the administration of maritime warnings, alerts, and other safety data, ensuring that the information is processed and sent out efficiently to relevant subscribers. The MSI-Admin module introduces a structured process for managing MSI, replacing what may have previously been manual and disjointed processes. It ensures that safety information is consistently accurate, up-to-date, and quickly delivered. This module supports the operational efficiency of NAMRIA, enabling swift and coordinated dissemination of critical safety information. It also reflects NAMRIA’s commitment to improving internal workflows through digital solutions, which enhances its overall service delivery.

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Rapid Application Development (RAD) model is a software development approach used by NAMRIA to design and implement OMSIS. This model prioritizes rapid prototyping and iterative development, allowing NAMRIA to build, test, and refine OMSIS based on user feedback throughout the development process. The RAD model is particularly effective for systems like OMSIS, which require adaptability to evolving user needs. By focusing on quick iterations, NAMRIA was able to develop and deploy a functional version of OMSIS in a shorter timeframe while continuing to refine and improve the system based on real-time user interactions. The use of the RAD model reflects NAMRIA’s flexible and user-centric approach to system development. It ensures that OMSIS remains responsive to user requirements and technological advancements, making it a sustainable and adaptable solution for delivering hydrographic and oceanographic services.

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Automation of Workflow Processes reduces manual intervention and streamlines administrative processes, such as approving requests and delivering products. This automation cuts down on processing time and minimizes the potential for human error. Automated workflows speed up internal processes and reduce administrative burdens, allowing NAMRIA staff to focus on higher-value tasks, while customers benefit from quicker turnaround times. This feature demonstrates how NAMRIA is improving internal efficiency and aligning with global best practices in service automation, enhancing both productivity and service quality.

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Productivity Gains, Outcomes, and Impact

The implementation of the NAMRIA OMSIS enabled the enrollment of all chart correcting notices issued from 2013 to 2019, rather than limiting it to just the notices for the 1500 series. Notably, OMSIS recorded significant user engagement, with total hits increasing from 3,135 in 2020 to 9,662 in 2023. Monthly usage data revealed a peak of 5,624 hits in December 2023 alone, reflecting the growing reliance on the system by mariners, chart compilers, and navigating OMSIS for electronic nautical chart corrections. The comprehensive database enhances user access to vital maritime information, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards. By streamlining the preparation and delivery of nautical chart corrections, OMSIS has notably reduced the time clients require to access crucial maritime safety information. Stakeholder feedback underscores this improvement; for instance, one respondent highlighted the need for wider dissemination of OMSIS, while another suggested sharing information with relevant stakeholders, demonstrating a strong appreciation for the system’s capabilities. A notable survey response pointed to the potential for OMSIS to evolve into a comprehensive mapping system that links all Philippine paper charts and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) to the e-NCC module, indicating a progressive shift towards more integrated hydrographic services.

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The project also saw strategic adjustments in resource allocation, such as compressing seminars and workshops to minimize costs and maximize stakeholder attendance, demonstrating efficient use of available resources. The project’s introduction of a maritime safety information awareness campaign marks a pivotal change in how such services are delivered. Stakeholder interviews revealed an eagerness for continuous improvement, reinforcing the notion that while challenges exist, the impact of OMSIS on productivity performance and client satisfaction is largely positive, paving the way for future advancements in maritime safety information management.

Lessons Learned/Challenges in Implementing the Intervention

Looking ahead, OMSIS aims to introduce a centralized access point for hydrographic and oceanographic data. This feature will provide users with a single, online portal to access nautical charts, hydrographic surveys, tide and current information, and other essential marine datasets. Previously, obtaining this data required contacting different departments within NAMRIA, but OMSIS consolidated these services, significantly reducing the time and effort involved. This centralization is particularly valuable for stakeholders in maritime industries, research, and environmental monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency and transparency while aligning with e-Government initiatives.

Furthermore, OMSIS requires a feedback mechanism to capture the experiences of mariners and stakeholders, enabling more responsive and effective service delivery. While the project has made strides in quality assurance for internal processes, a more robust evaluation system is needed to continuously monitor its impact and effectiveness. The limited recognition of the Maritime Safety Information Service (MSI) as a critical component of NAMRIA’s operations also underscores the need for a strategic focus on resource enhancement and capacity-building.

In summary, the OMSIS project exemplifies the importance of adaptability, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning for sustainable improvements in public sector digital services. Moving forward, continuous system upgrades, a stronger evaluation framework, and a focus on centralized data access will be key to OMSIS achieving its full potential