RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services) is an international organization that develops standards for maritime safety and efficiency.
Established in 1947, it provides guidance for technologies like GNSS, Differential GNSS, AIS , and Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).
RTCM standards
RTCM creates standards for differential GNSS (DGNSS) and other navigation systems. These standards ensure interoperability, reliability, and compliance with global maritime regulations, helping vessels, port authorities, and rescue services operate effectively. RTCM also fosters collaboration among maritime industry stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and manufacturers to address evolving technological and operational challenges.
These standards provide real-time corrections to GNSS data, improving positioning accuracy. They ensure receivers on vessels and maritime platforms rely on precise, corrected positioning, even in areas with weak or obstructed satellite signals.
Inertial sensors like IMUs and INS are widely used in maritime applications for continuous, high-accuracy navigation. They provide reliable data, especially in GNSS-denied environments such as tunnels or dense foliage.
When selecting an inertial sensor, adherence to RTCM standards is crucial for ensuring that the system can effectively work alongside other navigation tools, such as GNSS and DGNSS, and maintain high accuracy in various operating conditions.
For instance, RTCM standards govern the transmission of real-time corrections, ensuring that inertial sensors can adjust to changes in position and movement effectively. This integration allows for seamless navigation even in challenging environments, where traditional GNSS might not be reliable.
Moreover, RTCM standards offer interoperability across different platforms and technologies, enhancing the robustness and reliability of maritime navigation. This is particularly important for applications in defense, search and rescue, and autonomous maritime operations, where precise and reliable positioning is critical.
Manufacturers can ensure optimal performance of their inertial sensors by adhering to RTCM standards, improving maritime system effectiveness and safety.
