Maritime Messaging Service Architecture and Protocol
RTCM Standard 13900.0
The Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) has officially released RTCM Standard 13900.0, defining Maritime Messaging Service Architecture and Protocol. This milestone marks a significant advancement in secure, reliable and interoperable digital communication across maritime domains.
The Maritime Messaging Service (MMS) is a standardized IP-based system designed to facilitate resilient and secure transfer of trusted maritime service data across a wide variety of connectivity channels – including internet, terrestrial, and satellite VDES (VDE-TER and VDE-SAT), and NAVDAT.
MMS offers a unified communication interface regardless of the transport method, reducing complexity and enabling flexible integration for ship and shore-based systems.
Built on the foundation of the Maritime Connectivity Platform (MCP), MMS leverages a decentralized Maritime Identity Registry (MIR) and Maritime Service Registry (MSR) to provide trusted authentication of all messages, senders, and services. The service supports IEC 63173-2 (SECOM) via an MMS-SECOM Gateway and aligns with IMO’s e-navigation strategy, ensuring compliance with IALA G1117 and SOLAS chapter V.
