IACS issues guidelines on maritime data quality

Eda Zenic -

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) issued Recommendation 183 highlighting the critical role of data quality in maritime operations, particularly as ships increasingly rely on digital systems for performance optimization, maintenance, diagnostics, and remote monitoring. High-quality data is essential for safe and efficient decision-making, while poor-quality data can lead to inefficiencies, resource misallocation, and even safety risks.

The document provides a framework for managing data quality, introducing methods and dimensions like accuracy, timeliness, and consistency. It classifies ship data into two main categories: data generated by sensors or systems and data manually entered (e.g., reports, tabular data, or free-text entries). It also emphasizes the importance of adhering to established industry standards, referencing key guidelines such as the ISO 8000 series (data management and quality), IMO compendium (data standardization), and other relevant ISO and IACS standards.

To ensure reliable data quality, the recommendation outlines steps for defining data content, planning quality requirements, measuring quality, evaluating results, and implementing improvements. It assigns specific responsibilities to stakeholders, including ship operators, system providers, and other maritime professionals, to promote collaborative efforts in maintaining data quality.

By introducing this guidance, the recommendation aims to establish a standardized yet flexible approach for determining and managing the data quality required for various onboard applications, enhancing both operational safety and efficiency across the maritime industry.