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The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) will host a webinar to celebrate World Hydrography Day 2026. This webinar will explore the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) theme of ‘Transforming how ocean data is shared’ through a UK lens. The session will bring together regulatory, operational and technical voices from across the UK maritime sector to discuss the transition to S‑100. The experts on the panel will cover topics including regulatory compliance, seafarer training and S-100 sea trials, as well as the opportunities to improve data exchange.
Webinar Details
📅 Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026
🕛 Time: 11:00am (UTC+1)
💻 Location: Virtual
Join the UKHO to celebrate World Hydrography Day 2026 by looking at how ocean data is being transformed and what that really means for those who rely on it every day. The panel will explore the UK regulatory perspective on the IHO’s S-100 data standard. Expert panellists will discuss the importance of seafarer training and S-100 sea trials, as well as how improved data sharing shore‑to‑shore could deliver operational benefits.
This webinar is free to attend.
What you'll learn
- The MCA view on the S‑100 data standard - What the transition to S‑100 means from a UK regulatory and compliance perspective
- Why S-100 trials are identifying the importance of seafarer training – and how familiarisation is key to unlocking the benefits S-100 has to offer in a real-world environments
- The opportunities beyond ECDIS timelines - how some of the benefits of S‑100 can be realised now, independent of ECDIS rollout timelines
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the latest insights - register today.
Why join us?
In this webinar, you’ll gain practical insights into how S‑100 is transforming the way maritime data is shared, regulated and used in practice, including how to:
- Gain a trusted UK regulatory and operational view of S‑100
- Understand what S‑100 means for maritime community, not just systems
- Learn where practical benefits can be realised now
- Hear from UKHO, Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) in an open, collaborative discussion
Whether you are a shipping operator, port authority or maritime partner, this is an opportunity to hear directly from experts involved in, ask questions and understand how these changes can deliver value now and in the future.
Meet our speakers
Learn about our speakers.
Name
Tom Richardson
Tom is Head of International Bodies and Technical Engagement at UKHO, where he leads UK engagement with international maritime and hydrographic organisations. He oversees UKHO’s technical and policy engagement on standards such as S‑100, working closely with regulators, partners and global stakeholders to support safe, trusted and future‑ready navigation.
Name
Richard Bell
As the Assistant Director for MSPS Richard is responsible for the UK’s implementation of coastal state services, including Hydrography, LRIT, Vessel Traffic Services and Maritime Safety Information. He is also responsible for the MCA’s involvement in Marine licensing and Offshore Renewable Energy. He is currently heading up the effort to improve PNT resilience in the maritime sector via the use of E-Loran.
Richard has continued to develop the UK’s navigation services by forming strong partnerships with other navigation stakeholders, such as the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, DfT Maritime and the three General Light House Authorities. He is the Chair of the UK’s leading forum for navigation safety matters, the United Kingdom Safety of Navigation Committee and leads teams representing the UK at international meetings, such as the International Maritime Organisation and IALA.
Name
Alison Contreras
Alison Contreras is a Lead Business Analyst at the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the UK Head of Delegation to the IHO S‑100 Working Group. With extensive experience working on international hydrographic and maritime standards through the IHO and IALA, she brings expert insight into the development and implementation of S‑100–based services.
Name
Phil Day
Phil Day is Director of Operations at the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), responsible for the safe and effective delivery of aids to navigation, including engineering, asset reliability, and statutory duties. A Master Mariner by background, Phil spent 18 years at sea in the Merchant Navy before moving into senior marine and operational leadership roles. He is Chair of the IALA Policy Advisory Panel and a former Chair of the IALA Aids to Navigation Requirements and Management (ARM) Committee, bringing extensive international experience in navigational safety and maritime standards.
Further information
Below you can find further information about this webinar. If your question is not listed below, feel free to contact the UKHO team at International.Relations@ukho.gov.uk
This webinar is designed for National organisations and individuals who create, steward, govern, share, or integrate ocean data that will underpin S 100 services.
It is especially relevant for:
- Maritime Authorities
- Ports
- Regulators
- Government stakeholders
- Anyone involved in collecting, managing or using maritime data
This is an entirely virtual event that is pre-recorded. When registering, there will be opportunity to provide any questions you wish to ask the panellists.
Yes, the webinar is free to watch - please register in advance to watch the webinar as soon as it is released.
The webinar will be presented in English.
Yes, the webinar will be available to watch shortly after the initial release date.
The webinar will run for approximately 60 minutes, including keynote, panel discussion and Q&A.
This webinar will be pre-recorded; however, when you register, you will have the opportunity to submit questions. The panel will endeavour to address as many questions as possible during the recording.