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On 14th July 2026, the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) hosted a webinar to celebrate World Hydrography Day 2026. The webinar explored the International Hydrographic Organization’s (IHO) theme of ‘Transforming how ocean data is shared’ through a UK lens. The session brought together regulatory, operational and technical voices from across the UK maritime sector to discuss the transition to S‑100. The experts on the panel covered topics including regulatory compliance, seafarer training and S-100 sea trials, as well as the opportunities to improve data exchange.
Webinar Details
To celebrate World Hydrography Day 2026 we hosted a webinar looking at how ocean data is being transformed and what that really means for those who rely on it every day. Expert panellists discussed the importance of seafarer training and S-100 sea trials, as well as how improved data sharing shore‑to‑shore could deliver operational benefits.
What was covered
- 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
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.