Activities&Projects
V-RMTC - Virtual Regional Maritime Traffic Center
The V-RMTC project is an Italian initiative, which sets up a system of unclassified data sharing on the maritime scene, translates into added value for the situational awareness of maritime space, through the availability of various information and historical record on vessels transiting the Mediterranean area and its approaches. It is based in Naples, Italy since 2007 and has reach full operational capability.
V-RMTC Outlines
The V-RMTC consists of a virtual network that links the operational centers of the participating Navies.
On this network, which exploits the Internet connectivity, unclassified information related to merchant shipping composed by units greater than or equal to 300 tons are shared.
The information, with a maritime picture, are collected by an Operations Center located at the Navy Fleet Command that makes them available to all participants.
The system, using Internet, through a secure protocol and software developed by the Navy, is particularly economical, easy to manage and "guaranteed" in the sense that the information have a "safe" origin that is certified by the members Navies, and nowadays that is something characterizing only the V-RMTC.
V-RMTC 5+5 Network
The initiative was launched during the 3rd meeting (Naples, 30 May 2007) of the Navy Chiefs of Staff members of the 5 +5 Initiative. Just at that time, in fact, with the signing of an Operating Agreement (Operational Arrangement - OA), was officially launched an area of sub-regional information sharing called V-RMTC 5 +5 NETWORK.
In 2008, the V-RMTC 5 +5 NET has reached full operational with the completion of the accession of the countries of the "5 +5" and the active participation of all of the 10 Marine Operations Center.
The V-RMTC 5 +5 NET in addition to being an effective tool for Maritime Surveillance, but can be considered a powerful means of cooperation as through a phased approach based on willingness to share information, helps to developing of the confidence building and mutual trust between the adhering Navies.
In recent years, the familiarity with the system is increased through dedicated exercises, such as "at home based Computer Exercise", carried out periodically in order to further increase the ability to cooperate with each Maritime Center of the member nations, using the V-RMTC and the associated tools (chat, e-mail and forums).
The system is subject to continuous technological developments aimed mainly at improving and speeding up the management of maritime traffic data from multiple heterogeneous sources.
