Concept for an integrated PNT-unit for maritime applications

The provision of robust position, navigation and timing (PNT) information is a fundamental element of the e-Navigation initiative proposed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this context the single Electronic Position Fixing System (EPFS), which currently conforms to the minimum carriage requirement, should be replaced by an integrated PNT unit as future onboard integrated system. This unit has the task to collect and integrate data from individual PNT sensors in order to deliver robust PNT information with a specified performance. In this paper the current status of PNT sensors for maritime application is reviewed and first ideas towards an integrity concept for a maritime PNT unit are presented.