Databases & data centre

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EMSA’s maritime applications have all been developed to address specific needs, defined by the relevant legal texts and by user requirements.

Each maritime application functions based on its own specific rules, set of data, and access rights mechanisms. However, there are common elements which are used by all applications, known as central reference databases, which are developed and maintained at EMSA.

Central Ship Database (CSD)

Used as a reference for ship identification information and ship particulars by all maritime applications, as well as national systems of the Member States. CSD develops reliable and flexible source of ship data which support Member States authorities and EU agencies in the execution of their tasks (e.g., PSC inspections, vessel traffic monitoring, fisheries control, border control, law enforcement, navy, customs). The CSD currently holds information on more than 300,000 ships, including more than 120,000 active ships.

Find out more about the Central Ship Database

Central Geographical Database (CGD)

The CGD is used as a repository of reference areas available for all EMSA applications and operations, containing:

  • Areas of responsibility for the organizations/authorities registered in the Central Organizations Database (COD).
  • Areas for Earth Observation – CleanSeaNet service-related alerting.
  • Fishing and other specific areas provided by European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA).
  • Specific areas requested by IMS Member States.

The data scope, as well as the access rights for specific areas, are defined by the data owners and reflected in the graphical interface(s). CGD areas are provided to various EMSA user communities based on their business scope and uploaded by the EMSA CGD administrator.

Central Organisational Database (COD)

The COD is used to keep information related to public organisations (such as local and national authorities, and private companies and contractors) involved with the SafeSeaNet Ecosystem. The initial purpose of the COD was to serve as the Shore-based Traffic Monitoring Infrastructure Database (STMID) which is meant to simplify and facilitate sharing of information for authorities and coastal stations designated by Member States in accordance with Article 22 of Directive 2002/59/EC. Currently, the COD serves also as a reference repository of organisations for configuring user accounts of EMSA applications (each user belongs to an organisation from COD).

Central Location Database (CLD)

Used as a reference for locations by all maritime applications of the SafeSeaNet ecosystem as well as national systems of the Member States. CLD includes all LOCODEs listed in UN/LOCODE list, SSN specific locations as well as port facilities information stemming from the IMO Maritime Security module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). The OGC-CLD provides access to the CLD in specific formats used in system-to-system exchanges, namely Web Map Service (WMS) and Web Feature Service (WFS).

Central Hazmat Database (CHD)

Used to list dangerous and polluting goods that must be notified in accordance with Directive 2002/59/EC, as amended, and IMO FAL Form 7, taking into consideration the relevant data elements from the IMO Conventions and Codes. CHD may be used as a reference and a verification tool during the reporting of HAZMAT for SafeSeaNet ecosystem at central or national level. It also provides access to the marine chemical information sheets (MAR-CIS) database of associated hazards and risks of dangerous and polluting products.