Civilian Surface Vessels
Civilian Surface Vessels
1 Background
The existing SISO-REF-010 schema for Subcategory, Specific, and Extra for civilian surface vessels
(platforms) is not consistent across Country codes. These are grouped under Category 61 for “Non-
Combatant Ship,” but even the name of the Category is capitalized inconsistently for many of the
Country codes. The list below defines all of the Subcategories currently in use. This essentially forms a
basis for our requirement set for a new schema.
Motorboat
Sailboat
Container Ship
Tanker
Supertanker
Large Fishing Trawler
Two Masted Fishing Boat
Single Masted Fishing Boat
Cigarette Boat
Small Fishing Boat
Medium Fishing Boat
Large Fishing Boat
Generic Ship Commercial Large (> 30m)
Generic Boat Commercial Medium (10m to 29m)
Generic Boat Commercial Small (<10m)
Generic Sailboat Commercial Two-Mast
Generic Sailboat Commercial One-Mast
Generic Boat Private Very Small (< 3m)
Generic Boat Private Small (3m to 5m)
Generic Boat Private Medium (6m to 10m)
Generic Boat Private Large (11m to 15m)
Generic Boat Private Very Large (> 15m)
As you can see, many of these are duplicates of each other. Some lend themselves towards a roll-up
schemas as we’ll see in the proposal. Additionally, Country code 176 (Portugal) renamed all the
“Generic” entries to “PRT.” These are assumed to be the same required as for Generic as they replicate
them without error, and therefore are ignored.
This effort for NCTE began in 2007-08, and culminated in the schema that NCTE uses today. It was based
on The American Bureau of Shipping Documentation, the Merchants ships article in the Wikipedia, and
various other publications including STANAG 4420, the Signalman’s handbook, and MIL-STD-2525 which
also classified commercial vessels in the NATO approved hierarchy for commercial vessels. CJCSI
3151.01B GLOBAL COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS & NATO NC3A STC-TM 548, regarding the standardization of nomenclature and
symbology were consulted, (resulting in using Mil-Std-2525 as a source). This was a driving force for
grouping the vessels in the manner in which they appear. This format better facilitates Target track
management for group and Joint level Commanders.
Page
The reasons why the effort was undertaken is very straight forward.
First the 2006 update to the SISO paragraph 4.2.3.1.56 (CAT 61) was a half hearted attempt to address
the inadequacies of the previous SISO classifications. Secondly and more importantly the 2006 version
of the ENUM’s Document could in no way address the new AIS requirements. This was having s
significant impact on the Simulation requirements for submarine training. Several papers (still available)
can provide the excruciating details of the various proposed methodologies for dealing with the SISO
inadequacies.
As a principal contributor to this reclassification effort, it is still believed that the current NCTE structure
is both adequate and appropriate to meet NCTE needs, U.S. Naval requirements, and cohesion with the
NATO interoperability alliance, as described by the “Distributed Networked Battle Labs” (DNBL) under
the auspices of NC3 NATO.
2 Analysis
The basis for the proposal will be the Wikipedia merchant ships article1 (and links) and the American
Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The proposal presented later is based very closely with the NCTE defined
schema, with some minor changes. These changes are due mostly to moving the categorization up a
level. The NCTE schema assumed using CAT 61, thus essentially starting the schema on the Subcategory
level. By moving this up, we gain another level of specificity, and is why this change is being made
(similar to Land and Air domain). Additionally, the “liquid bulk” was moved to tanker and the cargo class
was changed to dry cargo.
Question: Why aren’t the subcategories sorted based on hull types and upright sequences? (Ref.
signalman document). Is that something useful that could be done in SISO reorganization of civilian
vehicles?
Answer: Although the Signalman’s handbook refers to ID Procedures and “Appearance-groups” with
ships by “superstructure appearance”, US navy & NATO guidance suggested that Merchant Groups
based on Target Tracking methods was better suited for this application. In addition, the overriding
Merchant Ship classification guidelines was not based on Appearance, but by vessel Type, much as we
used target types and classes to discriminate between entities. I do not believe that SISO or the NAVY
Alliance would benefit from Groups by superstructure appearance. Lastly, the Signalman’s handbook
was designed for visual, not automated target classification and tracking.
Question: Sizes of cargo and tanker ships aren't specified - is this an issue? Visually speaking, it seems
like this would make a difference.
Answer: Yes visually it is a big difference, however, originally we had distinguished all the various types
(by size) according to the Wikipedia article. Although important, it was decided by the group that this
was too cumbersome, and provided little “value-added” to the NCTE Entity structure. Also individual
entities could be articulated using the “EXTRA” field.
1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_ships
Page
cargo holds and derricks, kingposts, or other cargo-handling gear for that purpose. Only in more recent
ocean liners and in virtually all cruise ships has this cargo capacity been eliminated.
While typically passenger ships are part of the merchant marine, passenger ships have also been used as
troopships and often are commissioned as naval ships when used as for that purpose.
2.1.4 Ferry
A ferry is a form of transport, usually a boat or ship, but also other forms, carrying (or ferrying)
passengers and often their cars. Ferries are also used to transport freight (in Lorries and sometimes
unpowered freight containers) and even railroad cars. [Coastal service less than 25 miles off shore] abs
Included in this class is the vehicle passenger ferry. This notation is assigned to a vessel designed and
constructed and fitted for the transportation of vehicles and more than twelve (12) passengers,
including a ship carrying commercial vehicles and accompanying personnel. Also may be referred to as a
ro-ro passenger ferry. The ABS vessel type notation Vehicle Passenger Ferry forms part of the
classification designation assigned to vessels built in accordance with the requirements of Section 5-10-3
and other relevant sections of the Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels including the applicable
safety requirements of the ABS.
Page
2.1.5 Ocean Liner
An ocean liner is a ship designed to transport people from one seaport to another along regular long-
distance maritime routes according to a schedule. Liners may also carry cargo or mail, and may
sometimes be used for other purposes (e.g., for pleasure cruises or as troopships).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_liner
Page
(No MP): A notation added after the above Bulk Carrier BC-A, BC-B and BC-C notations where a bulk
carrier has not been designed for loading and unloading in multiple ports.
2.2.6 Barge
A barge is a flat-bottomed boat, built mainly for river and canal transport of heavy goods. Most barges
are not self-propelled and need to be moved by tugboats towing or towboats pushing them. Barges on
canals (towed by draft animals on an adjacent towpath) contended with the railway in the early
industrial revolution but were outcompeted in the carriage of high value items due to the higher speed,
falling costs, and route flexibility of rail transport.
Sea going barge is most often accompanied by a TUG boat “tug-in-tow.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barge
Page
2.3 Tanker (Group 3 Merchant)
A tanker is a ship designed to transport liquids in bulk.
Tankers for the transport of fluids, such as crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gas,
liquefied natural gas and chemicals, also vegetable oils, wine and other food - the tanker sector
comprises one third of the world tonnage.
Tankers can range in size from several hundred tons, designed for servicing small harbors and coastal
settlements, to several hundred thousand tons, with these being designed for long-range haulage. A
wide range of products are carried by tankers, including:
hydrocarbon products such as oil, LPG, and LNG
Chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, and styrene monomer
fresh water
wine
Different products require different handling and transport, thus special types of tankers have been
built, such as "chemical tankers" and "oil tankers". "LNG carriers" as they are typically known, are a
relatively rare tanker designed to carry liquefied natural gas.
Among oil tankers, supertankers were designed for carrying oil around the Horn of Africa from the
Middle East.
Tankers used for liquid fuels are classified according to their capacity.
American Bureau of Shipping: DOES NOT INCLUDE CRUDE OIL CARRIERS. This notation is assigned to a
vessel that is designed and constructed for the transportation of petroleum products in bulk, having
flash points exceeding 60°C (140°F), closed cup test. Petroleum product refers to oil other than crude oil.
The ABS vessel type notation Fuel Oil Carrier forms part of the classification designation assigned to
vessels built in accordance with the requirements of Part 5, Chapter 1 or 2 of the Rules for Building and
Classing Steel Vessels.]ABS
In 1954 Shell Oil developed the average freight rate assessment (AFRA) system which classifies tankers
of different sizes. To make it an independent instrument, Shell consulted the London Tanker Brokers’
Panel (LTBP). At first, they divided the groups as General Purpose for tankers under 25,000 tons of
deadweight (DWT); Medium Range for ships between 25,000 and 45,000 DWT and Large Range for the
then-enormous ships that were larger than 45,000 DWT. The ships became larger during the 1970s, and
the list was extended, where the tons are long tons:
10,000–24,999 DWT: General Purpose tanker
25,000–44,999 DWT: Medium Range tanker
45,000–79,999 DWT: Large Range 1 (LR1)
80,000–159,999 DWT: Large Range 2 (LR2)
160,000–319,999 DWT: Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)
320,000–549,999 DWT: Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC)
Unlike with dry cargo, we do recommend a distinction in tanker capacity/size.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanker_%28ship%29
Page
This is a table for petroleum tankers.
Typical Min Typical Max
Class Length Beam Draft
DWT DWT
Seawaymax 226 m 24 m 7.92 m 10,000 DWT 60,000 DWT
Panamax 294.1 m 32.3 m 12 m 60,000 DWT 80,000 DWT
Aframax 80,000 DWT 120,000 DWT
Suezmax 16 m 120,000 DWT 200,000 DWT
VLCC
470 m 60 m 20 m 200,000 DWT 315,000 DWT
(Malaccamax)
ULCC 320,000 DWT 550,000 DWT
At nearly 380 vessels in the size range 279,000 DWT to 320,000 DWT, these are by far the most popular
size range among the larger VLCCs. Only seven vessels are larger than this, and approximately 90
between 220,000 DWT and 279,000 DWT.
Page
2.4 Support Vessel
These are surface vessels designed to support other, specific surface tasks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_supply_vessel
2.4.2 Tender
A boat that services a larger ship, such as ferrying people or supplies to and from shore or another ship.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship%27s_tender
2.4.3 Tugboat
American Bureau of Shipping: Towing Vessel is a classification notation assigned to vessels designed
primarily for towing service and built to the requirements of Part 5, Chapter 8 of the Rules for Building
and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 meters (295 feet) in Length It is also the classification designation
given to a tug that has the capability to separate from the barge of a tug-barge combination and shift to
towing by hawser.
Wikipedia: A tugboat, or tug, is a boat used to maneuver, primarily by towing or pushing, other vessels
(see shipping) in harbors, over the open sea or through rivers and canals. Tugboats are also used to tow
barges, disabled ships, or other equipment like towboats.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tugboat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diving_support_vessel
2.4.5 Fireboat
This is a surface vessel used for fire extinguishing and fire rescue operations from the water. It may be
used to support shore emergency operations or littoral or open water.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireboat
Page
of 22 could be used to indicate a medium outboard motorboat. If used as number of motors, then 22
could be used to indicate a twin-engine medium motorboat.
Page
2.7.4.1 Freezer Trawler
A freezer trawler fully processes the catch on board to customers’ specifications, into frozen-at-sea fillet,
block or head and gutted form. Factory freezer trawlers can run to 60 to 70 meters in length and go to
sea for six weeks at a time with a crew of over 35 people. They process fish into fillets within hours of
being caught. Onboard fishmeal plants process the waste product so everything is utilized.
Page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cigarette_boat
2.8.3 Hydrofoil
A foil surface vessel. These have “wing-like” struts that help the boat travel fast.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrofoil
2.8.5 Dredger
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dredger
This is a ship or a boat equipped with a dredge.
2.8.6 Junk/Dhow
Traditional sailing vessels typically found in the Red Sea or Indian Ocean. The junk is normally associated
with a traditional Chinese sailing vessel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhow
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junk_%28ship%29
2.8.7 Catamaran
This is a multi-hulled boat or ship containing two (2) hulls and joined by some structure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catamaran
3 Proposal
The complete recommendation has several steps, as outlined below:
1. The proposal for Categories is given in the following table, coupled with the value. Note that to be
consistent with the revision to Air and Land domains for civilian entities, we are starting these
Category values at 80.
Value Category
80 Passenger Vessel (Group 1 Merchant)
81 Dry Cargo Ship (Group 2 Merchant)
82 Tanker (Group 3 Merchant)
83 Support Vessel
84 Private Motor Boat
85 Private Sail Boat
86 Fishing Vessel
Page
Value Category
87 Other Vessels
2. Each of the Categories will also have pre-defined Subcategories that are consistent across all
Country codes.
3. With established Categories and Subcategories, the next step is to define all the specific entity types
required for usage. The initial set of entity types are obviously those currently included in SISO-REF-
010, but we’ll also scrub open CRs for additional values.
4. The next step will be to deprecate all the existing SISO-REF-010 civilian surface vessel entity types
under Category 61, simultaneously noting the new entity type for each. There are over two hundred
entries.
5. The final step will be to deprecate Category 61. This is a separate step because the Category itself is
in a separate table than the actual entity types.
Below is the full CAT/SCAT proposal.
80. Passenger Vessel (Group 1 Merchant)
80.1. Cruise Ship
80.2. Cruise Ferry
80.3. High Speed Ferry
80.4. Ferry
80.5. Ocean Liner
81. Dry Cargo Ship (Group 2 Merchant)
81.1. Common Cargo
81.2. Dry Bulk Cargo
81.3. Container
81.4. Reefer Ship
81.5. Ro-Ro Ship
81.6. Barge
81.7. Heavy Lift Ship
82. Tanker (Group 3 Merchant)
82.1. Petroleum Tanker
82.2. Chemical Tanker
82.3. LNG Tanker
82.4. Coastal Trading Vessel (Coaster)
82.5. Oil Tanker
82.6. Liquid Bulk
83. Support Vessel
83.1. Platform Supply Vessel
83.2. Tender
83.3. Tugboat
83.4. Dive Support
83.5. Fireboat
84. Private Motorboat
84.1. Small Motorboat (up to 26ft/7.9m)
84.2. Medium Motorboat (up to 39ft/11.9m)
84.3. Large Motorboat (up to 65ft/19.8m)
84.4. Very Large Motorboat (greater than 65ft/19.8m)
85. Private Sailboat
85.1. Small Sailboat (up to 26ft/7.9m)
Page
85.2. Medium Sailboat (up to 39ft/11.9m)
85.3. Large Sailboat (up to 65ft/19.8m)
85.4. Very Large Sailboat (greater than 65ft/19.8m)
86. Fishing Vessel
86.1. Small Fishing Vessel (up to 26ft/7.9m)
86.2. Medium Fishing Vessel (up to 65ft/19.8m)
86.3. Large Fishing Vessel (greater than 65ft/19.8m)
86.4. Fish Processing Vessel
86.5. Masted Fishing Vessel
87. Other Vessels
87.1. Cigarette Boat
87.2. Research Vessel
87.3. Hydrofoil
87.4. Cable Layer
87.5. Dredger
87.6. Junk/Dhow
87.7. Catamaran
A note on “applicability” is useful to understand at this point. The SISO-REF-010 schema supports an
attribute to a table called applicability. This is used to tie the Subcategory to the Category. In this case,
for example, when we add the table defining the Subcategories for Tankers, we would set its
applicability to “1.3.X.82,” which indicates that it applies to surface platforms of any country code, and
specifically the Category 82 (which are Tankers, as defined above).
Page