Digital underwater signalling standard for network node discovery and interoperability. Edition A, Version 1.

Abstract

Present NATO Underwater Communication Capabilities are currently standardised as follows: - Tactical and safety communication in accordance with STANAG 1074, analogue Voice and Morse - Distress in accordance with STANAG 1298. 2. Some NATO nations’ maritime assets have underwater (UW) communication capabilities exceeding the above standards based on point-to-point communication links, following either analogue standards or using proprietary digital coding technologies from the communication equipment supplying company. Yet there exists no interoperable capability for digital UW communication between assets, NATO and NON-NATO, military and civilian, using communication systems from different suppliers, as required to support NATO maritime force goals. 3. An interoperability capability is essential as NATO maritime CONUSE seek to integrate an increasingly heterogeneous mix of maritime assets. Submarines, surface craft, fixed- and rotary- wing aircraft, moored ocean sensing systems, gateway buoys and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) depend on underwater acoustic communications for command, control and information sharing. There is currently no existing capability for these to communicate UW with each other unless they carry matching equipment from the same manufacturer. 4. There is also no existing means to discover other communicating assets to permit the formation of ad-hoc networks. Among the several manufacturers of UW digital modems, none are currently able to communicate with systems produced by other manufacturers. The establishment of an UW digital communications standard therefore has wide application in both military and civilian contexts.