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REVOLUTIONALIZING GLOBAL SHIPPING: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF

BLOCKHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN MARITIME INDUSTRY

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Software Application and

Network Systems Used in Seagoing ships in College Department

Submitted by:

CONCEPCION, JOHN LEVI I.

CLEMENTE, JANREV
LAVARIAS, ASHLIE
TENIO, ANJOY ABRAHAM
TUPPIL, RAQUEL
 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

The maritime industry is the backbone of international trade, but inefficiency, opacity,
and security holes in data still plague the sector. Blockchain has cropped up as a game-changing
intervention to these problems by introducing a decentralized and tamper-proof network for
transaction and data management. It has the potential to enhance real-time traceability, reduce
fraud, and automate key processes like documentation and cargo tracking in maritime operations.
Such capabilities make blockchain one of the prime innovations in overcoming operational
inefficiencies and ensuring secure and reliable global systems of shipping (Ben Farah et al.,
2024).

Integrating with technologies such as IoT, blockchain is bound to streamline data sharing
and instill trust in a diverse set of stakeholders within the maritime ecosystem. Its decentralized
architecture provides mighty protection for sensitive information, catering to the rapidly growing
need for cybersecurity in maritime logistics. While challenges such as scalability and regulatory
compliance persist, blockchain technology represents a promising pathway toward modernizing
the maritime sector and achieving greater efficiency and transparency in global trade operations
(Tsiulina et al., 2023;
 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The study aims to determine the significance that blockchain technology carries for the
maritime industry, based on its contribution to the global shipping business. Emphasis has been
centered on analysis in respect of how it develops, facilitates, and allows further security and
efficiency in transactions, improving protection of cybersecurity, personal information, and
transactional data. It will also investigate how blockchain can bring increased transparency, faith
in transactions, and efficiency to overcome the long-standing issues of document fraud and
inefficiency in maritime operations. The study thereby aims at highlighting the transformative
impact of blockchain on the maritime sector.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

The scope of this study is to analyze and evaluate the importance of blockchain
technology in the maritime sector, essentially its role in enhancing global shipping operations.
This research focuses on analyzing the benefits of and challenges of employing blockchain
technology, emphasizing its impact on cybersecurity, personal and transactional information
protection, and operational efficiency. By the end of this research, the findings will provide
insights into the advantages of blockchain implementation within the maritime sector.
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

LOCAL LITERATURE
According to Angelo Padilla Tagle (1991) International Maritime Satellite (IMS) INMARSAT is
an organization that operates a satellite system. eight geostationary satellites, four (4) of which are
operational operation, with the other four 4> in backup mode will give warning capability in the
1.5 GHz and 1-6 GHz frequency bands from ships utilizing the ship's radio EPIRB satellite earth
stations and the radio capability for two-way communication Telex and optional radio telephone
transmissions Ships will get marine safety information via radio telex. potentially be accessible via
the INMARSAT system the standard "A" ship earth station and its related equipment A near-polar
orbiting satellite with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio A beacon "EPIRB" service, as well
as a "COSPAS SARSAT" system operating in the frequency ranges 406 MHZ to 406.1 MHZ will
serve as a way of distress notification and identifying the location of a float-free satellite EPIRB
operating through the system.

FOREIGN LITERATURE

According to Benjamin Neil Blacnk etc. (December 2007) Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are critical components of the US Coast Guard's (USCG) search and
rescue mission. Unfortunately, EPIRBs have a high risk of false activation. The purpose of this
research was to gather information on the causes of these bogus actions and offer potential
remedies to this problem, which costs the USCG more than $3 million per year. This study
resulted in an informational booklet and recommendations for modifications to EPIRB standards.
LOCAL STUDIES

According to Pedro De Lima Filho (2008) Any accident involving a vessel on an overseas
cruise should be investigated.includes checking the status of life-saving devices and radios
telecommunication equipment. It has been discovered in several circumstances that
automaticLiferafts and emergency positions indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) are
activated.despite the fact that the vessel was certified, categorized, inspected, and surveyed on a
regular basis.As a result, the ship theoretically had detailed processes and checklists.for weekly and
monthly checks on life-saving devices and radios communication devices. Thus, the reasons for
float-free defects are studied in this research. It investigated the ongoing enhancement of liferafts
and EPIRBs. requirements, as well as the technological advancement of the appliances; and the
dedication and attitudes of sectors in charge of safeguards against recognized threats risks. There
are also several examples of recurring deficits. The obvious conclusion is that the direct source of
deficit related to non-readiness for immediate usage is a lack of current information on certain
equipment. supplied on board, as well as inadequate familiarization training, should be addressed
rather than individual occurrences, as a result of poor safety management.

FOREIGN STUDIES

According to Dimov Stojce Ilsev (February 21,2019) Since the 1970s, it has described the
development of Maritime Satellite Communications (MSC) systems for all types of commercial
and military seagoing and inland sailing vessels. MSC systems' primary functions are to improve
the safety and security of seagoing vessels, primarily through alerting and Search and Rescue
(SAR) operations, as well as to improve communication facilities between ships and shore
infrastructures. The US and other partners created the first MSC Geostationary Earth Orbit
(GEO) system for military applications in 1976, and it quickly became available for commerce
ships. The next stage was to create an independent, multinational MSC system. In order to
overcome the drawbacks of HF/VHF radio propagation and frequency congestion, the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) pushed all member nations in 1979 to Set up
Maritime Mobile Satellite Communication (MMSC) systems. The International Maritime
Satellite (INMARSAT) Organization was established at the request of the IMO and the United
Nations (UN) Maritime Body, and in accordance with the Convention on the International
Maritime Satellite Organization, which was signed by 28 countries in 1976.
 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The overall summary is that EPIRBs provide a reliable distress signal in emergency situations,
allowing rapid alerting of search and rescue authorities, and they play an important role in a
modern society by providing significant advantages in terms of search and rescue operations, but
they also present disadvantages related to cost, false alarm, and limited coverage. It should be
understood that these advantages and disadvantages may differ depending on certain EPIRB
models, technical improvements, and regulatory constraints.

CONCLUSION

EPIRBs provide important benefits by enabling quick location and worldwide coverage in
emergency circumstances, given their widespread use in contemporary life, it is important to
consider their drawbacks, which include cost implication, false alarms, and restricted usefulness,
but advancements in technology have led to more accurate and reliable EPIRB systems, further
enhancing their effectiveness in emergency situations. This paper addressed the Advantages and
Disadvantages of EPIRB in the Modern Maritime Industry and also to emphasize the importance in
improving maritime safety and increasing the chances of successful search and rescue operations.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE STUDY

The following recommendations are offered for related research from this study:

1. Look at the maritime rules and laws that currently apply on an international and regional
level to EPIRB usage. Recognize the effects of these guidelines on the adoption and use of
EPIRBs in the contemporary maritime sector.
2. Analyze real-world case studies and incidents where EPIRBs were deployed in distress
situations. Examine the outcomes of these incidents to assess the effectiveness of EPIRBs
in different scenarios and their role in saving lives and minimizing risks.
3. Discover the most recent EPIRB technology developments. Compared to more recent
variants, older EPIRBs may lack features like improved location systems, longer battery
life, and better activation mechanisms.
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