INSTRUCTOR:  Brian J. Tetreault  

Course Length: 1 Hour

The webinars offered by ASCE are the easiest ones for me to present groups. I appreciate how consistently ASCE webinars are organized.  -   Dana M. Hardy, Executive Secretary City of Oklahoma Utilities Administration

Purpose and Background

This webinar will present the basics concepts of River Information Services (RIS), including basic services and technologies. River Information Services (RIS) is defined as the harmonized information services to support traffic and transport management in inland navigation, including interfaces to other transport modes. RIS aim at contributing to a safe and efficient transport process and utilizing the inland waterways to their fullest extent. RIS has been implemented and used for years in Europe and elsewhere, but in the U.S., the extensive network of inland waterways has not been managed as a system. A variety of RIS-like services with these aims exist, but they are provided by various government agencies and industry with varying degrees of harmonization. This webinar will present the basics concepts of RIS, including basic services and technologies. It will also discuss the plans for RIS implementation in the U.S. and its relationship with e-Navigation.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Overview of River Information Services
• The basic elements and key technologies for RIS
• Relating RIS to e-Navigation
• How federal agencies are involved in RIS
• How industry is involved in and affected by RIS
• Current RIS capabilities in the U.S.
• Developments that are underway and planned for U.S. implementation of RIS

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Determine the basics of River Information Services, including an overview of the PIANC RIS guidelines
• Recognize the developing e-Navigation concept, its status in the international maritime community and in the U.S. and its relationship to RIS
• Identify the basic RIS key technologies
• Determine the roles of Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, and NOAA in developing and implementing RIS
• Explain the role of the navigation industry in RIS
• Receive an update on the plans for implementation of RIS in the U.S.

Webinar Benefits

• Learn the basics of RIS and what it means for your job
• Learn how your business or agency can participate in and benefit from the U.S. RIS implementation
• Understand the RIS roles of the Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, and NOAA
• Identify opportunities for navigation services

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

River Information Services (RIS) is defined as the harmonized information services to support traffic and transport management in inland navigation, including interfaces to other transport modes.

Webinar Outline

• What is River Information Services?
• What are the basic elements and key technologies for RIS?
• How does RIS relate to e-Navigation?
• What federal agencies are involved in RIS?
• How is industry involved in and affected by RIS?
• What existing RIS capabilities are there in the U.S.?
• What developments are underway and planned for U.S. implementation of RIS?