The latest World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) was held in Geneva from the 2nd to 27th November 2015. One of its results is the revision of the Radio Regulations’ Appendix 18 in order to improve the efficiency and reallocate one part of the Very High Frequency (VHF) maritime mobile spectrum for new digital technologies. This revision was necessary for the implementation of new technological concept – VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) – developed by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Technical characteristics of the VDES were developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and provided in its recommendation which was accepted on the aforementioned Conference. Accordingly, the overview of the revised Appendix 18 as well as the systematic and detailed analysis of the VDES is given in this paper. In addition, possible applications of VDES in the strategy implementation plan of e-navigation are emphasized. It is concluded that the VDES, as the new digital system, will modernize maritime communications in general and enhance the safety of navigation and maritime environment
