We are committed to provide information in plain English so that all our users can understand the RIS terminology. However, much of our content is aimed at specialist audiences and new visitors may sometimes encounter unfamiliair words or phrases. Please let us know your suggestions for the continous improvement of the glossary.
The provision of river information services through dedicated systems (source RIS-directive 2005/44/EC)
is the formally described area, where RIS are active. A RIS area may comprise the waterways in a geographical river basin, including the territories of one or more countries (e.g. in a situation where a waterway forms the borderline between two countries) (source RIS-Guidelines 2007/414/EC)
The place where the services are managed by operators (source RIS-directive 2005/44/EC)
All different user groups including boat masters, RIS operators, lock and/or bridge operators, waterway authorities, port and terminal operators, operators in calamity centres of emergency services, fleet managers, cargo shippers and freight brokers (source RIS-directive 2005/44/EC)
Harmonised information services to support traffic and transport management in inland navigation, including, wherever technically feasible, interfaces with other transport modes. RIS do not deal with internal commercial activities between one or more of the involved companies, but are open for interfacing with commercial activities. RIS comprise services such as fairway information, traffic information, traffic management, calamity abatement support, information for transport management, statistics and customs services and waterway charges and port dues (source RIS-directive 2005/44/EC)
Synonyms: RISResponsible for the search, rescue and emergency services (deals with a calamity and takes care of the people, animals, cargo and vessel involved, Source: Platina 2009)
The authority with the responsibility for the management, operation and coordination of RIS, the interaction with participating vessels, safe and effective provision of the service (Source: RIS-Guidelines 2007/414/EC)
The authority made resposible for safety, in whole or in part, by the government, including environmental friendliness and efficiency of vessel traffic. The competent authority usually has the tasks of planning, arraging, funding and of commissioning of RIS (Source: RIS-Guidelines 2007/414/EC)
A person performing one or more tasks contributing to the services of RIS (Source: Standard Tracking and Tracing EU/415/2007)
For the purpose of RIS, modern river information systems consist of one or more harmonised IT systems. An IT system (information technology system) is the totality of human resources, hardware, software, communication means and regulations in order to fulfil the task of processing information. (source RIS-Guidelines 2007/414/EC)