This part of ISO 28005 contains technical specifications that facilitate efficient exchange of electronic information between ships and shore for coastal transit or port calls. It is intended to cover safety and security information requirements related mainly to the relationships between the ship and the port and coastal state authorities as defined in this subclause.

This part of ISO 28005 contains the definition of core data elements for use in electronic port clearance (EPC) messages. It contains definitions of core data elements for electronic messaging between ships and shore in the areas of safety, security and marine operations. It does not define any structuring of messages or provide any guidance on what information is required for a particular purpose; it is rather a general data dictionary for safety, security or operation-related maritime information.

It is intended for use in XML messages and will for that reason differ somewhat from the similar trade data elements directory (TDED) International Standard, ISO 7372.

The core data elements defined in this part of ISO 28005 are specified so that their meaning and interpretation in general are independent of the context in which they are used.

This part of ISO 28005 does not define the message formats required to exchange information.