New ECDIS mandatory requirementsPart 1: Introduction

The backgroundThis introduction to ECDIS is the first in a series of threeshort articles which attempts to provide a user friendlyguide to the mystery surrounding electronic chartdisplay and information systems (ECDIS).

With the amendments to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation19 governing the statutory introduction of ECDIS nowbeing adopted from the 1 January 2011, the tickingtime bomb associated with ECDIS mandating processhas now taken on a level of greater urgency with theshipping fraternity ultimately coming to the end of itsbreath holding exercise.

As with the introduction of previous mandatoryrequirements to fit equipment such as Radar, VDR orAIS systems onboard commercially operated vessels,many technical managers will now be faced with thetask of acquiring full compliance with the ECDIScarriage regulations at the lowest possible capitalexpenditure.

Although this approach may undoubtedly resolve theshort term issues it may be prudent on this occasion toadopt a more proactive approach towards theimplementation of ECDIS systems especially when

Chapter V regulation 19 and the other does not. Theserequirements are identified as follows:

The ECDIS equipment must be type approved to theperformance standards as outlined in IMOResolution A. 817 (19) as amended by MSC 64(67)& MSC 86(70) relating to back up arrangements forECDIS systems and operation in RCDS mode.

SOLAS Chapter VThe amendments to SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 19 Carriage Requirements for Shipborne NavigationalSystems and Equipment came into effect on 1 January2011.

The amendments to the SOLAS Convention nowclearly include ECDIS systems within the definition ofnautical charts and publications with section 2.4 statingthat An Electronic Chart Display and InformationSystem (ECDIS) is also accepted as meeting the chartcarriage requirements of this subparagraph.

A new paragraph 2.10 further identifies a requirementfor ships engaged on international voyages to be fittedwith an ECDIS system under the implementationschedule shown in the chart below.

ECDIS performance standardsAn area which often leads to confusion is the simplequestion of what makes one system an ECDIS and theother an ECS (Electronic Chart System). The answer tothis question is simply that one system complies fullywith the IMO ECDIS performance standards and canbe accepted as meeting the requirements of SOLAS

taking into account that the primary function of ECDISforms in many ways the foundation and cornerstonesupon which safe navigation practices are formed.

With this in mind we now consider the legislationsurrounding the mandatory introduction of ECDISequipment and peer under the veil of technical magicand mystery which has enshrouded this subject overthe last decade.

Illus

trat

ions

by

C S

mar

t

The system must use official ENC data (VectorisedElectronic Navigational Charts) to IHO S57standard, which must be supplied by or authorisedby a National Hydrographic Office. Such ENC datamust be corrected weekly.

The vessel must have an adequate back-up system.This may be another ECDIS system or paper charts.

IMO has ruled that ECDIS equipment having RasterChart Display System (RCDS) capability mayoperate as a primary aid to navigation in the RCDS

JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY JULY2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

NEW PASSENGER SHIPS >500GT

NEW TANKERS >3000GT

NEW CARGO SHIPS >10000GT

NEW CARGO SHIPS >3000GT

EXISTING PASSENGER SHIPS >500GT

EXISTING TANKERS >3000GT

EXISTING CARGO SHIPS >50000GT

EXISTING CARGO SHIPS >20000GT

EXISTING CARGO SHIPS >10000GT

ECDIS system implementation schedule

mode. Such charts must also be corrected on aweekly basis.

When ECDIS equipment is used in RCDS mode, itmust be used in conjunction with an appropriatefolio of paper charts. The definition of appropriateis to be decided by national administrations.

STCW Statutory trainingUnder the provisions of the STCW 95 Code, generaltraining obligations relating to the use of ECDIS exist.This is indicated by Table A-II-1 of the Code where it isstated ECDIS systems are considered to be includedin the word charts.

The degree of knowledge and competency concerningthe use of charts is explicitly defined within Table A-II-1as requiring the navigational officer to posses athorough knowledge of and ability to use navigationalcharts and publications. He must additionally showevidence of skill and ability to prepare for and conducta passage, including interpretation and applyinginformation from charts.

The IMO Model Course 1.27 The Operational Use ofElectronic Chart Display and Information System(ECDIS) is regarded as setting minimum requirementsa candidate should have gone through to receive anECDIS certificate and covers all relevant safety aspectsand overall system knowledge expected under ageneric ECDIS training course.

An element of confusion has however developedrelating to the need for training where an ECDIS systemhas been fitted but is to be operated as an aid tonavigation only. Under the forthcoming Manilaamendments to the STCW Code which are scheduledto enter into force on the 1 January 2012, generic andtype specific training will be required even if the ECDISequipment is to be used as an aid to navigation only.

ISM CodeIn addition to the generic training identified under theprovisions of IMO model course 1.27 type specifictraining is required where the equipment used duringthe generic training course differs from that to beactually used onboard.

This requirement is identified under the provisions ofsection 6.3 & 6.5 of the ISM Code which requires notonly effective training but familiarisation of newequipment and regulations with respect to safety andemergency related duties.

Although this requirement may be viewed as a relativelysimple task, the wide range of equipmentmanufacturers in the market may present a dauntingproposition for the ship operator with a diverse fleet

equipped with several models of ECDIS systemsoperating varying generations of system software.

The position of effective type specific training is furthercomplicated by the various views adopted by differentFlag States. An example of this is with reference toComputer Based Training Systems (CBT) whichrequires Flag State approval on a case by case basis.Additionally a CBT system approved by one Flag Statemay be rejected by another.

Port State ControlWith marine casualty investigators continuing to identifyineffective ECDIS operation and substandard levels oftraining as a key link in the chain of causation leading tomarine incidents, an increased focus on ECDIS hasbeen observed during routine inspections completedby Port State Control officers. The following listhighlights key inspection areas which are the subject ofparticular focus:

Documentation indicating that the ships navigationsystem complies with IMO Performance Standardsfor ECDIS

Written procedures on board the vessel for usingthe ECDIS system

The master and watch-keeping officers are able toproduce appropriate documentation that genericand type-specific ECDIS familiarisation has beenundertaken

The ship is equipped with the latest updates andnew editions of ENCs

The ship is equipped with additional nauticalpublications, as defined by the national carriagerequirements

There is agreement between sensor data and itspresentation on the ECDIS system.

UK P&I CLUBIS MANAGEDBY THOMASMILLER

For further information please contact:Loss Prevention Department, Thomas Miller P&I LtdTel: +44 20 7204 2307. Fax +44 20 7283 6517Email: lossprevention.ukclub@thomasmiller.com

The ship is equipped with an approved back-uparrangement to ensure safe navigation for the entirevoyage, in the event of an ECDIS failure

The ship is equipped with an appropriate updatedcollection of paper charts, if the ECDIS system isbeing used in RCDS mode.

ECDIS acronymsThe use of Acronyms in the Shipping Industry hasalways been present and part of shippings fast pacephilosophy. However this system of abbreviation doescause great confusion especially between similaracronyms. Examples of these are where care inapplication and interpretation is needed are:

ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and InformationSystem

ECS Electronic Chart System

ENC Electronic Navigational Chart

RNC Raster Navigational Chart

RCDS Raster Chart Display System

IBS Integrated Bridge System

NACOS Navigation and Control System

ConclusionWith just a brief introduction into the legislativeguidelines relating to ECDIS and its operation it is quiteeasy to see why this subject is causing so muchconsternation within the shipping industry.

Continuing our review into ECDIS, the second article(of a series of three) focuses further on the criticalchange in skill set that is required by the navigationalofficer when changing from paper to electronicnavigation and the requirements of generic and typespecific ECDIS training and familiarization.

The STCW 95 Manila amendments relating to ECDIStraining will also be discussed with an assessment ofpossible training needs required to operate ships of thefuture reviewed as the present technical revolutioncontinues to gain momentum.

Acknowledgement: Justin Lawes, C Solutions Limited.Email: justin@csolutionslimited.com