Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)

The Professional Yachtsmen’s Association British Marine Federation Superyacht UK

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The regulations on the use and carriage of ECDIS are relatively straightforward, however it is evident that confusion has developed within the maritime community on what is required, to be fitted by when and the degree of crew training required. Therefore, in an attempt to bring the manufacturers, regulatory bodies, shipping procurement managers and operators back on line, a series of conferences has been organised. These are designed to not only allow the subject matter experts an opportunity to update the Marine Industry, but also provide a means of feedback from the front line mariner to the regulatory bodies with any concerns or issues they're facing. For further information, please click here.

 ECDIS Chart

More and more vessels are navigating these days with electronic aids, particularly systems which will display the ships position from an automated position device (ie GPS) onto a screen with an overlaid electronic navigation chart. 

As part of this the IMO will be implementing compulsory carriage requirements in 2012 in accordance with the timeline shown below.  However due to the simplistic means by which you can become lost in the software menu structure or forget certain rules still have to be followed when navigating on this equipment,  training is vital and to that end necessary for the crew.  Further details are available on the IMO website with the draft amendment to Regulation 19 of SOLAS V available here. 
ECDIS Timeline


As can be seen from the timeline above, different vessels will be affected by the regulations at various times.  With respect to the Superyacht industry, the compulsory carriage of equipment will come into force in:

  • July 2012 for new yachts over 500gt carrying more than 12 passengers.
  • July 2013 for new yachts over 3000gt carrying less than 12 passengers and existing yachts over 500gt carrying more than 12 passengers.

While the vessels above will have to comply with the regulations, many are already witnessing the advantages of electronic navigation and as such converting to the new equipment during refits or the build process.  Of course, fitting type approved equipment is only one stage towards demonstrating an ability to navigate safely by electronic means.

The process towards electronic navigation
Da Gama have teamed up with ECDIS training providers, ECDIS Limited to provide all mariners with direct access to one of the most comprehensive and professional courses available.  Training is provided to MCA and DNV accredited standards at their Southampton office.  Supplying type specific training on a variety of different systems they are now able to provide a mobile training classroom by which the course can be brought to you*.  Their trainers, as some of the most experienced in the world having each operated for many years on type approved vessels and having accredited numerous ships and crews, are rapidly becoming recognised as industry leaders in this field.

Working together through some simple stages are all that's required to bring your vessel to type approved status and be cleared to reduce your holding of paper charts to the minimum.  It is a false belief that you can navigate 'paper free' as some charts should always be carried as a means of back up to assist with passage to a safe haven in the event of a catastrophic electronic system failure.

Although regulations vary to each Flag State, in brief, a vessel and crew need to:

  • Fit two type approved ECDIS to the bridge (master and slave).
  • Complete an officially accredited ECDIS course to the IMO 1.27 course model (40 hours over 5 days).
  • Complete official type specific familiarisation for the ECDIS they will be using.
  • Conduct a risk assessment of the vessel navigation procedures for submission to the Flag State for approval.

All of the above can be completed through discussion with our representatives as we work closely with providers and fitters of type approved equipment to ensure the transition of your bridge is conducted smoothly and efficiently at your next maintenance period.  Alternatively we can assist at the design stage of a new vessel to recommend the right kit and the right placing of it for ease of use.

Working in consultation with the vessel Captain we can finally complete the risk assessment and submit all the necessary paperwork to the appropriate Flag State.  Once approved, the vessel is cleared to reduce the paper chart holding to effectively a 'back-up' folio which must still be maintained in an up-to-date status which again we can assist with as part of the automated updating software package from ChartCo.

*MCA accredited training is available in the classroom environment at the Southampton office while the mobile classroom provides DNV approved training.  Please contact us for the latest details on which Flag States presently endorse the ECDIS Ltd mobile training.