In line with STCW requirements, navigating officers are required to maintain competence in their watchkeeping routines and practices when using ECDIS. The ECDIS Procedures Guide provides a framework, as well as supporting background information and useful checklists, to aid officers in fulfilling these requirements and to help companies implement best practices in the use of ECDIS on board their ships.

Information on the majority of ECDIS operations and techniques is included, such as chart updates, route creation and checking and ECDIS safety functions. This is supplemented by a useful ECDIS Management Card and example logs for chart spot checks, manual corrections and chart updates.

The 2019 Guide has been updated to reflect the latest software and procedural changes, which have been combined with observations on known ECDIS detentions. In addition, the 2019 guide features:

1) New Type Specific Pull-out Guides

These are ideal for ships with the latest software on Furuno FMD, Furuno FEA, JRC 9201, Sperry, Transas, SAM Platinum/Wartsila NACOS, OSI, Kelvin Hughes and Kongsberg systems, providing a framework to assist with correct set-up.

2) List of Observations, Detentions and Competency Failings in ECDIS

In 2018, 1,136 observations were recorded on ECDIS related topics. The new Chapter 10 explores knowledge gaps highlighted through competency assessment and provides a robust procedure to learn from mistakes.

Over a three month period in 2017 there were at least 22 detentions of vessels based on ECDIS observations. Reasons for detention are explored in the 2019 Guide to help ECDIS operators understand what will be asked of them and what they must understand.

The new Chapter 10 also reviews the reasons why ships are detained, receive observations relating to ECDIS or fail in competency assurance. A new pull-out procedure guide to these specific subjects has also been added (Annex H – Pre-Inspection Consolidated ECDIS Guide) with the aim of increasing operator knowledge and addressing any gaps in previous training.

3) Type Specific Familiarisation Checklists for all Leading Manufacturers

The leading manufacturers vary substantially in their terminology, menu structures and capability. Most organisations require all operators to undertake familiarisation, which was often based on a historic ‘generic’ list. Annex A provides a robust type specific familiarisation checklist for each of the top 9 manufacturers. This is particularly useful for those operating under VIQ7 or where regulators require evidence of onboard familiarisation on exact make and model.

4) Performance Test Procedures for ECDIS

In 2018 alone, 53 observations were made where ECDIS equipment was not functioning in accordance with the IMO and SOLAS regulations. The joint Paris and Tokyo MOU Concentrated Navigation Inspection Campaign, which included ECDIS, led to further failing in equipment and is discussed in Chapter 10. The CIRM performance test procedure is provided in Annex L, along with further guidance to ensure onboard equipment remains both effective and approved.