All deck officers must familiarize themselves with the basic and advanced functions of the ECDIS equipment.
Since the overall objective of ECDIS training is to enhance navigational safety, users must know how to use it, including its limitations.
What is an ECDIS?
ECDIS, or the Electronic Display and Information System, is a digital navigation system that replaces traditional paper charts by displaying electronic navigational charts (ENCs).
The ECDIS is connected to various components on board, such as RADAR, AIS, Echo Sounder, GPS, and many others, which enable the real-time movement of your vessel and other ships in the area.
This navigational equipment is mandatory on many vessels under international maritime regulations as it helps improve safety, accuracy, and efficiency in maritime navigation.
Basic Functions of ECDIS
The basic functions are core features that facilitate safe and effective navigation.
These are the fundamental aspects of ECDIS, no matter what maker or brand you use. The Bridge Team must know how these facilities work, including but not limited to:
1. Basic navigation functions
The mariner must know how to plot the bearings and ranges of terrestrial objects, use radar overlay to verify the positions of buoys and beacons and validate the GPS position data.
2. Warnings and alarms
You must recognize the warning on the ECDIS display, which indicates if the displayed chart is not an approved ENC chart.
Additionally, you must know if the GPS position information does not match the ECDIS datum.
3. Symbols used on electronic charts
In particular, you must know the “Generic Hazard” symbol and how to acquire data on the nature of the hazard.
4. Status information
ECDIS provides status information about the system, such as the following:
- Chart validity
- GPS reception
- Alarm status
- Signal strength and positioning
- Information which is suppressed when certain layers are turned off.
5. Reset layer settings
Officers MUST be familiar with the reset to display all standard information.
6. ECDIS layouts and connections
Deck officers must understand the basic layout of ECDIS and its connections and interfaces.
They should be able to carry out simple diagnostic tests in the event of problems to isolate their cause and determine their impact.
The crew must be trained to recognize issues as they arise, including “Frozen” or crashed systems and disturbances in positional information, and act accordingly.
Advanced Functions of ECDIS
The advanced functions of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems are enhanced features that go beyond the basic capabilities.
They complement the basic functions to provide precise navigation, route optimization, and increased situational awareness.
Advanced ECDIS functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
7. Special functions for route monitoring
This includes the input of own ship data and the setting of safety depth and contours.
8. Customization of settings
Officers may use customized (personal) settings where fitted. However, such individual customizations MUST NOT:
a. Alter the datum from WGS84
b. Remove danger areas, wrecks, and other hazards from view, as well as alarms set by the Master.
9. Special functions for route planning
Validates or checks a planned route with the functions in the ECDIS equipment. They provide optimization and precision tools for voyage planning.
ECDIS Training and Practice
In open waters, when it is safe to do so, Navigation Officers should practice to become familiar with the facilities of each ECDIS system.
Some companies may have specific forms and familiarization checklists that all Deck Officers must complete within 48 hours of signing on.
In any case, they must undertake this before assuming bridge watch responsibility to ensure they are fully familiar with the ECDIS operation.
Deck Officers who do not perform regular navigational watches, such as Chief Officers in vessels manned with three Junior Officers, must also be fully familiar with ECDIS.
The Chief Officer shall perform navigational watches from time to time to keep him sharp when using the said equipment.
This ensures all deck officers are thoroughly familiar with all the basic and advanced functions of the ECDIS equipment.
May the winds be in your favor
A family man, he loves writing, reading, investing, and watching the golden hours while sailing.
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