ECDIS - Lesson02
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Zobaer AhmedECDIS - Lesson02
Uploaded by
Zobaer AhmedWhat is Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS)? | Last Updated on June 19, 2020
The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a development in the
navigational chart system used in naval vessels and ships. With the use of the electronic chart
system, it has become easier for a ship’s navigating crew to pinpoint locations and attain
directions.
ECDIS complies with IMO Regulation V/19 & V/27 of SOLAS convention as amended, by
displaying selected information from a System Electronic Navigational Chart (SENC). ECDIS
equipment complying with SOLAS requirements can be used as an alternative to paper charts.
Besides enhancing navigational safety, ECDIS greatly eases the navigator’s workload with its
automatic capabilities such as route planning, route monitoring, automatic ETA computation and
ENC updating. In addition, ECDIS provides many other sophisticated navigation and safety
features, including continuous data recording for later analysis.
The ECDIS utilizes the feature of the Global Positioning System (GPS) to successfully pinpoint
the navigational points. It also has to be noted that the ECDIS adheres to the stipulations set by
the International Maritime Organisation, and thus it adds to the trustworthiness of the electronic
chart system. ECDIS is basically a navigational information system, interfaced with other
navigational equipments such as the GPS, Gyro, RADAR, ARPA, Echo Sounder etc.
ECDIS also incorporates and displays information contained in other nautical publications such
as Tide Tables and Sailing Directions and incorporates additional maritime information such as
radar information, weather, ice conditions and automatic vessel identification.
Advantages of ECDIS over paper charts
1. All information is processed and displayed in real time
2. It eases the process of passage planning
3. One can get all necessary navigational information at a glance
4. Alarms and indications are in place to indicate and highlight dangers
5. Chart correction is made easier in ECDIS as compared to paper charts
6. Charts can be tailored as per the requirement of the voyage
7. Other navigational equipments such as the AIS, ARPA etc can be overlayed and integrated
8. Charts can be oriented as per requirement
9. With the facility to zoom in and out, features can be examined as per necessity
10. One can obtain a more accurate ETA
11. Charts can be interrogated for detailed information
12. All in all, it enhances the safety of navigation
Types of ECDIS charts
1. Raster Chart (RNC): RNCs are direct copy or a scan of the paper charts. It looks identical to
a paper chart as all the information shown is directly printed. The chart only grows larger or
smaller as per the zooming and when rotated, everything rotates.
2. Vector Chart (ENC): ENCs are computer generated charts. The details on an ENC can be
turned on and off depending on the requirement of the user. Objects on the ENC can be
clicked for more details on the same. Depths can also be monitored to obtain a warning with
regard to grounding. When zooming, the features grow large or small but the text remains
the same.
ECDIS covered under the following
1. SOLAS Chapter 5
2. Port State Control Requirements
3. IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS
4. S 52 Standard (Display Standard)
5. S 57 Standard (Compilation Standard)
6. S 63 Standard (IHO Data Protection/Encryption Standard)
ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart) Layers
Display Base (No information can be deleted)
Standard Display
Full Display
Custom Display
Minimum Interface Requirement*****
Position Sensor
Heading Sensor
Speed Sensor
ECDIS Compliance******
Approved ECDIS with approved backup
Type approved hardware
Type approved software
Approved installation
Official Chart Services
Training of Officers
What is the backup Requirement for ECDIS?
There are two commonly accepted options: -
A second ECDIS, connected to an independent power supply and a separate
GPS position input;
- Up to date paper nautical charts sufficient for the intended voyage .
Some Flag States may, however, permit other options (for example; radar-
based systems such as ”Chart-Radar”). Ship owners should consult their
national maritime administration for specific guidance
Chart Updating
Updates to the ECDIS charts may reach the ship in various ways, depending upon the
capabilities of the service provider and the onboard communication facilities.
On data distribution media (DVD)
As an email attachment (SATCOM)
As a broadcast message via SATCOM plus additional communication hardware
As an internet download
Voyage Recording
Minute by minute recording for the past 12 hours of the voyage
Record of 4 hourly intervals of voyage track for a period of 6 months
Dual Fuel: Dual Fuel is the use of RNCs when ENCs are not available with approved paper
chart backup.
Alarms and/or Indication in ECDIS******
Alarms
1. Exceeding cross track limits
2. Crossing selected safety contour
3. Deviation from the route
4. Critical Point Approach
5. Different datum from the positioning system
Alarms or Indication*****
1. Largest scale for alarm (present chart too small a scale)
2. Area with special conditions
3. Malfunction of ECDIS
Indication*****************21.06.20
1. Chart over scale (zoomed too close)
2. Larger scale ENC available
3. Different reference units
4. Route crosses safety contour
5. Route crosses specific area activated for alarms
6. System test failure
For ease of understanding, Indications may be either visual or audible whereas Alarms must be
audible and may be visual as well.
Power Supply*******
It should be possible to operate ECDIS and all equipment necessary for its normal
functioning when supplied by an emergency source of electrical power
Changing from one source of power supply to another or any interruption of supply for a
period of upto45 seconds should not require the equipment to be manually re-initialized
Carriage Requirement ******
Passenger Vessels > 500 GT
New Build – By July 2012
Existing Build – By 2014 (Built before 1 July 2012)
Tankers > 3000 GT
New Build – By July 2012
Existing Build – By 2015
Cargo Vessels > 10000 GT
New Build – By July 2013
Existing Build – By 2018 (Built before 1 July 2013)
Cargo Vessels > 3000 GT
New Build – By July 2014
Cargo Vessels > 50000 GT
Existing Build – By 2016
Cargo Vessels > 20000 GT
Existing Build – By 2017
Limitations of ECDIS****
1. The accuracy of the information received via AIS is only as good as the accuracy of the AIS
information transmitted. The same is applicable for all other equipments interfaced with the
ECDIS.
2. Position of ships received on ECDIS display might not be referenced to WGS 84 datum
3. Over reliance on ECDIS for navigational safety should be avoided until it is confirmed that
all the data transmitted, received and displayed are accurate
4. Users must be aware that any erroneous information is detrimental to the safety of own as
well as other vessels
5. Some sensors might lack the integrity with regard to accuracy and those that have not been
tested
6. Not all ships are fitted with ECDIS and hence one cannot be sure of technical ability with
regard to positioning as well as navigation; the kind that ECDIS provides
It is never prudent for the OOW to depend solely on the information on the ECDIS. IT is only an
aid to navigation and never replaces the human quotient which brings in the skill and expertise
with experience that an ECDIS can never provide.
IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS # ** 7/07/20
1. The primary function of ECDIS is to contribute to safe navigation
2. ECDIS with adequate back up arrangements may be accepted as complying with the up to
date charts required by Regulation V/20 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention
3. In addition to the general requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part of the
GMDSS and for electronics navigational aids contained in IMO Resolution A.694 (17),
ECDIS should meet the requirements of this performance standard
4. ECDIS should be capable of displaying all chart information necessary for safe and efficient
navigation originated by, and distributed on the authority of government authorized
hydrographic offices
5. ECDIS should facilitate simple and reliable updating of the electronic navigational chart
6. ECDIS should reduce the navigational workload compared to using the paper chart. It should
enable the mariner to execute in a convenient and timely manner all route planning,
monitoring and positioning currently performed on paper charts. It should be capable of
continuously plotting the ship’s position
7. ECDIS should have at least the same reliability and availability of presentation as the paper
chart published by the Government authorized hydrographic offices.
8. ECDIS should provide appropriate alarms or indications with respect to the information
displayed or malfunction of the equipment
ECDIS Training ****
There are many institutes that conduct the ECDIS course. It is usually a 5 days extensive course
for which candidates must have completed a year at sea as a Deck Cadet. Every institution has a
different price range for the course and that must be checked on the institute’s website itself. The
institute must also be checked for approval from the respective governing body of a country (e.g.
DG Shipping for India). With more and more ships inculcating ECDIS into their system, the
knowledge, skill and understand of ECDIS should be emphasized on. The same is achieved via
simulators during the tenure of the course. Almost all institutes also put the possession of a ROC
ARPA certificate of proficiency as a prerequisite for entry into the ECDIS course.
The concept of ECDIS is something that is gaining more and more popularity in today’s times.
By adopting this electronic system of marking and charting navigational routes, it has become
easier to avoid any unwanted accidents as the ship is dependent on modern technology rather
than human aid.
Inspite of some criticism from a few industry players, it can be easily said that ECDIS as an
electronic Chart System is something that allows shipping companies and ship owners a lot of
mental freedom when it comes to the safety of the vessel in the sea water by making ship
navigation faster, simpler and sleeker.
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