ECDIS

Electronic Chart Display and Information System

• The electronic chart represents a revolutionary advance in maritime

navigation and safety.
• Since an electronic chart system is capable of continuously displaying own
ship’s position on the electronic chart, there is increased benefit of having
other real-time information available that can be used to increase the safety
and efficiency of the voyage.

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ECDIS
Electronic Chart Display and Information System

• The electronic chart represents a revolutionary advance in maritime

navigation and safety.
• Since an electronic chart system is capable of continuously displaying own
ship’s position on the electronic chart, there is increased benefit of having
other real-time information available that can be used to increase the safety
and efficiency of the voyage.

Performance Standards for ECDIS (MSC 232(82))

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IMO Resolution MSC.232(82)

Electronic Chart Display and Information System is :

"A navigation information system which , with adequate back up
arrangements , can be accepted as complying with the up-to-date chart
required by regulation V/19 and V/27 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention."

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To support a safe nautical environment for all ,
IMO requires nautical charts to be carried onboard.

Amendments to SOLAS regulations that came into force in

July 2002 allow these requirements to be met solely by
electronic means provided there is an appropriate back-up.
The carriage requirement for charts and publications can
be fulfilled by:
1. Carriage of official and up-to-date paper charts, or
2. Carriage of a type-approved ECDIS (using up-to-date Electronic
Navigational Charts (ENC) supplemented by a suitable back-up arrangement).

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The requirements for carriage of nautical charts are
outlined in SOLAS Chapter V.

Regulation 2 , defines the nautical chart or publication

(commonly called “official charts and publications”)
Regulation 19 , specifies the equipment to be carried
on different types of ships
Regulation 27 , specifies the requirement to keep charts and publications
up to date.

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Regulation 2 (IMO SOLAS V/2)

2.2 Nautical chart or nautical publication is a special-purpose

map or book , or a specially compiled database from which such
a map or book is derived , that is issued officially by or on the
authority of a government , authorized Hydrographic Office or other relevant
Government institution and is designed to meet the requirements of marine
navigation.

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Regulation 19 (IMO SOLAS V/19)

2.1 All ships irrespective of size shall have:

2.1.4 nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and
display the ship’s route for the intended voyage and to plot and
monitor positions throughout the voyage; an Electronic Chart Display and
Information System (ECDIS) may be accepted as meeting the chart carriage
requirements of this subparagraph;
2.1.5 back-up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of
subparagraph 2.1.4 , if this function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic
means; 1.

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Regulation 27 (IMO SOLAS V/27)

Nautical charts and nautical publications , such as

sailing directions , lists of lights , notices to mariners ,
tide tables and all other nautical publications necessary for the
intended voyage, shall be adequate and up to date.

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The mandatory carriage of ECDIS depends on
ship type
size
construction date.

IMO Resolution MSC.282(86) has amended SOLAS Regulation V/19

to include a new paragraph 2.10 , detailing a carriage requirement of ECDIS on
certain kinds of ships engaged on international voyages.
In accordance with this regulation , certain kinds of ships engaged on
international voyages shall be fitted with an Electronic Chart Display and
Information System (ECDIS) as follows:

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The mandatory carriage of ECDIS depends on :

ship type

size

construction date .

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In July 2008, the IMO Safety of Navigation sub-committee agreed to

implement the mandatory carriage of ECDIS, and this was approved by the IMO
Maritime Safety Committee at its meeting in December 2008.

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ECDIS must be type approved and meet IMO/SOLAS

approved performance standards if it is to be used to meet
the chart carriage requirements as outlined in SOLAS
Regulation V/19.2.1.4 .
This means for a ship to comply with mandatory ECDIS
carriage requirements or to completely depend on ECDIS as a primary means of
navigation (no paper charts) , the ECDIS must conform to the following IMO
performance standards:
• if installed before 1 January 2009, should conform to Resolution A.817(19)
• if installed on or after 1 January 2009, should conform to MSC.232(82)

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• ECDIS should meet IMO performance standards

• ECDIS must be type approved
• ECDIS type approval certificate should be kept
onboard by the master
• ECS is not certified or type approved and does not meet IMO performance
standards

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Making the ship and environment safer

ECDIS is primarily considered as an anti grounding tool

Majors Factors contributing to ‘grounding’ of a vessel

1) OOW inattentive during navigational watch

2) Infrequent plotting of vessel’s position
3) Accuracy of plotted position
4) Incorrect or incomplete passage plan
5) Reluctance to use ship’s engines
6) Charts not updated with T&P notices and NAVTEX messages not plotted on to the
chart
7) UKC calculations incorrect or missing
8) Failure to use the equipment correctly –lack of appropriate training

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Feedback on seamanship experience of the

ENC/ECDIS environment , identified the positive aspects of
ECDIS as :

easier voyage planning

simpler chart correction

continuous monitoring of depth safety contours and soundings

readily available information when approaching busy ports or navigational

areas.

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However, there are also identified areas of which

mariners should be aware of when navigating using ECDIS :
too much information on the screen can be distracting
sub menus can be very complex
the size of chart displayed on the screen monitor is very much
reduced compared with the paper chart .
some symbols are open to misinterpretation
due to unfamiliarity automatic plotting of position can lead to
complacency

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The primary function of an ECDIS is to

– contribute to safe navigation but mariners should be aware that ECDIS is far
more than a digital version of a paper chart.
It allows for monitoring of a ship's position in real-time throughout the voyage
and integrates information from
GPS , AIS, anemometer,
depth sounder ,
gyro and magnetic compass ,
Radar , ARPA , speed log ,
all into a single display.

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WARNING
Not all electronic chart systems (ECS) are ECDIS, and only an approved ECDIS
is approved by the IMO for navigation use.
Many mariners who see an ECS on the bridge of a ship will use the system to
navigate, regardless of whether the system is approved for such purpose.
An ECDIS system can only be used for navigation if :

an approved chart data ENC (S57/SENC) is used:

a type approved system is used;
it is approved by the vessel's flag state administration, and;
it has an approved back-up system

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All other systems, no matter how useful they seem, are classified by
IMO as an ECS , not approved for navigation and might leave the company or
mariner liable if an incident happens while the system is used for navigation.

Masters should :
be aware of the systems onboard to ensure that watchkeepers are familiar
with restrictions and procedures for use of ECDIS;
ensure that training and familiarization is carried out in accordance with
STCW requirements and company procedures;
advise companies if the level of training or familiarization is deemed to be
inadequate.

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Electronic charts give the navigating officer the capacity to manage the
entire voyage from route planning through to route monitoring and the ability to
quickly plan alternative routes.
The benefits and limitations of electronic navigation must be understood by
the navigator to enable ECDIS to be used efficiently and safely .

"Bridge watchkeepers need to be aware of the limitations of the equipment

and the likely dangers if there are any failures of position input fromGPS or datum
errors."

• Datum – WGS 84 : World Geodesic System 1984 -

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Datum – WGS 84 : World Geodesic System 1984

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ECDIS is a highly sophisticated system which, besides the navigational

functions, includes components of a complex, computer-based information system,
comprising : hardware
operating system
ECDIS software
sensor input interface
electronic chart data
rules for presentation and display
status and parameters of alarms and indications, etc.
Attention must be taken when navigating with ECDIS to avoid :
false operation
misinterpretation
malfunction
over reliance on this highly automated navigation system.

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Types of electronic charts

There are different principal types of electronic charts on the market.

Raster (ARCS, Seafarer, BSB, NOS Geo):

A scanned paper chart is similar to a photograph
(what you see is what you get).
Vector (TX-97, ENC, C-Map93, DNC, VPF):
Digitalized paper charts: every object is defined and grouped in layers that can be
selected in ECDIS within set safety parameters.
ENC-charts (Vector Charts)
ENCs are vector charts compiled from a database of individual
geo-referenced objects from Hydrographic Office’s archives
including existing paper charts. When used in an ECDIS, the ENC
content can be displayed as a seamless pattern in user selected
scales presenting user selected chart items.

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Raster (ARCS, Seafarer, BSB, NOS Geo):

A scanned paper chart is similar to a photograph (what you see is what you get).

Advantages:
• Inexpensive to produce for the hydrographic offices
• Similar to paper charts in lookalike and presentation

Disadvantages:
• “Dead charts”
• Limited zoom-options
• Requires large memory capacity
• Expensive to correct. Correction of a chart requires the whole chart to be replaced(a lot data)

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Vector (TX-97, ENC, C-Map93, DNC, VPF):

Digitalized paper charts: every object is defined and grouped in layers that can be selected in ECDIS within
set safety parameters.

Advantages:
• Optional information (customized settings)
• Good zoom options
• Easy to correct. Only the actual corrected object needs to be sent / received.
• Requires little memory capacity (quick loading)
• Information can be added (files, pictures etc.)

Disadvantages:
• Expensive and time demanding production
• Layout can be a bit different from paper charts

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ENC-charts (Vector Charts):

The only approved chart type for an ECDIS system.

Official chart data supplied from the national hydrographic office in each country.
Distributed, validated and encrypted to S-63 by a few approved institutes (RENC).
The chart distributor (Transas) receives ENC data from the approved institute.
In return, the Hydrographic Office (HO) receives a royalty based on the number of sold charts.
The chart distributor must be certified by RENC.
There is a good coverage of ENC-charts today with the primary and important areas covered and the majority
of the world will be covered within the next or the following years.

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ENC and RNC fall under the category of official charts.

Only charts which have been approved and authorized by a Hydrographic Office
are deemed as official.

Any other type of chart is simply a “private” chart.

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An ENC can communicate its information through the ECDIS to the user
when or before it becomes relevant to the ship's navigation. This means that an ENC
being used within an ECDIS system can alert the operator to any features and
warnings before or when they are entering into an area or shipping lane, within a
certain draft or within a range of a chart object.
ENCs are vector charts compiled from a database of individual geo-
referenced objects from Hydrographic Office’s archives including existing paper charts.
When used in an ECDIS, the ENC content can be displayed as a seamless pattern in
user selected scales presenting user selected chart items. The chart image generated
from ENCs is not simply a reproduction of the corresponding paper chart. Its differing
appearance is intended to increase visibility and situational awareness and to allow
overlays to work without adversely affecting safety, as well as to fit the limited size and
resolution of computer monitors. The ENC is a data file: special ECDIS operational
functions continuously retrieve the ENC content to give warning of impending danger
in relation to the vessel’s position and its movement.

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IMO’s definition for the Electronic Navigational Chart – ENC:

ENC means the database, standardized as to content, structure and format,

issued for use with ECDIS on the authority of government-authorized Hydrographic
Offices. The ENC contains all the chart information useful for safe navigation, and may
contain supplementary information in addition to that contained in the paper, which
may be considered necessary for safe navigation.

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Purpose of ECDIS Task

The main purpose of the ECDIS task is to:
display on the electronic charts;
display the ship position on the electronic chart;
monitoring of approach to the dangers to navigation plotted on electronic
vector charts or on map created by navigator;
route planning and drawing up the schedule of proceeding along this route;
solution of various kinds of navigational tasks ( Navtex database, Tide &
Currents database, SAR routes).

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Main Chart Panel

• Main panel is the principal chart panel. The panel consists of two areas:

Chart Area;

Toolbar.

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• Chart Area
The Chart Area is designed :
to display electronic charts showing classes of
chart information (determined on Charts Panel);
to display the owns hip symbol with motion vectors
to display the route loaded for proceeding by in the
Navigation Mode;
to display the AIS objects.

Displayed in the top left corner of the Chart Area is the panel orientation symbol :
an arrow showing direction to the north.

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• Toolbar
The toolbar contains the following control buttons:

to return to the display of the own ship symbol;

to set the ship symbol in the position of the cursor

to select chart display orientation

to select ship symbol motion mode

to increase / decrease the chart display scale by the fixed scale value

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• Toolbar
The toolbar contains the following control buttons:
to display the chart on the original scale

to call Info cursor for obtaining information; to select chart di

to turn on/off MOB mode;

to turn on the display of the chart over the radar picture

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• Toolbar
The toolbar contains the following control buttons:

to select the screen color

palette to suit the outside illumination;

to turn on/off virtual keyboard

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User Interface Components

Panels
There is direct access to panels from the task. For ECDIS task, this is primarily the
Control panel, which shows operational information and contains the most important
task controls.
In ECDIS task, apart from the Control panel there are 13 functional panels, each
designed for its special purpose within the ECDIS task :

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• Navigation panel with pages intended for selection of essential

information sensors : Ship Position, Heading, Speed and Echosounder:

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Control Panel Windows

The Control panel consists of windows. Each window serves for the display
of some operational information , or contains the most frequently used task controls.
The sample below shows some Control panel windows.

ECDIS Control panel has the Multipanel window, which allows setting
different displays serving for accomplishment of operational tasks. Displays are
selected from the pull-down list opened by pressing the button with the name of the
currently set panel.

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ECDIS Task Control Panel

The ECDIS task Control panel consists of a number of windows. Windows are displayed in the top
and right-hand part of the ECDIS task screen for Landscape Mode and In the top and bottom parts for Portrait
Mode.
Control panel contains the Display Panel window, which is intended for the display of various data types.
The window consists of twelve displays:
AIS Messages;
Environment Data;
Gyro Compass (for Landscape mode only);
Manually Fix Position;
Navigator;
Parallel Index Lines;
Precisions Instruments;
Radar Settings;
Route Data;
Sensor Data/Status;
System Information;
Targets.
For Landscape

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Button to the right of the Display Panel window is intended for

displaying additional the Multipanel window on the ECDIS task Chart panel. The
system enables simultaneous independent operation with information displays
selected in both windows.

For Portrait Mode Multipanel window is opened by pressing the button in

the top part of the ECDIS task screen.

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Charts Area Window

The Charts Area window is designed for the adjustment of the chart display on the
chart panel:
• Chart number – to call a menu with a
list of charts under the ship position (if the ship symbol is displayed on the chart) or the list of
all the charts available in the ship folio; shown on the button is the current chart number;
• Autoload – to turn on the function for the automatic loading of charts, there is an
indicator to the right of the button:
o ON – the function is turned on
o OFF – the function is turned off;
o FIX – to fix the current chart.
• Last Corr. – date of the most recent chart updating in dd-mm-yyyy format;
• Updated to – the media, which was used for the latest updating of TX-97 or SENC chart
collection.

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Turning the ECDIS Task On

• Each WS is started by pressing On/Off button on its console.
The Transas Integrator window will be loaded.

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Tasks can be equally well switched and started in following ways:

• 1. From the ES6 keyboard. To turn on the ECDIS task, press <ECDIS> key on ES6
keyboard.
• 2. From the Transas Integrator. To turn on the ECDIS task from the Transas
Integrator utility, press ECDIS button .

The following window will be displayed on WS

upon start of ECDIS task loading.

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Turning the ECDIS Task Off

Open Config panel by selecting the appropriate

line of Tasks List menu in the tabs zone of the ECDIS task screen.

Use the tab in the top part of Config panel, which will open up ,
to switch to General page.

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Press Exit button in the right-hand part of the panel: confirmation

window will appear.
Press Yes button to confirm exit from the program.
The program will be closed.

The Transas Integrator window will open.

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