Appendix 6 - Back-up Requirements
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.817(19) – Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) – (Adopted on 23 November 1995) - Annex - Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) - Appendix 6 - Back-up Requirements

Appendix 6 - Back-up Requirements

  1 Introduction

 As prescribed in section 14 of this performance standard, adequate independent back-up arrangements should be provided to ensure safe navigation in case of ECDIS failure. Such arrangements include:

  • .1 facilities enabling a safe take-over of the ECDlS functions in order to ensure that an ECDIS failure does not result in a critical situation:

  • .2 a means to provide for safe navigation for the remaining part of the voyage in case of ECDIS failure.

  2 Purpose

 The purpose of an ECDlS back-up system is to ensure that safe navigation is not compromised in the event of ECDIS failure. This should include a timely transfer to the back-up system during critical navigation situations. The back-up system shall allow the vessel to be navigated safely until the termination of the voyage.

  3 Functional Requirements

  3.1 Required functions and their availability

  3.1.1 Presentation of chart information

 The back-up system should display in graphical (chart) form the relevant information of the hydrographic and geographic environment which are necessary for safe navigation.

  3.1.2 Route planning

 The back-up system should be capable of performing the route planning functions, including:

  • .1 taking over of the route plan originally performed on the ECDIS;

  • .2 adjusting a planned route manually or by transfer from a route planning device.

  3.1.3 Route monitoring

 The back-up system should enable a take-over of the route monitoring originally performed by the ECDIS, and provide at least the following functions:

  • .1 plotting own ship's position automatically, or manually on a chart;

  • .2 taking courses, distances and bearings from the chart;

  • .3 displaying the planned route;

  • .4 displaying time labels along ship's track;

  • .5 plotting an adequate number of points, bearing lines, range markers, etc. on the chart.

  3.1.4 Display information

 If the back-up is an electronic device, it should be capable of displaying at least the information equivalent to the standard display as defined in this performance standard.

  3.1.5 Provision of chart information

  .1 The chart information to be used should be the latest editions of that originated by a government hydrographic office, and based on IHO standards

  .2 It should not be possible to alter the contents of the electronic chart information

  .3 The chart or chart data edition and issuing date should be indicated.

  3.1.6 Updating

 The information displayed by the ECDIS back-up arrangements should be up-to-date for the entire voyage.

  3.1.7 Scale

 If an electronic device is used, it should provide an indication:

  • .1 if the information is displayed at a larger scale than that contained in the database; and

  • .2 if own ship's position is covered by a chart at a larger scale than that provided by the system.

  3.1.8 If radar and other navigational information are added to an electronic back-up display, all the corresponding requirements of this performance standard should be met.

  3.1.9 If an electronic device is used, the display mode and generation of the neighbouring area should be in accordance with section 7 of this performance standard.

  3.1.10 Voyage recording

 The back-up arrangements should be able to keep a record of the ship's actual track, including positions and corresponding times

  3.2 Reliability and accuracy

  3.2.1 Reliability

 The back-up arrangements should provide reliable operation under prevailing environmental and normal operating conditions.

  3.2.2 Accuracy

 Accuracy shall be in accordance with section 11 of this performance standard

  3.3 Malfunctions, warnings, alarms and indications

 If an electronic device is used, it should provide a suitable indication of system malfunction.

  4 Operational Requirements

  4.1 Ergonomics

 If an electronic device is used, it should be designed in accordance with the ergonomic principles of ECDIS.

  4.2 Presentation of information

  4.2.1 Colours and symbols used in the back-up arrangements should be based on IHO recommendations.

  4.2.2 If an electronic device is used, the effective size of the chart presentation shall be in accordance with section 9.2 of this performance standard.

  5 Power Supply

 If an electronic device is used:

  • .1 the back-up power supply should be separate from the ECDlS; and

  • .2 conform to the requirements in this ECDlS performance standard.

  6 Connections with other Equipment

  6.1 If an electronic device is used, it should:

  • .1 be connected to systems providing continuous position-fixing capability; and

  • .2 not degrade the performance of any equipment providing sensor input

  6.2 If radar with selected parts of the ENC chart information overlay is used as an element of the back-up, the radar should comply with resolution A.477(Xll), as amended.

Parent topic: Annex - Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
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