C Operating Anomalies Identified Within ECDIS
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C Operating Anomalies Identified Within ECDIS

18 A number of ECDIS operating anomalies have been identified. Due to the complex nature of ECDIS, and in particular because it involves a mix of hardware, software and data, it is possible that further anomalies may exist.

19 These anomalies are particularly apparent in ECDIS units that have been built and type-approved to ECDIS Performance Standards (resolution A.817(19), as amended), (i.e. before 2009). However, ECDIS units type-approved to the revised ECDIS Performance Standards (resolution MSC.232(82)) are still vulnerable to the limitations in as set out in appendix 1, item 5(a).

20 An ECDIS anomaly is an unexpected or unintended behaviour of an ECDIS unit which may affect the use of the equipment or navigational decisions made by the user. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • .1 failure to display a navigational feature correctly, such as:

    • .1 navigation areas recently recognized by IMO such as PSSA and ASL

    • .2 navigational lights with complex characteristics; and

    • .3 underwater features and isolated dangers;

  • .2 failure to detect objects by "route checking" in voyage planning mode;

  • .3 failure to alarm correctly; and

  • .4 failure to manage a number of alarms correctly.

21 The existence of such anomalies highlights the importance of maintaining ECDIS software to ensure that it is capable of displaying up-to-date electronic charts correctly according to the latest version of the IHO's chart content and display standards. It is recommended that appropriate checks are made with the equipment manufacturer. This is of particular importance where ECDIS is the only source of chart information available.

22 IHO has produced an ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check (DPPC) dataset that allows mariners to check some important aspects of the operation of their ECDIS. This dataset contains two fictitious ENC cells which deck officers can load into their ECDIS units to assess operating performance and to determine whether there may be any display anomalies that either need to be remedied or otherwise managed in the way that the ECDIS is operated. If the check highlights a problem, the accompanying guidance notes with the check dataset offer suggested courses of action. The check dataset and accompanying instructions can be obtained from ENC service providers, or can be downloaded from the IHO website at: www.iho.int

23 A list of the known anomalies with advice and information on whether or not the DPPC dataset checks for each anomaly is set out in appendix 1.

24 Given the widespread use and the implementation of the ECDIS carriage requirement, the Committee considered it important that any anomalies identified by mariners are reported to and investigated by the appropriate authorities to ensure their resolution.

25 In order to better understand the extent of the issue, Administrations are invited to collect, investigate and disseminate information about ECDIS anomalies. Administrations or designated bodies are invited to:

  • .1 encourage vessels under their flag to report such anomalies, with sufficient detail on the ECDIS equipment and ENCs, to allow analysis;

  • .2 treat the identity of the reporter as confidential;

  • .3 agree to share information with other IMO Member Governments and international organizations on request; and

  • .4 issue alerts to mariners where such anomalies might affect safety of navigation.

Parent topic: Annex - ECDIS - Guidance for Good Practice
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