Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1503/Rev.1 - ECDIS - Guidance for Good Practice - (16 June 2017) - Annex - ECDIS - Guidance for Good Practice - Introduction

Introduction

1 The undeniable safety benefits of navigating with Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) were recognized through Formal Safety Assessments submitted to the Organization and experience gained by the voluntary use of ECDIS for many years. ECDIS was mandated for carriage by High-Speed Craft (HSC) as early as 1 July 2008. Subsequently, the mandatory carriage of ECDIS for ships other than HSC (depending on the ship type, size and construction date, as required by SOLAS regulation V/19.2.10) commenced in a phased manner from 1 July 2012 onwards.

2 ECDIS is a complex, safety-relevant, software-based system with multiple options for display and integration. The ongoing safe and effective use of ECDIS involves many stakeholders including seafarers, equipment manufacturers, chart producers, hardware and software maintenance providers, shipowners and operators, and training providers. It is important that all these stakeholders have a clear and common understanding of their roles and responsibilities in relation to ECDIS.

3 This ECDIS – Guidance for Good Practice, referred to as "Guidance" hereafter, draws together relevant guidance from seven previous ECDIS circulars into a single, consolidated document. The guidance is laid out in seven sections, namely:

  • A. Chart carriage requirement of SOLAS

  • B. Maintenance of ECDIS software

  • C. Operating anomalies identified within ECDIS

  • D. Differences between raster chart display system (RCDS) and ECDIS

  • E. ECDIS training

  • F. Transitioning from paper chart to ECDIS navigation

  • G. Guidance on training and assessment in the operational use of ECDIS simulators

4 This guidance is intended to assist smooth implementation of ECDIS and its ongoing safe and effective use on board ships. Ship operators, masters and deck officers on ECDIS-fitted ships are encouraged to use this guidance to improve their understanding and facilitate safe and effective use of ECDIS.

5 Although this guidance replaces seven IMO ECDIS-related circulars, there remain several other IMO circulars that also address ECDIS matters to varying degree and reference should also be made to these circulars where necessary. A list containing the IMO ECDIS performance standards and the other IMO circulars that relate to ECDIS is provided in the reference section.

Parent topic: Annex - ECDIS - Guidance for Good Practice
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