The following data presents examples of vessels detained when serious deficiencies were pointed out during Port State Control (PSC) inspections carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

There is no doubt that the introduction of ECDIS has contributed to improving the safety of navigation. What seems to be apparent, however, is that the efficacy and safety of ECDIS depends largely on the ability of its user. In other words, how the user interacts with this system is key to its success in ensuring safe navigation.

Please find attached OCIMF latest information paper, Recommendations on Usage of ECDIS and Preventing Incidents, which provides guidance to enhance policies and procedures regarding the safe use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

With more vessels using Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) for primary or secondary navigation, there have been several significant navigational incidents over the last decade where one of the contributing factors has been ECDIS-related. Recommendations on Usage of ECDIS and Preventing Incidents takes into account ECDIS-related navigational incident findings and safety-related observations from OCIMF’s Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE). To provide practical support and guidance, the information paper draws upon this analysis to provide recommendations for improving ECDIS-related practices and preventing ECDIS-related navigational incidents.

Key chapters in the information paper cover ECDIS carriage requirements, ECDIS training and familiarisation, passage planning and alarm management.

DNV GL has recently experienced an increased number of queries related to nautical publications in digital form. This statutory news explains what you need to know to stay compliant.

Many flag states have issued guidance on the carriage of digital products. Such guidance refers to the main computer and the backup arrangements provided on board. In any case, individual flag state requirements, which might be given, must be observed.

Attached is an update to the ECDIS cards inspectors received when attending the OCIMF ECDIS course that should be updated to May 2018.