Maritime News

This AMSA bulletin focuses on navigation safety, in particular issues associated with the use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

Safety alert issued following a vessel grounding as a result of poor passage planning and sole reliance on the ECDIS.

The U.K. Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) and Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board (DMAIB) published a study regarding the practical application and usability of ECDIS and future ECDIS design, training strategies, and the development of best practices.

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.