ECDIS -

Electronic Chart Display and information System (ECDIS)

It means a navigation information system which with adequate back-up
arrangements can be accepted as complying with the up-to-date chart required
by regulations V/19 and V/27 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, by
displaying selected information from a System Electronic Navigational Chart
(SENC) with positional information from navigation sensors to assist the mariner
in route planning and route monitoring, and if required display additional
navigation- related information.
 ECDIS
ECDIS Standards
Performance Standard approved by IMO
Applies to vessels governed by the SOLAS Convention
Uses Electronic Nautical Charts (ENC) which conforms to the IHO : S-57 specifications
ENC must be issued for use on the authority of government authorized hydrographic
offices
Reading ENC data (S57) and transferring it to SENC;
Anti-grounding function;
Warning of obstructions to shipping;
Presentation of objects and their characteristics according to IHO : S-52 specifications;
kept up to date with authorized corrections and updates;
Various types of chart work must be possible
 ECDIS – Data Protection
IHO Data Protection Scheme for ENCs:
IHO has issued a special publication S-63 "IHO Data Protection Scheme" as Standard for
protection of ENCs by encryption.
Most major ECDIS manufacturers have implemented decryption procedures in
conformance with S- 63 within their systems.
 ECDIS – Back up
Back up requirements:
No electronic system is completely fail safe.
IMO Performance Standards therefore require that the "overall system" include both a
primary ECDIS and an adequate independent back up arrangement that provides:
Independent facilities enabling a safe takeover of the ECDIS functions in order to ensure
that a system failure does not result in a critical situation; and
A means to provide for safe navigation for the remaining part of the voyage in case of
ECDIS failure.
However, these rather basic statements allow considerable leeway and there are
various interpretations as to what are the minimum functional requirements, or
what constitute "adequate" back up arrangements
 ECDIS –Back up Options
There are two commonly accepted options:
A second ECDIS, connected to an independent power supply and a separate GPS position
input;
An appropriate up to date folio of official paper charts for the intended voyage
Some Flag States may permit other options (e.g. radar-based systems such as"Chart-
Radar"). Ship owners should consult their national maritime administration for specific
advice.
It should be noted that interpretations between Flag State administrations may vary.
Additionally in some countries Flag State administrations will require to check the
equipment on board before issuing any certificates.
Prospective ECDIS users should consult the vessel's Flag State administration for detailed
information.
 ECDIS – Approval
How is an ECDIS approved and by whom?
To ensure that ECDIS equipment intended for onboard use is seaworthy, it must pass type
approval and test procedures developed by the International Electro technical
Commission (IEC) based on the ECDIS Performance Standards of IMO and applying the
IHO requirements, S-52 and S-57 in particular.
Type approval is a method to show conformance with IMO requirements on a legal basis -
it is initiated and required by all Flag States.
ECDIS type approval is the certification process that ECDIS equipment (all hardware used
in the system) must undergo before it will be considered to comply with the IMO
Performance Standards for ECDIS by the international shipping community.
 ECDIS – Approval – For information
How is an ECDIS approved and by whom?
Type approval is normally conducted by recognized organizations or by marine classification
societies nominated by Flag States.
Some maritime nations also have type approval programs within their maritime safety
administration or Department of Marine Transportation.
European Governments have agreed about mutual recognition of their ECDIS type approval
certificates - indicated by the so-called "Wheel Mark" sign showing conformity with the
Maritime Equipment Directive of the European Union.
 Raster Chart
Raster chart is a visual scan of a paper chart.
In this, the electronic charts are formed by digitized data stored as a single computer file.
It is a computer, based system, which uses charts issued by, or under the authority of, a national
hydrographic office, e.g. Admiralty Raster Chart Service (ARCS).
It has the advantage that additional electronic information may be added as separate data.
Thus continuous electronic positioning may be provided, showing the movement of ship on the
chart. Route planning, position plotting, referencing with shore picture etc. can be provided by
integrating the chart with other equipment’s
 Vector – Chart
A vector chart on the other hand is more complex.
Every point on the chart is identifiable electronically or is digitally mapped.
Each individual charted object & its attributes are obtained by digitally referencing & is based on
individual geographic position.
Each item is recorded separately & stored in a database. Information can thus be used in more
ways in various combinations.
Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) are within the Electronic Chart Display System (ECDIS).
The vector chart may be made up from layers of information.
Due to this the chart of an area may be made to look complicated or simple as needed.
The system thus is more flexible, there is a danger however that particular information layer may
get erased.
Provisions then will have to be made to ensure that certain information is not accidentally erased
& the navigator is warned if any thing like this happens.
 Raster Chart - Advantages
Raster Chart Advantages :
The biggest advantage of Raster charts is that they are direct copies of paper charts,
which means the user does not have to worry about getting used to new colour &
symbols.
He uses familiar colours and symbols.
They are cheaper, simpler and easier to produce as compared to Vector charts. Officially
produced Raster charts are widely available.
They can be used for all standard navigational tasks normally carried out with paper
charts.
Many of the functions of ECDIS may be performed on Raster charts.
 Raster Chart - Disadvantages
Raster Chart Disadvantages :
Some of the Raster charts might appear cluttered up with too much of information.
When survey was done for making of paper charts the type of ships, which were in minds
of hydrographers were different e.g. drafts of the ships those days was much less)
It was not intended that the chart will be used electronically, say to operate the guard
ring of a particular depth contour.
The datum used on the chart may be different from the datum of the position fixing
system.
It cannot be sensibly rotated to head up or other orientation.
These charts have larger memory needs than vector charts.
 Vector Chart - Advantages
Advantage:
These charts are made up of layers, which can be selected as per requirement or the type of
work to be performed.
User can zoom to see more details of a particular area.
User can set safety depths, guard rings & warning alarms depending on own draft. Charts can be
rotated to any angle or presentation.
 Vector Chart - Disadvantages
Disadvantages:
Charts are more complex & their production takes longer & is more costly.
ECDIS standards will be finalized only after the passage of some more time. e.g. IEC is yet to
approve the recommended ECDIS standards fully.
Large sea areas are not likely to be available for several years.
Users will need to be trained to get used to new symbols, colour scheme etc.
Also its more difficult to ensure quality & integrity of displayed data.
 Raster Chart – Precautions 1 / 2 – For Information
Precautions to be observed when using Raster Charts
Maritime safety committee adopted amendments to performance standards for ECDIS to include
the use of Chart. Display system (RCDS). The amendments Raster permit ECDIS to operate in 2
modes:
ECDIS mode where ENC data is used
RCDS mode where ENC data is not available
However RCDS mode does not have full-function ability of ECDIS and can only be used together
with appropriate folio of paper charts.
Mariner’s attention is drawn towards following limitations of RCDS mode,
Unlike ECDIS (Where there are no chart boundaries), RCDS have boundaries like charts.
Raster Navigation Charts (RNC) data itself will not trigger auto alarm but can be generated by
user to indicate a) clearing lines b) Safety Contours c) Isolated danger d) Danger areas.
Horizontal Datum may differ between RNCs.
 Raster Chart – Precautions 2 / 2 – For Information
Precautions to be observed when using Raster Charts
Horizontal Datum may differ between RNCs.
Features can’t be simplified for particular task. Therefore super imposition of RADAR & ARPA
hampered.
Without selecting different scale chart, look ahead capability is limited. Therefore inconvenience
is caused when determining range, bearing and identify of distant object.
Orientation of RCDS to other than Chart-up may affect readability e.g. in course-up or route up
mode
May not be possible to interrogate
It’s not possible to display ship safety contour or safety depth and highlight unless previously
done.
Depending on ENC source different colours may be used for same object. Day and Night colours
may be different.
RNC is displayed at paper chart scale. Excessive enlarging may deteriorate.
In confined waters accuracy of chart data (Paper chart, ENC, RNC) may be less than fixing system
 Advantages of ECDIS 1/6
ECDIS has following advantages over conventional paper charts.
1. Continuous monitoring can be provided on the chart display.

Progress of the vessel may be seen on the chart wrt shore features & traffic lanes without
the OOD having to plot the ship’s position at that frequent an interval.

OOD does not waste time in going to & coming from chart room, every now & then, nor does
he have to wait to get used to the light conditions.

He must however cross­check the ship’s position by alternative means.

 Advantages of ECDIS 2 / 6
2. In addition to the position monitoring, different navigational controls are integrated with
electronic chart, this reduces the load of the job of the Navigator / OOW.

3. Navigator may have guard ring working as efficient lookout & depth contour alarm acting as
echo sounder giving shallow water warning.
Various alarms ensure more safety, more efficiency & less fatigue.

4. OOD is able to view the ship on large scale chart or different presentation almost instantly.

5. Chart updating is much faster provided corrections are made available.

.
 Advantages of ECDIS 3 / 6

6. Navigators although provided with whole lot of information available almost at the touch of
fingers, it should not make them lethargic.
On the contrary they will be on their toes, alert at all the time because the voyage is recorded
and reproduction will reveal any negligence exercised by any of the parties.
 Advantages of ECDIS 4 / 6

7. Study has shown that Integrated Navigation System, using electronic charts can prevent
majority of groundings, collision, though not all.
In most cases of collisions, groundings etc. an audio visual warning will be given by INS. An
avoiding action can be taken in time.
All the accidents however may not be avoidable especially those complicated due to steering
& engine failures.
This may eventually add to the shipowner’s profits by cutting down on expenses due to
litigation, liabilities, laid up phases, repairs, workshop deployments & additional drydockings.
 Advantages of ECDIS 5/6
8. Vessel traffic services will be tremendously benefited with ECDIS used in conjunction with
digital reporting. In harbour monitoring, traffic control in harbour & overall safety of
navigation can be better achieved using ECDIS.

Coastguards, harbour patrols, port control stations, pilot stations, VTMS stations will
positively benefit from it.
 Advantages of ECDIS 6 /6

9. An ECDIS using positional information from DGPS can be extremely beneficial in restricted
waters, even in restricted visibility.
The precession & efficient navigation has resulted from real time charted positions &
computer assisted intelligent information contributing to better decision
 ECDIS - Advantages 1 / 2
Advantages of ECDIS over paper charts
1. All information is processed and displayed in real time

2. It assists /saves time in the process of passage planning

3. One can get all necessary navigational information at a glance

4. Alarms and indications are in place to indicate and highlight dangers

5. Chart correction is made easier in ECDIS as compared to paper charts

6. Charts can be tailored as per the requirement of the voyage

 ECDIS - Advantages 2 of 2
Advantages of ECDIS over paper charts
7. Other navigational equipments such as the AIS, ARPA etc can be overlayed and
integrated

8. Charts can be oriented as per requirement

9. With the facility to zoom in and out, features can be examined as per necessity

10.One can obtain a more accurate ETA

11.Charts can be interrogated for detailed information

 ECDIS - Advantages All points in one slide
Advantages of ECDIS over paper charts
1. All information is processed and displayed in real time
2. It eases the process of passage planning
3. One can get all necessary navigational information at a glance
4. Alarms and indications are in place to indicate and highlight dangers
5. Chart correction is made easier in ECDIS as compared to paper charts
6. Charts can be tailored as per the requirement of the voyage
7. Other navigational equipments such as the AIS, ARPA etc can be overlayed and integrated
8. Charts can be oriented as per requirement
9. With the facility to zoom in and out, features can be examined as per necessity
10.One can obtain a more accurate ETA
11.Charts can be interrogated for detailed information
12.All in all, it enhances the safety of navigation