Safety of navigation in the digital era

The role of Starlink and data in navigational safety

Advancements in navigational safety are being driven by several factors, including technologies like Starlink. The system has revolutionized ship-to-shore communication, enabling faster and more affordable data transfer. This shift has facilitated the evolution of onboard technology and the development of innovative tools for watchkeepers, improving overall safety and efficiency.

The proliferation of data is also transforming maritime operations. By collaborating with sector-specific experts, organizations can leverage data to manage risks more effectively and develop tools that enhance vessel operations. This approach has proven invaluable and is expected to remain integral to improving navigational safety.

Modern camera technology and machine learning for lookout

Advancements in camera systems, combined with machine learning, are improving one of the most fundamental aspects of navigation: the lookout. These technologies provide watchkeepers with enhanced situational awareness, enabling earlier and more informed collision avoidance decisions. By reducing the frequency of close-quarter situations and the need for last-minute evasive actions, this technology not only enhances safety but also improves vessel efficiency.

Additionally, these tools provide valuable insights into onboard risk management and foster engagement with technological innovation, encouraging adoption by demonstrating their practical benefits for bridge operations. For instance, the image provided by cameras and AI processing is often much clearer than what the human eye can see.

ECDIS: addressing training challenges for safer navigation

Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) have long been recognized as essential navigational aids, yet concerns remain regarding the adequacy of training. Insufficient knowledge and misuse of ECDIS often contribute to navigational errors, leading to significant safety risks and costly claims.

Over the years, the misuse of ECDIS has been a significant contributory factor in many of the admiralty claims we see coming through the Club. In particular, a very common recurring feature is under-keel clearance calculations performed by watchkeepers, and an over-reliance on certain hydrographic information used to produce depths considered to be safe for navigation.

Key findings from UK and Danish study on ECDIS use

Studies, such as the joint UK-Danish investigation, have identified recurring issues in ECDIS use. Common errors include disabling alarms meant to alert watchkeepers, underutilizing the lookahead function, and insufficient understanding of safety settings, particularly for under-keel clearance (UKC).

ECDIS training platform: addressing weaknesses

To address these challenges, a collaborative ECDIS training platform was launched by NorthStandard Club in partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office. Since its introduction, over 4,500 deck officers have participated in the program, which aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide targeted learning materials.

The platform has revealed several areas where users often struggle:

• Chart installation and updating, with second mates typically outperforming masters.
• Misinterpretation and underutilization of safety settings and depth contours, particularly when defining no-go areas.
• The removal of critical settings and layers in attempts to declutter screens.

These functions are vital to the safe operation of vessels, underscoring the need for more comprehensive training.

The findings raise broader concerns about the current structure of ECDIS training. Despite its critical role, ECDIS training remains a short course rather than being fully integrated into mainstream chartwork and navigation education. It remains to be seen how the revision of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) aims to address this. Given the complexity of the system, addressing these gaps is essential to ensuring effective usage.

The role of S100 in bridging ECDIS training gaps

Furthermore, the introduction of S100 is expected to address many of these challenges by standardizing the presentation of information on critical bridge equipment. Features such as default and user settings, standardized icons and terminology, and improved user interfaces will enhance familiarity and usability.

Key improvements include simplified chart installation and updates, enhanced visualization, dynamic UKC information, and streamlined voyage planning functionality. These changes aim to reduce the workload on watchkeepers, improve situational awareness, and allow for better cognitive processing of navigational scenarios.

For these benefits to be fully realized, ECDIS must become more deeply embedded in mainstream education, supported by regular refresher training to prepare watchkeepers for the transition to S100.

The SSA and MPA cyber security scorecard

The SSA and MPA Cyber Security Scorecard, introduced at Singapore Maritime Week in April 2024, offers a framework for benchmarking cyber security maturity. This voluntary tool enables organizations to assess their practices and benchmark their cyber security strategies compared to their peers, identify weaknesses, and access clear guidance for improvement.

Designed particularly for operators with limited resources or expertise, the scorecard has been adopted by approximately fifty ship owners and managers.

Efforts are underway to expand its use across the broader maritime community, providing a valuable resource for enhancing cyber resilience in the sector.

The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.

Above article has been edited from Andrew Glen’s presentation during the 2024 SAFETY4SEA Athens Forum.

Explore more by watching his video presentation here below