installation and use of ECDIS on board is no longer an option
In order to enchase the navigational safety on board vessels IMO with the MSC 282(86) has adopted the installation and use of ECDIS on board (no longer an option).
IMO requires that tankers, constructed before 1 July 2012, engaged on international voyages shall be fitted with ECDIS, not later than the first survey on or after 1 July 2015.
Guidelines for ECDIS standards and requirements should be in line with IMO Resolution A. 817 (19) Performance standards for ECDIS as amended by MSC 64(67) & MSC 86(70), IMO Circ.255 Additional guidance on chart datum and accuracy of position on charts, IMO Circ.276 Transitioning from paper chart to ECDIS,IMO RESOLUTION A.893(21) adopted on 25 November 1999 Guidelines For Voyage Planning, Resolution MSC.232(82) Performance standards for ECDIS and Resolution MSC. 282(86) Adoption of Amendments to SOLAS ECDIS
ECDIS On Board as Primary Navigational System
As primary navigational system ECDIS should be type approved with up to date ENCs and with appropriate back up arrangements. Definition for appropriate back up arrangements is either another type approved ECDIS following the same requirements and standards as the primary or fully updated paper charts.
In order to fully implement the above properly and use ECDIS as primary navigational system Deck Officers (who are in charge of navigational watch) should be certified with IMO standard Generic ECDIS certificate and additionally with type specific ECDIS system certificate.
| Actions required |
| Ship managers in order to be in line with the above regulations and requirements should establish management of change process for transiting from paper charts to ECDIS, and employ a set of management procedures for the routine use of ECDIS (planning /monitoring) revising their SMS in order to include all the above with additional procedures for maintenance and emergency response. |
Further Information
IMO MSC 282(86): Amendments to the International Convention For The Safety of Life at Sea
Source: SQE MARINE
