ECDIS simplifies navigation
From 1st of January 2011 an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) is also accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of SOLAS V/19.2.1.4, Safety of Navigation. The requirements will be mandatory for new ships and phased-in for existing ships. The implementation of the requirement for ships on international voyages to be fitted with ECDIS starts for construction dates from 01st of July 2012 of passenger ships of 500 GT and above and tankers of 3000 GT and above with a possible exemption by the administration.(SOLAS, V (2000)/19.2.1.4, MSC 282 (86))
Application date for the above is January 1st of 2011 as new SOLAS amendments are entering to force.
Source: Safety4Sea