IHO ECDIS publication
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has published a publication providing guidance on the use of electronic chart and display information systems (ECDIS) and electronic navigational charts (ENC).
The electronic chart and display information system (ECDIS) and electronic navigational charts (ENC) will become mandatory equipment in certain ships from 2012 and until 2018.
The requirements for the carriage of nautical charts are laid down in SOLAS Chapter V:
- Regulation 2 defines the nautical chart
- Regulation 19 specifies the equipment (including charts) to be carried on different types of ships
- Regulation 27specifies the requirement to keep charts and publications up to date
A revised version of SOLAS V/ 19 will come into force on 1 January 2011:
2.1 All ships irrespective of size shall have:
2.1.4 Nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ships route for the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. An electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) is also accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of this subparagraph. Ships to which paragraph 2.10 applies shall comply with the carriage requirements for ECDIS detailed therein;
2.1.5 back-up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of subparagraph 2.1.4, if this function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic means*;
*Paper nautical charts sufficient to meet the requirements of sub-paragraph .4 and regulation 27 may be used as a back-up arrangement for ECDIS. Other back-up arrangements for ECDIS are acceptable (see Appendix 6 to resolution MSC.232 (82), as amended).
The publication provides valuable background information for users of both ECDIS and ENC.
Please clickbelow to view the IHO publication Facts about Electronic Charts and Carriage Requirements.
IHO publication-Facts about Electronic Charts and Carriage Requirements.
Source: BIMCO
