Instructions and results reporting form
The IHO has produced two simple fictitious ENC datasets that are designed to alert mariners to the possibility that their ECDIS software may require upgrading. Results from the checks will enable the IHO to identify how the different brands of ECDIS display and handle chart data.
This information will be used to inform the IMO, national Hydrographic Offices, ECDIS manufacturers and others, so that they can take any corrective action that may be necessary.
Instructions for loading the data, carrying out the checks and submitting the results
The IHO ENC/ECDIS Presentation and Performance Checks are intended to make mariners aware of any shortcomings with their ECDIS. Mariner feedback from the checks will also enable the IHO to identify how the different brands of ECDIS display and handle chart data.
Before starting, ensure that you have the following:
- The data for the checks. This will normally have been supplied by your ENC service provider on a CD-ROM or in the same way that other new ENCs are supplied to you. The data comprises two ENC cells: AA2TDS02 and AA5TDS05.
- A means for recording the results of the checks and transferring them to the reporting form
Decide:
- Which systems are going to be checked?
The checks should be undertaken on every ECDIS onboard that uses ENCs, unless you are certain that the model of the ECDIS and in particular the version of the software is the same.
- When is the best time to run the checks?
If the person conducting the checks knows how to load ENCs and how to set up the ECDIS display, then the checks should take less than 30 minutes for each system. The checks should not be conducted while the ship is at sea unless it will clearly have no impact on the safe navigation of the vessel. This is because you will need to change some of the ECDIS settings, such as the ship‟s safety depth or contour, in order to carry out the checks.
- How will the reporting form be sent to the IHO?
This can be done by online web form, by email, by fax or by post.
Find further instructions intended for mariners carrying out the IKO ENC/ ECDIS data presentation and performance checks, in the document below:
Also click at the following IHO webpage to learn more about the ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check in ships
