After seven years of efforts, the port call message format validated within the PortCDM testbeds, as part of the STM Validation project, has now been been adopted by the International PortCDM Council and endorsed by IALA as a S-211 standard within the IHO Registry.
During their Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC), starting from September 1st and ending on November 30, the two major Port State Control regimes – Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU – will focus on navigational safety. USCG suggests ways for compliance in case vessels have not complied with the recommended ECDIS IHO standards, now that the CICs have begun.
AMSA provides an overview to facilitate vessels calling at Australian ports with the safe and effective use of ECDIS and to inform operators about ECDIS requirements for compliance during PSC inspections.
The International Hydrographic Organization issued a bulletin concerning its new ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check for ships. IHO says that the checks should be run at least once after installing an ECDIS. A re-run is recommended only after a software update, system upgrade or change of equipment. The results should be reported to the IHO if anomalies are found.
Only few months have been left for ECDIS updates. DNV GL has recently experienced an increased number of queries related to this issue and highlights key points from consideration.
The EU project EfficienSea2 is testing the first ever system using a newly proposed standard for digitalising Navigational Warnings. When properly assessed, the new standard could be a global reality within a year and make mapping of warnings easier. The EU-project, led by the DMA, will make it easier for seafarers to get access to information and navigate safely.
IHO has revised its ENCs standards for ECDIS, therefore, all ECDIS systems used on board a vessel are required to receive updated functions before 31 August 2017. In case the software renewal is not applicable so as the system to be compatible with the latest IHO standards, the ECDIS itself should be replaced before the deadline.
In December 2016 RH Marine’s ECDIS officially went certified meeting the updated International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) standard that will be effective on the 1st of September 2017.
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) reminds that ship owners should upgrade to the latest ECDIS software standards, highlighting the benefits that the new IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 will offer.One of the most important initiatives currently underway is the revision to the technical standards for ECDIS.
