The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office has announced the details of its six free-to-attend ECDIS seminars at Posidonia 2016. The ‘Implementing ECDIS’ seminars are designed to meet the needs of those still adopting ECDIS and the ‘Living with ECDIS’ seminars are for those already operating with ECDIS that wish to be kept informed of new developments.
UKHO’s ECDIS seminars will take place on Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 June at Posidonia in Seminar Room 3, with UKHO experts available during and after each seminar to discuss any personal queries with attendees.
‘Implementing ECDIS’ will be held at 11:00 and presented by Captain Paul Hailwood, a renowned expert on ECDIS and integrated bridge operations. The seminar will outline the required policies and procedures, how to conduct a proper risk assessment and the steps required for implementing ECDIS on-board. This is likely to be of most use –but not limited to – those in the cargo ship sector, for which the SOLAS rules on the mandatory carriage of ECDIS take effect from July 2016 for ships over 50,000GT, from July 2017 for ships over 20,000GT and from July 2018 for ships over 10,000GT.
‘Living with ECDIS’ will be held at 15:30 and will be presented by Tom Mellor, the UKHO’s Head of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Support and Digital Standards and also the Chairman of the IHO’s ENC Working Group. Living with ECDIS requires ship owners and operators, ship managers and serving officers to be constantly aware of changes in legal requirements, compliance and maintenance issues surrounding the adoption and ongoing management of ECDIS. During the seminar, the responsibilities of the shipping company will be highlighted and discussed, including the new IHO ENC (Electronic Nautical Charts) Standards.
Speaking ahead of Posidonia 2016, Tom Mellor commented:
“The UKHO has been providing timely advice through free ECDIS seminars for almost four years, for the benefit of ship owners, operators, managers, seafarers, regulators and auditors and all those with an interest in ECDIS. It is clear that different sectors are adopting ECDIS at different speeds, so we are keen to ensure that the guidance we offer reflects the challenges faced by ship owners at each stage in the process. This is why we are offering a tailored seminar programme that meets the needs of those still preparing for ECDIS and those that already sailing with ECDIS. Captain Hailwood and I look forward to meeting delegates at Posidonia and helping to support them, whatever stage they are at in implementing or living with ECDIS.”
