ECDIS system and chart types

Navigation of vessels is moving away from the traditional method using paper charts towards the use of electronic charts and integrated electronic navigation systems. This trend requires that Masters and Navigating Officers are able to use and operate Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems, ECDIS.

Also, the 2010 Manila amendment to STCW require that Masters and Watchkeeping Navigating Officers sailing with ECDIS are qualified in its use.

This course describes what is required on a vessel for an ECDIS to be fully type approved.  As part of this it describes a typical system setup and the type of electronic navigational charts available with a description of their advantages and disadvantages.

Learning objectives:

• ECDIS configurations and chart carriage requirementsControl procedure during loaded voyage
• The other devices that may be connected to an ECDIS and the importance of the navigation signal feeding ECDIS
• How to recognize official vector charts displayed on an ECDIS, and how they are loaded with updates.
• The construction of electronic charts and the difference between raster and vector charts
• The datum’s that are used, how the two types of charts are used and chart standards