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ECDIS Mandation
The IMO approved amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) mandating the fitting of ECDIS in June 2009. It means that all ships will be obliged to fit ECDIS on a rolling timetable that begins in July 2012.
STEP 1: How will your fleet be affected?
The legislation will be phased by vessel type and size and will eventually apply to almost all large merchant vessels and passenger ships. Use the diagram below to determine which of your ships will be affected and when.
STEP 2: ECDIS Purchase, Installation & Chart Provision
Proper consideration should be given to the purchase of ECDIS hardware and chart provision. ECDIS Ltd can painlessly take you through this process. We will provide advice on ECDIS hardware to help you get the most cost effective solution and give guidance on chart provision options to ensure a chart service that meets your operational needs.
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"My staff have themselves all successfully undergone the transition from paper to electronic charts, so we know the challenges you face"
Mal Instone
Director, Operations
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STEP 3: Training
The transition from paper chart to electronic navigation is a fundamental step change in the way ships are navigated. Training is therefore the key element in the successful and safe transition to electronic navigation. ECDIS Ltd will ensure that your crew are properly trained using our 5 day IMO model ECDIS course and will also aid you in developing new bridge procedures, cribs and handover cards to facilitate this transition.
Generic ECDIS IMO 1.27 Course
Our generic Flag State approved IMO 1.27 model based course may utilise a variety of DNV approved ECDIS. Each delegate has their own full ECDIS to work from for the duration of the course.
Type-Specific ECDIS Course
The term "type-specific" is commonly misunderstood in the maritime industry. A "type-specific" module is a "bolt-on" course to be completed after the IMO 1.27 certificated course. It can last for one to three days and is designed to teach the mariner the specific menu structures and intricacies of the ECDIS they have purchased. It does not teach any principles of navigation, nor how to utilise the ECDIS for the safety of navigation - this is covered in the course above or below. This is often delivered locally by the manufacturer or through a "long distance" CBT based course. This can be delivered by ECDIS Ltd at a competitive price, please call or email for bookings. Note, that like all non Flag State Approved IMO 1.27 based "type specific" courses, this does not carry any Flag State endorsed STCW 95 qualification and does not negate the requirement for the above IMO 1.27 course.
Type Specific ECDIS IMO 1.27 Course
New to ECDIS Ltd. Now that we are working with the majority of the leading manufacturers we can offer our entire IMO 1.27 STCW 95 generic course on the type specific equipment that the mariner will be using. Please email or call mentioning the equipment you will be using to see if this is available to you.
STEP 4: Flag State Certification
You will need to obtain a certificate of equivalency to allow ECDIS to be used to fulfil the SOLAS chart carriage requirement. This will prove that the vessel has a type approved ECDIS, fitted in accordance with IMO requirements and an approved back-up system. Check that your Flag State will accept the type-approval certification for the ECDIS equipment you wish to fit.
STEP 5: Port State Inspection
As well as having to satisfy the initial requirements of your Flag State when installing ECDIS, Port State Control will be checking to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Inspections may require physical demonstrations of competency by your crew as well as evidence of inclusion of ECDIS operation procedures in your onboard safety management systems.
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