Generic ECDIS - MCA Approved

Course Description

The aims of the training are to equip the candidate with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to keep a safe navigational watch using electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), interfaced with other onboard equipment to maintain safety of navigation.

The ECDIS trainee should be able to:

• Operate the ECDIS equipment, use the navigational functions of ECDIS, select and assess all relevant information and take proper action in the case of a malfunction.
• State the potential errors of displayed data and the usual errors of interpretation.
• Explain why ECDIS should not be relied upon as the sole reliable aid to navigation.

On successful completion of the course, a candidate will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Use the Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) to maintain safety of navigation and explain the principles of operation of electronic chart systems.
• Use ECDIS as an integral part of effective bridge resource management, in open and confined waters, in planning and conducting a passage, in responding to navigational emergencies, and in manoeuvring the ship and maintaining a safe navigational watch.

Course Topics

• Concept and Capability
• Familiarisation
• Principal Types of Electronic Chart
• Legal Aspects
• ECDIS Data
• Presentation of Data
• Chart Updating
• Route Planning
• Route Monitoring
• Fixing
• Back-up Systems
• Sensors
• Errors and Alarms
• Risk of Over Reliance on ECDIS
• Voyage Data Recording

The course is split between presentations to build the foundation of knowledge and practical exercises on actual ECDIS equipment to cement understanding. We hold a wide range of different manufacturers’ equipment in our facility including Transas Navi-Sailor 4000, JRC Jan 2000, OSI ECPINS and Sperry Marine Vision Master FT.

Teaching Methods

ECDIS Ltd is not teaching trainees to navigate using ECDIS. It is teaching them to use ECDIS in order to navigate safely. Therefore, we require the trainee to have basic navigation knowledge and to understand what a navigation watch entails. We believe that traditional navigation techniques are still relevant in a digital world so we teach the use of existing navigation skills on an ECDIS system.

Assessments

We include a practical assessment in the Full Mission Bridge Simulator during the final route monitoring exercise.

Learner Conditions

ECDIS Ltd welcomes trainees that meet the entry criteria, regardless of background, culture or religion. We advocate that trainees with a variety of different backgrounds, experience, attitudes and values will enhance the course and allows the trainee to contribute to the learning experience. Trainees are therefore encouraged to arrive keen to learn and willing to offer their opinions and experience for the betterment of the course.

Certificate

Trainees, who have successfully completed this course, will be issued with a Generic ECDIS, MCA Approved, Certificate.