Guidance on ECDIS for ships calling at Australian ports

TINNews |

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 IHO published new editions of the S-52, S-63, and S-64 standards in August 2015. The previous edition of the S-52 standard (Ed 6.0) will remain valid until 31 August 2017. After this date it will not display the latest presentation library. To display the latest approved presentation library, existing ECDIS systems will require upgrading to the latest IHO standards before 31 August 2017. In some cases ECDIS equipment may require replacement if it cannot be updated to the latest standards.

For compliance with ECDIS requirements, AMSA advises operators to take into consideration the following ECDIS- related issues in which AMSA PSC Inspectors focus:

ECDIS equipment is appropriately recorded in the Record of Equipment – Safety Equipment Certificate
listing of ECDIS as critical equipment in the Safety Management System (SMS)
documented procedures and instructions for the use of ECDIS are included in the SMS and that they are understood by all officers responsible for navigation
ECDIS type approval certificate, confirming compliance with relevant IMO performance standard and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) test standard
ECDIS software is maintained to the latest applicable IHO standards
use of latest edition official ENCs, updated and corrected to the latest available updates and notices to mariners
adequate independent back-up arrangements (as detailed on the Record of Equipment), ensuring the vessel can be safely navigated for the remainder of the voyage in the event of an ECDIS failure
approved ECDIS generic training has been undertaken by the master and officers in charge of a navigational watch
master and navigating officers are familiar with the operation of the ECDIS equipment fitted and can demonstrate operational competency
conformance and alignment with input from sensors (e.g. position fixing system, gyro compass and speed and distance measuring device) and presentation of such information on the ECDIS display
evidence of periodic tests and checks of the ECDIS carried out in accordance with the SMS and manufacturer’s requirements
ECDIS planning and monitoring settings are appropriate to the ship’s dimensions and area of operations (e.g. cross track limit, safety depth and safety contour).

Also, AMSA has developed tow flowchart to assist with ECDIS implementation and operation.

Read herebelow AMSA’s Marine Notice on ECDIS to find out more details. These flow charts assist AMSA’s PSC inspectors when assessing the carriage and use of ECDIS on board ships:

Further information may be found by reading AMSA’s full report: