UK: The Nautical Institute launched ECDIS and Positioning, by Dr Andy Norris CNI to provide mariners with a thorough grounding in all aspects of ECDIS and the use of electronic charts on March 16.
From July 1, 2012, the use of ECDIS becomes compulsory for certain classes of vessels. In the run up to this, over confidence is being placed in the sole use of GPS for positioning information, mainly due to the inadequacy of training.
The use of ECDIS is a total change from using paper charts and the transition from paper charts to electronic poses a challenge for the industry, particularly for those who have no current experience of electronic charts. Important bridge procedures are significantly affected, and these require careful analysis and consideration if ECDIS assisted groundings are to be avoided.
ECDIS and Positioning, the second volume of Dr Norris' Integrated Bridge Systems series, helps paper chart-taught officers to make ECDIS work for them. It also helps new entrants to the industry, who may be more familiar with Google Earth, to understand how to use the system within accepted navigational principles.
"If you have little or no knowledge of electronic charts, ECDIS and Positioning is a must-read," said Dr Norris. "If you have some knowledge, the book will improve your understanding and approach to the use of electronic charts. If you have good knowledge, the book's approach will make you think a little harder as to how ECDIS can improve standards of navigation."
Institute President Captain Richard Coates FNI expressed concern about the "inadequacy" of ECDIS training.
"Despite the long use of satellite systems for positioning and the imminent mandating of electronic charts in 2012, there is little information written for the mariner concerning the practical use of these technologies," he said. "Many are grappling with the problems of using electronic charts and ECDIS after being trained on paper charts."
Mr Norris said that there is a need for users to develop an ECDIS "mindset". Significant differences in the skills need to use ECDIS compared with using paper charts required a "major adjustment" in the approach needed to ensure safe navigation, he said.
Once mastered, ECDIS provides the means to improve navigational safety but this is not achieved just by the completion of a short course.
"The skills have to be developed and honed in the context of the knowledge gained at the course and other sources of guidance. The use of ECDIS, in general, is not paper chart techniques transferred to a screen," he said.
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