how to check presentation library on transas ecdis

ECDIS Presentation Library 4.0 and PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION

The Maritime Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION. The aim of the CIC is to check compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS Convention, the overall status of the vessel’s navigation safety, and the competency of crew involved in navigation operations.

This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from 1 September 2017 and ending 30 November 2017 . A ship will only be subject to one inspection under this CIC during the period of the campaign.

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a list of 12 questions to assure that navigation equipment carried onboard complies with the relevant statutory certificates, the master and navigation officers are qualified and familiar with operation of bridge equipment, especially ECDIS, and that navigation equipment is properly maintained and functioning.

This campaign is also related to standards updates that have been carried by IHO with further implementation by ship owners and ECDIS manufacturers.

One of the good tools for PSC visit preparation may be the ECDIS Familiarisation Recommendations by the Nautical Institute provided in the form of check-list.

During the last years ECDIS has been more commonly used on SOLAS vessels and with the ECDIS Carriage requirement a majority of vessels will be equipped with ECDIS by the end of this decade. The development of ECDIS is an ongoing process based on user needs, technology achievements and need for improvement related to safety of navigation. The need to improve previously adopted ECDIS Standard was also recognized by the IMO «in order to ensure the operational reliability of such equipment and taking into account the technological progress and experience gained» and resulted in a revised performance standard for ECDIS MSC.232(82) adopted in December 2006. In the same way the related IEC test standards, as well as the IHO standards used for production and presentation of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) have been revised periodically.

In Oct 2011 the IHO issued the ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks , which included two fictitious ENC cells intended to assist mariners identifying if their ECDIS was using the latest IHO S-52 Presentation Library, edition 3.4. The dataset also highlighted if there were any known ENC display anomalies present in the system. Mariners were asked to run a series of quick tests using the check datasets within their ECDIS to ascertain if they were experiencing display issues. If the system was found to be running an old IHO Presentation Library or had a more serious display anomaly Mariners were advised to contact their ECDIS manufacturer or an appropriate equipment maintenance company to obtain software patches and investigate further to resolve the issues. Results of the tests were to be sent to the IHO for analysis and for use in revising IHO standards.

The IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checklist were not intended for, and are not suitable to be used as a Port State Inspection / Carriage compliance test for ECDIS.

To address the display anomalies and improve the ECDIS user experience the IHO issued S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 in September 2014.

The IHO has coordinated with the IEC to align the issue dates of S-52 and IEC 61174 “ECDIS Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results” publications. This resulted in a new edition (4.0) of IEC 61174 being published in Aug 2015. These standard updates affect all new ECDIS systems and new installations from Aug 19 th 2015. Current ECDIS users have until Aug 31 st 2017 to update their systems to comply with the ECDIS software updating guidance in MSC.1.Circ.1503 “ECDIS – GUIDANCE FOR GOOD PRACTICE” .

Changes to the IHO S-52 Presentation Library introduced in edition 4.0 will invalidate the tests contained in IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks which were specifically designed and developed for ECDIS using the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 3.4 or earlier.

IEC 61174 ed 4.0 address the following main problems:

- Consistent use of symbols and abbreviations

- Alarm categorization

- Alarm visualization

- Reducing a number of audible alerts

- ECDIS default control settings Route exchange format «RTZ»

Set of new IHO standards address the following main areas:

- New design of Chart object info functionality (Pick report) makes access to ENC chart information easier and understandable for user

- Reorganization of alert management resulting in less alarms being generated by ENC objects

- Crossing navigational hazards (isolated dangers and aids to navigation) as well as areas with special conditions (TSS, anchorage areas, etc.) will generate only visible alarms now

- Safety contours continue to create audible and visible alarms

- Standardized way of making ENC update status report will allow mariners and Port State Control inspectors to confirm that the ENCs installed in an ECDIS are up-to-date

- ECDIS viewing groups extension based on Mariner feedback for detailed control of ENC features

- Chart management and ENC status reports

- ENC test data sets

- Other modifications - new symbols, names of fairways and anchorage areas, highlighting ENC updates, date dependent objects, new chart display layers, and some more

ECDIS and the IHO Presentation Library Edition Number

All ECDIS must have a function to display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library that is in use within the ECDIS. The new IHO ECDIS Presentation Library edition 4.0 clause 19.1 states: ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed must be available to the Mariner on request’. This requirement is tested for in the standard IEC 61174 edition 4 clause 5.5.1 Presentation library (S 52/Annex A, Part I/19.1) ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed shall be available to the Mariner on request’.

All Mariners must familiarise themselves with the function in their ECDIS that will display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library as this varies across ECDIS manufactures. This function will be required when Port State Control officers want evidence that the ECDIS is up-to-date to the latest IHO standards. MSC.1.Circ.1503: ‘Additionally, ECDIS software should be kept up to date such that it is capable of displaying up-to-date electronic charts correctly according to the latest version of IHO's chart content and display standards’.

ECDIS Chart 1 and IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 checks

This is the IHO recommended method for checking that the ECDIS system can display symbols correctly. There is no intention for the IHO to issue a check data set for IHO Presentation 4.0.

ECDIS users can check that their systems are capable of displaying the new symbols introduced in the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 by opening the ECDIS Chart 1 datasets. ECDIS Chart 1 which includes a legend of symbols used in ENC’s, should be installed on all type approved ECDIS.

Any anomalies in the display, shall be reported to the ECDIS provider and the IHO at [email protected].

More details can be found at www.iho.int

Viewing ECDIS Chart 1, “Information about chart display (A, B)” within the ECDIS will only display the new symbols if the IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 is installed.

( 1 ) The beacon and buoy features below (approx. position is 15°07.0’N 005°06.5’W) display the date dependent magenta ‘d’ symbol when the ECDIS date range is set between 01.04.2014 and 27.08.2014.

( 2 ) New indication highlight symbology for objects that pose a danger to the vessel.

( 3 ) Automatic update symbology for identifying where changes to the ENCs have occurred.

It will not be possible to view the new symbols, if the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0.

Referring to mentioned above deck officers must know how to check their actual Presentation Library. Usually you can easily find it via so called “PIC report” enquiring ENC cell information. Let’s see how it’s done by example of two different systems.

IHO Presentation Library check on Transas Navi-Sailor 4000

This can be done in three steps:

( 1 ) Click “I” button on the console

( 2 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart

( 3 ) Click “General” in the chart information field

As you can see, this ECDIS still runs with the old Presentation Library ed 3.4 from 2008.

Another tricky moment is that not every ECDIS clearly shows ECDIS chart 1 as it is. ECDIS chart 1 is split in several cells with names starting from “AA”. So, if one clicks “Task List” -> “Charts” he will be able to see charts “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2”, which are supposed to be checked as per IHO recommendations. As mentioned above, it is not possible to view the new symbols, as the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0

IHO Presentation Library check on Simrad Maris 900

This can also be done in three steps:

( 1 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart

( 2 ) Click “Properties” on the context menu

( 3 ) Click “More” in the chart information field

This ECDIS already runs with the new Presentation Library ed 4.0 from 2014 . And if you access the Charts Management utility, you will be able to find ECDIS Chart 1 and the same notation for its cells. Checking cells “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2” will give an exact match with example given by IHO.

I do hope that this information helped to clarify some concerns regarding ECDIS Presentation Library and corresponding checks and I wish you fair winds, following seas and no deficiencies!

Learn more about ECDIS operation and safety settings with our ECDIS Awareness course .  

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Transas NAVI-SAILOR 4000 ECDIS MFD Quick Reference Manual

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• Page 1 NAVI-SAILOR 4000 ECDIS MFD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Chart Panel Control Panel Chart View Panel Bar Display Mode Panel Functionality Panel Operation Panel Keyboard Transas 24/7 Service: +46 771 460 100, [email protected]...
• Page 2 NAVI-SAILOR 4000 ECDIS MFD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Transas Integrator Toolbar To show or hide Transas Integrator toolbar press on the keyboard Icon Click Function Turning OFF the workstation Restart the workstation Left-click Turning ON ECDIS task The task allows reproducing information archived by the ECDIS...

Page 3: Chart Panel

Page 4: control panel.

• Page 5 NAVI-SAILOR 4000 ECDIS MFD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Chart Panel Bar Icon Click Function Return to the own ship’s position on the chart panel Set Own Ship symbol at any location on the chart panel Left-click Switch to North Up orientation...
• Page 6 NAVI-SAILOR 4000 ECDIS MFD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Display Mode Panel Click on button to open Drop Down menu. System Information Button Click Function Display Drift, Current, Safety Contour, Wind, Water temperature, System Information Depth and Tide information Display positioning information from Electronic Position Fixing Primary Status System (e.g.

Page 7: Operation Panel

• Page 8 NAVI-SAILOR 4000 ECDIS MFD QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE Keyboard Transas 24/7 Service: +46 771 460 100, [email protected]...

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How to check ECDIS displays the latest symbols, IHO S-52 Presentation Library 4.0

All ECDIS should have been upgraded to the new IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 by August 31st 2017.

IMO SN Circ 266 rev1 states;

ECDIS that is not updated for the latest version of IHO Standards may not meet the chart carriage requirements as set out in SOLAS regulation V/19.2.1.4.

Once upgraded there is no need to use the IHO Check Data Set to check that symbols are being displayed correctly.

To check that the ECDIS is correctly displaying the new symbols, the Mariner can check ECDIS Chart 1. ECDIS Chart 1 is a legend of the entire set of symbols that may be used within an ENC. It is installed on all type approved ECDIS systems.

Only ECDIS updated to IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 will be able to show the new ENC symbols. 

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New ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check in ships

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) issued a bulletin concerning its new ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check for ships. IHO says that the checks should be run at least once after installing an ECDIS.  A re-run is recommended only after a software update, system upgrade or change of equipment.  The results should be reported to the IHO if and only if anomalies are found.

Furthermore, IHO clarifies that the following checks are not intended for, and are not suitable to be used as a Port State Inspection / Carriage compliance test for ECDIS.

ECDIS operating with Edition 3.4 of the IHO Presentation Library (Annex A to S-52) 

Note: The associated datasets will be removed when the planned retirement date of Edition 3.4 of the IHO Presentation Library is reached.  The retirement date is currently set at 31 August 2017.

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The instructions for loading the data, carrying out the checks and submitting the results to the IHO can be downloaded here .

Background information:

• Letter to Ships’ Masters, Owners and Operators concerning the important ENC/ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check in Ships,
• Background Paper – ENC/ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check for Ships.

IHO suggests at those who find any difficulty to submit their results using:

• the Online Reporting Form or;
• the Standalone PDF Reporting Form

ECDIS operating with Edition 4.0 of the IHO Presentation Library (Annex A to S-52)

Changes introduced in Edition 4.0 of the IHO Presentation Library invalidate the tests contained in the ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks, which were specifically designed and developed for ECDIS, using previous editions of the Presentation Library.

An ECDIS type approval certificate showing conformance with tests in edition 4.0 of IEC 61174 demonstrates that the ECDIS does not have any of the identified ENC display anomalies.

The subsequent guidance here  describes the method by which mariners may check the ECDIS displays for the new ENC symbols contained in Edition 4.0 of the Presentation Library.

IHO urges anyone who detects any anomaly in the display to contact the provider of the ECDIS and inform the IHO at info(at)iho.int.

Source: IHO

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Checking the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 in ECDIS Background -IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Check

Related Papers

Zakirul Bhuiyan

Abstract: For the optimum situational awareness, navigators must recognise the level of display for objects presented when using Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). The appearance and content of data displayed may be changed by the different settings as the display is generated in line with IHO Presentation Library (S-52) specifications. Improper management of the system may result in the anti-grounding alarms and other indications failing to activate as required for the safe conduct of the navigation. Navigators must exercise extreme caution when using the scale or zoom facility of the electronic charts. It is possible to zoom-in to a scale larger than that used in the compilation of the data which could create a false impression about the reliability of the charted information. Consequently, it could give a false impression of safe waters around the vessel where some dangers may not be shown due to the limitations imposed by original chart scale. Appropriate safety settings are of paramount importance for ECDIS display. Failings in appropriate settings have recently resulted a few grounding incidents (e.g. CSL Thames and LT Cortesia). The values for the safety depth and safety contour must be understood and entered to achieve a sensible and considered meaning. The navigators must remember that the display of underwater obstructions or isolated danger symbols can change according to the settings of this safety contour which also marks the division between " safe " and " unsafe " water. Additionally, the shallow contour could be utilised to indicate the gradient of the seabed (adjacent to a channel) and the deep contour to indicate the depth of water in which own ship may experience squat and interaction. This paper recognises the limitations of ECDIS display, the significance of appropriate safety settings as well as the alarm management.

Gabriel Materiales

Dmytro Stryzhkov

The International Hydrographic Review

Panagiotis Gkionis , Tyzack Laura

The International Centre for ENCs (IC-ENC) was set up in 2002 with a remit to harmonise the production and distribution of high quality ENCs. This Note provides an insight into IC-ENC, its validation processes, and the new ENC Validation Training Course.

Ian Russell

Chapter V Regulation 9 of the SOLAS Convention, annexed for reference, requires contracting governments to provide hydrographic services. Many signatories cannot provide these unaided. This is despite the fact that new cruise ship itineraries and trade routes are being established in their waters for increasingly larger and deeper draught vessels. This article reviews a number of chart related casualties. These demonstrate that no chart, paper or digital, is infallible. This emphasizes the urgent need for new and better hydrographic data collection in some key oceanic areas. Potential innovative solutions for data acquisition and hydrographic capacity building strategies are considered.

Transactions on Maritime Science ToMS

Dragan Perakovic

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10 ECDIS questions SIRE inspectors ask and how to deal with it?

I truly feel that ECDIS has made the navigation so much safer.

Well, many still do not agree with this statement and I respect their opinion too.

There is definitely merit in their opinion if that is based on the fact that not many officers are trained to handle the ECDIS in the right way.

I personally have seen a few officers sweat out in front of SIRE inspectors when they ask the questions related to ECDIS.

But they sweat out because they have not been adequately trained. And even if they wanted to self-train themselves, there is hardly any user-friendly information available.

But not anymore. No more sweating out for ECDIS questions.

In this blog, we will discuss all that SIRE inspectors ask a 2nd mate during his bridge inspection.

And I will discuss these with respect to JRC ECDIS.

So let us start with our first question.

Question 1: Can you show me the last passage plan on ECDIS?

This is the first question and this is the most important one too.

The passage needs to be accurate must follow all the company requirements and must be in accordance with the industry guidelines.

I have covered the general passage planning in this blog and ECDIS passage planning in this one .

Do read these two blogs to get to know about the passage planning.

But you must cover these areas in the passage plan on ECDIS.

• Parallel index lines
• No-Go Areas (not excessively marked)
• Wheel over position
• Abort point
• Marking of bridge watch levels
• Position plotting interval and method at each leg
• Security levels and the points where vessels need to be hardened .
• Point for notice to the engine room and calling the master

Question 2: Do you perform a route check? How do you do it?

Route check is a function of the ECDIS which checks the route and gives all the alarms for which the route is passing through any dangers.

The 2nd mate then can check each of these alarms to see if the route needs to be amended.

To perform the route check, open the route in the table editor and click on the “Safety Check”.

This would give all the errors in the route. If we select on an error and click on “Jump” the ECDIS screen will jump to the area of that error.

2nd Mate can then see if that error is applicable to us or if the route needs to be amended to avoid that.

2nd Mate needs to check each of these errors one by one to ensure that our route is safe.

Question 3: How do you make sure your ENCs are corrected up to date?

To check if the ENCs are corrected up to date on JRC ECDIS, go to 6.Chart -> ENC update report.

This will show you the status of all the ENCs and the week number these ENCs are corrected up to.

Go to Summary and it will show you the total number of ENCs and how many of these are up to date and how many are not up to date.

If you would like to see the status of ENCs for a particular route only, make sure to tick the “route filter” and choose the route from the “select route” dropdown.

This will give the ENC status report for the ENCs for the chosen route.

Question 4: How do you know if you have all the required ENCs for the route?

The ENC ordering process depends upon your ENC provider.

For example, chartco would have a different procedure for ordering the ENCs and NAVTOR has a different procedure .

But once you have ordered, received, and updated ENCs in ECDIS, we need to check if the ECDIS has all the ENCs for the next voyage.

Ideally, when we check the ENC update report with route filter and if any ENC is missing, it would show that in this report.

And when we go to “Status Report”, this would give a clear reason for the “ENCs not up to date”.

But with this function, it is only checking ENCs for the route with the set “Cross-track error” in the ECDIS for that route.

So if we have set the cross-track error as 1NM, this would only check the ENCs for 1NM from the route.

But that is not enough. We need to have the ENCs for up to at least for few miles from our route.

I prefer to have ENCs for at least 50NM from our route.

This would mean that in case we need to deviate the ship for any unforeseen reasons, we still have the ENCs for at least 4-5 hours of the deviation.

One way of checking this is to temporarily increase the cross-track error limit in the route plan. Then check the ENC status report with route filter.

If the report shows all ENCs up to date then the ECDIS has the ENCs for the route and up to the (large) cross-track error set in the route plan.

But some ECDIS has a limitation of maximum cross-track error that can be set.

So the other way is to get the list of all the ENCs for the route from ENC provider software (Chartco/Navtor etc) and check physically if these are available in the ECDIS.

If your company subscribe to PAYS (Pay as you go), you only need to check this for ENCs that are not available under PAYS.

Question 5: How do you plot the Navigation warnings

I have covered this topic in detail in a different blog .

Read it if you have any doubts about how to plot navigation warnings on ECDIS.

Most of the SIRE inspectors would want to see the navigation warnings being plotted with “manual update”.

But I and you know that at least on JRC ECDIS, it is much easier to plot the navigation warning with the user chart.

The problem with the user chart is that it would not generate an alarm during the route check feature or when you are using the look-ahead feature.

So if you are plotting the navigation warning with the user chart, you must have an answer ready for the SIRE inspector.

The answer for “how do you make sure that route does not pass through dangerous navigation warning plotted with user chart”.

And your answer could be that you check that manually during the passage planning stage.

Question 6: What IHO presentation library your ECDIS uses? Can you show me?

In layman’s terms, the IHO presentation library is the set of instructions to the ECDIS manufacturers about how the various symbols must be displayed on the ECDIS.

For example, what color, size, and shape of the symbols must the ECDIS show on ECDIS.

ECDIS manufacturer needs to develop its software as per these set of guidelines developed by IHO.

From 2nd mate and seafarer’s point of view, we must know what presentation library version our ECDIS has.

And if that is the latest IHO presentation library?

If the vessel is not able to show this information on the ECDIS, not only this be a SIRE observation but during PSC inspections this can be detainable deficiency too.

So let us check what presentation library this JRC ECDIS has.

On the ECDIS screen, right-click and choose “S-57/C-MAP/ARCS Information”.

Go to “Chart legend” and there you will get the “Presentation library version”.

Apart from this, you need to know what is the latest version of the presentation library so that you know your ECDIS has the latest version .

We can get the information about the current version of the presentation library from the IHO website , by contacting the ECDIS maker or simply by asking your company.

Question 7: How do you plot position from sources other than GPS?

We need to be able to plot position on ECDIS from sources other than GPS.

The sources like visual bearings, range/bearings, and celestial observations.

While the procedures may be different on different ECDIS but if you are actually using these features to plot positions, it would be easier for you to show it to the SIRE inspector.

Here is a blog that I wrote on position fixing sometime back that includes position fixing on ECIDS.

Question 8: What ECDIS safety settings are entered during arrival to this port?

Here is a detailed article on ECDIS safety settings that I had written earlier.

I assume that you know everything about ECDIS safety settings. Like what are these safety settings and what value to set for these settings in the ECDIS.

If you have any doubts, do read the blog on ECDIS safety settings first.

But even when 2nd mate knows about safety settings, there is one mistake that I see them making repeatedly.

The mistake is to keep the safety settings constant for the voyage.

The ECDIS safety setting needs to be dynamic. These need to be changed during the voyage even when the vessel’s draft remains the same.

Usually, the safety settings are calculated with zero height of the tide.

At the open sea, the vessel’s route must be in safe waters with these safety settings at zero height of the tide.

But that is not the case with port arrivals and departures.

If the vessel needs to use the height of tide for compliance with the company’s UKC policy, then the safety settings need to be changed to include the height of tide too.

Mere doing the UKC calculation with the height of tide is not enough.

Let us say that for a river port we did the UKC calculation with the height of tide as 3 meters and UKC is complying with the company’s UKC policy.

Now, this is the ECDIS route for this river port with initial safety settings (without the height of tide).

This would be a SIRE observation.

Because while navigating at no point in time we can pass over the depth less than safety depth.

Let us say the safety depth calculated and entered here was 13 meters. And if the height of tide while passing this point was 3 meters, we need to adjust (reduce) the safety settings by 3 meters.

In this case, the same ENC would look like this.

As a practice, we can prepare a list of points (waypoints) where the safety setting needs to be changed (taking into account the tide).

Question 9: What procedure you follow when the route crosses safety contour?

A vessel outside the safety contour is in safe waters.

But that does not mean that all the waters in the safety contour are not safe.

For example, if we have calculated safety depth as 11 meters then the nearest safety contour will be 15 meters.

But what if the depths inside the safety contour are in the range of 13 to 14 meters.

These depths are still safe for us because these are more than our safety depths.

On ECDIS, the unsafe depths (depths less than safety depths) are shown in dark black color and safe depths are shown in grey color.

ECDIS is supposed to give an alarm when the vessel crosses a safety contour.

But after the vessel has crossed safety contour there would be no alarm in case the vessel is about to run into danger such as crossing an unsafe depth.

For this reason, we are required to define the procedure we would follow after crossing the safety contour to ensure that ship navigates safely.

There are two methods to choose from.

Method 1: After crossing safety contour, Navigator needs to be more alert and ensure that the vessel does not run over a depth lesser than safety depth.

This method is based on the careful review of the navigator while navigating in the area after crossing the safety contour.

Method 2:  Or we can use the 2nd method where during the planning stage, 2nd mate draws a line with a manual update separating the safe and unsafe areas.

In this case, we need to use the manual update feature so that we can get the alarm on the ECDIS if the vessel crosses this line.

It is also required that the company must document in their procedures as to which method the bridge team should use.

Some companies may direct the master to choose any of the above two methods.

Question 10: What is scamin and how do you use it?

Let us consider a buoy in an ENC.

ENC maker would have defined a minimum (SCAMIN) and maximum (SCAMAX) scale of ENC at which this buoy would be visible on the ENC.

Let us say the minimum scale set by the ENC maker is 1:50000.

This means that if you zoom the ENC scale to less than 1:50000, this buoy would not be visible on the ENC.

Likewise, there could be so many other features (certain soundings, buoys, pipelines, cables, etc) for which ENC makers have defines a minimum and maximum scale for its visibility.

However, if we keep the SCAMIN setting to off, irrespective of how much you zoom in or zoom out, none of these features will disappear.

Let us first see how to switch it on or off on JRC ECDIS.

Go to Menu 6.Chart -> Settings -> S-57/C-MAP/ARCS Information

From the option “View Common”, you will find the option to turn on/off the Scale min under “Chart Symbol”.

But why this feature is given at all?

This is to give an option to the navigator to de-clutter the screen so that it is more user-friendly during the navigation.

Now the question is what is the correct way to use SCAMIN.

During the passage planning stage, we do not want to miss any of the features or buoy, etc as we do not want to have our courses run over these.

So during the planning stage, we are expected to keep the SCAMIN off.

During navigation, we can keep the SCAMIN to “on” to declutter the ECDIS screen however if we need to go away from our intended route for some reason, we must turn off the SCAMIN to review the area.

Nowadays, ECDIS is the main area of interest for SIRE inspectors when it comes to bridge/navigation rounds.

Though it may sometimes seem too much to cover in ECDIS but if you have your basic questions about ECDIS covered, there is nothing to sweat about for ECDIS.

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About Capt Rajeev Jassal

Capt. Rajeev Jassal has sailed for over 24 years mainly on crude oil, product and chemical tankers. He holds MBA in shipping & Logistics degree from London. He has done extensive research on quantitatively measuring Safety culture onboard and safety climate ashore which he believes is the most important element for safer shipping.

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23 comments.

This is really very useful. Thanks a lot for your contribution

Good day,Captain.I just like to ask you about W.O. line,because i see a lot of comments about this line and specially where we put the line for Brg. x Dist. in the WP or in the position where we will put the W.O. line. Good day and thank you for your time.

Thanks a lot Capt Well noted.

Thankyou captain, i really learned a lot in your blogs

Good day sir. The nav warnings are supposed to be done by way of manual update on the ECDIS, especially if involving navigational marks and changes to them. The attribute function in manual update take care of lot of additional features like color / shape / top marks as well as the start and end dates. By putting an end date of after passing that particular area, the manual update automatically disables the change. While doing passage plan checks, date dependent view needs to be enabled. Thanks again.

Good day, actually using user chart for nav. warnings is way more practical and the right way. Before i explain that first we have to look at the differences between user chart and manual update, the first consideration is like you said manual updates have much more additional features like color / shapes. On the other hand for example if you apply " firing exercise" as a manual update when you do the route checks it will appears as a "caution", if you use user chart feature with the dangerous ticked you will have "warning" on your route check. And the other and more important thing is when you check T&P notices you will see some of the Charts did not have the T&P notices as a AIO -(you can check them on AIO read me file as a list)- and this is the main purpose of the manual update when you find T&P / EP notices which is not implement on your ENC you have to add them as a manual update. Also some ECDIS manufacturers do not have any features to show what is the EP? so basically you can only see number of EP so you have to check and apply notices manually.

Hello. I would just like to mention one thing referring to the Q5 - ploting nav warnings with user maps. It is true that warnings plotted like this does not generate any alarms with one exception. When you're plotting the warning, and you use the "warning" symbol, in the user maps editor, this symbol will generate an alarm, if caught by the look ahead sector. And it can be easily demonstrated to SIRE inspector. Just open a new user maps editor, and plot a warning symbol in the arc sector of your look ahead setting. And there you have it.

Correct Filip. But I think if you are using warning from user chart than some other warnings from the ENC can be covered and not alarmed.

Goodday sir great work thanks for efforts..sir can you pls explain how to calculate and insert wheel over point in ecdis and also how to decide radius value used in each leg

This article is of great help Sir, Thank you for your great work.

THANKS A LOT SIR OF THOSE POSSIBLE QUESTION BY INSPECTOR OR PSC I REALLY ENCOUNTERED THAT SUCH QUESTION BY PSC BUT YOURS I ADMIT AND I READ MUCH GOOD ANSWER OF THOSE QUESTION IVE GAIN OR LEARNED SOMETHING FOR YOU SIR THANKS FOR YOUR SHARING

Special thanks for your help, sir. Lets me Noted.

Sir pls make on transas ecdis navi sailor 4000 , how to update how to make route, how to order chart through navi sailor 4000

Thankyou capt, i became more confident for my sire inspection next week after read this.

Thank you captain

I'm reading it 30 minutes b4 viting ???? thanx mate

Position dropped alarm showing in NS 4000 TRANA SAS ECDIS ? What I do for this?

Nice work sir One correction in question no 9 method 2: Instead of using manual update line around the safety depth in order to have alarmed line after entering safety contour , we can strait a way use alarmed line i.e. warning line in user map function which is very suitable and easy to use

Very Good ...

Very usefull information. I'd like to add that the most accurate method to check if your ECDIS gives you correct position, is Radar Overlay Function, This is recognized by British Admiralty as the best way to check your positions on ECDIS accurate or not.

I'm so glad you wrote this blog post about 10 questions SIRE inspectors ask and how to deal with it. It's so rare to find a blog post that is full of good information on this topic and also able to stray away from the typical answer of "please don't be scared." I'm looking forward to reading more! Merchant Navy

Thank you sharing such a useful information. Merchant Navy

This is very useful. You can choose marine insurance in deep sea.

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ECDIS Presentation Library 4.0 and PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION

The Maritime Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on SAFETY OF NAVIGATION. The aim of the CIC is to check compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS Convention, the overall status of the vessel’s navigation safety, and the competency of crew involved in navigation operations.

This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from  1 September 2017  and ending  30 November 2017 . A ship will only be subject to one inspection under this CIC during the period of the campaign. 

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a  list of 12 questions   to assure that navigation equipment carried onboard complies with the relevant statutory certificates, the master and navigation officers are qualified and familiar with operation of bridge equipment, especially ECDIS, and that navigation equipment is properly maintained and functioning. 

This campaign is also related to standards updates that have been carried by IHO with further implementation by ship owners and ECDIS manufacturers.

One of the good tools for PSC visit preparation may be the  ECDIS Familiarisation Recommendations  by the Nautical Institute provided in the form of check-list.

During the last years ECDIS has been more commonly used on SOLAS vessels and with the ECDIS Carriage requirement a majority of vessels will be equipped with ECDIS by the end of this decade. The development of ECDIS is an ongoing process based on user needs, technology achievements and need for improvement related to safety of navigation. The need to improve previously adopted ECDIS Standard was also recognized by the IMO «in order to ensure the operational reliability of such equipment and taking into account the technological progress and experience gained» and resulted in a revised performance standard for ECDIS MSC.232(82) adopted in December 2006. In the same way the related IEC test standards, as well as the IHO standards used for production and presentation of Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) have been revised periodically.

In Oct 2011 the IHO issued the  ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks , which included two fictitious ENC cells intended to assist mariners identifying if their ECDIS was using the latest IHO S-52 Presentation Library, edition 3.4. The dataset also highlighted if there were any known ENC display anomalies present in the system. Mariners were asked to run a series of quick tests using the check datasets within their ECDIS to ascertain if they were experiencing display issues. If the system was found to be running an old IHO Presentation Library or had a more serious display anomaly Mariners were advised to contact their ECDIS manufacturer or an appropriate equipment maintenance company to obtain software patches and investigate further to resolve the issues. Results of the tests were to be sent to the IHO for analysis and for use in revising IHO standards. 

The IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checklist  were not intended for, and are not suitable to be used as a Port State Inspection / Carriage compliance test for ECDIS. 

To address the display anomalies and improve the ECDIS user experience the IHO issued  S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0  in September 2014. 

The IHO has coordinated with the IEC to align the issue dates of S-52 and IEC 61174 “ECDIS Operational and performance requirements, methods of testing and required test results” publications. This resulted in a new edition (4.0) of IEC 61174 being published in Aug 2015. These standard updates affect all new ECDIS systems and new installations from Aug 19th 2015. Current ECDIS users have until Aug 31st 2017 to update their systems to comply with the ECDIS software updating guidance in  MSC.1.Circ.1503 “ECDIS – GUIDANCE FOR GOOD PRACTICE” .

Changes to the IHO S-52 Presentation Library introduced in edition 4.0  will invalidate  the tests contained in IHO ECDIS Data Presentation and Performance Checks which were specifically designed and developed for ECDIS using the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 3.4 or earlier. 

IEC 61174 ed 4.0 address the following main problems: 

- Consistent use of symbols and abbreviations

- Alarm categorization

- Alarm visualization

- Reducing a number of audible alerts

- ECDIS default control settings Route exchange format «RTZ»

Set of new IHO standards address the following main areas:

- New design of Chart object info functionality (Pick report) makes access to ENC chart information easier and understandable for user

- Reorganization of alert management resulting in less alarms being generated by ENC objects

- Crossing navigational hazards (isolated dangers and aids to navigation) as well as areas with special conditions (TSS, anchorage areas, etc.) will generate only visible alarms now

- Safety contours continue to create audible and visible alarms

- Standardized way of making ENC update status report will allow mariners and Port State Control inspectors to confirm that the ENCs installed in an ECDIS are up-to-date

- ECDIS viewing groups extension based on Mariner feedback for detailed control of ENC features

- Chart management and ENC status reports

- ENC test data sets

- Other modifications - new symbols, names of fairways and anchorage areas, highlighting ENC updates, date dependent objects, new chart display layers, and some more

ECDIS and the IHO Presentation Library Edition Number

All ECDIS must have a function to display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library that is in use within the ECDIS.  The new IHO ECDIS Presentation Library edition 4.0 clause 19.1 states: ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed must be available to the Mariner on request’. This requirement is tested for in the standard IEC 61174 edition 4 clause 5.5.1 Presentation library (S 52/Annex A, Part I/19.1) ‘The edition number of the PresLib installed shall be available to the Mariner on request’. 

All Mariners must familiarise themselves with the function in their ECDIS that will display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library as this varies across ECDIS manufactures.  This function will be required when Port State Control officers  want evidence that the ECDIS is up-to-date to the latest IHO standards. MSC.1.Circ.1503: ‘Additionally, ECDIS software should be kept up to date such that it is capable of displaying up-to-date electronic charts correctly according to the latest version of IHO's chart content and display standards’. 

ECDIS Chart 1 and IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 checks

This is the  IHO recommended method  for checking that the ECDIS system can display symbols correctly. There is no intention for the IHO to issue a check data set for IHO Presentation 4.0.

ECDIS users can check that their systems are capable of displaying the new symbols introduced in the IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition 4.0 by opening the ECDIS Chart 1 datasets. ECDIS Chart 1 which includes a legend of symbols used in ENC’s, should be installed on all type approved ECDIS. 

Any anomalies in the display, shall be reported to the ECDIS provider and the IHO at [email protected]. 

More details can be found at  www.iho.int

Viewing ECDIS Chart 1, “Information about chart display (A, B)” within the ECDIS will only display the new symbols if the IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 is installed. 

( 1 ) The beacon and buoy features below (approx. position is 15°07.0’N 005°06.5’W) display the date dependent magenta ‘d’ symbol when the ECDIS date range is set between 01.04.2014 and 27.08.2014. 

( 2 ) New indication highlight symbology for objects that pose a danger to the vessel. 

( 3 ) Automatic update symbology for identifying where changes to the ENCs have occurred. 

It will not be possible to view the new symbols, if the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0.

Referring to mentioned above deck officers  must know  how to check their actual Presentation Library. Usually you can easily find it via so called “PIC report” enquiring ENC cell information. Let’s see how it’s done by example of two different systems.

IHO Presentation Library check on Transas Navi-Sailor 4000

This can be done in three steps:

( 1 ) Click “I” button on the console

( 2 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart

( 3 ) Click “General” in the chart information field

As you can see, this ECDIS still runs with the old Presentation Library  ed 3.4 from 2008.

Another tricky moment is that not every ECDIS clearly shows ECDIS chart 1 as it is. ECDIS chart 1 is split in several cells with names starting from “AA”. So, if one clicks “Task List” -> “Charts” he will be able to see charts “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2”, which are supposed to be checked as per IHO recommendations. As mentioned above, it is not possible to view the new symbols, as the ECDIS software has not been updated to use the S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0

IHO Presentation Library check on Simrad Maris 900

This can also be done in three steps:

( 1 ) TrackBall RightClick anywhere on the chart 

( 2 ) Click “Properties” on the context menu 

( 3 ) Click “More” in the chart information field

This ECDIS already runs with the new Presentation Library  ed 4.0 from 2014 . And if you access the Charts Management utility, you will be able to find ECDIS Chart 1 and the same notation for its cells. Checking cells “aa5cab1” and “aa5cab2” will give an exact match with an example given by IHO.

I do hope that this information helped to clarify some concerns regarding ECDIS Presentation Library and corresponding checks and I wish you fair winds, following seas and no deficiencies!

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ECDIS MANAGEMENT

Compliance of ecdis system.

ECDIS SOFTWARE VERSIONS

ECDIS that is not updated to the latest version of the IHO Standards may not meet the chart carriage requirements as set out in SOLAS regulation V/19.2.1.4.

Below is the list of latest ECDIS software versions available for various make and models. Please check the ECDIS software version on your ship and if the software is not of latest version.

CURRENT IHO ECDIS and ENC STANDARDS

IHO S-52 ECDIS Presentation Library Edition 4.0 Salient features

Refer to attached “IHO Advice for PSC Inspectors concerning IHO Standards” – ANNEX A for main Changes in IHO S-52 ECDIS Presentation Library Edition 4.0 and its benefits to the mariner’s onboard.

IHO CHECK DATASET

The main checks are as follows:

ECDIS and the IHO Presentation Library Edition Number

All ECDIS must have a function to display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library that is in use within the ECDIS. All Mariners must familiarize themselves with the function in their ECDIS that will display the edition number of the IHO Presentation Library as this varies across ECDIS manufacturers. This function will be required when Port State Control officers want evidence that the ECDIS is up-to-date to the latest IHO standards.

ECDIS Chart 1 and IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0

For a graphical way to establish the ECDIS is correctly displaying the new symbols introduced in IHO S-52 Presentation Library edition, 4.0 the Mariner can check ECDIS Chart 1. ECDIS chart 1 is a legend of the entire set of symbols that may be used within an ENC. It is installed on all type approved ECDIS systems.

Only ECDIS updated to IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0 will be able to show the new ENC symbols. To check the ECDIS display Mariners are requested to open Chart 1, Information about chart display (A, B), and ensure they can view the symbols. ECDIS that have not been updated will not be able to display the new symbols. This is the IHO recommended method for checking that the ECDIS system can display the new symbols in IHO Presentation Library edition 4.0.

Following from Section VIII of Admiralty Weekly Notices to Mariners

ECDIS operating with Edition 4.0 of the IHO Presentation Library Performance tests during type approval and installation of the ECDIS demonstrates that the ECDIS does not have any of the identified display anomalies. The IHO check dataset is therefore not applicable. See iho.int for further information.

For a graphical way to establish that the ECDIS is correctly displaying the new symbols introduced in IHO S-52 Presentation Library Edition 4.0 the mariner can check ECDIS Chart 1. ECDIS Chart 1 is a legend of the entire set of symbols that may be used within an ENC, and is installed on all type-approved ECDIS systems.

LOG-Keeping requirements:

Vessels are required to maintain the ADMIRALTY ENC Maintenance Record (NP 133C). This log is designed by UKHO to streamline the management of paper records of ENC and ECDIS maintenance and make information on official digital charts more accessible for bridge team.

ENC Management Basics:

CATZOC and M_QUAL

When an ENC is produced, it is divided into areas. The accuracy of the data in these separate areas is based on the original source data with regards to positional accuracy, depth accuracy and sea floor coverage. These three sets of data are then assessed by the ENC producer together. Together they are then represented as one result, this is known as a “meta – feature”.

This meta-feature is called “Quality of Data” or M_QUAL. This M_QUAL is then given a symbol to show the ENC user the level of confidence for the data in that area, this is known as a Zone of Confidence or CATZOC. Once the M_QUAL is known, and the CATZOC zone is assigned to an area on the ENC, the navigator can view these symbols on the ENC usually in the “All / Other” display function on their ECDIS. The greater the number of stars that appear in the symbol, the greater the level of accuracy for that area.

To show the limits of individual surveys, the producer of the ENC can add Survey Reliability areas or _SREL, into the ENC data:

Once again, the producer can add much additional data to the M_SREL for the ECDIS user. The S-57 codes and descriptions are shown here for this data:

Charted Depths

On an ENC, soundings from an unreliable source are circled as shown in below snapshot:

README Files

The user should know that general information on all the positional inaccuracies in the ENC can be found in the README file, it is recommended therefore that these are always referred to during the appraisal phases of passage planning. The ReadMe file should be filed in the relevant sub-section of NP-133C and discussed during the passage plan briefing.

Areas without ENC coverage

IHO provides an online chart catalogue that details the coverage of ENCs together with references to coastal State guidance on any requirements for paper charts (where this has been provided). The catalogue also provides links to IHO Member States’ websites, where additional information may be found.

The display on this catalogue of base maps from various sources does not constitute an endorsement or approval of them or of the information that they contain, and the IHO does not vouch for the validity or accuracy of these base maps.

UKHO do not currently publish a comprehensive list detailing area without ENC coverage. Please note that vessel can use either Planning Station or the Admiralty Digital Catalogue to assess areas, where ENC coverage is not available when planning routes and take necessary measures accordingly.

The changes in ENC coverage is very dynamic, it is strongly advised to check the planning station or the Admiralty Digital catalogue for latest information during passage planning.

In case if vessel has to call a port without vector chart coverage the raster chart should be ordered and used together with paper charts.

ADMIRALTY INFORMATION OVERLAY (AIO) Management

Currently, there is no unified approach by Hydrographic Offices (HOs) with regards to their approach about T & Ps on general ENCs. A number of HOs include the T & Ps in the weekly corrections of their ENCs, while others do not. There are some HOs that do not produce T & P notices and also some for which the status of T & P production and their incorporation is unclear.

Admiralty provides an option to users called Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO). The AIO feature is an optional additional overlay that can be turned on and off within ECDIS, independently of the display of ENC data. When activated it displays all the T & P notices produced by the UKHO as an overlay to the ENC and is intended to support passage planning and demonstration of compliance.

AIO features are shown as simple polygons drawn on top of the ENC data with a text description. Where necessary, text and picture files are included to provide further detail. The Navigator should assess them and decide if, for the safety of navigation, the Notice should be inputted as an actual manual correction.

Updating the Overlay:

Updates to the Overlay are issued weekly on CD, along with the weekly AVCS Update CD, and are also available over the Internet through planning /ENC station. Updates on CD should be loaded in the same way as loading ENC updates (see ‘Maintaining the Chart Outfit’ in the AVCS User Guide).

The data volume in each weekly update is normally small. However, it is necessary to issue a New Edition of the Overlay every 6 month, which consolidates all update data into a base data set. This New Edition may be over a hundred megabytes in size which will make it impractical for most users to download over the Internet and so an Admiralty Information Overlay CD should be used. Also, this New Edition Overlay CD must be installed before any further updates can be applied

Displaying the Overlay:

The Overlay is designed to be displayed on top of a standard ECDIS chart display and can be switched on and off without changing the underlying chart. Only those features relevant to the chart in use are displayed. As the user zooms in or out, the ECDIS will automatically select charts of a suitable scale and the Overlay features relevant to the selected charts will be displayed. For example, a Temporary NM that applies only to a large-scale chart will not be displayed when smaller scale charts of the same area are being used.

T&P NMs: New version of AIO does not include Admiralty T&P NMs that are only relevant to the paper chart users and those T&Ps which are included as temporary information in the ENCs. If the producer nation does not include temporary information in their ENCs but the UKHO has issued a T&P NM for an equivalent scale paper chart, then same will be included in the Overlay.

EP NMs: ENC Preliminary Notice to Mariners (EP NM) contain additional information that is specific to ENCs and cannot be published as a standard Admiralty T&P NM such as reported navigational hazards that have been incorporated on paper charts but have not yet been included in ENCs. These NMs are displayed in the same way as T&P NMs, as a polygon with a hatched fill which indicates the area affected by the NM. Each NM is allocated a unique EP NM number and is exclusive to AIO.

Area without AIO coverage

AIO also contains ADMIRALTY T&P NMs and highlights navigationally significant differences between ENCs and ADMIRALTY paper charts, published as ENC P NMs (or EP NMs). It does not contain NAVAREA Warnings or any other information.

Where there is no equivalent scale Admiralty paper chart, the UKHO does not have any additional information and the Overlay shows a ‘No Overlay’ feature. This feature is displayed as a grey polygon with a grey hatched fill/ horizontal gridline indicating the area where there is no overlay information.

T&P information is an essential part of ensuring that the charts in use are up to date. Many ENC producers include T&P information in their ENCs – there is a list in the INFO folder on the AVCS discs.

However, some do not, and even where it is included it can be difficult to identify. Please be aware that the T&P NMs shown in the Overlay relate specifically to ADMIRALTY paper charts and may not include all T&P NMs issued by the ENC producer. Areas where the UKHO does not publish T&P NMs are highlighted with a ‘No Overlay’ feature. Additional information, such as national T&P NMs, may be available in these areas from other sources and users should ensure that all appropriate sources of information have been consulted.

It is recommend that features that are significant to the passage plan should be plotted in ECDIS using Mariner’s Information Objects.

ENCs derived from charts on non-WGS84 compatible datum

Positions obtained from Global Navigation Satellite Systems, such as GPS, are normally referred to WGS84 Datum. In many parts of the world, however, charts were originally produced on a variety of local datums for which the shift to WGS84 may be unknown or unreliable. ENCs derived from such charts may not be accurately referred to WGS84 Datum. This can result in small but noticeable positional differences where adjoining cells have been shifted by slightly different amounts.

A number of Indonesia (ID) and UK (GB) ENC’s are derived from charts that cannot be accurately referred to WGS84 Datum. The differences between satellite-derived positions and positions on these cells cannot be accurately determined; the estimated values of the differences for these cells are detailed in the Information attribute of Caution Areas thus: “Positions in this region lie within ± nn meters of WGS84 Datum”. Mariners are warned that these differences may be significant to navigation and are therefore advised to confirm GPS positions shown in the chart display using alternative navigational techniques, particularly when closing the shore or navigating in the vicinity of dangers. Such cells contain a warning encoded as the name of a Sea Area feature covering the cell thus: “This chart cannot be accurately referenced to WGS84 Datum; see caution message”. They are intended for use with this warning continuously displayed and should not be used otherwise.

Common operational concerns:

When properly operated, ECDIS is an exceptional tool that drastically improves situational awareness and operational efficiency and can reduce errors. On the other hand, over-reliance or lack of familiarity can lead to calamitous consequences.

The term “ECDIS assisted Grounding” has not arisen from nowhere, and based on our experience, recurrent themes often include the following:

• Improper use of charts: i.e. not using or having the necessary charts for the intended voyage or not applying chart updates frequently and correctly.
• Not following or being aware of the manufacturer’s software maintenance updates and not updating the ECDIS to be compatible with the latest version of the IHO Standards.
• Improper use of safety settings and built-in safeguards such as route checking and safety alarms related to depths.
• Improper display settings, filters and scale.
• Not using the route checking function at all or not using it with an appropriate Cross Track Distance (XTD). Not visually checking the route at an appropriate scale.
• Lack of familiarity with the specific ECDIS type onboard.
• Over-reliance on ECDIS and the displayed GPS position.
• Inability to use or lack of familiarity with manual position fixing functions such as range and bearings.

Few other important aspects:

• A base ENC with limited chart information compared to the unfiltered chart of the same channel and location. Overuse or improper use of filters and contours may result in ambiguous displays of soundings and potentially dangerous interpretations.
• Manual position plotting can be done quickly and easily on an ECDIS, but it is critical that officers familiarise and regularly practice this function. GPS positions should be cross-referenced using visual/ radar range and bearings.
• Consistent Common Reference Point (CCRP) settings and locations of antennas, radars and other reference points should be frequently checked to ensure the settings are correct. Refer Manual for carrying out the checks and ensure no settings are changed by ship. These settings are password protected.
• When Cross Track Distances (XTD) are properly set to each leg of a voyage plan then route checking assists in checking for potential obstructions, dangers and insufficient depths.

Hardware and component

Details of the planned maintenance schedule for the ECDIS (software and hardware) and timetable for periodic tests are included in the PMS for all ships.

ENCs Updating and Back-up Arrangements

The UKHO’s weekly updating service for ENCs includes the latest updates issued by all the contributing Hydrographic Offices. These updates may or may not be synchronised with Notices to Mariners and New Editions produced for their national paper chart series. In some cases, therefore, ENCs may be more or less up to date than the corresponding paper chart of the same area.

The ADMIRALTY Information Overlay (AIO) provides easy reference to T&P information, this can be displayed on a range of ECDIS or on back of bridge systems such as ADMIRALTY e-Navigator. When ECDIS is fitted, arrangements must be in place to ensure that a safe transition can be made to a back-up system in the event of an ECDIS failure. The back-up system must also ensure safe navigation for the remainder of the voyage. A second, independent, ECDIS or paper charts are the normally accepted solutions. Details will be entered on the Record of Equipment.

The back-up arrangement must be ready for immediate use. If paper charts are used, they must be readily available with the voyage plan indicated on them. If the back-up is a second ECDIS, it must be loaded with the relevant up-to-date ENCs and current voyage plan.

The Back-Up system will be listed in the Record of Equipment by the Flag state or classification society.

Familiarization of officers

In addition to generic and vessel specific ECDIS training, the Master and all watch keeping officers must be familiar with the specific ECDIS installation on board the vessel they are serving. This familiarization will include the backup systems, sensor configuration, and level of integration and current operational status of the ECDIS.

External Inspections

PSC Inspectors focus on how the ships meet the SOLAS requirements for chart carriage and the safe and effective conduct of navigation tasks.

ECDIS – What are the main questions of PCS inspectors to deck officers?

• Demonstrate software compliance to S 52 Pl edition 4.0. Show Chart 1 as set up to.IHO guidelines. Show a latest type approval certificate
• Show ECDIS contour setting policy, planning and implementation for various critical legs.
• Show planning of Chart alert / Look ahead planning and implementation for various legs
• Show that ENCs have valid permits, are of latest edition and have the latest Weekly updates applied.
• Show that T& P corrections (where required to be done by OOW) are being appropriately done by manual update.
• Demonstrate multiple means of position fixing and verification (with LOPs, cross bearings, PI lines and other tools)
• Demonstrate procedure of manually feeding critical sensor data in case failure same being received automatically.
• Show relevant chart annotations like alarm enabled no go areas, P I lines, contingency anchor etc.
• Show a route plan involving vessel’s passage within and across a safety contour area.
• Is CATZOC being factored during UKC calculation.
• Show past track, log books, Playback (if available)
• Show record keeping like maintaining NP 133C.
• Show records of equipment specific familiarization / training for OOWs.
• Show the up to date ENC / AVCS maintenance software (like Voyager etc)

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S-57 to S-101: Explaining the IHO standards for ECDIS

For many years, S-57 has been the standard data format used for the transfer of digital hydrographic data including Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) .

Since S-57 was first adopted as the official standard in 1992, digital navigation has come a long way and transformed how mariners navigate at sea.

Today, greater connectivity is unlocking opportunities for more seamless data exchange, while the number of sources for hydrographic data is growing exponentially. To ensure all this data can be brought together and seamlessly displayed on Electronic Chart and Display Information Systems (ECDIS), it is important that new and existing data sets are standardised.

This is the challenge the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) sought to address with their S-100 Universal Hydrographic Data Model . Emerging standards are being developed and tested that will enrich the way data is shared and displayed, offering a more complete picture of the maritime environment.

Below, we outline some of the new and existing standards and explain why they’re so crucial to ensure safe and efficient navigation at sea.

What is S-57?

S-57 is the current data format used for the exchange of digital hydrographic data between national hydrographic offices, and for its distribution to manufacturers, mariners and other data users.

This specification defines how hydrographic offices construct an ENC for display in ECDIS, ensuring that all ENCs contain the chart information that is necessary for safe navigation.

When used alongside other data standards such as S-52 and S-63, this ensures that all ENC data is accurate, secure and interpreted correctly when used in a type-approved ECDIS to support safety of life at sea.

S-52 is a standard used by ECDIS manufacturers that determines how ENC data is displayed on an ECDIS screen through symbols, line styles, colours and other visual cues. This means that what the mariner sees on the screen is displayed in the same way across all approved makes and models of ECDIS.

S-58 sets out validation checks that must be performed on ENCs by hydrographic offices before they are released to the mariner at sea. This includes tests to ensure that there are no irregularities that could cause an ECDIS to malfunction, such as incorrectly intersecting geometry or depths plotted on land.

S-63 provides the standard for encryption of ENCs, so mariners can be assured the data is secure and comes from an official source. This standard covers protection against privacy, selective access (allowing customers to only view the cells they have been licenced for) and authentication (providing assurance the data has come from approved sources).

How does S-101 differ from S-57?

S-101 ENCs will not reengineer the characteristics currently found in S-57 ENCs. This standard has been developed in alignment with current ISO 19100 geospatial standards and will allow for a much more dynamic and interoperable display of data in ECDIS.

Improved mariner experience

Unlike S-57, the S-100 data model allows for a more dynamic data delivery mechanism and an improved mariner experience. This will include improvements such as a fully machine-readable catalogue system, removing the costly expense for engineers to come on board to upgrade a vessel’s ECDIS.

Easier updating

S-101 ENCs will also include an update feature functionality which will allow ENC producers the ability to highlight any features that have been added, deleted or modified in an ENC update, saving the mariner time whilst route planning.

Complex attributes

The new standard will introduce enhanced complex attributes and geometrical concepts that were not possible using the S-57 standard. This will include composite curves to provide a more realistic presentation of the physical world.

Dynamic under-keel clearance

Mariners currently rely upon soundings and depth areas within an S-57 ENC to generate a static safety contour. S-100 will enable mariners to automatically generate a dynamic under-keel clearance value within their ECDIS.

By overlaying S-101, S-102, S-104 and S-111, mariners will have an under-keel clearance value that accounts for tidal levels, surface currents and high-resolution gridded bathymetry. This will allow for a more accurate and dynamic safety contour to be set within ECDIS – enhancing safety and opening up navigable areas within ports and channels that previously would have been too shoal for some vessels to access.

A trial data set for S-102 Bathymetric Surface, produced by the UK Hydrographic Office, is available to download for free on the ADMIRALTY Marine Data Portal.

Free trial data sets to explore

In support of the development, testing and use of future S-100 data products, we’ve created a range of free trial data sets via the ADMIRALTY Marine Data Portal :

• S-101 Electronic Navigational Charts 
• S-102 Bathymetric Surface
• S-104 Water Level Information 
• S-111 Surface Currents 
• S-121 Maritime Limits and Boundaries 
• S-122 Marine Protected Areas 

Name Thomas Mellor

As Head of Technical Partnerships, Tom leads the UKHO’s collaboration with technical partners including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to enable the development of e-navigation products and S-100 solutions for Electronic Chart and Information Display Systems (ECDIS). Tom works at the forefront of the latest ‘next generation’ navigation technologies to support the implementation of new standards that can help improve safety, efficiency and optimisation.

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