FOM-3.26	Fleet Operations Manual Navigation ECDIS Training- Additional Information	Doc No.: FOM-3.26 Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD

1. ECDIS Training – Where and How Can It Be Achieved

Training is a key element in the successful and safe transition to electronic navigation.

Flag States will normally, as a minimum, require that ships officers attend an approved generic ECDIS operator training course based on the IMO standard model.

In addition, the ISM Code requires that ships officers have familiarization training for all safety equipment fitted onboard.

This requirement can be met through type specific training provided by the ECDIS manufacturer.

Unlike the paper chart, ECDIS is a highly sophisticated system which, besides the navigational functions, includes components of a complex, computer-based information system. In total, the system includes hardware, operating system, ECDIS software (kernel and user interface), sensor input interfacing, electronic chart data, rules for presentation and display, status and parameters of alarms and indications, etc.

All these items are accessed through an appropriate human-machine interface.

As with any type of shipboard navigation equipment, it can only be as good as those who use it and what it is being used for.

In the case of ECDIS and electronic charts, if the mariner is well trained then the system provides the information flow that the mariner needs to make good decisions and therefore contributes significantly to safe and efficient navigation.

Stated another way, an electronic chart system is another tool to enable mariners to perform their job better. However, just having some “knowledge” about “functions” and “operational controls” is insufficient to maximize the benefits of ECDIS; proper training is absolutely necessary.

“Are the Master and deck watch-keeping officers able to produce appropriate documentation that generic and type-specific ECDIS familiarization has been undertaken?”

2. Training Objectives

The overall objective of ECDIS training is to enhance navigation safety. In rather general terms, this includes

• Safe operation of the ECDIS equipment
  • Use of navigational functions of route planning and monitoring
  • Proper action in case of any malfunction
• Proper use of ECDIS-related information
  • Selection, display, and interpretation of relevant information
  • Ambiguities of data management (“datum”)
  • Assessment of alarms and indications
• Awareness of ECDIS-related limitations
  • Errors of displayed data and their interpretation
  • Real and potential limitations
  • Over-reliance on ECDIS
• Knowledge of legal aspects and responsibilities related to electronic charts
  • Awareness of the status of ECDIS and ECS; of official and non-official data
  • Limitations of RCDS mode

In order to achieve these objectives, the mariner must acquire a thorough knowledge and functional understanding of the basic principles governing ENC data, its proper display in ECDIS and its use with navigation sensors and their respective limits.

ECDIS training must have the necessary depth in theoretical aspects (ECDIS data and their presentation) as well as dealing with its proper use (functions and limitations). It should cover all safety-relevant aspects and go far beyond type-specific “button pressing” or basic operations. ECDIS training should be both generic and type-specific.

Ideally, the training should cover the full extent of functions and procedures necessary to deal with a wide range of possible navigational problems. It should cover thorough route planning and both visual and automatic route monitoring in typical navigational situations and sea areas. To prepare a user for practical operations, decision-making and alarm handling, real-time complex ECDIS simulator exercises should be conducted.

The IMO Committee on Standards for Training and Watch-keeping (STW) approved a standardized IMO “Model Training Course on the Operational Use of ECDIS” (Model Course 1.27). The primary objective of the Model Course is to ensure proper use and operation of ECDIS in terms of a thorough understanding and appreciation of its capabilities and limitations. The IMO Model Course contains four main parts:

• Part A: Course framework
• Part B: Course outline and time table
• Part C: Detailed teaching syllabus
• Part D: Instructor manual

3. Industry Recommendations for ECDIS Familiarization

ECDIS Familiarization has, therefore been defined as:

Familiarization: Following the successful demonstration of competencies contained in the ECDIS Generic Training, Familiarization is the process required to become familiar with any onboard ECDIS (including back-up) in order to assure and demonstrate competency in relation to a specific ship’s ECDIS installation, prior to taking charge of a navigation watch.

Familiarization should cover Initial Preparation; Basic Operations; Charts; Navigational Tools and Functions; Route Planning and Route Monitoring. Familiarization includes any pertinent information required for the safe operation of the ECDIS, including all updates and alterations.

Companies should have clear procedures for using ECDIS and assisting the navigators in completion of the Familiarization process.