International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 1

Number1

March 2007

ECDIS Operator Training

J. Rudolph

Transas Marine, Hamburg, Germany

ABSTRACT: An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a highly advanced and

powerful navigational aid, specifically designed for enhancing safety at sea. With the growing adoption of

ECDIS (ECS) there is an increasing number of Officers who need to be trained in its use. Given the flexibility

of the labor market, it is highly likely that Officers may arrive onboard a ship without experience or training.

To adequately train responsible personnel, Transas has developed specialized ECDIS Operator Training

Equipment. In the papers Jochen Rudolph focuses on the requirements set out by existing IMO regulations for

ECDIS operators and outlines the distinctive features of the ECDIS Operator Training.

1 INTRODUCTION

Today a number of National Administrations have

recognized the possible need for type-approved

ECDIS training. Common sense and maritime

expertise combined with the tenets of the ISM Code

clearly indicates that familiarization training on such

vital equipment as ECDIS is a necessity, considering

that incompetent operation on ECDIS could impact

adversely on the safety of life and protection of the

marine environment.

In the STCW’95 Convention no particular formal

emphasis is placed on ECDIS system. Following the

functional approach the officer in charge of the

navigational watch must have ‘thorough knowledge

of and ability to use navigational charts and

publications’. Criteria for evaluating the competency

is stated as: ‘The charts selected are the largest scale

suitable for the area of navigation and charts and

publications are corrected in accordance with the

latest information available’. Due to the section B-

II/1 of STCW’95 (Assessment of abilities and skills

in navigation watchkeeping), a candidate for

certification must provide evidence of skills and

ability to prepare for and conduct a passage

‘including interpretation and applying information

from charts’.

In IMO Model Course ‘The operational use of

Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems’

it is clearly stated that ‘every master, chief mate and

officer in charge of a navigational watch on a ship

fitted with ECDIS should have completed a course

in the use of ECDIS’.

But although minimum performance standards for

ECDIS are adopted by IMO (Performance standards

for ECDIS, IMO Resolution A.817 (19)), it is not an

easy task to design and implement an operational

training course for the ECDIS operator. For one

thing, carriage requirements for ECDIS are not

mandatory. As such, mariner training is voluntary.

Another thing is the complexity of the type-approved

ECDIS equipment when compared with ARPA or

GMDSS equipment. Furthermore, IMO Model

Course 1.27 “The Operational Use of ECDIS”

specifies an extremely broad range of topics to be

developed by the trainer and mastered by the trainee

within a very condensed time period.

Under the International Safety Management

(ISM) Code the shipping company has a responsibility

to ‘establish procedures to ensure that the new

personnel and personnel transferred to new

assignments related to safety and protection of the

marine environment are given proper familiarization

with their duties. Instructions which are essential to

be provided prior to sailing should be identified,

documented and given’.

For the vessels that must comply with the ISM

Code it would therefore appear that in the absence of

specific legislation for ECDIS training there is a

clear obligation on shipowners to ensure that

mariners sailing with ECDIS are properly trained to

safely use this equipment.

The overall objective of the ECDIS training is to

enhance the navigational safety. The skills gained

with the course include the safe operation of ECDIS

equipment, proper use of various types of ECDIS-

related information, and knowledge of the capability

and limitations of ECDIS.

To achieve these objectives, the mariner is

required to:

1 Acquire a thorough knowledge and functional

understanding of the basic principles governing

EN data and its proper display in the ECDIS.

2 Demonstrate proper use of the ECDIS equipment,

including the use of navigational functions

associated with route planning and monitoring;

the ability to select, display, and interpret relevant

information, and knowing what proper action to

take in case of malfunction.

3 Be aware of ECDIS-related limitations, particularly

those associated with errors of interpretation,

over-reliance, and complacency.

2 ECDIS TRAINING IMPLEMENTATION

WITH TRANSAS

Transas, in cooperation with Transas Training and

Consulting has supported several maritime

Academies across Europe, to develop the ECDIS

Operator Training Course fully compliant with the

IMO and STCW’95 requirements during which the

participants are trained on effective proficient

ECDIS operation by means of presentations and

practical exercises on real ECDIS equipment and

simulators.

The course is based on the Transas Navi-Sailor

ECDIS 3000 system which is ideally suited for the

purposes of operational ECDIS training for the

several key reasons:

− Transas was granted the first in the world type-

approval certificate for an IMO-compliant ECDIS

− Transas ECDIS has a major presence in

worldwide fleets with currently some 7000

systems in operation throughout the world

− Transas is able to offer the class-rooms with the

high-tech simulation product – Navi-Trainer

Professional simulator which incorporates

Transas ECDIS as a part if the simulated ship’s

bridge and is therefore highly adaptable to

proficiency-based training in ECDIS.

Fig. 1. ECDIS Class

The ECDIS Training can be carried out on the

Transas navigational simulator Navi-Trainer

Professional 4000 (NTPro) which include real ship

controls or with the use of computer programs

suitable for shipboard training (CBT). The real

electronic chart system included in the simulator

allows familiarization with all the details of

electronic chart operation, including route generating

and editing, electronic chart updating and principles

of displaying various information. The scenarios for

training are located in the fictitious sea. Situations,

functions and actions for different learning objectives

occurring in different sea areas, can be integrated

into one exercise and experienced in real time. This

gives the ability to produce the greatest impression

of realism.

ECDIS can be installed on the simulated bridge as

Master and Back Up station, while Instructor’s

workplace can include Slave station to observe

trainee’s behavior online; supervise his actions and

collect the information for the further analysis and

debriefing.

Fig. 2. ECDIS Training with Transas NTPro 4000

Fig. 3. Visualisation in Transas NTPro (ice conditions)

When used as a part of Transas NTPro simulator,

Navi-Sailor ECDIS gives a unique possibility not

only of Operational training but also the Management

training enabling the trainee to select the most

reliable and precise sensor for vessel position

defining, to overlay the radar image on electronic

navigation chart, use UAIS information, make

records in the log book, record and playback vessel

progress and navigation environment data coming

from navigation sensors during the training session.

Furthermore ECDIS training, provided by Transas

customers in case of joint application of NTPro and

GMDSS / VTMS equipment, guarantees the

opportunity to obtain experience in operation with

coastal control stations and ship service radio

stations and allows the additional training in E-

navigation which is now widely demanded in the

maritime industry.

Another important fact is that Transas simulator

users allow a flexible course syllabus fine-tuned to

meet specific requirements of different types of

ECDIS users. The practical experience shows, for

instance, that commercial mariners are most

interested in exploiting such ECDIS capabilities as

Voyage Planning and Route Monitoring. At the same

time, workboat operators prefer to learn more about

User Charts and existing options for presentation of

coastal charts. Customs and police authorities tend to

put special emphasis on the existing facilities for full

documentation of voyage details to be able to present

these as evidence in court if necessary.

− Taking into account different preferences of

course participants, Transas and the training site

can tailor the ECDIS training program to meet the

specific interests of the following types of users:

− Commercial shipping

− Tug operators

− Fishery fleets

− Naval fleets

− Research vessels and other specialized applications

− Coast Guard, Police and Customs vessels

Because of the voluntary contents of the course,

every user can specify its program in accordance

with the particular needs and level of professional

knowledge. Specialized topics that can be selected

for training purposes include:

− ECDIS module

− Familiarisation and Principle Aspects

− Sensors and Vessel Positioning (GPS, DGPS,

Loran-C, Echo Reference or DR sensors) and

Vessel Positioning

− Chart Operation (including electronic and manual

ENC update)

− Voyage Monitoring

− ARPA Operation

− Radar Overlay

− UAIS functionality

− Route Planning and Route Monitoring

− Navigational Tasks

− Ships’ Logbook Function

− Indicators and Alarms

− User Charts and Graphic Editor

− Utilities (including Chart manager, Datum

transformation, Navtex Receiver /Navtex Viewer,

Playback and Weather forecast)

Fig. 4. Route Planning in ECDIS

Fig. 5. Radar Overlay

Hard- and software, network and trouble shooting

(Optional)

Train-the-Trainer (Optional)

− General

− Teaching Techniques

− Curriculum Development

− Assessment of training results

By the end of the course the trainees are able to:

− Operate 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 trustworthy navigational aid

3 INSIGHT GAINED

3.1 Train on One ECDIS System

It is important that training is carried out on one type

of the system for all the trainees. During the course,

trainees are often inclined to share their discoveries

and solutions when trying to perform a new task.

This exchange would be limited if some trainees had

one type of ECDIS and others in the same class had

another. That prospect would likely be overly taxing

to the trainer, as well. Another point here is that it is

really impossible to teach “ECDIS in general”.

Proficiency with complex equipment is a specific

task. What can be emphasized to trainees who

expect to find a different brand of ECDIS on board

ship is that, thanks to the type-approval process,

basic functions will be available even if the Officer

faces a different user interface or menu structure

from another manufacturer.

Fig. 6. Trainee operating ECDIS

3.2 Walk before Running

It is vital to convey that ECDIS is a “system” that is

meant to help the user make informed decisions. It is

not infallible, nor a replacement for sound judgment.

In the ECDIS training like in any other supervised

learning process, Instructor’s guidance is the key.

The challenge here is to allow the progress of lesson

plans and task sheets to meet the particular interests

of the trainees. Since a trainee’s interest may unfold

in unexpected ways, exposure to a topic does not

necessarily mean overall proficiency. To preserve

that interest while adhering to the course structure,

the Instructor should be clear about the purpose at all

times and focus of the topics being discussed.

3.3 Knowledge vs. Proficiency

For a person to be granted a certificate of approved

training, all required proficiencies must be met and

all important concepts grasped. In this regard, there

is a big difference in telling a person what is

important or what to do, and actually allowing

trainees to do it. During an ECDIS course trainees

should become familiar with the following:

− Selection of display layers,

− complexity of safety values and alarm settings,

− importance of keeping the display uncluttered,

− switching between automatic and manual

selection of charts,

− creating and managing user files,

− creating and managing routes and schedules,

− the unusual appearance of S-57 data (compared to

paper charts),

− configuring sensors,

− correctly setting own ship values.

Thus the trainee will understand his

responsibilities in the operational use of ECDIS in

all safety-relevant aspects and is thoroughly familiar

with the used system and equipment.

3.4 Functions and Scenarios

Trainees seem to get the most out of training time

when several specific functions can be applied to the

simulation exercises. Mastered topics can include:

developing routes, selecting what kind of chart data

to use, and editing route plan schedules.

Personalized scenarios can be easily transported

from the simulator to the ECDIS by floppy disk,

memory stick or e-mail, with the added emphasis

that many customer-tailored ECDIS projects can be

moved from ship to ship, as well as archived and

protected from modification.

3.5 Situational Awareness

Trainees, for the most part, want to practice

situational awareness in bridge simulation. In the

past, simulation has meant contending with traffic

while position-keeping and handling the vessel in

real-life scenarios. The addition of ECDIS into this

activity effectively shifts position-keeping away

from ARPA, position plotting from the paper chart,

and offers primary detection of set and drift.

Furthermore ECDIS makes easy work of collision

awareness (trial maneuver) revising ETA’s to check

points and waypoints, not to mention heightened

awareness of the safe water around the vessel and

weather conditions at all times. Therefore the

simulator-based situational awareness training is the

natural and correct direction for ECDIS training.

3.6 ECDIS Literature

Certainly, Transas is a supporter of adequate

literature being written by experts in the field of

ECDIS training in order to accompany the ECDIS

simulation programmes as well as the system’s daily

use aboard. Such literature, in the form of

handbooks, can be a useful – or even necessary - tool

for the learning process as well as support the user

well after the training. Considering this, Transas was

very pleased to hear about a new ECDIS Handbook

being completed by Prof. Adam Weintrit of the

Gdynia Maritime University and looks forward to

the publishing date and it’s availability to the public.

4 CONCLUSION

In certified ECDIS training, the ECDIS performance

standards must be conveyed to the operational

community while meeting the existing standards in

proficiency-based training. The focus of the ECDIS

operator simulation is to transfer necessary

theoretical knowledge, and to provide maximum

practice in the use of ECDIS. The success of the

training is determined by the trainees’ structured

discoveries of the capabilities and limitations of the

system. Evidently, mastery of all ECDIS functions

requires continual use. However, if properly trained,

even infrequent use will provide the experience of

having learned how to use the system. After having

graduated from this course its participants will be

able to use ECDIS as it was designed - as a tool to

increase the safety of navigation.

REFERENCES

IMO. Model Course 1.27 The Operational Use of Electronic

Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) 2000.

Resolution IMO A.817 (19) 1995. Performance standards for

electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS).

Resolution MSC.64(67) 1996. Annex 5. Amendment to

resolution A.817(19) Performance standards for electronic

chart display and information systems (ECDIS). Appendix

6. Back-up requirements.

Resolution MSC.86(70) 1998. Annex 4 Amendments to the

recommendation on performance standards for electronic

chart display and information systems (ECDISs)

IHO Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data S-57

Edition 3.1 November 2000.

IHO S-52. Specifications for Chart Content and Display

Aspects of ECDIS. (Edition 5, December 1996).

S-52 Appendix 1 – Guidance on Updating the ENC (Edition 3,

Dec 1996).

IEC Standard 61174 Ed.2.0. 2001. Maritime navigation and

radio communication equipment and systems – Electronic

chart display and information system (ECDIS) –

Operational and performance requirements, methods of

testing and required test results.

IEC Standard 61924 Ed.1.0. 2006 Maritime navigation and

radio communication equipment and systems – Integrated

navigation systems – Operational and performance

requirements, methods of testing and required test results.

IEC Standard 60936-3 Ed.1.0. 2002. Maritime navigation and

radio communication equipment and systems. Radar . Part

3: Radar with chart facilities . Performance requirements .

Methods of testing and required test results.

Standard ISO 19379 Database. 2003. Ships and marine

technology — ECS databases — Content, quality, updating

and testing.

The Standard of the Radio Technical Commission For

Maritime Services. RTCM. 2003.

MSC 81/23/10. Development of an E-Navigation strategy.

Submitted by Japan, Marshall Islands, the Netherlands,

Norway, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United

States. 2005.

IMO STCW.7/Circ.10, 2001. Interim guidance on training and

assessment in the operational use of the electronic chart

display and information system (ECDIS) simulators.

SN.1/Circ.255, 2006. Additional guidance on chart datum and

the accuracy of positions on chart.

Resolution MSC.221(82), 2006. Adoption of amendments to

the International Code of safety for high-speed craft (1994

HSC Code).

Resolution MSC.222(82), 2006. Adoption of amendments to

the International Code of safety for high-speed craft, 2000.

Resolution MSC.232(82), 2006. Adoption of the revised

Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display and

Information Systems (ECDIS).

Transas Navi-Sailor 3000 ECDIS (version 4.00.07) User

Manual, 2006.