Free-to-attend workshops to assist with transition to ECDIS
The UK Hydrographic Office has unveiled the first dates of 2013 for its renowned Digital Integration Workshops, the first of which will take place in Limassol, Cyprus on 31 January.
These free-to-attend workshops have been designed for anyone involved in managing the integration of digital navigation into their vessels in order to meet the revised SOLAS regulations on the carriage of ECDIS. The workshops will look at the practical issues faced by shipping companies when it comes to integrating ECDIS into bridge operations and provide expert advice on achieving ECDIS compliance and maximising the benefits that ECDIS can deliver in supporting safe and efficient navigation. Led by industry experts, the workshops will address every stage in the process, from the initial fleet assessment and Flag State requirements, to ECDIS installation, crew training, the transition away from paper charts and practical compliance with port state control requirements.
The Limassol workshop will be held at the Londa Hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, from 4.00pm on Thursday 31 January, and will be followed by a drinks reception for all attendees.
The following workshops have also been confirmed, with more dates to follow:
The UKHO's Digital Integration Workshops have been jointly designed with Captain Paul Hailwood, a Master Mariner and internationally respected expert on ECDIS and integrated bridge operations. Captain Hailwood, who will be leading the Limassol workshop, commented: “Many shipping companies are daunted by the prospect of preparing for ECDIS and under-estimate the time required to properly plan for the integration of digital navigation into their fleet. Our Digital Integration Workshops not only help shipping companies to understand how to comply with the revised SOLAS regulations, they help them to arrive at the optimal ECDIS solution that is right for their fleet, right for their crew and right for their operations. I would encourage anyone in the Cypriot shipping industry that is facing the challenge of the transition to digital navigation to join us in Limassol on 31 January.”