The ECDIS Group's core message: Shipping companies should establish ECDIS-use guidance within their Safety Management Systems.
The ECDIS Training Group is an industry body made up of leading international shipping organisations and co-ordinated by The Nautical Institute (NI).
NI CEO Philip Wake MSc FNI described the document as ‘an invaluable point of reference for those keen to establish and follow best practice in relation to ECDIS’. ‘As our industry moves away from depending solely on paper charts, this guidance provides important clarification in terms of the competencies required for what has become a vitally important navigational and decision support tool,’ he explained.
‘The ECDIS Training Group first came together in 2011 to tackle this issue and we are indebted to them for having applied their expertise for the benefit of all of us in the maritime community.’
The Group has also compiled a ‘familiarisation checklist’ that details tasks officers of the watch of ships using ECDIS should be able to demonstrate competency in. The checklist covers the following areas: initial preparation, basic operation, charts, navigation tools and functions, route planning and route monitoring.
Organisations supporting this guidance are: BIMCO, GlobalMET, International Federation of Shipmasters’ Associations, International Group of P&I Clubs, International Maritime Pilots’ Association, International Chamber of Shipping, InterManager, INTERTANKO, International Shipping Federation, Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum, Oil Companies International Marine Forum and The Nautical Institute.
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