Extended ECDIS transition period
The IMO sub-committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) has extended the transition period for software updates to existing ECDIS for one year to 31 Aug 2017.
The NCSR accepted the IHO’s proposal to give all vessel owners using ECDIS more time to be able to obtain the correct software updates to the new IHO -52 presentation library and thus ensure compliance with the guidelines on Maintenance of ECDIS software contained in IMO MSC 1.circ 1503.
The latest IHO Presentation Library (version 4.0) addresses the number one complaint levelled at ECDIS; constant audible alarms. By providing clear guidance to ECDIS manufacturers on ENC objects that will raise an alarm, the IHO has tackled the issue of alarm fatigue on the bridge. Also, information such as fairway and anchorage area names now appear on screen, with landmarks, lights and buoys viewable via a ‘hover-over’ function. Both initiatives reduce the time-consuming need to find information buried in a pick report.
In practice this extension means the current IHO Presentation Library edition 3.4 in use on serving ECDIS will remain valid until 31st Aug 2017.
By Jake Frith
