London P&I ECDIS warning
Poor ECDIS training can be a factor in maritime accidents, says the London P&I Club, one of the world’s leading mutual marine liability insurers acting on behalf of the global shipping community.
Emphasising the importance of training now that timetables for the mandatory implementation of ECDIS are already here, the organisation has warned owners to take into account the potential risks involved in replacing more traditional means of voyage planning and monitoring with advanced technology.
Describing incorrect ECDIS operation as “a causative factor in a number of recent grounding accidents”, the Club adds that “it is essential that the navigator is not only effectively trained in the proper use of systems, but also understands the limitations of the equipment and its primary role as a decision support facility.”
Due to the vast array of ECDIS manufacturers, the real challenge for the navigator is to reach an acceptable degree of competence in a specific onboard system. Therefore, the Club concludes, the priority for training should be to familiarise with the type-specific ECDIS, whether provided by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s agent or a trainer. General and familiarisation training should help to reduce the risks associated with this transition to new technology whilst satisfying the scrutiny of external party conditions such as Port State Control.
