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ECDIS transition guide from The Nautical Institute

19 years ago

A paper on the transition from navigating with paper charts to navigating with ECDIS, which was presented at a recent meeting of the IMOs Sub-Committee on Standards of Training & Watchkeeping (STW), has now been published for general availability by the Nautical Institute in London.

Written by the Institute’s technical manager, Capt Harry Gale, and entitled

From Paper Charts to ECDIS – A Practical Voyage Plan

, the paper includes contributions from serving seafarers with ECDIS experience who outline their views on its operation for the benefit of those who have no current knowledge or experience of electronic charts.According to the Institute’s own research, those using electronic charts consider the positive aspects of ECDIS as easier voyage planning, simpler chart correction, continuous monitoring of depth safety contours and soundings, and readily available information when approaching busy ports or navigational areas. Perceived downsides include too much information on screens, complex sub-menus and reduced chart display sizes which can lead to some symbols being open to misinterpretation due to unfamiliarity.

These and other considerations, such as prospects for reduced navigator workloads and changes in bridge operational procedures, form a key part of Capt Gale’s dissertation which is available for £15 from the Nautical Institute (www.nautinst.org/publications).