Master the Digital Helm: Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ECDIS) Training Course

Introduction

In the contemporary maritime landscape, the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) has become the primary means of navigation for a vast majority of commercial vessels, replacing traditional paper charts. This sophisticated, computer-based system integrates real-time positioning data with electronic nautical charts, providing mariners with an unparalleled level of situational awareness, enhanced safety features, and streamlined voyage management capabilities. Proficiency in ECDIS is no longer just an advantage but a mandatory requirement for navigating modern vessels efficiently and safely.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of ECDIS operation, adhering strictly to international standards and regulations. From mastering chart management and voyage planning to utilizing advanced monitoring tools, interpreting alarms, and troubleshooting common issues, you will gain the expertise to confidently operate ECDIS as a primary navigational aid. This empowers you to enhance navigational safety, optimize route efficiency, and ensure full compliance with the evolving demands of the digital bridge.

Target Audience

  • Deck Officers (Masters, Chief Mates, Second Mates, Third Mates).
  • Navigational Watchkeeping Officers.
  • Maritime Pilots.
  • Ship Owners and Operators seeking to ensure crew competency.
  • Port Control and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Personnel.
  • Maritime Training Instructors.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Students.
  • Anyone involved in voyage planning and monitoring on ECDIS-equipped vessels.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles, capabilities, and limitations of ECDIS.
  • Grasp the international regulatory requirements for ECDIS carriage and operator competency (STCW, SOLAS, IMO, IHO).
  • Analyze the different types of electronic charts (ENC, RNC) and their characteristics.
  • Comprehend the various functions of ECDIS for passage planning, monitoring, and collision avoidance.
  • Evaluate the integration of ECDIS with other bridge navigation equipment and sensors.
  • Develop practical skills in operating an ECDIS for safe navigation in diverse maritime environments.
  • Navigate the complexities of chart updating, data management, and system configuration.
  • Formulate robust contingency plans and troubleshoot common operational issues with ECDIS.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to ECDIS Concepts and Regulations
  • Defining ECDIS : what it is, its purpose, and its role as a primary navigational aid
  • Benefits of ECDIS : compared to traditional paper charts (e.g., real-time position, alarms, automation)
  • IMO and IHO performance standards for ECDIS and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs)
  • STCW Convention : mandatory training requirements for ECDIS operators
  • SOLAS Chapter V carriage requirements for ECDIS
  1. Electronic Chart Data and Display
  • Types of Electronic Charts : Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) and Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs)
  • IHO S-57 and S-52 Standards : for ENC data content and display
  • Understanding ENC features, attributes, and symbology
  • Display modes: Base, Standard, All, and custom displays
  • Managing Display Settings : depth contours, safety depth, safety contour, shallow water, deep water
  1. ECDIS Operation and Functionality
  • User Interface and Controls : common functionalities across different manufacturers
  • Chart Management : loading, unloading, selecting charts, chart scale, and orientation
  • Own ship's position and movement: continuous plotting, past track, predicted vectors
  • Working with Mariners' Objects : user-defined features, notes, events
  • Data integrity and sensor input reliability
  1. Voyage Planning with ECDIS
  • Route Creation : manual and automatic route construction, waypoints, turn radius
  • Route Checking and Validation : anti-grounding features, safety checks (depth, dangerous areas)
  • Tidal and current information integration
  • Calculating ETAs : distance, speed, time calculations
  • Saving, loading, and modifying voyage plans
  1. Route Monitoring and Navigation
  • Monitoring Functions : cross-track error (XTE), wheel over point (WOP), course to steer (CTS)
  • Alarms and Indications : grounding alarm, off-route alarm, CPA/TCPA alarm, navigational hazards
  • Manual Position Fixing : using EBL/VRM, parallel indexing on ECDIS
  • Safe navigation in restricted waters and congested areas
  • Maintaining a proper lookout and bridge team management in an ECDIS environment
  1. Radar and AIS Overlay and Integration
  • Radar Overlay Functions : superimposing radar image onto the ENC
  • Automatic Identification System (AIS) Integration : displaying AIS targets, target information, collision avoidance
  • ARPA Integration : automatic radar plotting aid targets and data
  • Understanding the limitations and potential errors of overlaid information
  • Prioritizing information from multiple sensors
  1. Chart Updating and Data Management
  • Importance of Chart Corrections : maintaining up-to-date navigational data
  • Methods of ENC Updates : online (digital permits), offline (CD/DVD), manual updates
  • Temporary and preliminary (T&P) Notices to Mariners (NtM) in ECDIS
  • Managing User-defined Data : ensuring proper backup and transfer
  • Chart licensing and data procurement
  1. Advanced ECDIS Features and Utilities
  • Playback Function : reviewing past voyages, incident investigation
  • Record Keeping : electronic logbook integration, voyage data recorder (VDR)
  • Search and rescue (SAR) pattern generation
  • Trial Maneuver Function : simulating vessel movements for complex situations
  • Integration with other bridge systems: Conning, BNWAS
  1. ECDIS Failure, Back-up Arrangements, and Troubleshooting
  • ECDIS Malfunctions : recognizing system errors and alarms
  • Contingency Planning : immediate actions upon ECDIS failure
  • Independent Back-up Arrangements : mandatory requirements (e.g., second ECDIS, paper charts)
  • Procedures for reverting to traditional navigation
  • Troubleshooting Common Issues : sensor input problems, display anomalies, software glitches
  1. Human Element, Cyber Security, and Future Developments
  • Human Factors : over-reliance on ECDIS, alarm fatigue, maintaining situational awareness
  • ECDIS and Bridge Resource Management (BRM) : effective team communication and decision-making
  • Cybersecurity Risks : vulnerabilities of ECDIS to cyber threats, secure updating procedures
  • Training and competency requirements for ECDIS operators
  • Future trends: autonomous navigation, AI integration, cloud-based ECDIS.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Master The Digital Helm: Electronic Chart Display & Information System (ecdis) Training Course in Cameroon
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