Electronic Chart Display and Information

System
An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

Electronic navigational chart (NOAA)

An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a computer-based

navigation information system that complies with International Maritime Organization
(IMO) regulations and can be used as an alternative to paper navigation charts. IMO
refers to similar systems not meeting the regulations as Electric Chart Systems (ECS). [1]

An ECDIS system displays the information from electronic navigational charts (ENC)
and integrates position information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other
navigational sensors, such as radar and automatic identification systems (AIS). It may
also display additional navigation-related information, such as Sailing Directions and
fathometer.

Application
ECDIS provides continuous position and navigational safety information. The system
generates audible and/or visual alarms when the vessel is in proximity to navigational
hazards.

Electronic chart data

There are two types of electronic chart data.

Vector charts

Vector charts are the chart databases for ECDIS, with standardized content, structure and
format, issued for use with ECDIS on the authority of government authorized
hydrographic offices. ENCs are vector charts that also conform to International
Hydrographic Organization (IHO) specifications stated in Special Publication S-57.[2]
ENCs contain all the chart information necessary for safe navigation, and may contain
supplementary information in addition to that contained in the paper chart (e.g., Sailing
Directions). These supplementary information may be considered necessary for safe
navigation and can be displayed together as a seamless chart. ENCs are intelligent, in that
systems using them can be programmed to give warning of impending danger in relation
to the vessel's position and movement.

Raster charts

Raster navigational charts are raster charts that conform to IHO specifications and are
produced by converting paper charts to digital image by scanner. The image is similar to
digital camera pictures, which could be zoomed in for more detailed information as it
does in ENCs. IHO Special Publication S-61 provides guidelines for the production of
raster data.[3] IMO Resolution MSC.86(70) permits ECDIS equipment to operate in a
Raster Chart Display System (RCDS)
mode in the absence of ENC.[4]

Regulations
ECDIS (as defined by IHO Special
Publications S-52 and S-57)[5] is an
approved marine navigational chart and
information system, which is accepted as
complying with the conventional paper
charts required by Regulation V/20 of the
1974 IMO SOLAS Convention.[6] The
performance requirements for ECDIS are
defined in by the International K-Bridge ECDIS operator station with 23"
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in high resolution TFT display.
International Standard IEC 61174.[7] The alphanumeric keyboard is
concealed within the console
when not in use.
ECDIS Electronic
Chart Display
System, K-Bridge
K-Bridge Electronic Chart Display and
Information System - ECDIS system, is
a navigation information system that
displays selected information from the
electronic navigational charts with
positional information from navigation
sensors. The system is designed to assist Screen dump from the K-Bridge ECDIS
display. It uses the new
common, consistant
KONGSBERG user interface.
Click to view larger image.
the mariner in route planning and route monitoring, and by displaying additional
navigation-related information.

Chart types
The ECDIS system uses official vector charts and accepts CM-93 vector charts from C-
Map and is compatible with ARCS from The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. This
means a world-wide coverage of electronic charts.

ECDIS chart formats

 C-Map CM 93 edition 2
 C-Map CM 93 edition 3
 C-Map ENC
 S-57 edition 3
 S-63 including Primar and IC-ENC (encrypted S-57 charts)
 DNC (Digital Nautical Charts) available as an option

ECDIS functions
 Radar video overlay from K-Bridge ARPA radar
 Autopilot control with simplified "curved EBL"
 "Active lights" display for simplified visual position confirmation
 Docking function provides prediction of ship movement
 Full route planning and validation functions
 Continuous monitoring of own ship in relation to route plan and waters
 Displays up to 100 Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) tracked targets
 Displays targets and information from AIS - Automatic Identification System
 Voyage recording and replay
 EBL / VRM gives the correct range and bearing from own ship
 Remote control of K-Bridge autopilot providing track-keeping functions
 Echo sounder monitoring and recording of chart depth information
 Navtex interface
 IMO defined functions
 Type approved

ECDIS display
 19" TFT display: 1280 x 1024 pixels - drop in kit
 23" TFT display: 1600 x 1200 pixels - console mounted or drop in kit
Navmaster ECDIS - Type Approved Electronic Chart System

Navmaster ECDIS is an established Electronic Chart Display and Information System, incorporating the input of many navigators into its design over
more than ten years.

It is a powerful and flexible navigation system suited for installation on newbuilds and simple to retrofit into existing bridge layouts.
Key benefits

• Excellent route planning & detailed passage plan documentation

• Remote Diagnostics feature for rapid & low-cost support

• Up-to-date chart installation & updating processes

• Option for radar video overlay

• Modular design for easy installation in newbuilds & existing vessels

- from VLCCs to Workboats

• ECDIS Training modules with on-line assessment coming soon

See below for some Navmaster ECDIS screenshots.

Download the brochure click here

ECDIS Training

PC Maritime offer a version of Navmaster ECDIS for organisations who need to deliver training in the operational use of ECDIS. It consists of type
approved software which can be run on standard PCs and networks. Click here to know more.

For generic ECDIS training we have a partnership agreement with ECDIS Ltd who provide MCA-approved courses at your choice of location.
 Below: Real-time route monitoring (click for full size)

Below: Berth-to-berth route planning (click for full size)

 Below: Berth-to-berth route planning (report) (click for full size)

Below: ARPA & (U)AIS information and overlays (click for full size)
 Below: Interface with (U)AIS (click for full size)

Electronic charts compatible with Navmaster ECDIS:

Transas has recently drawn the attention of ECDIS users to a warning published by UKHO in its
Notices to Mariners, concerning an issue with the use of electronic navigation charts.

The warning reads: “Mariners are advised of a potentially serious issue that has come to light
relating to the way ECDIS displays and operates with some shoal soundings. A very small
proportion of shoal soundings, especially those marked as ‘reported’ on paper charts, will not be
visible when operating in the base or standard display modes and may not trigger automatic
grounding alarms in any display mode, even if their depth is less than the vessel safety depth set
in the ECDIS. This is due to a specific manner of encoding these particular shoal soundings
within S-57.”

UKHO is issuing corrections to ensure that its own ENCs will operate safely, and says that other
ENC producing nations are urgently re-examining ENCs and taking corrective action as
necessary.

Transas recommends ECDIS users to switch displays to ‘custom’ mode, with the ‘spot soundings’
layer switched on. The company stresses that its own Navi-Sailor ECDIS software generates
automatic anti-grounding alarms in voyage planning (check route) and monitoring modes for
(S)ENCs, in spite of the fact that such soundings are not shown in ECDIS standard and base
display.

Furthermore, the warning should not affect Transas TX-97 charts produced from paper sources
since such shoals are always depicted as obstructions and are always displayed. However, the
problem could affect TX-97 charts converted from official ENCs