M/V TRINITY Section 4

ECDIS Operations & Procedures Plan

IMO 9545716 Chartroom Management

4 CHARTROOM MANAGEMENT
4 CHARTROOM MANAGEMENT_____________________________________________________________________1
4.1 Introduction___________________________________________________________________________________2
4.2 Electronic Charts & ECDIS____________________________________________________________________2
4.2.1 Vector chart format electronic charts______________________________________________________2
4.2.2 Raster chart format electronic charts______________________________________________________2
4.2.3 Electronic chart display systems___________________________________________________________2
4.2.3.1 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)_______________________________3
4.2.3.2 Raster Chart Display System (RCDS)_____________________________________________________3
4.2.3.3 Electronic Chart System (ECS)___________________________________________________________3
4.3 Introduction to the Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)___________________________________3
4.4 Operation of ECDIS and Precautions to be taken___________________________________________3
4.5 Electronic Charts Corrections_________________________________________________________________4
4.6 Chart Information_____________________________________________________________________________5
4.6.1 Licenses and Permits______________________________________________________________________5
4.6.2 Ordering and Updating Electronic Charts__________________________________________________5
4.6.3 Temporary and Preliminary (T&P) NTM____________________________________________________6
4.6.4 ENC Preliminary Notices (EPNMs)_________________________________________________________6
4.6.5 Navigational warnings (NAVAREA)________________________________________________________6
4.6.5.1 NAVAREA, NAVTEX and locally broadcasted Warnings: Nav.____________________________7
4.6.6 AIS Safety Messages_______________________________________________________________________7
4.6.7 Manual Corrections________________________________________________________________________7
4.6.8 Deleting Charts____________________________________________________________________________7
4.6.9 Operating Anomalies______________________________________________________________________7

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4.1 Introduction
With the mandatory carriage of ECDIS on board vessel, Bridge Team needs to meet new challenges
that arise with the safe navigation of the vessel. The introduction of an ECDIS is a fundamental change
to the navigation and significantly changes many of the existing decision-making processes. An ECDIS
provides the Bridge Team with a highly flexible system which, if correctly configured, offers a
significant increase in situational awareness and safety. This can contribute greater efficiency of
operations allowing the Bridge Team sufficient time to maintain a proper visual and radar watch.
Prerequisite, is the correct configuration from the user, coupled with competency and vigilance during
all the processes.
The present procedures, in conjunction with the ECDIS makers’ manuals, as well as the electronic
charts’ service providers and the international and statutory applicable requirements, provide
guidance on the use of ECDIS on board, including instructions for training / familiarization of the crew
and about the framework for using ECDIS as navigational means.

4.2 Electronic Charts & ECDIS

ECDIS may be operated in one of the two modes:

a. the ECDIS mode when ENCs (vector charts) are used; and
b. the RCDS mode when ENCs are not available and RNCs (raster charts) are used instead.

Awareness of differences between the two types of chart formats is of utmost importance.

4.2.1 Vector chart format electronic charts

Vector charts are compiled by attributing to each chart feature a set of values, and each chart feature
is stored in a layered digital database. Storage in a database allows the chart data to be displayed as a
seamless chart, while layering enables fields of data that are not required at the time to be removed
from display to reduce chart clutter.

4.2.2 Raster chart format electronic charts

Raster charts are exact copies of paper charts and are produced by digital scanning techniques. A
facsimile of a paper chart originated by or distributed in the authority of a national hydrographic
office is known as a raster navigation chart (RNC). Information on raster charts cannot be layered and
the move from one chart to another will not be seamless. Raster charts must be individually selected
and displayed. The chart data cannot trigger automatic alarms without the addition of user-interested
information that has been entered manually during route planning.
Without selecting different scale chart, the look-ahead capability may be limited, causing
inconvenience when determining the identity of distant object. Attention must be paid to the
differences of datum and projections between raster chart.

4.2.3 Electronic chart display systems

Standard features of electronic chart display systems include the display of electronic vector and / or
raster charts overlaid with the position of the ship and its track, and facilities to route plan and
automatically update charts using digital notices to OOW. Navigation sensors such as GPS, log and
gyro will be connected to provide positional information. An autopilot may also be connected when
the electronic chart display system is installed as part of an integrated bridge system. Some electronic
chart display systems offer the capability to display radar data overlaid on the chart. This can be either
selected targets or a full radar picture that can be independently controlled. Caution should always be
exercised where target vectors based on the ship’s speed through water are overlaid on an electronic
chart that is displaying speed over ground.

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Factors that will determine to what extent an electronic chart display system can be used will include
the type of system that has been fitted, the ability of that system to display official nautical charts, and
whether the flag state administration allows its use for navigational purposes. Electronic chart displays
systems can be categorized as ECDIS, RCDS, or ECS.

4.2.3.1 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

ECDIS, with adequate back-up arrangements, may be accepted as complying with the IMO -SOLAS
requirements for ships to carry up-to-date charts, when displaying ENC chart data.

4.2.3.2 Raster Chart Display System (RCDS)

RCDS, or an ECDIS used in a RCDS mode of operation, displaying RNC chart data should now only be
used as a supplementary navigation tool together with a complete folio of up-to-date paper charts.

4.2.3.3 Electronic Chart System (ECS)

ECS should only be used as a supplementary navigation tool together with a complete folio of up-to-
date paper charts.

4.3 Introduction to the Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC)

The Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) is a file containing the official chart data that an ECDIS utilizes.
It stores the chart information in the form of geographic objects represented by point, line and area
shapes, carrying individual attributes, which make any of these objects unique. Produced and
authorized by national hydrographic authorities such as Hydrographic Offices, ENCs are vector charts
that conform to IHO specifications. When used in an ECDIS, the data can be reassembled to display
either an entire chart image or a user selected combination of chart data. Systems using ENCs can be
programmed to warn of impending danger in relation to chart information and the vessel’s position
and movement.
ENCs are vector charts compiled from a database of individual geo-referenced objects from
Hydrographic Office’s archives including existing paper charts. When used in ECDIS, the ENCs content
can be displayed as a seamless pattern in user-selected scales presenting user-selected chart items.
Due to the limited physical size and the limited resolution of computer monitors the chart image
generated from ENCs does not fully imitate the known appearance of the paper chart. This apparent
disadvantage is compensated by the ENC being a data file: special ECDIS operational functions
continuously retrieve the ENC content to give warning of impending danger in relation to the Vessel’s
position and its movement.

4.4 Operation of ECDIS and Precautions to be taken

When ECDIS is being used for Navigation it must:

a. Be type approved.
b. Be maintained to the latest applicable International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
standards.
c. Use official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC)
Have adequate, independent back-up arrangement that provide:

a. Independent facilities enabling a safe take-over of the ECDIS functions in order to ensure that
a system failure does not result in a critical situation; and
b. A means to provide for safe navigation for the remaining part of the Passage in case of ECDIS
failure.
Practically the back-up arrangement may be either an independent fully compliant second ECDIS unit,
or adequate and up-to-date paper charts (incl. relevant large-scale charts) necessary for the intended

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Passage. Away from major shipping routes, ENCs may be limited to small scale coverage; if greater
detail is required, it may be necessary to use RNCs. Where any significant area needs to be traversed
using ECDIS in RCDS mode, the Bridge Team should critically consider their ECDIS to provide an
adequate “look-ahead” capability and, if necessary, acquire appropriate paper charts. In all cases,
RNCs and paper charts should be maintained up to date.
The Navigation Officer’s attention is therefore drawn to the following limitations of the RCDS
mode:

a. Unlike ENC, where there are no displayed boundaries, RNCs are based on paper charts and as
such have boundaries which are evident in ECDIS.
b. RNCs will not trigger automatic alarms (e.g. anti-grounding). However, alarms and indications
can be generated with the manual addition, during Passage planning, e.g. of clearing lines,
ship safety contour lines, isolated danger markers and danger areas to mitigate these
limitations.
c. Horizontal datums and chart projections may differ between RNCs. Navigation Officers should
understand how a chart’s horizontal datum relates to the datum of the position fixing system
in use. In some instances, this may appear as a shift in position. This difference may be most
noticeable at grid intersections.
d. A number of RNCs cannot be referenced to either WGS-84 or PE 90 geodetic datums. Where
this is the case, ECDIS should give a continuous indication.
e. The display of RNCs features cannot be simplified by the removal of features to suit a
particular navigational circumstance or task at hand. This could affect the superimposition of
radar/ARPA.
f. Without selecting different scale charts, the look-ahead capability may be limited. This may
lead to inconvenience when determining range and bearing or the identity of distant objects.
g. Orientation of the RCDS display to other than chart-up, may affect the readability of chart text
and symbols (e.g. course-up, route-up).
h. It is not possible to interrogate RNC features to gain additional information about charted
objects. Whether using ENC or RNC, in the planning process a OOW should consult all
relevant publications (such as sailing directions, etc.).
i. With RNC it is not possible to display a ship’s safety contour or safety depth and highlight it
on the display unless these features are manually entered during route planning.
j. Depending on the source of the RNC, different colours may be used to show similar chart
information. There may also be differences in colours used during day and night-time.
k. An RNC is intended to be used at the scale of the equivalent paper chart. Excessive zoom in or
zoom out can seriously degrade the displayed image. If the RNC is displayed at a larger scale
than the equivalent paper chart, the ECDIS will provide an indication; and
l. ECDIS provides an indication in the ENC which allows a determination of the quality of
hydrographical data. When using RNCs, OOW are invited to consult the source diagram or the
zone of confidence diagram, if available.
These Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs) must never substitute the use of a portfolio of conventional
up-to-date paper charts for navigational purposes. They must be treated as aids which can be used to
assist in the coning and navigation of the vessel. The judicious use of guard zones and off-track
alarms is particularly valuable in this respect.

4.5 Electronic Charts Corrections

Company’s vessels with ECDIS on board, are regularly provided with electronic charts corrections
updates through the company’s contractors. Bridge team must ensure that once the updates are
received on board, the responsible navigating officer should insert the updates in the system and,
upon completion of the updating, the procedure is recorded in the logbook ( NP 133C). It is of

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importance that all Masters and navigational Officers to know how to update and maintain the
onboard ECDIS, and not leaving to the designated navigation Officer the sole knowledge on the
updating Procedure and Process.

4.6 Chart Information

4.6.1 Licenses and Permits
The system of License and Permit allows the user to carry inactive ENCs and RNCs which can be
activated with additional permits. This is especially effective in case of diversion, emergency or a
change of destination. The OOW is to ensure that all operators know the process to activate
additional charts. The OOW is also to ensure that Permit updates arrive in a timely manner and on the
required media. Expiry dates of Licenses and Permits are to be documented and renewals undertaken
in a timely manner.

4.6.2 Ordering and Updating Electronic Charts

ENCs shall be ordered through the approved distributor. The initial supply may be, either a Base Disk
(or Disks) containing all ENCs, the latest update disk and permit file for the ENCs ordered, or a series
of download files for the ENCs, updates and permits. These should be installed onto all ECDIS (and
planning system if applicable) in the following order: Permits/Base disks/Updates. All media should be
logged and retained in case of system failures. It is recommended that only those ENCs for which
permits were ordered, are installed on the ECDIS.
Chart updates are normally in the form of update disks or download files and are cumulative, so only
the most recent update dataset needs to be applied to the ECDIS. A separate record should be
maintained for each ECDIS, showing the ENCs installed and which weekly update has been applied.
The status of ENCs should be checked before planning commences, at the review stage and at regular
intervals during the Passage. The Officer responsible for Passage planning should monitor ENC
holdings closely during the update process. Sometimes the service provider may withdraw and replace
ENCs. Appraisal procedures should cover periodic purging of the ECDIS, to remove cancelled or
withdrawn ENCs. The process for doing this will vary between different ECDIS.
NTMs are produced in CD format on a weekly basis for both ENCs and RNCs. Therefore, only the most
recent Update is required if several arrive after a mail backlog. The Updates will only be effective if the
appropriate Licenses, Permits and the relevant charts have been installed on each ECDIS. When
updating ECDIS, it must be remembered that the Permits for ENCs and RNCs must be updated prior
to inserting the update disc and conducting the Update.
The ENC data is initially provided on board in CD/DVD format, followed up by monthly CD/DVD
updates. In addition, weekly (or whenever necessary) updates are issued and sent by the Service
Provider via email or being available for internet downloading. The weekly issued updates include
Temporary and Preliminary (T&P) notices for RNCs.
As the updating process can be lengthy, it is recommended that it be conducted while the ship is
alongside. It must be noted that, if updating while under way, there are implications for safety such as:

a. Some systems only permit updating to take place if safety monitoring is turned off.
b. Updating utilizes capacity of the computer and therefore is diverting from its primary task.
c. All extant routes will need to be re-checked following an update.
Therefore, a Risk Assessment should be conducted prior to updating while underway. However, if it is
deemed safe to do so, it is recommended that the ECDIS is updated one at a time to ensure the OOW
retains an operational system. Once the update is complete, the OOW should ensure that the updated
ECDIS is performing correctly with the new data prior to conducting the update on the next ECDIS or

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synchronizing across the LAN. To aid with the Risk Assessment process, the Navigation Officer should
record approximately how long it takes to update all systems.
Once all ECDIS have been updated, a Spot Check should be conducted of a random selection of charts
in both ENC and RNC formats to check that Corrections, New Editions and New Charts have updated
correctly on all systems. The OOW are responsible for ensuring that all ECDIS are updated correctly.
The OOW are responsible for safeguarding the latest Update disc, Permit file, License file and the last
set of ENC and RNC Base discs.
It is of importance that all Masters and navigational Officers to know how to update and maintain the
on board ECDIS, and not leaving to the designated navigation Officer the sole knowledge on the
updating procedure and process. For specific advice on the chart updating functions handling, the
responsible Officer should refer to the Makers’ Operating Instructions, as well as to instructions issued
by the ENCs service provider (when applicable).

4.6.3 Temporary and Preliminary (T&P) NTM

The important role that T&P Notice to OOW play in the paper chart world in providing the OOW with
navigation ally significant information is not yet fully mirrored in the digital world. This therefore
constitutes a potential hazard. At present the only comprehensive source for all T&P information is
paper Notices to OOW (NM) bulletins from national hydrographic offices, providing local information
or the global Admiralty Notices to OOW weekly bulletin, published by the UKHO. However, it should
be noted that UKHO only issue T&P NMs where these affect paper charts within the Admiralty series.
For areas where there is no equivalent scale, local T&P NMs will need to be used.
ENC areas affected by T&P information are sometimes difficult to locate on the ECDIS display. To
assist the OOW in this respect the UKHO has produced the Admiralty Information Overlay ( AIO) to
display highlighted over ENCs all T&P notices available within.
Each NM carries the same NM number that is used in the See Appendix 9.1 & 9.7 for
Admiralty Notices to OOW bulletin. The weekly issued updates more information and latest
include Temporary and Preliminary (T&P) notices for RNCs. In updates on this issue.
cases T&P notices have not yet been fully integrated into ENC
data by all National Hydrographic Offices, caution must be exercised when navigating solely with
ECDIS as some T&P notices may not be taken in account. For those ENC producers not including T&P
NM information in their ENCs (or including partial information such as only T or only P or on case-by-
case basis), ENC cells require manual updating to include details published in paper chart Temporary
and Preliminary Notice to OOW (T&P NTM).
All relevant T&P information that is relevant to the Passage is incorporated in the Passage Plan and
where appropriate use manual updates to allow display on ECDIS. See Section 6 of NP 133C

4.6.4 ENC Preliminary Notices (EPNMs)

In addition to T&P NMs, the UKHO makes available within the AIO differences that it identifies
between Admiralty paper charts and the ENCs within AVCS; these are referred to as EPNMs. They can
include information on reported hazards to navigation, which have been incorporated into the
Admiralty paper chart but not yet in the appropriate ENC, as well as discrepancies between the paper
chart and the ENC which are in the process of being resolved. The EPNM is designed to draw the
OOW's attention to a potential hazard; it does not indicate which source is correct.
EPNMs are allocated a unique EPNM number and included on the Admiralty Information Overlay.
They are displayed as a simple red polygon (usually rectangular) with red hatched fill which indicates
the area affected. The full text of the EPNM can be viewed using the ECDIS Pick Report. Where
additional information is needed to explain the NM, an associated picture file displays an image
showing the ENC superimposed over the current paper chart information.

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4.6.5 Navigational warnings (NAVAREA)

Navigation warnings are by nature more short term and urgent than T&P NMs. The type specific
ECDIS manual updating functionality should be used to annotate ENCs with the content of these
warnings so that they can be displayed together with planned route. OOW should be conversant with
the method of entering manual updates (and creating alarms where necessary) for the ECDIS in use.
When preparing the passage Plan, adequate records must be maintained to show that all navigation
warnings have been considered and that relevant ones have been applied to the Passage Plan.
NAVAREA transmitted by satellite communications (for example, SAT C telex), NAVTEX receiver and
radio-broadcasted warnings are by nature more short term and urgent than T&P notices. OOW using
paper charts as a primary means of navigation will normally plot urgent warnings by pencil on the
paper chart itself to ensure that there is clear record and other OOW can clearly see any new plotted
dangers in relation to the position of the ship. Navigational warnings’ updating should be integrated
to ECDIS device, provided that the specification of the system has this possibility. Alternatively, when
NAVAREA updating and verification function is available by default through Admiralty Information
Overlay (AIO), the OOW should be aware of the ability to plot new dangers on electronic charts by
using the specific capability of the NAVTEX management software (when applicable). The purpose of
this capability is to highlight navigational warning information on the electronic chart.
All INM-C navigational warnings received must be plotted in the ECDIS, which are relevant to the
Passage of the vessel. Navigational warnings received can be either plotted on relevant cells
automatically or can be manual plotted. Officers must ensure that all relevant warnings are plotted
during the passage appraisal and during the Passage. In all cases the Bridge Team shall verify that
warnings are plotted for the particular passage.

4.6.5.1 NAVAREA, NAVTEX and locally broadcasted Warnings: Nav.

Warnings transmitted by satellite, NAVTEX receiver are by nature more short term and urgent than
T&P notices. Such notices shall be immediately plotted on ENCs, as above. NAVTEX where interfaced
with the ECDIS will highlight the affected areas, which will have to be manually updated using ‘Manual
update or OOW’ notes’ facility.

4.6.6 AIS Safety Messages

You can send and receive messages via the VHF link, to a specified destination (MMSI) or all AIS-
equipped ships within communication range of your ship. Messages can be sent to warn of safety of
navigation, for example, an iceberg sighted. Routine messages are also permitted. Short safety-related
messages are only an additional means to broadcast safety information. They do not remove the
requirements of the GMDSS.

4.6.7 Manual Corrections

ECDIS allows the operator to create and display additional S-52 objects as Manual Corrections on the
chart, in the same way that annotations would be made on a paper chart for in force Navigation
Warnings, T&Ps etc. Manual Corrections may be applied to both ENCs and may be interrogated,
edited, moved, deleted and copied to disc as appropriate. However, Manual Corrections are not
removed following an update. Therefore, the Navigating Officer is to ensure that a log is kept of all
Manual Corrections input into ECDIS so that information no longer valid can be deleted. The
Navigating Officer is to ensure that all operators understand the process of logging Manual
Corrections.

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4.6.8 Deleting Charts

Great care must be taken by operators not to delete relevant data from the system, in particular chart
data. To ensure the integrity of the chart portfolio, only the Navigating Officer has authority to delete
charts from the system, following Master’s approval.

4.6.9 Operating Anomalies

An ECDIS anomaly is an unexpected or unintended behaviour of an ECDIS unit which may affect the
use of the equipment or navigational decisions made by the user.
Examples include, but are not limited to:

a. failure to display a navigational feature correctly, such as:

i. navigation areas recently recognized by IMO such as PSSA and ASL.
ii. navigational lights with complex characteristics; and
iii. underwater features and isolated dangers.
b. failure to detect objects by "route checking" in Passage planning mode.
c. failure to alarm correctly; and
d. failure to manage a number of alarms correctly.
Experience shows that ECDIS tests in many cases do not behave entirely as we expected. These
results may be categorized as:

a. In case of all systems being affected, this might indicate possible issue with standards
(misinterpretation of standards).
b. In case of just one system being affected, this might indicate potential implementation error
(implementation issues).
c. In some cases, multiple systems being affected, this might indicate a combination of factors.
d. Systems being incorrectly displayed or failure to activate an alarm (insufficient clarity of alarm
requirements causes inconsistency between display and alarm behaviour).
The results will be collated and used to inform the IMO, national Hydrographic Offices and others, so
that they can take any corrective action that may be necessary.
In any case, anomalies should become known to the Company for conducting appropriate corrective
activities, from its end, as being applicable. In the above context, Company should be in contact with
the ECDIS manufacturer to rule out any anomalies on their installed system(s). Moreover, feedback on
any other type of identified anomalies on board on the system (hardware, software and electronic
charts) should be also immediately reported to the Company, in order further publicity action to be
conducted.

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