Jan van Nassaustraat 125 Telephone: +31 70 351 1508

P.O. Box 90653 Telefax: +31 70 351 1599

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PORT STATE CONTROL COMMITTEE INSTRUCTION 35/2002/02

GUIDELINES FOR PSCOs ON ELECTRONIC CHARTS

1. Introduction

1.1 Regulation 20 of Chapter V of SOLAS (Safety of Navigation) requires that:

“All ships shall carry adequate and up-to-date charts, sailing directions, lists of lights,
notices to mariners, tide tables and all other nautical publications necessary for the
intended voyage”.

1.2 From 1-7-2002 Reg. 27 of the new Chapter V will require that:

“Nautical charts and nautical publications, such as sailing directions, list of lights,
notices to mariners, tide tables and all other nautical publications necessary for the
intended voyage, shall be adequate and up to date.”

Additionally according to Reg. 19.2.1.4&5:

“All ships irrespective of size shall have:

. nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ship’s routeing for
the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage; an
Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) may be accepted as
meeting the chart carriage requirements of this subparagraph.

. back up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of subparagraph .4, if

this function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic means.”

Moreover according to Reg. 18.4:

“ ……However for an ECDIS to be accepted as satisfying the chart carriage

requirement of Reg. 19.2.1.4, that system shall conform to the relevant performance
standards ……”

2. ECDIS Performance Standards

2.1 An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) which meets the
performance standards of IMO Resolution A.817(19) may be accepted by a national
administration, as complying with the up-to-date charts required by the current
SOLAS regulation.

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2.2 These standards were published in November 1995 and subsequently

amended in December 1998 to permit ECDIS to operate, under certain conditions, in
a Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) mode. (See Appendix I for an IMO Safety of
Navigation Circular on differences between raster and vector electronic chart
systems and certain limitations of raster charts against vector charts).

2.3 An ECDIS can operate in several different modes but only two modes are
recognised at present:

• Using the ECDIS with official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) that have
been prescribed by a national hydrographic office and meet the standards set
down in the International Hydrographic Office’s (IHO) Special Publication No. 57.

• Using the ECDIS in RCDS mode with Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs).

2.4 All other non-ECDIS electronic charts are classified as Electronic Chart
Systems (ECS). Whilst they may be used as an aid to navigation they can not be
used to meet a mandatory carriage requirement for charts. An ECS classification
may come about because the system does not comply with the ECDIS performance
standards and/or uses chart data from an unofficial source.

3. Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs)

3.1 ENCs are an example of vector charts in which every feature within the chart
has been mathematically defined and the relationship between the feature and other
surrounding features established. Vector electronic charts therefore have
‘intelligence’ and can, for example, warn a navigator if his intended track will take him
into water that is inappropriate for the draft of his vessel. They are compiled from a
database of individual items (‘objects’) of digitised chart data that can be displayed as
a seamless chart. When used in an electronic navigation system, the data can then
be reassembled to display either the entire chart image or a user-selected
combination of data. 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.

3.2 Although the use of ECDIS with ENCs is a superior mode of operation, ENCs
cover only a limited area. This is largely due to their complexity and cost. It is
generally accepted that it will be several more years before coverage is extensive.

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4. Raster Navigational Charts (RNCs)

4.1 Unlike vector charts, raster navigational charts (such as the UK Hydrographic
Office’s ARCS system) are simply electronic facsimiles of existing paper
charts.
4.2 RNCs also conform to IHO specifications and are produced by digitally
scanning a paper chart. The image may be either the finished chart itself or
the stable colour bases used in the multi-colour printing process. The
resulting digital file may then be displayed in an electronic navigation system
where the vessel’s position, generally derived from electronic position fixing
systems, can be shown. Since the displayed data are merely a digital
photocopy of the original paper chart, the image has no ‘intelligence’ and,
other than visually, cannot be interrogated.

4.2 In addition the amended IMO performance standards require that when ECDIS
is used in RCDS mode, the system must also be used ‘in conjunction with an
appropriate portfolio of up-to-date paper charts’. (See Appendix II for MOU guidance
on appropriate charts based on chart scales).

4.3 Unlike ENCs there has been a number of years’ experience with the operation
of RCDS using official RNCs.

4.4 Electronic charts that do not meet the IMO definition of an ECDIS, as defined
in the performance standards, or operated in other than the two modes described in
paragraph 2.3 do not meet the current SOLAS requirements.

5. Compliance with SOLAS – Inspection on board

5.1 PSCOs need to take a pragmatic and logical approach in deciding whether the
system is being used for primary navigation or as an additional aid to navigation.

5.2 To assess whether a ship is using electronic charts in accordance with SOLAS
requirements, the PSCO should consider the following points:

.1 Does the ship have documentation indicating that the system complies
with Res A.817(19)? In the absence of such documentation the PSCO should
seek confirmation from the Flag State that the system does meet the statutory
requirements. It should be noted that most of the electronic chart systems
(ECS) presently on the market are not subject to SOLAS requirements. In
these cases a full set of updated paper charts must be on board.

.2 If the system is being used for primary navigation it should be

established whether ECDIS is used in the ENC mode or RCDS mode or in
both modes.

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ENC mode

5.3 If the system is being used in the ENC mode the PSCO should consider the
following points:

.1 Are there written procedures aboard the vessel for using ECDIS?

.2 Are the master and deck watchkeeping officers able to produce

appropriate documentation that generic and type-specific ECDIS
familiarisation has been undertaken?

.3 Is the ENC used for the intended voyage the latest edition issued by an
authorised hydrographic office and in conformity with IHO Transfer Standard
for Digital Hydrographic Data (S-57)?

.4 Is the navigational purpose (i.e. the userband) of the ENC

appropriate for the intended voyage? (eg Overview, General, Coastal,
Approach, Harbour, Berthing).

.5 Is the information contained in the SENC updated for the intended

voyage according to regulation V/20 of SOLAS 74? This includes excerpts
from Sailing Directions, List of Radio Signals, and List of Lights? The system
keeps a record of updates (issuing dates) including time of application to the
SENC. The system displays updates for the review of contents and to
ascertain inclusion into the SENC. Updates might also be checked on CDs.

.6 Does the numerical data displayed on the system agree with data from
the position sensor, the gyro and the speed log?

.7 Does the data displayed on the system agree with the radar. For
example:

.1 if the radar image is overlaid on the ECDIS, the chart and radar image
should agree in scale, content, and orientation.

.2 the heading of the chart display and overlying radar image should
agree.

.3 the numerical data of ARPA targets should agree with the graphic
display on the connected radar. Note: interconnection of system with
ARPA is not mandatory.

.4 if the system is capable of displaying courses on the radar both images

should agree.

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5.4 ECDIS must have approved back-up arrangements to ensure a safe transfer
of the ECDIS functions in the event of ECDIS failure and to provide safe navigation
for the remaining part of the voyage. Such arrangements could be:

.1 A fully compliant duplicate ECDIS (Secondary System) which should, for

equipment installed after 1 January 1999:

• display the relevant hydrographic and geographic environment

necessary for safe navigation in graphic form,
• be able to take over route planning and route monitoring from the
primary system
• provide at least the information equivalent to the primary system,
• be able to voyage record i.e. keep a record of the actual track of the
ship including positions and corresponding time,
• have a back-up power supply separated from the primary system,
• be connected to systems providing continuous position-fixing capability.
OR
.2 An appropriate portfolio of up-to-date paper charts (as required when
operating in RCDS mode). Because of the limitations of RCDS mode
an appropriate portfolio of up-to-date paper charts has to be used if
ECDIS needs to be operated in RCDS mode during the intended
voyage. The master complies with this provision if an appropriate
portfolio of up-to-date paper charts is used as the back up arrangement
for ECDIS. In case of other back up arrangements, e.g. double
installation of ECDIS, the ship should carry appropriate paper charts for
those areas which are only covered by RNC data.

5.5 It must be possible to operate ECDIS including all equipment necessary for its
normal functioning with an emergency source of electrical power according to
SOLAS 42/II-1.

RCDS mode

5.6 If the system is being used in the RCDS mode the PSCO should consider the
following points:

.1 When operating in the RCDS mode, ECDIS equipment can only be

used together with an appropriate portfolio of updated charts.

.2 Are there written procedures available aboard the vessel for using
ECDIS in RCDS mode?

.3 Are the master and deck watchkeeping officers be able to produce

appropriate documentation that generic and type-specific ECDIS
familiarisation been undertaken?

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.4 Are RNC’s used in RCDS of the latest edition originated by an

authorised hydrographic office and in conformity with IHO standards?

.5 Is information contained in the SRNC adequate and updated (for that

part of the intended voyage not covered by ENC)?

.6 The system keeps a record of updates (issuing dates) including time of

application to the SRNC.

.7 A display of updates for the review of contents and to ascertain

inclusion in the SRNC is shown by the system.

.8 Does the data displayed on the system agree with the radar. For
example:

.1if the radar image is displayed in ECDIS, the chart and radar image
should agree in scale, content, and orientation.

.2 the heading of the chart display and overlying radar image should
agree.

.3 the numerical data of ARPA targets should agree with the graphic
display on the connected radar. Note: interconnection of system with
ARPA is not mandatory.

.4 if the system is capable of displaying courses on the radar both images

should agree.

5.7 The operation of ECDIS in the RCDS mode requires back up arrangements to
ensure a safe take-over of its functions in the event of RCDS failure and to provide
safe navigation for the remaining part of the voyage. Such arrangements could be:

.1 A fully compliant duplicate ECDIS operating in the RCDS mode

(Secondary System), which should:

• display the relevant hydrographic and geographic environment necessary

for safe navigation in graphic form,
• be able to take over route planning and route monitoring from the primary
system,
• provide at least the information equivalent to the primary system,
• be able to voyage record, i.e. keep a record of the actual track of the ship
including positions and corresponding time,
• have a back-up power supply separated from the primary system,
• be connected to systems providing continuous position-fixing capability

OR

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.2 An electronic chart system using official RNCs

In both cases an appropriate set of up-to-date paper charts must also be provided.

5.8 It must be possible to operate ECDIS including all equipment necessary for its
normal functioning with an emergency source of electrical power according to
SOLAS 42/II-1.

Appropriate folio of charts

5.9 IMO has not issued any guidance on what is an ‘appropriate’ folio of paper
charts. However the folio should at least ensure that the vessel can navigate to a
safe haven in the event of total electronic chart failure (see also appendix II of these
guidelines).

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Appendix I - Differences Between RCDS and ECDIS

The following Safety of Navigation circular was produced by IMO to bring to the
mariners’ attention differences between raster and vector electronic chart systems
and certain limitations of raster charts against vector charts.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RCDS AND ECDIS

1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its seventieth session (7 to 11 December

1998), adopted amendments to the performance standards for Electronic
Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) to include the use of Raster
Chart Display Systems (RCDS).

2 These amendments permit ECDIS equipment to operate in two modes:

.1 the ECDIS mode when ENC data is used; and

.2 the RCDS mode when ENC data is not available.

However, the RCDS mode does not have the full functionality of ECDIS, and
can only be used together with an appropriate portfolio of up-to-date paper
charts.

3 The mariners' attention is therefore drawn to the following limitations of the

RCDS mode:

.1 unlike ECDIS where there are no chart boundaries, RCDS is a

chart-based system similar to a portfolio of paper charts;

.2 Raster navigational chart (RNC) data, itself, will not trigger automatic
alarms (e.g. anti-grounding). However, some alarms can be generated
by the RCDS from user-inserted information. These can include:

- clearing lines
- ship safety contour lines
- isolated dangers
- danger areas

.3 horizontal datums and chart projections may differ between RNCs.

Mariners should understand how the chart horizontal datum relates to
the datum of the position fixing system. In some instances, this may
appear as a shift in position. This difference may be most noticeable at
grid intersections and during route monitoring;

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.4 chart features cannot be simplified or removed to suit a particular

navigational circumstance or task at hand. This could affect the
superimposition of radar/ARPA;

.5 without selecting different scale charts, the look-ahead capability may

be somewhat limited. This may lead to some inconvenience when
determining range and bearing or the identity of distant objects;

.6 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);

.7 it may not be possible to interrogate RNC features to gain additional

information about charted objects;

.8 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;

.9 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;

.10 an RNC should be displayed at the scale of the paper chart. Excessive
zooming in or zooming out can seriously degrade RCDS capability, for
example, by degrading the legibility of the chart image; and

.11 mariners should be aware that in confined waters, the accuracy of chart
data (i.e., paper charts, ENC or RNC data) may be less than that of the
position-fixing system in use. This may be the case when using
differential GNSS. ECDIS provides an indication in the ENC which
allows a determination of the quality of the data.

3 Member Governments are requested to bring this information to the attention

of the relevant authorities and all seafarers for guidance and action, as
appropriate.

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Appendix II - Non – mandatory MOU guidance on an adequate portfolio of

paper charts

In deciding what may constitute an adequate portfolio of paper charts to support

ECDIS when operating in RCDS mode, the following non-mandatory guidance is
given on the scale of chart appropriate for a particular stage of passage appraisal
and execution:

• General route appraisal or oceanic passage execution: medium-scale charts in

the range 1:750,000 to 1:1500,000∗

• General route appraisal or passage execution in open seas: medium scale charts
in the range 1:100,000 to 1:500,000, and

• General route appraisal or passage execution in congested coastal waters or port

approaches: charts with a scale larger than 1:100,000.

∗
Section 100 part 1 IHO Chart Specifications of the IHO medium and large scale charts.

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Appendix III - Definitions and Abbreviations

ECDIS - Electronic Chart Display & Information System - A navigation information

system which with adequate back-up arrangements can be accepted as complying
with the up-to-date chart required by regulation V/20 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention,
by displaying selected information from a system electronic navigational chart
(SENC) with positional information from navigation sensors to assist the mariner in
route planning and route monitoring, and if required additional navigation-related
information.

ENC - Electronic Navigational Chart - The database, standardised as to content,

structure and format for use with ECDIS on the authority of government authorised
hydrographic offices. The ENC contains all the chart information for safe navigation
and may contain supplementary information in addition to that contained in the paper
chart (e.g. sailing directions) which may be considered necessary for safe navigation.

RCDS - Raster Chart Display System - A navigation information system displaying

RNCs with positional information from navigation sensors to assist the mariner in
route planning and route monitoring and, if required, display additional navigational-
related information.

RNC - Raster Navigational Chart - A facsimile of a paper chart originated by, or

distributed on the authority of, a government-authorised hydrographic office. RNC is
used in these standards to mean a single chart or collection of charts.

SENC - System Electronic Navigational Chart - A database resulting from the

transformation of the ENC by the ECDIS for appropriate use, updates to the ENC by
appropriate means and other data added by the mariner. It is the database that is
actually assessed by the ECDIS for the display generation and other navigational
functions, and is the equivalent to an up-to-date paper chart. The SENC may also
contain information from other sources.

System Raster Navigational Chart - A database resulting from the transformation

of the RNC by the RCDS to include updates to the RNC by appropriate means.

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