ECDIS Ltd’s Managing Director Mark Broster to speak at IHO Monaco

Mark Broster, the Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd will be speaking at this years International Hydrographic Conference, hosted at the IHO headquarters in Monaco.

The conference will be opened by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco at 09:00 on 6th October. See attached media release from the IHO.

 

International Hydrographic Organization – MEDIA RELEASE – Monaco, 2 October 2014

ECDIS Ltd Delivers 10th Management of ECDIS Course to the Irish Naval Service

25th April 2013

 

ECDIS Ltd celebrates delivering its 10th Management of ECDIS course to the Irish Naval Service

ECDIS Ltd recently delivered their 10th Management of ECDIS course to senior members of the Irish Naval Service as the start of further cooperation between the two organizations.  ECDIS Ltd’s Management of ECDIS course is designed for advanced and experienced users of ECDIS, or those who are now in a position of quality controlling the standards of their fleets’ navigation and making purchasing decisions.  The course has proven very successful over the years in providing `top level` information to Fleet Managers looking to make the most efficient transition to Digital Navigation.

 

Mark Broster, delivers the modules on post training risk assessment,     and the varied chart selection options that are available.

 

 

 

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says,

 

“It was a pleasure to work with a military organisation who are looking to transfer their traditional skills into the digital age.  It is our aim to not only help take their understanding of `wider` ECDIS aspects to the next level, but also to help take them through every aspect of the transition – from procedures, to charting options, to equipment.  It is great to see that the Irish Naval Service are seeking to take their ECDIS knowledge to the highest and safest level, by utilising ECDIS Ltd as part of their training solution, and as their consultant”.

Lt Paul Hegarty, Navigation Standards and Database Officer for the Irish Naval Service adds,

“What came across during the course was the depth of knowledge the team at ECDIS Ltd. have on all navigation systems and charting options available to mariners. The course offered a valuable insight into the management and quality control procedures required in implementing new navigation systems within an organisation”.

 

Ends

 

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). A forward thinking company, they have pioneered the embodiment of ECDIS in SMS procedures with the ECDIS Procedures Guide and have paved the way for a better understanding of ECDIS with the ECDIS Manual. ECDIS Ltd specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

For further information:

Natalie Robson

ECDIS Ltd

Ground Floor

Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway

Solent Business Park

Whiteley

Fareham

PO15 7AN

United Kingdom

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: Robson@ecdis.org

Web: www.ecdis.org

Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital Widescreen

ECDIS Ltd provides Kelvin Hughes MantaDigitalTM Widescreen on board familiarisation

 

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd are pleased to announce the launch of their new on-board familiarisation course for Kelvin Hughes’ MantaDigital™ Widescreen software.

Kelvin Hughes’ newest ECDIS software has been on the market since 2012 and ECDIS Ltd has now produced its own training solution which meets the requirement of the ISM code and Safety Management System training requirements and is convenient for the marine and the shipping company.

John Ritchie, ECDIS Course Manager at ECDIS Ltd, says,

 

“Kelvin Hughes are constantly evolving, and a particularly strong example of this is the new MantaDigitalTM Widescreen software. We are delighted to be their international independent training partner and will continue to match the development of their ECDIS software with the highest standard of professional courses.”

 

Natalie Robson, Marketing Manager at ECDIS Ltd, adds,

 

“It has been a real pleasure getting to know another ECDIS system, allowing us to provide a realistic and balanced training course for the mariner. The MantaDigitalTM Widescreen has taken a fresh approach to ECDIS bearing little resemblance to the previous versions, highlighting the need for mariners to be trained in each system.”

Ends

 

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). A forward thinking company, they have pioneered the embodiment of ECDIS in SMS procedures with the ECDIS Procedures Guide and have paved the way for a better understanding of ECDIS with the ECDIS Manual. ECDIS Ltd specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

The ECDIS Manual is available for purchase from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.

Written by:        ECDIS Ltd
Published by:    Witherby Seamanship International Ltd

ISBN 978-1-85609-507-5
Book £350 +VAT

eBook £350       (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)

The ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ is available from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.

Written by:        ECDIS Ltd
Published by:    Witherby Seamanship International Ltd
ISBN 978-1-85609-535-8
Book £75 + VAT

eBook £75         (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)

 

 

For further information:

Natalie Robson

ECDIS Ltd

Ground Floor

Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway

Solent Business Park

Whiteley

Fareham

PO15 7AN

United Kingdom

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: Robson@ecdis.org

Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd Type Specific and Generic ECDIS Training Combined

PRESS RELEASE
20 February 2013
ECDIS Ltd Type Specific and Generic ECDIS Training Combined
UK based navigation training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd have delivered ECDIS Type Specific and on-board familiarisation training to hundreds of students. The company is now able to offer Nautical Institute approved Type Specific Certificates to students on completion of their generic MCA and DNV approved 1.27 ECDIS Courses, following accreditation from the Nautical Institute.
ECDIS Ltd’s Type Specific training was accredited initially in April 2011 and has been in high demand since its launch. New courses on different manufacturers’ systems are being developed by the company all the time to meet the huge demands seen for Type Specific training since the release of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Marine Information Notice 442 published in August last year, and similar notices worldwide.
ECDIS Ltd delivering familiarisation training on-board
The Nautical Institute’s accredited Type Specific course is normally a one day (8 hours) course and includes presentation and practical exercises to ensure that the trainee gets comprehensive training on their system of choice. ECDIS Ltd currently provides training on OSI, Kelvin Hughes, JRC, Transas, PC Maritime, Simrad and Totem Plus, and Tokyo Keiki.
This new course allows the mariner to receive 2 approved certificates on one course whilst still meeting the high standards required by the Nautical Institute and the Maritime Coast Guard Agency.
Joe Sloly, Customer Development Manager at ECDIS Ltd says, “The combined Generic and Type Specific ECDIS course is a cost effective and productive way to ensure mariners are trained to an excellent standard in the use of their ECDIS equipment.”
ECDIS Ltd also delivers on-board familiarisation courses, which is a certificated portable course, brought to the mariners on their vessel; utilising their vessel’s installed ECDIS equipment on a range of additional ECDIS systems including MARIS.
Ends
ECDIS Ltd
ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). A forward thinking company, they have pioneered the embodiment of ECDIS in SMS procedures with the ECDIS Procedures Guide and have paved the way for a better understanding of ECDIS with the ECDIS Manual. ECDIS Ltd specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems. Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.
The ECDIS Manual is available for purchase from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.
Written by: ECDIS Ltd Published by: Witherby Seamanship International Ltd
ISBN 978-1-85609-507-5 Book £350 +VAT
eBook £350 (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)
The ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ is available from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.
Written by: ECDIS Ltd Published by: Witherby Seamanship International Ltd ISBN 978-1-85609-535-8 Book £75 + VAT
eBook £75 (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)
For further information:
Natalie Robson
ECDIS Ltd
Ground Floor
Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7AN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: Robson@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd Install VSTEP NAUTIS Full Mission Bridge Simulator

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd are pleased to announce their unveiling of a VSTEP NAUTIS full mission bridge simulator with a 315° viewing capability. It is to primarily be used for Bridge Team training but has been fitted with 4 different ECDIS systems all integrated with the NAUTIS software. The Simulator was opened last month by MP George Hollingbery in Southampton.
The Bridge Simulator is to accompany the 6 smaller NAUTIS simulators already used for visual channels during the IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS Course. VSTEP are world renowned for their simulator software and have the capability of integrating their system with most ECDIS manufactures using standard NMEA strings as found onboard any vessel.

The Bridge Simulator has been setup with 2 RADARs and 4 ECDIS systems including OSI, Kelvin Hughes, JRC and Transas which are all full integrated. However it can also be integrated with other ECDIS manufacturers as required by clients. The system is capable of displaying RADAR, AIS and ARPA overlays onto the ECDIS giving an extremely realistic experience for the mariner.
Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd, says: “It represents another milestone in our company that we have partnered with such a large, well respected and global simulator manufacturer. However, our aim remains the same, to provide excellent quality training at affordable prices to the mariner. Expanding our portfolio with the Enav Centre is providing exactly that. Due to the success of this project, it is likely that we will select the VSTEP simulation solution for all our future facilities and procurements abroad.”
Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations & Standards, adds: “Considerable time and effort goes into the development of our ECDIS courses to ensure that they are of the highest quality, and the new Bridge Team Management, Bridge Resource Management and Bridge Procedures courses are no different. ECDIS Ltd and the Enav Centre’s comprehensive course content is delivered by consummate professionals with extensive knowledge and experience of navigating. The result is the very best training available anywhere in the world.”
Natalie Robson, an instructor at ECDIS Ltd, says: “The VSTEP software has proven very easy to use, flexibility, ability to integrate with multiple ECDIS and multiple devices, wide variety of ship models, it is a likely candidate for future equipment requirements in line with company expansion. It has now come on line as our training solution for compliance with the 2012 edition of the IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS Course. I am glad it is being used in the full-mission bridge simulator as it is so capable.”
Pjotr van Schothorst, Technical Director at VSTEP: “We are happy to be selected by ECDIS Ltd as the simulator of choice for their Full Mission Bridge Simulator. ECDIS Ltd were able to install and set up the simulator with minimal assistance, which proves the ease of use of our software. ECDIS Ltd is definitely on the right track to grow globally as high quality multi-vendor ECDIS training provider, and we are delighted to be part of their plan.”
The official opening of the Bridge Simulator took place on Friday the 26th of October, 2012.

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). A forward thinking company, they have pioneered the embodiment of ECDIS in SMS procedures with the ECDIS Procedures Guide and have paved the way for a better understanding of ECDIS with the ECDIS Manual. ECDIS Ltd specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 2000 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

About NAUTIS
The NAUTIS range of advanced DNV certified maritime training simulators offers an affordable and effective alternative for training maritime professionals, officers and crews. With a full range of simulators, from desktop trainer to full mission bridge simulator, VSTEP has a cost-effective training solution fulfilling the training requirements of both the civilian and military maritime industry, including nautical colleges, naval academies, maritime training centres and individual ship owners in compliance to the latest STCW requirements. For more information visit www.nautissim.com

About VSTEP
VSTEP is a leading European developer of simulators and virtual training software. Using interactive 3D technology, VSTEP creates awardwinning training applications that allow people to build their skills in a practical and cost effective way.  Since its founding in 2002, VSTEP has delivered numerous simulator solutions for leading industry clients and governmental organisations worldwide. As one of the industry leaders, VSTEP continues to innovate the virtual training world with professional, accurate and groundbreaking new simulation technology for both the maritime and  incident management response sector. A winner of multiple innovation prizes and awards, VSTEP sets the standard for virtual training and simulation and advocates more effective training through enhanced virtual reality. www.vstepsimulation.com

For further information:

 

Natalie Robson

ECDIS Ltd

Ground Floor

Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway

Solent Business Park

Whiteley

Fareham

PO15 7AN

United Kingdom

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: Robson@ecdis.org

Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd included in MCA Training Provider List

The sad consequences of the grounding of ships have been all too commonly seen on television screens world-wide. Ships such as TORREY CANYON, EXXON VALDEZ and COSTA CONCORDIA have become household names in recent years, and the consequences for the environment, the loss of lives, ships and cargoes, together with the costs to insurance companies, have been all too clear for media audiences all around the planet. Now, a big effort is to be made to minimise the incidence of groundings through the skilled use of modern software and equipment known as ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The UK government, through the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) has responded to a call from the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) for all ships of 500 tons or more to be fitted with ECDIS within a sliding timescale and for the deck officers of those ships to be carefully trained in the use of ECDIS.

The MCA has now published a complete list of approved training providers http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/ancillary_course_providers.pdf of which ECDIS Ltd, world
leaders in the provision of ECDIS training, is proud to be a prominent part.

 

ECDIS Ltd Broaden Partnership with Kelvin Hughes

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd have signed a new agreement with Kelvin Hughes to take ECDIS Ltd MantaDigital training worldwide. The new agreement now provides access for Kelvin Hughes distributers worldwide to book Generic and Type Specific ECDIS courses directly with ECDIS Ltd for training on Kelvin Hughes MantaDigital™ software. The streamlined course booking process will ensure a more efficient training service for Kelvin Hughes customers.

Kelvin Hughes is a world leader in the design and supply of marine navigation systems with over two and a half centuries of experience and knowledge. With a history that dates back to the 1800’s, they have a highly innovative product range, which is designed to provide mariners with the most advanced navigation solutions and services available.

 

ECDIS Ltd provide training of Kelvin Hughes Manta Digital ECDIS onboard or at their facility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations & Standards of ECDIS Ltd, says,

“It is a pleasure to be working with such a well established company that has been servicing the industry for over 250 years. We are delighted to be their worldwide independent training provider. MantaDigital ECDIS is constantly improving and evolving, and as such we will ensure that the training content is kept up to date so that it complies with certification requirements and policy.”

Natalie Robson, an instructor at ECDIS Ltd, adds,

“We have already been providing both 5 day 1.27 Generic and Type Specific courses on MantaDigital worldwide. Considerable time and effort has gone into the development of our Kelvin Hughes ECDIS courses to ensure that they are of the highest quality, and to fully prepare the instructors for all possible questions about the system. This is vitally important as students wish to explore specific aspects and functions in great depth, or any particular issues they have faced in the past. Getting an answer to a system specific question from a knowledgeable instructor that does not appear in the user guide is an obvious advantage over Computer Based Training (CBT).”

Barry Jones, Sales Manager at Kelvin Hughes, adds,

“Training is the key to safe and effective introduction of ECDIS for primary navigation and we are delighted that ECDIS Ltd are providing generic and type specific training on our multi-function MantaDigital ECDIS. With staff that is well known for its experience and capability we believe that ECDIS Ltd deliver some of the best ECDIS training available anywhere in the world to our customers.”

 

Complimentary Manual with ECDIS Courses

Complimentary Manual with ECDIS Courses

A complimentary ECDIS Manual that retails at £350 + VAT is being offered to all attendees on any MCA approved IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS Course delivered by ECDIS Ltd, on all dates in August and November 2012. The ECDIS Manual written by Peter Thornton MBE is published by Witherby Seamanship. The course cost is still only £695 (+VAT) making this excellent value for money whilst stocks last.

The ECDIS Manual talks about the good, the bad and the ugly of ECDIS including case studies on ECDIS related incidents and sharing best practices. The ECDIS Manual also includes a volume dedicated to ECDIS references and a copy of all the symbols used in the S-52 presentation library allowing the mariner to obtain more information about charted symbols without having to access the internet or move the screen away from the current position. The ECDIS Manual is an excellent accompaniment to the IMO 1.27 Model Course.

 

Joe Sloly, Customer Development Manager, says,

“It is nice to be able to give something to the customer that is going to benefit everyone onboard ship and not just those who come through ECDIS Ltd’s doors. When problems arise on ship they can initially turn to the ECDIS Manual to seek generic advice followed by contacting one of our Trainers for more in depth advice as part of our ongoing customer support that is offered to every student we train.”

Mark Broster of ECDIS Ltd adds,

“We are very proud to offer our MCA courses, and every student goes away not only much more aware of the good and the bad of ECDIS, but also with an excellent book which we hope will go a long way in helping to increase the standard of electronic navigation world-wide – which is the aim for all of us in the ECDIS industry.”

The ECDIS Manual

The ECDIS Manual is available for purchase from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.

Written by:       ECDIS Ltd
Published by: Witherby Seamanship International Ltd

ISBN 978-1-85609-507-5
Book £350 +VAT

eBook £350     (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)

The ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ is available from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.

Written by:       ECDIS Ltd
Published by: Witherby Seamanship International Ltd
ISBN 978-1-85609-535-8
Book £75 + VAT

eBook £75       (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). A forward thinking company, they have pioneered the embodiment of ECDIS in SMS procedures with the ECDIS Procedures Guide and have paved the way for a better understanding of ECDIS with the ECDIS Manual. ECDIS Ltd specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

 

 

For further information:

Natalie Robson

ECDIS Ltd

Ground Floor

Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway

Solent Business Park

Whiteley

Fareham

PO15 7AN

United Kingdom

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: Robson@ecdis.org

Web: www.ecdis.org

 

 

 

ECDIS ‘Top Guns’ Announced

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

16 May 2012

ECDIS ‘Top Guns’ Announced

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd are celebrating over two years award of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM) sponsored ECDIS prize.  The prize is awarded to the best ECDIS student of the month and is eligible to all those undertaking a generic IMO 1.27 ECDIS training course with ECDIS Ltd.  In recognition of their success, the worthy recipient receives an elegant gift and a plaque with the student’s name on it adorns the ‘Ship’s Wheel’ at ECDIS Ltd’s facility.  A list of past winners can be found at the following link www.ecdis.org/training/awards.

 The origin of the Honourable Company may be traced to the Annual Shipmasters’ Dinner held in Liverpool on 2nd March 1921.  Sir Burton-Chadwick suggested that the profession was entitled to form, and was capable of forming, a Guild or Company very much on the lines of the old City of London Livery Companies.  His vision was realised on 25th June 1926 with the formation of the Company of Master Mariners.  Her Majesty the Queen became the Honourable Company’s Patron in 1952.  His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was Master from 1954 to 1957, and then became Admiral of the Company – a post he holds to this day.  His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales was Master from 1988 to 1990.

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations & Standards at ECDIS Ltd, says,

“All at ECDIS Ltd are immensely proud of the company’s link with the HCMM and are extremely honoured that they are sponsoring one of our prizes.  By doing so they are actively encouraging mariners not to simply meet the mandated minimum requirement of certification, but to strive to constantly improve and better themselves in the field of navigation and ECDIS in particular.  Professional development is the application of the will of the individual to build upon knowledge acquired through education, training and experience; something which lies at the heart of ECDIS Ltd and the HCMM.”

The citation reads: “The HCMM prize for the best student of the ECDIS Ltd training course in the safe use and management of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems.”

The HCMM added,

“The Honourable Company has as its core purpose the maintenance of standards and professionalism of Deck Officers of the Merchant Service and the continuing need to incorporate modern technologies in the operation of and management of command facilities at sea and particularly in the area of navigational safety.  The Master Mariners are proud to support the work of ECDIS Ltd in this field.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone

Director of Operations & Standards

ECDIS Ltd

Ground Floor

Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway

Solent Business Park

Whiteley

Fareham

PO15 7AN

United Kingdom

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: instone@ecdis.org 

Web: www.ecdis.org

 

 

  

 

  
 

 

 

ECDIS Ltd Train Condor Ferries Crews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

03 May 2012

ECDIS Ltd Train Condor Ferries Crews

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd have completed delivery of ECDIS training to Condor Ferries crews.  The training consisted of delivery of Generic 5 day ECDIS courses and included provision of type specific training for the equipment they have fitted onboard their vessels. 

Condor Ferries operates Condor Vitesse, Condor Express, and Condor Rapide fast cat ferries and Commodore Clipper, a conventional car, passenger and freight carrying vessel. Each year Condor Ferries carries more than 1 million passengers and 200,000 passenger vehicles.

 

Condor Ferries ‘fast cat’ ferry.

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations & Standards at ECDIS Ltd, says,

“We are very proud to have delivered ECDIS training to Condor crews.  Training consisted of our 5 day MCA approved ECDIS course.  In addition to receiving a generic certificate, attendees also received a type specific certificate as the equipment used for the duration of the course was the same as that fitted onboard.”

Captain Fran Collins, Operations Director at Condor Ferries, adds,

“Over the last six months we have been working with EDCIS Ltd to provide our officers with Generic and Type Specific ECDIS training, and to refine our ECDIS operating procedures.  Feedback from those attending the courses has been very positive with regard to the facilities and in particular the way the training is delivered.  Even those who have had extensive experience with the equipment have found the five day course worthwhile.”  

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
Ground Floor
Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7AN
United Kingdom
 
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

Publication of ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’

The procedures contained in the ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ are recommendations, designed to accompany a ship’s safety management system (SMS), regarding the use of ECDIS for navigation for voyage planning and while at sea.

Regulations require navigating officers to adopt and adhere to new watchkeeping routines and practices to support the use of ECDIS. The ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ contains a practical and concise framework, with supporting information and checklists, to help companies implement best practice in the use of ECDIS.

The ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ contains information on:

  • Policy
  • training
  • use of ECDIS for navigation
  • use of ECDIS on Passage
  • route planning
  • chart updating
  • administration and records.

Examples include type-specific course content and log examples for manual corrections, spot checks and chart updates.

When asked how the Guide came to be written, Mal Instone, Director at ECDIS Ltd and author of the ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ explained that:

Many of the ship owners who were early adopters of ECDIS approached ECDIS Ltd directly, requesting our assistance to help them develop and implement robust operating procedures for use onboard their ships and appropriate to the make of ECDIS in use”.

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd, went on to explain that

we all realised that the natural next step was to develop a generic set of procedures that could be used by all merchant vessels and we identified Witherbys as the most appropriate publisher to help us with the project.”

The ‘ECDIS Procedures Guide’ is available from Witherby Seamanship at www.witherbyseamanship.com and at all good maritime chart and book stockists.

Written by:        ECDIS Ltd
Published by:    Witherby Seamanship International Ltd
Book £75          ISBN 978-1-85609-535-8
eBook £75         eISBN                                                   (eBook excludes any applicable taxes)

ECDIS entry in to force requirements:
The regulations concerning the fitting of ECDIS onboard ship commences its entry in to force phase from
1 July 2012, where a ship may navigate with an approved ECDIS as the primary means of navigation if:

  • Sufficient official data, adequate for the intended passage, is installed (ENC and RNC)
  • the installed ECDIS is type-approved
  • a second type-approved ECDIS is installed as a backup (or there is a full paper chart back-up)
  • adequate generic and type-specific training has taken place
  • any additional requirements laid down the by flag State are fulfilled.

About Witherbys:

Witherby Seamanship is an independent publisher of regulatory and technical books for the marine industry, publishing for bodies such as OCIMF, SIGTTO and ITOPF as well as suite of its own titles for both deck and engineering operations.

Witherby Seamanship has also been involved in producing, protecting and publishing eBooks for more than 10 years, and it is calculated that there are over 250,000 Witherby Seamanship eBooks in use today.

In 2011, Witherby Seamanship was appointed as digital publisher of the official electronic versions of Codes and Conventions for IMO.

About ECDIS Ltd:

The team at ECDIS Ltd are widely considered to rank amongst the world experts in ECDIS, providing subject matter expertise to manufacturers, organisations and technical publishers. They are fully conversant with both traditional and digital navigation and specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and accredited Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems, delivering static training in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training at a location of the customer’s choosing.

For further information contact:

Witherby Publishing Group
 
Clare Barron
Sales & Marketing
Witherby Publishing Group
Tel:   +44 (0)1506 463 227
clare@emailws.com
ECDIS Ltd
Amy Shelton
Marketing Manager
ECDIS Ltd 
Tel: +44 (0)1489 559 677
shelton@ecdis.org
 

 

ECDIS Ltd Partner with JRC

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

19 March 2012

ECDIS Ltd Partner with JRC

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd are pleased to announce a new partnership agreement with leading manufacturer Japan Radio Company (JRC).  As a training partner ECDIS Ltd will deliver MCA and DNV approved Generic and Nautical Institute accredited Type Specific (Equipment Specific) training on JRC ECDIS software.  Delivery of courses on JRC ECDIS has begun and ECDIS Ltd has successfully delivered JRC training on several continents already.

JRC has built up a very sound reputation for delivering and supporting robust and reliable navigation and communications equipment for use in one of the harshest environments on earth.   JRC ECDIS are ergonomically designed to enhance the working environment and man/machine interfaces, providing continuous position and navigational safety information.

JRC’s John van Gelder with ECDIS Ltd’s Mal Instone at JRC Europe HQ in Amsterdam.

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd, says,

“It represents another milestone in our company that we have partnered with such a large, well respected and truly global ECDIS manufacturer.  However, our aim remains the same, to represent all ECDIS manufacturers in order to facilitate the highest standards of ECDIS training, whether it is generic 1.27 or type specific training both statically and portably worldwide.  With our reputation as the leading authority on training and consultancy in the still-emerging and complicated world of ECDIS, being the appointed JRC training partner will undoubtedly benefit the mariner at sea.”

ECDIS Ltd course literature for delivery of Generic and Type Specific JRC ECDIS courses.

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations & Standards, adds,

“Considerable time and effort goes into the development of our ECDIS courses to ensure that they are of the highest quality, and the new JRC courses are no different.  ECDIS Ltd’s comprehensive course content is delivered by consummate professionals with extensive knowledge and experience of navigating with ECDIS.  The result is the very best ECDIS training available anywhere in the world.”

Mr John van Gelder at JRC Europe, adds,

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with ECDIS Ltd., a company known for its well trained staff and their electronic navigation experience.  Even with the IMO vessel specific installation deadlines still to enter into force, many ship owners have already chosen paperless sailing and for us it was a natural choice to partner with ECDIS Ltd., which is something that will greatly benefit owners, ship managers and undoubtedly officers on the bridge today and for many years to come.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

For further information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
Ground Floor
Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7AN
United Kingdom
 
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd Open New State of the Art Training Facility

PRESS RELEASE

05 March 2012

ECDIS Ltd Open New State of the Art Training Facility

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd are pleased to announce the opening of their new purpose built state of the art training facility near Southampton in the UK.  The larger facility means that ECDIS Ltd has the ability to provide an increased supply of multiple approved Generic and Type Specific training on a number of the leading manufacturer’s software every week of the year.

ECDIS Ltd is renowned for providing the most comprehensive approved ECDIS training to be found anywhere in the world.  Their generic ECDIS courses have been developed for use on the leading manufacturer’s equipment, are approved by Flag State and are delivered by navigators experienced in using ECDIS at sea.  Their Type Specific training is available on the leading brands and is accredited by the Nautical Institute, a world first.

 

ECDIS Ltd’s new state of the art facility in Southampton, UK.

 

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd, says,

“This is a substantial milestone for ECDIS Ltd.  We have not only pooled together the brightest experts in ECDIS, but we have a 4500 square foot facility that houses the leading manufacturer’s equipment.  We are training multiple approved IMO 1.27 Generic and Type Specific courses to the international market week in, week out.  The new facility will also be used by related organisations and shipping companies who wish to utilise our simulators and ECDIS systems for their training.  Over the next few months we are opening up 2 more classrooms to increase our supply here in the UK.  The facility also acts as an excellent base for our ever growing international mobile training, where we teach both IMO 1.27 and Type Specific courses at a location of the customer’s choosing, such as onboard ship.” 

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations at ECDIS Ltd, adds,

“It is worth noting that our new facility is not only for delivering training courses, but is also a place where the maritime industry can view the various ECDIS equipment available. Shipping companies should feel free to contact ECDIS Ltd to discuss their ECDIS needs, knowing that they are more than welcome to visit for free consultancy.  The facility is already used as an outlet for all within the industry, from ECDIS purchasers to journalists. We have a wide range of ECDIS systems for you to trial, on-hand experts to talk to and literature of related material from charting options to ECDIS brochures to take away.”

Ends

  

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses and Equipment Specific training on an extensive number of systems.  Static training is delivered in their state of the art Training Centre near Southampton (UK) and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1500 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas. Equipment Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
Ground Floor
Atlantic 3600 Building Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7AN
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd Install SIMRAD ECDIS in the e-Navigation Centre

PRESS RELEASE

11 July 2011

ECDIS Ltd Install SIMRAD ECDIS in the e-Navigation Centre

UK based ECDIS training and consultancy company ECDIS Ltd are pleased to announce the signing of a new agreement with leading manufacturer Simrad, to provide flag-state approved training on Simrad’s CS68 ECDIS software.  The agreement has seen the installation of a Simrad terminal in ECDIS Ltd’s e-Navigation Centre, as well as the ability to provide mobile generic and type specific training on Simrad ECDIS software.

Simrad’s CS68 is recognised as one of the most reliable ECDIS in the world.  Having been designed to withstand the roughest conditions at sea, it features a shock-mounted central processing unit and a choice of input devices.  It is the only type-approved ECDIS that runs on 24VDc, which combined with its competitive pricing, makes it ideally suited to for all vessel types.  The system also features a unique voice alarm system, which provides the operator with specific warnings distinguishable from other bridge alarms, rather than the generic buzzer found on other systems.

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd, says,

The SIMRAD ECDIS suite takes its place in the e-Navigation Centre.

 

“Our company aim is to represent as many ECDIS manufacturers as possible in order to promote quality and usability across the market.  With our position as the leading authority on training and consultancy in the still-emerging and complicated world of ECDIS, strengthening our partnership with Simrad will benefit the end-user considerably; that is, the operator at sea.”

Philip Such, Key Account Manager at Simrad’s parent company Navico, adds,

“We recognise the pedigree and highest quality of training provided by ECDIS Ltd, so it makes perfect sense to partner with them for both our provision of training and to allow for continued improvement of our product.”

The two companies are also looking at plans to open a new dedicated Simrad ECDIS training facility in the Netherlands, later this year.

Ends

 

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS.  Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom
 
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

Totem Plus Partner ECDIS Ltd

Press release: New agreement between Totem Plus and ECDIS Ltd.

Totem Plus has joined other major ECDIS manufacturers and has agreed to partner ECDIS LTD.  This will enable training to be conducted on its TOTEM ECDIS in ECDIS LTD’s new e-Navigation Centre in Southampton, UK. The training will be based on ECDIS LTD’s flagship MCA accredited IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS course. 

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.  Type Specific training is accredited by the Nautical Institute.

TOTEM ECDIS is a fully approved ECDIS by Totem Plus that in many respects is revolutionary.  Known for its intuitive and easy operation, TOTEM ECDIS comes with numerous benefits and new features. As well as offering Dynamic Chart Licensing (pay ONLY for charts you use), an important feature is the ability to receive and send messages via AIS. However, perhaps the most ground breaking feature is the COLREGS ADVISER, a collision avoidance decision support tool.  The COLREGS ADVISER analyzes the position, course and speed of all the ships in the vicinity, and advises the Master or OOW on the best course to take in order to avoid collision in accordance with  the legal requirements of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS). 

More information on Totem Plus ECDIS system can be found in WWW.TOTEMPLUS.COM .

For further information:
 
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: info@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

 

 

ECDIS Training for Pilots

Courses underway in the e-Navigation Centre

Marine navigation is currently experiencing its greatest reform since the introduction of radio communications and the development of radar – some argue even as big as the transition from sail to steam. The change is affecting everyone from deck officers to chart agents, fleet superintendents to inspecting officers and crewing managers to pilots.

 

In case you’ve been living underground for the last few years, I’m talking about the mandatory introduction of ECDIS to the world’s fleets. Electronic Chart Display Information Systems, to give them their full name, are a specialised form of GIS (Geographic Information System) built to meet strict performance standards laid down by the IMO, the latest version of which, MSC.232(82), was published in December 2006.

What is unique about ECDIS is that together with correctly installed official electronic charts (ENCs, or RNCs in RCDS mode) and appropriate training, it satisfies the legal carriage requirements for charts, as laid down in SOLAS Chapter V. It is important to note that ECDIS is all too frequently confused with its lesser cousin ECS (simply, Electronic Chart Systems), whom although subject to an ISO database standard (laid down in ISO 19379), do not meet the SOLAS carriage requirements and therefore cannot replace paper charts. Furthermore, readers should be aware that contrary to popular misinformation, ECDIS is in no way reliant upon a GNSS (GPS) input; it can continue to be effectively monitored in Dead Reckoning (DR) mode, with traditional visual/radar fixing methods.

As it stands, many ships say they have an ECDIS fitted, but the reality is less than 5% of the world’s fleet have correctly installed a type-approved system that satisfies all of the regulations associated with the rolling installation programme mandated by the IMO in June 2009. Furthermore, when the Manila amendments to STCW come into force on 1st January 2012, every deck officer who keeps a bridge watch is now required to have completed formal ECDIS training, both in generic principles and, in many cases (flag state dependent), the specific operation of each system he will use.

Aside from the expense and differences in flag-state regulations, the hardware and training requirements for shipping companies and their crews are actually quite clear-cut and simple; install a system and train your crews on that system.

By contrast, one group of seafaring individuals has been somewhat forgotten by this technological revolution. Pilots play an essential role in the shipping industry, by ensuring vessels complete the inherently dangerous initial and final stages of their voyage without incident. Their ability to do this, of course, relies on intricate local knowledge of an area, but almost certainly requires reference to a nautical chart, if not just to explain the situation to a ship’s master. Given that ECDIS is now becoming that very chart, a pilot needs to understand the differences he will witness.

In its role of fusing navigational information in a single display, an ECDIS screen can provide an up-to-the-second indication of the movement – and predicted movement – of the vessel. This can be of considerable reassurance to both the pilot and master, as tight turns are negotiated and the final stages of berthing are completed.

More crucially, another benefit of ECDIS is the ability to tailor the display to the navigational task at hand whether that be ocean passage by day or anchoring by night. The mariner can specify the draught of his vessel and the system will automatically delineate between safe and unsafe water with a so-called “safety contour”. He can also choose what features to display on his chart, whether that be object names, light sectors or shallow water pattern, for example. When correctly configured, the system will also alert the mariner of pending dangers; a particularly useful safety feature, if correctly employed.

The implication of this is that no two ECDIS are likely to be configured identically, so if a pilot arrives at onboard with no knowledge or understanding of what to expect from a system, how can he impart his knowledge to the bridge team? How can he ask, for example, for soundings to be displayed, if he is not aware that this option is configurable? How can he alert Port State Control to deficiencies in a ship’s navigational fit if he is does not understand the legal aspects of ECDIS installation and employment?

The author, Mike Pearsall, delivers an ECDIS course to pilots from the Port of London Authority (PLA)

Recently, there has been some debate as to how pilots should be trained in ECDIS but gradually it seems that the need to take ECDIS seriously is gaining momentum. The United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency states that to revalidate a Certificate of Competency (CoC), they “accept time spent as pilot as suitable”, but in light of the new STCW amendments, certificate holders must have completed [generic] ECDIS training. Those individuals who have failed to do so will have their CoC endorsed “Not for use on ECDIS equipped ships” upon re-validation. There is no requirement to complete equipment-specific ECDIS training.

 

In summary, for those pilots who require a valid CoC to work within their authority, they will need to have completed an IMO 1.27 ECDIS course in order to revalidate after 31st December 2011, when the STCW amendments come into force. However, even for those that don’t require a valid CoC to work as a pilot, Don Cockrill, Chairman of the UKMPA points out, “clearly from a professional perspective [ECDIS training] is desirable and there may be post-incident legal implications for a pilot that has not undertaken any appropriate ECDIS training”.

To date, ECDIS Ltd, global providers of flag-state approved ECDIS training, based in Southampton, UK, has trained pilots from Nigeria, Kuwait and the United Kingdom and during the course of writing this article, the author has personally delivered an IMO 1.27 generic ECDIS course to two groups of pilots from the Port of London Authority (PLA). Within the UK, the PLA has taken the lead in training their pilots in this new technology, and to assist the process, ECDIS Ltd have developed additional bespoke modules for their course. These extra modules include familiarisation with a range of different manufacturers’ systems, as well as an exercise that highlights an incorrectly and dangerously configured system that, to an untrained eye, might appear to be without fault.

John Clandillon-Baker FNI, PLA pilot and editor of The Pilot, the magazine of the United Kingdom Maritime Pilots’ Association (UKMPA), stated that he and his colleagues both “needed and wanted to undertake ECDIS training to better understand the new technology”. Realising that “without paper, ECDIS is a fundamental feature of ship’s safety”, John said they were keen to “be able to utilise certain basic functions” and to ascertain faults with a system setup.

Kevin Vallance of Europilots, summed up in his report to Trinity House following the inaugural ECDIS Revolution conference, held last November. He said, “It appears to me that the challenge for pilots is that in embracing fully the benefits to safety of navigation that ECDIS can give us, we must also be wary of any problems, wither foreseen or unforeseen, which can occur.”

By Mike Pearsall

Business Development Manager, ECDIS Ltd

WECDIS: How Will Your Navy Make The Transition?

Introduction

The emergence of new technology in the field of warfare has seen most facets of naval operations computerised or digitised in the quest to build, display and manipulate the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) to our advantage.  It is therefore surprising that many military fleets are still navigating using paper charts, as the advantages and efficiencies available if ECDIS systems are used properly for navigation are significant.  Furthermore, by enhancing such systems with additional functionality for war fighting (WECDIS) the operator is provided with the tools, overlays and information required to efficiently protect and ultimately fight the ship.

Following the high profile grounding of HMS Nottingham, the Royal Navy (RN) made the bold decision to embark on a Fleet wide WECDIS fit.  As the first navy to do so, they have pioneered the use of WECDIS at sea and to date have not incurred a WECDIS related collision or grounding.  In short, the RN has shown that it is feasible to trust this new technology and make it work.  However, for those that wish to follow the example of the RN the task can seem more than a little daunting.  Faced with a blank piece of paper you now need to formulate a plan to ‘go digital’.

 

Going Digital

The transition to digital is not a case of simply buying any ECDIS system and hoping for the best.  This may seem the easiest option, but I can assure you that what looks like the light at the end of the tunnel is the headlight of an oncoming train.  Instead, this should be viewed as a major project that requires significant thought and planning.  The process can be simplified if we break it down one step at a time to ensure that all data is captured:

Step 1 – Capability Requirement i.e. Establish what you need.

Step 2 – Additional Requirement i.e. Consider the wider implications.

Step 3 – Consolidation i.e. Have we missed anything?

Step 4 – Equipment Purchase and Fit i.e. Make a decision on equipment and fit programme.

Step 5 – Training i.e. Start training.

Step 6 – Digital Transition i.e. Go paperless.

 

Step 1 – Capability Requirement

First, it is necessary to establish exactly what you need with regard to the WECDIS, both in terms of navigation and operational.  The point is that making the digital transition in the military is far more complicated than for a vessel that simply travels from port to port.  Due consideration must be given to thinking through all the evolutions that were conducted using paper charts to ensure that they can be achieved on WECDIS with suitable back up, redundancy and the robustness that is required in the military.  A list needs to be made of what your expectations are from the WECDIS.  If they cannot be met, will you ever truly be able to ‘go digital’?

 

Navigation

 

Essentially, you must consider whether or not you wish to transfer your existing paper navigational methods and procedures to WECDIS.  If so, with regard to the equipment, ask yourself the following (not exhaustive and in no particular order):

  • Can we plan berth to berth?
  • Can we utilise headmarks, sternmarks and beam marks in our planning?
  • Can we utilise wheel over bearings?
  • Can the system construct accurate turns utilising Advance and Transfer?
  • Can the system calculate turns when a tidal stream is present?
  • Will it accept tidal and environmental information such as Admiralty Total Tide?
  • Can it utilise our shape, characteristics and hydrodynamic data for precise navigation?
  • Who will produce and input ship specific (perhaps confidential) information into the system?
  • How will the navigator brief the port entry and exit if there is no paper chart to display?
  • Can we network a printer to print out screenshots (for the navigator’s notebook, for example)?
  • Can we print out passage plans and related information?
  • How are we going to operate in areas of GPS denial?
  • Does it work well without GPS?
  • Can we manually fix position with visual bearings?
  • Can we manually fix position with radar ranges?
  • Can we plot a position using transferred position lines?
  • Can we plot horizontal and vertical sextant angles?
  • Can we accurately define safe water in confined waters?
  • Can we construct Limiting Danger Lines?
  • Can we construct Clearing Bearings?
  • How will navigation be conducted in emergency for example, when operating from the emergency conning position without paper charts?

Of course, not all considerations above will be relevant to you, but care must be taken to ensure that the requirement is captured as not all systems can achieve all of the above list.

Operational

With regard to the operational aspect of WECDIS, consider the following (not exhaustive and in no particular order):

  • How are we going to plot our helicopter position?
  • How are we going to plot the location of a possible submarine?
  • How are we going to plot the location of our seaboat, landing craft or tenders?
  • Can we use the system for waterspace management?
  • Can we display moving havens?
  • Can we display weapon arcs?
  • Can we display enemy weapon arcs?
  • Can it display Additional Military Layers (AML) that we may require for tactical purposes?
  • Does it offer greater security with regard to login?
  • Can I plot different grids for operations with NATO and for NGS?
  • Can it help with Force Protection?
  • Can it utilise recognised tactical symbology?
  • Can it display military exercise areas?
  • Can it make areas alarmable?
  • Can we feed RMP data from command systems in order to improve special awareness?
  • Can it be used in conjunction with optimum route planning software?
  • Can it be used in conjunction with shipping databases such as Lloyd’s Register Fairplay?
  • Can the system predict a MOB position using set and drift or is it just a reference point?

Submarines

  • Is the system appropriate for use on submarines?
  • Can we conduct dived navigation on this system?
  • Can we fix using bottom contours?
  • Can we fix using Pool of Errors (POE)?
  • Can we use Target Motion Analysis (TMA)?

WECDIS equipment capability has advanced considerably over the years and varies from system to system.  Not all systems will be able to achieve the above lists, but some can.  At this stage please consider taking free independent advice from ECDIS Ltd as to the most appropriate system for your needs.  However, to reiterate, first and foremost the system will be utilised as a navigation aid.  Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the system can reflect your standards of chart work and navigation.  If it cannot, then you may have to change your tried and tested methods.  Consider that if the chosen system cannot achieve your requirement, you may be forced to dust off the old paper charts when entering a tactical scenario.  This would clearly defeat the aim, which is after all, to go fully digital.

It is at this early stage that a decision needs to be made as to whether the plan is to equip the fleet with a single equipment solution, or whether different types of equipment spread amongst the fleet will be considered.  Clearly, the ramifications of fitting your fleet with varying types of equipment will be enormous, from different levels of capability and an inability to transfer data between systems, to the need to produce multiple training streams for crews, technical training for engineers and so on.

 

Step 2 – Additional Requirement

Experience has shown me that the cheapest option on paper may end up being the most expensive overall when you add in the other elements beyond the initial hardware tender.  Training, for example is a significant factor, as is integration of existing sensors and the tactical use of Warship AIS (WAIS).  It may be too late to change once you have bought for the fleet so this is where you must ensure the longevity of your system and do as much as possible to future proof it.  Ask yourself again, what do you want the WECDIS to do?  Let us now consider the bigger picture (not exhaustive and in no particular order):

Hardware

  • Is there an ECDIS system that best suits your class of ship?
  • How many vessels require fitting with ECDIS?
  • What is the cost of fitting?
  • Where are the vessels going to be fitted (fit cost may vary dependent upon location)?
  • How many systems do you need – two per ship?
  • What screen size do you require for the display?
  • What are the requirements for display power, housings and brackets?
  • What is the support package available?
  • How long does the warranty last?
  • Will the systems be networked on a LAN?
  • Do you want an additional remote terminal for planning or emergencies?
  • Do you need repeats in the CO’s cabin, charthouse or operations room?
  • Do you need a repeat in the machinery control room for MARPOL purposes?
  • How much are additional software licenses?
  • How long does the warranty last?
  • How much are the inevitable upgrades to the software and presentation library?

 

Integration

  • Do you require integration with a bridge Alarm Management System?
  • Can it integrate with existing sensors such as GNSS, Log, Gyro and Echosounder?
  • Can it integrate with existing Radar and provide Radar Image Overlay (RIO)?
  • Can it integrate with NAVTEX?
  • Can it integrate with the existing autopilot or Track Control device?

Remember that the Performance Standards for ECDIS (IMO A.817(19), revised by MSC 232(82)) state that as a minimum, ECDIS should be connected to the ship’s position fixing system, to the gyro compass and to the speed and distance measuring device.  Note that for ships not fitted with a gyro compass, ECDIS should be connected to a marine transmitting heading device.  When connecting to additional sensors, ECDIS should not degrade the performance of any equipment providing sensor inputs, and the connection of optional equipment should not degrade the performance of ECDIS below the set standard.

Software

  • Do you need specific planning software?
  • Do you require Conning and Docking functionality?
  • Do you require navigation tools such as Predictor and Trial Manoeuvring?
  • Do you require an electronic Logbook function?
  • How much are additional software licenses?
  • How much are the inevitable upgrades to the software and presentation library?

 

Tactical

  • Do you want live and secure WECDIS to WECDIS communications?
  • Do you want an additional remote terminal for planning or emergencies?
  • Do I want equipment that is likely to be fitted throughout the fleet of my allies to promote more joint planning during operations or exchanges?
  • Do you need to exploit AIS by using WAIS?
  • Do you want to store spare parts to support your fleet?
  • How much are spare parts?
  • What is the availability of spare parts?

Charts and Miscellaneous

  • Can the manufacturer provide equipment procedures and check-off cards?
  • Can the system utilise the charts that you are used to?
  • Do you require ENCs and RNCs?
  • Do you require DNCs?
  • Do you require Ice charts?
  • Can it display the Admiralty Information Overlay?
  • Will you require an additional (appropriate) folio of paper charts?
  • How will folios be updated?
  • Will the systems be linked to the internet for updating purposes?
  • If connecting to the internet an approved firewall and antivirus protector are required.
  • Can you be assured of confidentiality on the project with all the interested members?

Training

  • Is there ‘on site’ training available with the manufacturer?
  • If not, where can I train my personnel on this equipment?
  • What standards of training are required – STCW?
  • Is there an option to purchase the approved training courses from the manufacturer to save the cost of time and money in producing one ‘in house’?
  • Can I pay a ‘per head’ cost to have personnel trained on site and simply offset the entire headache of purchasing and developing an ‘in house’ solution?
  • Do we require technical training for our engineers?

Training is integral to a successful transition from paper charts to WECDIS.  Crews need to be properly trained in the use of their system in order to navigate safely and ultimately to fight the ship.  This is not something that can be taken lightly as training cannot be conducted in a few hours.  WECDIS presents a step change in the way we conduct navigation at sea, and as a critical system this needs great care and consideration in order to get the most out of the equipment whilst maintaining safety.  The following courses will be required:

  • A Flag State approved IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS Course (40 hrs or 5 days).
  • Equipment Specific training course if different manufacturer’s equipment has been fitted (recommended duration 8 hrs or 1 day).

It is essential that training is considered well in advance of the WECDIS fit to reduce the period of time between training and onboard use to avoid skill fade.  Note that some Flag states such as the MCA now require equipment specific training in addition to the 5 day generic ECDIS training course.  This ECDIS ‘ship specific equipment training’ should relate to the make and model of the equipment fitted on the ship on which they are currently serving.  That is to say, it will be necessary to attend a training course for each different system a Master or Navigation Officer is expected to operate.  Although this has been part of ISM for some time, the MCA specifically states that ‘trickle down training’ (i.e. one officer training another) is not acceptable as, inevitably, it leads to incomplete knowledge of the equipments capabilities, and especially the lesser used functions, being passed on.

It can be seen therefore, that the training burden is significant if multiple systems are in use throughout the fleet and where Flag State approved generic training is not available on your chosen system.  Due consideration must also be given to the fact that the above courses are not necessarily for life as they may need to be undertaken at stated intervals or if the equipment significantly changes.

The training element is going to take a lot of time, particularly with a large fleet.  However, you do not need to wait for the fit programme to start before embarking on the training programme.  By doing so you will alleviate pressure and have trained personnel ready to begin the next phase of the project.

It is worthwhile trying to keep this as simple as possible by having the equipment and training providers working together as this makes life much easier.  Keeping the number of interested parties to a minimum is surely the safest way to ensure confidentiality and efficiency?

 

Step 3 – Consolidation

Now take a step back and make sure that we are not missing anything before we purchase the equipment.  What are the key elements that must be satisfied when choosing your WECDIS?  You must be able to place a tick in the box next to all of the below questions at the beginning of this adventure, or you are slowly heading towards the inevitable disaster!  With regards to the equipment:

Is it ready now?
Is it type approved ECIDS?
Can it deliver military symbology?
Can it integrate with existing sensors?
Can it employ my navigation techniques?
Does it offer proven pedigree and global support?
Will it come with a full military edged training solution?
Have I balanced the best product with the overall price?
Is it ‘future proof’ and easily upgradable for new techniques?
Will the whole package allow my fleet to ‘go digital’ with minimum fuss?

 

Step 4 – Equipment Purchase and Fit

All the work conducted producing the requirement is now complete and the effort expended will hopefully be rewarded.  The next stage is to make a decision on which equipment is the most appropriate for your needs, based upon the work conducted in the earlier steps.  If you are intending to conduct training ‘in house’, then consider Step 5 prior to purchasing equipment as there are additional purchases and considerations to make.  Once the decision is made the equipment can be purchased.

When constructing the fit programme consider what ships will be fitted first and last.  Of course, this may ultimately depend on the fleet operations, maintenance and refit schedule.   It is worthwhile documenting lessons learnt from the first fit so that mistakes are not duplicated throughout the fit.  Furthermore, maintain some form of continuity of fit personnel to ensure that standards are maintained with as few irregularities between ships as possible.  Once equipment is fitted it is essential that the equipment is properly integrated with sensors, aligned with Radar Image Overlay (RIO) and tested with a set to work package to ensure that what you have got is what you have bought.

 

Step 5 – Training

Training is one of the most important aspects of the entire process.  It is a fact that some military vessels are under no obligation to conform to STCW training requirements, but most do.  Perhaps it is because they want to give their personnel a recognised civilian accreditation, or because they are nervous about the legal outcome of a collision at sea, or because they want to exceed the highest standards and not cut corners.  Either way, you must consider the time and manpower cost of producing the following:

  • A stand alone ECDIS course, bespoke for the equipment purchased.
  • A course to teach the WECDIS element, bespoke for the equipment purchased.
  • Gaining Flag State Course approval.
  • Classroom equipment and training consoles.
  • Training licenses for software.
  • Provision of a bridge simulator.
  • Integration of ECDIS into the bridge simulator.
  • ECDIS/WECDIS instructors.

All the above takes considerable time, money and most importantly expertise.  I cannot emphasise enough the importance of considering training at the very beginning of the process.

Generally speaking, the military have specialist roles on board that will need to use the equipment in very different ways.  Therefore, it is a recommendation that such individuals receive bespoke training elements.  The following courses and elements may be required:

Courses

  • A Flag State approved IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS Course (40 hrs or 5 days).
  • Equipment Specific training course if different manufacturer’s equipment has been fitted (8 hrs or 1 day).

Elements

  • Commanding Officers – Commanding Officers are required to check and approve the navigation plan.  To that end a module is required that teaches Commanding Officers how to check an ECDIS plan.  This can be accomplished by providing a plan with potential errors as an assessed serial.  Quality controlling an ECDIS plan in my experience is more difficult than a paper equivalent and therefore must be taken seriously.
  • Navigating Officers – Having completed the generic IMO 1.27 ECDIS course, a new Navigator will undoubtedly require a short module on how to Pilot the vessel utilising the ECDIS.  Navigation courses will have to be changed from being paper chart based to using ECDIS.
  • Officer of the Watch (OOW) – Assuming you purchase a capable WECDIS, the system should be able to plot screens and sectors, calculate relative velocity for use in OOW manoeuvres, RAS approaches, speed times distance calculations, reporting points, reference points etc. In the past, much of this data was calculated by non-commissioned Officers or ratings.  To facilitate fast and efficient injection of data, I would therefore recommend a short course that teaches how such data is input.
  • Warfare Specialists – Consider the Warfare specialist operating form the operations room, but still having ‘control’ over the bridge in certain circumstances.  Will they have a WECDIS repeat next to them for special awareness?  Consider what they may need from the WECDIS additional to basic understanding.  A short course highlighting the tactical functionality that a WECDIS can give is recommended.
  • Technical Training – Consider that there may be a requirement for maintenance and defect rectification to be conducted onboard.  It may be that the Weapon Engineering branch are responsible for example, but they will require training in how to fault find and rectify the equipment fault.  Remember, this is a critical system.

The important point is that it is vital to get the whole team involved.  The WECDIS in not solely a tool for the navigating officer – in the past the paper chart was never hidden from the crew.  Therefore, the more people that are aware of the system then the more quality control that can be achieved and ultimately the higher the standards of safety and efficiency that will result.

Due consideration must be given to the fact that the above courses are not necessarily for life.  They may need to be undertaken again if the equipment significantly changes, or as ‘top up’ modules for individuals that have changed roles throughout their career, or even for those that are going back to sea following time ashore.

The training element is going to take a lot of time, particularly with a large fleet.  However, you do not need to wait for the fit programme to start before embarking on the training programme.  By doing so you will alleviate pressure and have trained personnel ready to begin the next phase of the project.  However, it is worth bearing in mind that willingness and support is needed from the fleet to see this through properly.

 

Step 6 – Digital Transition

 

The final phase of the process is to conduct the transition from navigating with paper charts to being accredited to navigate paperless using WECDIS.  If you have opted out of STCW then you will be the arbiter of standards.  However, if you must comply with STCW then your Flag State may have to be involved in this process, as they must ensure that you meet their standards.  If working with the Flag State authorities, please note that this may take time and money to achieve.

It may be necessary to nominate a lead WECDIS inspector who has intimate knowledge of the system in order to manage this process and to act as liaison between the Flag State authority and the Fleet.  Importantly, the inspector is there not only to answer any questions the ship and Flag State authority has regarding the use of WECDIS, but also to polish operator skills and ultimately risk assess their ability to ‘go digital’.  Ask the question, can you operate using WECDIS as well as, if not better than you could on paper?  It is only when you can categorically state that this has been achieved that you should authorise the reduction of your paper folio down to that required for RCDS mode or in accordance with your policy.

The accreditation process should be applied to each individual platform and be tough enough to stretch the bridge team’s use of WECDIS in all environmental and operational conditions.  Critically, the process must be tangible in that it must have clear objectives and assessment criteria.  There cannot be any vague elements in the accreditation process.  The team can either achieve the standard or they cannot.  Every member of the bridge team that can hold a bridge watch should have to go through this process in order to prove that they are confident and competent to use WECDIS to safely navigate.  For me, this was the most enjoyable part of the process as you see the results of good training and planning come to fruition.  The following are examples of assessed serials that may be included as part of the accreditation process:

  • System set-up
  • Safety settings
  • Administration
  • Documentation
  • Procedures
  • Berth to berth planning
  • Pilotage
  • Blind Pilotage
  • Coastal Navigation
  • Anchoring
  • Fixing
  • GPS denial
  • Loss of sensors
  • Tactical use of WECDIS

The assessment serials could take one day to complete per platform, or may be longer dependent upon your requirement and that of the Flag State.  It may be that serials can be conducted in a simulated environment, although the preferred option should always be to execute the serials at sea if the ship’s programme can permit.  Once the ship achieves digital accreditation it is prudent for ship’s teams to undergo this process annually in the simulator in order to maintain standards, and prove internally that they can operate using WECDIS in all operational conditions.

 

Summary

It is inevitable that every military fleet will make the transition from paper charts to ECDIS/WECDIS.  It is not only the advantages and efficiencies that can be recognised by using such equipment, but also that new build ships, be they civilian or military are now being fitted with them.  If you can excuse the military pun, ‘going digital’ can be a minefield, although the process of transition need not be if properly thought out, planned and resourced.  Take heart though, it is possible and has been achieved by many fleets.  What invariably seems an expensive and lengthy process can actually end up being cheaper and quicker than perhaps was first thought.  Remember, there is no requirement to work hard reinventing the wheel when there is a tried and tested solution out there.  Remember that we are here to help you at every step.

 

By Malcolm Instone

Director of Operations & Standards, ECDIS Ltd

 

Have you seen our range of courses?

 

ECDIS Ltd gain Nautical Institute accreditation for Type Specific ECDIS training

19 April 2011

ECDIS Ltd have successfully gained accreditation from the Nautical Institute for their Type Specific ECDIS training course. The Type Specific accreditation is the first of its kind in the world and is available now on a number of different ECDIS systems including OSI, PC Maritime, Transas and Kelvin Hughes with JRC, Simrad and Totem Plus coming soon. Courses developed around the remaining leading ECDIS systems are planned in the near future.

ECDIS Ltd training courses prepare the Mariner to use ECDIS systems to navigate safely, ultimately helping to reduce ECDIS related incidents and loss of life at sea. The Type Specific course is one day (8 hours) and includes presentations and practical exercises to ensure the trainee gets comprehensive training in the subject matter whilst building upon knowledge gained during an IMO 1.27 model course.

Experienced ECDIS navigators delivering Type Specific training on various systems

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says,

“We have responded to those mariners asking for more flexible and diverse ECDIS training by providing both STCW 1.27 Generic, and Type Specific training, as required by Flag and ISM respectively. ECDIS Ltd is unique in its ability to deliver both certificates, every day of every week, anywhere in the world. It takes time for our experts to develop each type approved course, but with such courses now being delivered by ECDIS Ltd, companies can plan for their necessary certification.”

John Dickinson, the Nautical Institute’s Head of Delegation @ IMO, adds,

“The type specific ECDIS training offered by ECDIS Ltd has now been accredited by the Nautical Institute (NI) who are satisfied that the training meets the high standards that are set out in the NI publication ‘ECDIS & Positioning’. We acknowledge the continual research and development of ECDIS Ltd into creating robust and comprehensive ECDIS training courses. Working with the leading manufacturers allows them to provide the training solutions required.”

Mal Instone, Director of Operations & Standards, adds,

“ECDIS systems offer numerous benefits compared to conventional navigation and are considered to be a significant step towards safer navigation. Experience and investigations show that many mariners are not sufficiently familiar with the basics and proper use of ECDIS. Therefore, proper training and education for watchkeepers and navigators are vital if the safety benefits of ECDIS are to be realised. Knowing how to make proper use of electronic chart systems is fundamental to safe navigation, and this new course highlights our commitment to further that premise.

Ends

ECDIS Ltd
ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Risk Mitigation

Remarkably, even though ECDIS has been accepted as a replacement for paper charts since 2002 and despite the resounding benefits of ECDIS navigation, in safety, time and cost, it is believed that only 5000 ships worldwide have an ECDIS fitted so far. So why is that? Cost, confidence or capability?

Well, we all know cost is a major ‘conning’ factor, but according to those who’ve already made the transition (not through mandation but choice) it’s actually found to pan out about equal compared with maintaining a paper chart outfit. So maybe it’s confidence in capability? Well ask anyone who’s made the ‘full’ transition whether they would go back to paper…there might just be a ‘little’ resistance! Even a ‘half way house’ where paper is supposed to remain the primary chart mode – operators would probably start to feel very uncomfortable if you took the ECDIS away. So if that’s the case and you’re sitting on the guard rail, surely it’s time to start investigating what risk is actually involved in moving the paper chart into the archives and letting go.

So as an overview of critical considerations in order to make the transition, the following may help:

ECDIS Vs ECS

There may still be a misunderstanding of what the problem is and why it’s so complicated – surely everyone’s already using electronic charts aren’t they? Well there is a fundamental difference between the two main ‘types’ of electronic chart operating system in the first place – an ECS (Electronic Chart System) and an ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System). The former is not accepted as a replacement for paper charts whereas the latter is. For an ECDIS to be an ECDIS, it must be type approved by a recognized authority to meet performance standards detailed in IMO Resolution A.817(19) as amended – specifically MSC232(82) from 01 Jan 2009 as the latest, (as well as being affected by many other associated bridge equipment standards), which in doing so can allow it to be used in lieu of a traditional paper chart (provided a suitable backup is available). It is also important to realise that if at any time an ECDIS ceases to meet the requirements – for example, by using unofficial charts, having incorrect user settings (non-IMO mode) or losing a critical sensor, the system ceases to meet those performance standards and reverts to being an ECS. Such control measures have been developing for many years now with the first set of performance standards being issued in 1995.

An ECS is useful but an ECDIS can replace paper charts – which could be a cost saving, but one that’s also already been risk assessed by the IMO. Provided it’s used correctly…

Training Vs Effect

So what about the cost of training? Do we really have to be trained in how to use an ‘electronic’ navigational chart? Can’t we just figure it out based on paper skills? Surely digital navigation is easier than paper navigation? Well all of these questions are understandable but there are significant reasons why training is so important, especially if you’re talking about risk reduction. ECDIS navigation is probably easier than paper navigation but it’s only safe once the user knows the limitations and risk of overreliance. However, before it gets easy to get it right, traditional navigators are wary – and for good reason: It’s different and it’s not just simply another new system, it’s a critical system – one that changes the way a bridge is managed. Conversely, young navigators are over confident – all hail GPS! The risk is in how ECDIS is operated – it’s not just money at stake, it’s safety of life as well – it’s safety of navigationit’s a machine and we’re humans…I would recommend for anyone involved in ECDIS navigation to read the MCA’s ‘The Human Element’ after all with 2 ships sinking, 18 collisions groundings and fires costing $4 million every day, two thirds of which humans played the dominant part…the human-machine interface makes a difference.

ECDIS adoption

  • Choose ECDIS and Data.
  • Check flag State requirements for fit, training and accreditation (avoid fit prior to training to prevent untrained ‘de-facto’ ECDIS navigation).
  • Generic training (STCW) IMO1.27 ECDIS Course (check accepted by flag State).
  • Type Specific training (ISM) chosen ECDIS familiarisation course (for each deck officer prior to joining).
  • Fit ECDIS in a timely manner to avoid skill fade from training.
  • Develop Safety Management System including CSOs while maintaining paper primary.
  • Obtain flag State survey and accreditation (if required by flag State) for adoption into Safety Equipment Certificate and approval to operate paperless.
  • Commence using ECDIS as a replacement for paper charts.

ECDIS Ltd (www.ecdis.org), based in Southampton, UK, are an organisation that specialise in providing ECDIS mandation solutions for a wide range of different manufacturer’s systems, as well as being the world’s leading provider of ECDIS courses. The MCA flagship course, delivered both directly by the company and also by other schools and organisations on a sub-contracted basis, is based on the IMO 1.27 course model, but features additional emphasis on crucial topics such as additional sensor integration and the continued use of ECDIS following the loss of sensor inputs (the minimum being heading (gyro compass), speed (log) and a GNSS system, typically GPS). Once the background and principles of ECDIS have been covered, the primary aim of the course is to discourage over-reliance on a computer and to remind the student that in the same way as paper navigation did not depend on having GPS, neither does ECDIS. Indeed, throughout the course, the continuing emphasis is risk mitigation – an ECDIS is a significant tool for situational awareness and a valuable aid to navigation, but it must be proved correct.

Coverage Vs Implementation

With the latest ECDIS performance standards having been in force since 01 Jan 2009 modern systems are far beyond that of a few years ago, all the 800 major ports and the majority of the world expected to be covered by ENCs mid 2013, the 6 year ECDIS implementation plan of ship fits starting next year coupled with the Manila Amendments clarifying STCW ECDIS training requirements coming into force 01 Jan 2012, the world is moving into the digital age swiftly. The choice of going fully digital or staying with paper is still up to the shipping companies but the fitting and training may not be. The sooner arrangements are in place to start the fleet / on-board development of digital navigation procedures then the better the system will be by the time paper charts start disappearing. The greater the understanding of the complexities, the safer the transition will be. There are now structured ECDIS navigation safety management systems out there which can be used to great effect through lessons learnt.

Variety Vs Quality

There are currently around thirty-two manufacturers of ECDIS systems which, whilst meeting the statutory requirements, do so in considerably different ways. Most systems also include a vast number of additional features, such as sailing directions or ephemeral overlays. The e-Navigation centre, based at ECDIS Ltd’s headquarters in the United Kingdom, an array of different manufacturer’s terminals is on permanent display, including Transas, Kelvin Hughes, OSL, PC Maritime and Totem Plus. Every system can be connected to the on-site simulator which allows potential buyers a unique opportunity to compare and “try before they buy”, as well as giving students the chance to witness some of the system variations.

ECDIS manufacturers: Adveto, Consilium, Dalian LandSea, Danelec Marine*, DMU China, e-MLX, GEM, Headway Marine Technology, Imtech, JRC, Kelvin Hughes, Kongsberg Maritime, L-3 Navigation, Maris*, Navico, Navmarine, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, Offshore Systems Ltd (OSI), PC Maritime, Raytheon Anschütz, Rutter Technologies, SAM Electronics, Samsung, Sea Information Systems, Simrad, Sodena, Telko AS, Tokyo Keiki*, Totem plus, Trancomm Technologies, Transas.

Some of ECDIS Ltd’s customers include high-profile shipping companies such as Vela Marine, Ceres LNG and Ventura Petroserv, as well as various navies, pilot authorities, inspecting officers (PCSOs), accident investigation bodies and other training providers.

Competence Vs confidence

At the recent ECDIS Revolution conference held in London, a key point raised was that even after generic and type-specific training, it takes some months of operating with an ECDIS onboard before operators are comfortable enough to go fully paperless. Forcing the pace of this is undesirable but sitting back promotes skill fade.

Risk reduction is in choice of system, timely fitting with proper training and an educated safety management system to set to work digital navigation before skill fade sets in. If in place and used correctly, ECDIS can enhance safety of navigation globally and before too long… be more cost effective than paper charts.

By Peter Thornton

Director, Development, ECDIS Ltd

 

ECDIS Ltd offer discount on STCW and ECDIS courses

10% off MCA approved STCW courses for RIN members

ECDIS Ltd, based in Whiteley in Hampshire, are a Business Member of the RIN. Until 30 June 2011,they are pleased to offer a 10% discount on their MCA-approved STCW generic and bespoke ECDIS courses to all RIN members. For further information please contact 01489 559677 or using the link below, visit their website www.ecdis.org. Simply click “Training” to obtain a quotation for training which will meet your needs.

The photograph shows part of their training centre at Whiteley which has some sixteen work stations for training clients. Due to business demand, plans are in hand to expand it.

Two interesting articles about ECDIS can be found on the “resourses” section of the RIN Solent Branch website and through downloads at the foot of this item. They were written by the Company’s Director of Operations and Standards, Mal Instone.

The RIN Solent Branch committee will be meeting shortly to prepare the programme for next season, commencing Sept 2011. We will certainly be accepting ECDIS Ltd generous invitation to visit their offices and training centre.

Flag State Clarifies ECDIS Training Requirements

The MCA have issued a new Marine Information Note (MIN405 (M+F)) that clarifies what training is acceptable for Masters and all Deck Officers of UK flagged vessels which have ECDIS as their primary means of navigation. The document states categorically the requirement to complete both generic and equipment specific ECDIS training and goes further by stating that ‘trickle down’ training with regard to equipment specific training is not acceptable.

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says,

“This is excellent news as the MCA have provided UK Mariners with the clarification they seek with regard to ECDIS training. As a training provider we pride ourselves on delivering the very best ECDIS training available and it is commendable to see that the MCA are upholding those standards by insisting on proper training. We know only too well the difficulty that ship-owners, managers and mariners are having in making sense of the plethora of legislation regarding ECDIS, and this document goes a long way in clarifying the position for UK flagged vessels.”

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations & Standards of ECDIS Ltd continues,

“This is not the light at the end of the tunnel for shipping companies, but the headlight of the oncoming train. Shipping companies must now plan their training strategy to incorporate generic and equipment specific ECDIS training for their crews. This is quite a challenge, but we are here to help them tackle the problem head on and facilitate that end. Information about ECDIS regulations, including MIN405 is also available at www.ECDISregs.com to aid the mariner navigate the legislation and requirements.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org

Free ECDIS Regulations Website www.ECDISRegs.com Launched

A new ECDIS website www.ECDISRegs.com has been launched in association with ECDIS Ltd. The new website provides ECDIS related references, news and articles for the mariner to make current legislation clearer and easier to understand. The website has been created with help and support from international sources and in conjunction with ECDIS training company, ECDIS Ltd.

Mark Broster of ECDIS Ltd says,
“Finding relevant ECDIS legislation can be frustrating and time consuming, so this new website aims to provide all relevant information in one place. The site is supplemented with expert comment provided by the ECDIS Ltd team in order to help the mariner navigate and understand the mass of legislation that exists. The service is free to view, and has already proven to be very popular.”

Mike Pearsall from the ECDIS Ltd team, who monitors and updates the website added,
“The website was designed not only to provide all the information regarding ECDIS legislation that the mariner requires, but also to help them make sense of it all. To that end the team will endeavour to keep the site as up to date as possible, and many improvements are planned to further develop the site.”

Ends

ECDISregs.com
ECDISregs aim to provide a full library of regulations, publications and documentation pertaining to ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) and related subjects. Use of this site is free and supported by banner advertising. The publications included on this website remain the intellectual property of their respective authors/owners.

ECDIS Ltd
ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:

Mike Pearsall
Business Development Manager
ECDIS Ltd
Email: contact@ecdisregs.com
Email: advertising@ecdisregs.com
Web: www.ecdisregs.com

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd Install PC Maritime ECDIS in the e-Navigation Centre

ECDIS Ltd have installed Navmaster ECDIS in their e-Navigation centre. The system, built by Plymouth based PC Maritime, will be used to deliver generic IMO 1.27 and Type Specific ECDIS training. The installation of the equipment not only serves to enhance ECDIS training by providing visibility of various different systems currently in use at sea, but also allows PC Maritime to showcase their excellent product.

PC Maritime Navmaster ECDIS takes its place in the e-Navigation Centre

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says, “We have been working successfully with PC Maritime on our mobile 1.27 ECDIS course for almost a year now. The Navmaster software is capable and intuitive, and it is a real pleasure to take delivery of a full terminal at our training facility in Southampton. The presence of the system will allow us to combine generic training with provision of type specific ECDIS training for Navmaster customers. We wish to continue our partnership and hope to receive further terminals in future as a platform for MCA accredited training.”

David Edmonds, Managing Director of PC Maritime adds, “We’re very pleased to be able to offer our customers combined ECDIS training delivered by ECDIS Ltd staff. In addition, we’ve nearly completed a Navmaster type specific training CD Rom which will allow customers to carry out familiarisation training in their own time and will complement the formal courses provided in the e-Navigation Centre.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd
ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org

Chairman's Summary of 1st ECDIS Revolution Conference

by Mike Pearsall, Business Development Manager, ECDIS Ltd

Below is a summary of points made by the chairman, Philip Wake, at the end of the 1st ECDIS Revolution Conference (24-25th November 2010).  Every effort has been made to quote the speaker accurately and amplifying remarks by this author are included in brackets.

Conclusions

  • Generic training is clearly essential; of course it is mandatory now anyway.  General agreement is training should be conducted as soon as possible prior to joining a fitted ship (to avoid skill fade).
  • Type-specific training is also essential.  The debate is who should provide it – manufacturers or onboard?
  • Commonality across presenters is that it takes some months of operating with ECDIS onboard before a ship or operators are comfortable enough to go digital.  Forcing the pace of this is undesirable.
  • The safety and efficiency benefits of going digital came through strongly.  The risks of ECDIS are obvious; operators and the industry must guard against over-reliance.  ECDIS is a navigation aid, “not the be-all and end-all”.
  • There have got to be good procedures in place to standardise operating ECDIS onboard.  (For example, check-off cards)
  • Bearing in mind all of the aforementioned, all available means must be used (reference to IRPCS Rule 7) to maintain safe navigation.  We must avoid “deluge of data” (resulting from too many overlays or inputs).

Questions Raised

  • Is more standardisation necessary across the industry?
  • How will the training requirement be met in time, given the number of mariners to be trained?
  • Are trainers good enough?  Who is training the trainers?
  • What is the electronic backup?  Are visual bearings sufficient?  Is eLORAN or multiple GNSS an option?
  • Do we need an “S(tandard) Mode” button/key to return an ECDIS to default display
  • What are the best means for delivering training and where should it be conducted?  Onboard, i.e. CBT?  Maritime colleges?  Companies?
  • Is CBT (for generic or type-specific training) effective?  How would it be audited?
  • Retention of paper charts: Some say get rid completely, while others say keep in case.  The jury is still out.
  • Alarm management: How do we avoid overloading the watchkeeper?
  • Security issues: How do we guard against viruses, loss of data, etc?
  • Covered over-reliance on ECDIS/GPS, but what about over-reliance on technology and specifically, charts?  In some cases, ENCs are used with the same “ancient” data employed in paper charts.  Navigators need to keep in mind that it is harder to check source data on electronic systems, where they were used to doing so on paper.
  • Pilot’s carry-on systems: Issue of compliance and integration with bridge sensors.  Future conference subject?

ECDIS Ltd’s Foray into Warfare ECDIS Training Heralds New Website

Global ECDIS training and solutions provider, ECDIS Ltd (www.ecdis.org), have today announced that they are diversifying into the Warfare ECDIS (WECDIS) market, following a number of high-profile contracts with international naval forces in the past twelve months.

The DMOP table and OSI WECDIS suite in the e-Navigation centre

Mike Pearsall, ECDIS Ltd’s Business Development Manager says,

The move into the WECDIS market is a natural and logical step for ECDIS Ltd. We have already provided our services to military nations and coupled with the fact that two of our directors served in the British Royal Navy, we are perfectly placed to give sound purchasing advice and specialist training that is tailored to the considerably enhanced offerings of a WECDIS system“.

The news is accompanied by the launch of a new mini-site www.wecdis.com, which gives an insight into the history and potential offerings of a WECDIS system, alongside testimonials and an explanation of the ECDIS Ltd military pedigree.

At their headquarters in Southampton, home of ECDIS Ltd’s e-Navigation Centre, a number of ECDIS and WECDIS terminals from different manufacturers are on permanent display for visitors and students alike. An example of the warfare-specific hardware on show is a Digital Maritime Operations Plot (DMOP), manufactured and distributed by Offshore Systems (OSI), which when located on the bridge or in the Operations Room of a warship can be used by the command team for tactical/operational planning and wider situational awareness.

Peter Thornton, Director of Development at ECDIS Ltd added,

We very much hope that other military organisations will follow in the pioneering footsteps of the Brazilian, Singapore and South African navies, who have utilised ECDIS Ltd’s WECDIS knowledge“.

Ends

ECDIS Ltd
ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: instone@ecdis.org
Web: www.ecdis.org
www.wecdis.com

ECDIS Ltd’s e-Navigation Centre Gets 6 New ECDIS Systems

ECDIS Ltd have taken delivery of six ECPINS® terminals, which have been installed in their e-Navigation Centre. The WECDIS systems are made by Offshore Systems Ltd. (OSL), an OSI Geospatial Company, and will be used to deliver both generic IMO 1.27 ECDIS training and ECDIS Ltd’s 5 day WECDIS course.

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says, “The OSL ECPINS product is regarded by many as being at the forefront of commercial and military ECDIS performance. The ECPINS system provides a comprehensive and capable navigation aid that can really add safety to a vessel if used correctly. We are therefore very excited to be able to showcase their product in our e-Navigation centre in Southampton. It will not sit idle however, as we will utilise the systems to deliver generic IMO 1.27 model ECDIS and bespoke WECDIS courses to a growing military market, therefore adding another string to our bow.”

Bryan Price, OSL’s Customer Support Manager, adds, “We have been utilising ECDIS Ltd’s expertise for some time now to deliver our WECDIS training solution to military customers worldwide. In addition to their Royal Navy specialist navigator background, the advantages of ECDIS Ltd are their flexibility in course delivery and an ability to bespoke courses to suit a military audience. In essence, we can now combine a world leading WECDIS product with world leading training to provide the ultimate solution.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the military equivalent (WECDIS, ECDIS-N). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Problems Looming (Tanker Operator)

A warning has been given about the diverse number of ECDIS on the market ahead of mandation of training certificates coming into force by the middle of next year.

Following the STCW amendments recently agreed at the Manila meeting, there will be a vast amount of navigating officers queuing up at training facilities to gain ECDIS certificates.

However, there are around 32 ECDIS OEMs with a possible couple more to come, many of which offer differing information levels, according to UK-based trainer ECDIS Ltd.

The company currently works with four OEMs with another three due to install equipment in the coming months at ECDIS Ltd’s training centre near Fareham, Hampshire.

One of the problems is that the ECDIS by and large has been designed by engineers with little or no navigator input, according to Malcolm Instone, ECDIS Ltd’s director of operations and standards.

He said that the technology needed human input and that the systems were not as user friendly as they could be. Some of the functions included were not required, he said.

He explained that the system’s operator was the person who decided just how much information would be included on the screen and will have to configure the system. An ECDIS needs managing with written procedures for the navigators, he said.

Currently, it is not known how many ships are fitted with a single or dual ECDIS, or how many are actually sailing paperless.

There are also several flag states who have not issued standards for ECDIS training leaving operators not knowing what is needed ahead of the STCW amendments coming into force.

Some flag states, include Liberia, do not recognise Raster navigation charts (RNCs), meaning that an operator will have to use ENCs, or paper charts.

“There will be a vast demand for training next year, but at the moment ship operators are waiting for flag states to issue regulations and standards,” Instone said.

The UK’s MCA has stipulated that a five-day training course is needed and a one to two days course on type specific ECDIS for familiarisation.

ECDIS Ltd’s training courses are authorised by the MCA and also by DNV.


Article “ECDIS problems looming” originally published by Tanker Operator on 22nd October 2010 (http://www.tankeroperator.com/news/todisplaynews.asp?NewsID=2288)

Todd Continues Journey Into ECDIS With New Training Partnership

Northern Ireland-based marine navigation data and service provider Todd (formerly Todd Chart Agency) has announced its partnership with one of the world’s top ECDIS training providers in a move that will see the company increase its ECDIS offering and continue to position itself as a world-leading navigation data specialist.

Todd is working with Southampton-based specialist ECDIS training organisation ECDIS Ltd to offer a Flag-State approved ECDIS training course to all of its customers, either at ECDIS Ltd’s purpose-built facility in the UK, or at any location globally to suit individual vessel requirements.

The world-renowned five day ECDIS Ltd course is designed for candidates seeking certification as officers in charge of a navigational watch and for experienced mariners and other persons with navigational responsibilities, such as pilots.

As well as the five day course, Todd and ECDIS Ltd can also provide a full range of ECDIS training, including one day introductions and bespoke packages for Marine Inspectors and Port Authorities who require ‘pocket cribs’ for use when quality controlling ECDIS onboard ship.

Capt William Todd from Todd said: “Our partnership with ECDIS Ltd allows us to offer our current and new customers an industry-approved ECDIS training course to complement the extensive range of electronic charting products we offer.”

“At Todd, we have a team of navigational data specialists and ECDIS experts, all of whom work closely with each customer to ensure that they understand the requirements of ECDIS carriage and that they are fully prepared ahead of the ECDIS mandate.”

Todd’s product range includes ECDIS hardware from a number of world-leading manufacturers including Maris and PC Maritime and a global portfolio of electronic charts and digital publications including the full range of Admiralty digital and paper products.

Todd also offers a full, global, IMO-compliant range of digital products and systems, including e-Navigator, and is the UKHO’s fourth largest UK Distributor.

To find out more about how Todd is making navigation intelligent, visit the website:

www.intelligentnavigation.com

Ends

Contact Information:
Issued by Mabox Marine (www.maboxmarine.com) on behalf of Todd.

Contact: Emma Jones, Mabox Marine
Tel : +44 (0)20 7089 5380 / +44 (0) 1823 430480 / m: +44 (0) 7590 750489
Email: emma@mabox.co.uk

ECDIS Ltd Expands into WECDIS Market

ECDIS Ltd have delivered a 5 day WECDIS course on OSI ECPINS-W systems to the Brazilian Navy in what is hoped to be the start of further cooperation between the two organisations. The ECDIS Ltd WECDIS course is the full 5 day IMO 1.27 ECDIS course, but also includes use of additional warfare functionality to demonstrate tactical use of the system. Included in the course are elements of submarine navigation such as Pool Of Errors, Target Motion Analysis and contact manipulation. The course also covers the use of different coordinate systems, Additional Military Layers and Battlespace Management (Air and Sea).

Mark Broster of ECDIS Ltd shaking hands with the top student, Captain Lieutenant Mauricio Câmara Teixeira of the Brazilian Navy

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says, “It is evident that increasingly more military nations are purchasing ECDIS and WECDIS systems. As they make the transition to digital navigation they want proper and appropriate training and it is our aim to help take their ECDIS knowledge to the most advanced level. We have found that many fleets both commercial and military proudly promote the idea of high standards of navigation training, but often fail to deliver.  It is great to see that the South African and Brazilian Navy are pushing for the highest standards, by utilising ECDIS Ltd as part of their training solution.”

Corvette Captain André Moraes Barros of the Brazilian Navy adds, “The ECDIS Ltd five day course gave us a good knowledge about the system. Despite a class of students ranging from submariners to engineers, everyone ended the week with confidence in the system and its capabilities. The fact that the teacher was a former Royal Navy Officer helped us to understand and utilise the system features in accordance with our naval requirement.”

The delivery of ECDIS training to the Brazilian Navy is the fourth military nation that ECDIS Ltd have trained. Customers also include the Trinidad and Tobago Coastguard, Republic of Singapore Navy and the South African Navy.

Lieutenant Novoa of the South African Navy adds, “The instructors were very knowledgeable on the subject and the programme. It was very helpful having an (ex) Naval Navigator present as he knew exactly what was expected of us. The fact that he was also an ex Royal Navy (RN) member of Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) gave us the added perspective of training and evaluating. The instructors were also friendly and approachable. I would definitely recommend getting them again in the future for training and/or re-training.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners. Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org

ECDIS Ltd Delivers ECDIS Training to the Singapore Navy

ECDIS Ltd have delivered an ECDIS Quality Control course to the Singapore Navy in what is hoped to be the start of further cooperation between the two organisations.  The ECDIS Ltd Quality Control course is designed for advanced and experienced users of ECDIS who are now in a position of quality controlling the standards of their fleets’ navigation.

Mark Broster of ECDIS Ltd shaking hands with LTC Terence Ho of the Republic of Singapore Navy

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says,

“It was a pleasure to work with experienced navigators eager to transfer their skills into the digital age.  It is our aim to help take their level of ECDIS knowledge to the next level.  We have found that many fleets both commercial and military proudly promote the idea of high standards of navigation training.  It is great to see that the Singapore Navy are seeking to take their ECDIS knowledge to the highest and safest level, by utilising ECDIS Ltd as part of their training solution.

LTC Terence Ho, Head of Sea Riding & Audit Branch for the Republic of Singapore Navy adds,

“Besides the excellent infrastructure and first-class set up, what impressed me most was the professionalism of the staff.  In addition to the deep expertise and experience that one can only get from years of practical experience, their openness to share was a refreshing difference from many of the commercial ECDIS courses available.”

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training, purchasing, charting and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS.  Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, whilst their portable training solution is approved by Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone

Director of Operations & Standards

ECDIS Ltd

First Floor

Forum 3 Parkway

Solent Business Park

Whiteley

Fareham

PO15 7FH

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 559677

Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk

Web: www.ecdis.org

United States Coast Guard Approve Adveto ECDIS 4000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United States Coastguard Certificate of Approval for the ADVETO ECDIS-4000
The United States Coast Guard has certified that Adveto´s new ECDIS-4000 meets the requirements of all relevant regulations and standards for use onboard SOLAS vessels and High Speed Crafts.

ECDIS-4000 was certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) earlier this year.

In addition to all the mandatory requirements the Certificate of Approval also covers a number of unique hard- and software functionalities and features such as:

– ECDIS Security Internet Gate (ESIG) allowing the ECDIS to be connected to internet for both online ordering and download of charts from PRIMAR.

– Control Unit for remote quick, safe and easy selection of navigation functions.

“We are proud to have received the United States Coast Guard Certificate of Approval for our ECDIS-4000 with its special features” says Mr. Kent Sylvén, Managing Director of ADVETO. “Since the United States is the third largest shipping nation in terms of number of ships it is important for us to have this approval. The USA is also one of the most densely populated Fast Ferry regions in the world and with the IMO mandate to use type approved ECDIS we expect to see a continues growth of our ECDIS-4000 users also in the USA”.

“The special features offered in our ECDIS-4000 such as the ESIG and the Control Unit combined with the ease of use is highly appreciated onboard” says Mr. Sylvén. “The ESIG allows connection to Internet and, easily order and download the needed charts directly from and into the ECDIS. With this tool you buy and pay only for the charts you need and you will always have the latest versions.”

“The Control Unit can be mounted on the armrest of a bridge chair and used for remote quick, safe and easy selection of navigation functions. A tool that has been highly appreciated, especially by the High Speed Craft operators.”

ADVETO
ADVETO Advanced Technology AB has been in the Electronic Navigation branch since the mid 1980´s. Adveto systems are used all across the world on all types of ships and by many National Maritime Administrations. The majority of our users are still found in Scandinavia but with a rapidly growing number of users around the world.

For further information:

Magnus Karlsson, Marketing Manager
ADVETO Advanced Technology AB
Box 8028, SE-163 08 SPÅNGA, SWEDEN
Tel: +46 8 366905
Mobile: +46 705 366908
Fax: +46 8 361885
E-mail:
magnus.karlsson@adveto.se
Web:
www.adveto.com

ECDIS Ltd Open eNavigation Centre

PRESS RELEASE

14 April 2010

ECDIS Ltd Announces Opening of eNavigation Centre

ECDIS Ltd have opened their new eNavigation Centre at Solent Business Park, where they will deliver their flagship MCA accredited IMO 1.27 Model ECDIS course. 

 

Pictures showing full 23” ECDIS consoles and DNV Compliant Bridge Operation simulator, evaluated by the MCA as meeting the standards required by the STCW Code.

Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd says, 

“The eNavigation Centre will enable ECDIS to offer a larger range of courses and provide training to suit all varieties of mariner, from STCW for watchkeepers to short courses for Pilots, as well as ECS training for yachtsmen, fishermen and the leisure industry”.

“We are delighted to offer our customers the ECDIS training solution at such a convenient location.  Solent Business Park offers a great deal of flexibility with road, rail and air links and is well placed for our customer base.  The facility will also enable delivery of our Portable ECDIS course as well as the Short ECDIS course and ECS training, so I am really pleased to be opening this new facility”.

Malcolm Instone, Operations Director adds,

“The ECDIS team has provided navigation training and consultation in electronic chart display and information systems for some time now.  With the opening of this new facility we are looking forward to adding to the 1000 mariners already taught. 

If people want to book a course or simply learn more about the variety of courses we can offer, they can contact Mark or me at ECDIS”.

Ends

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provide navigation training and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS.  Static training is delivered in their Southampton Training Centre and portable training can be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  ECDIS Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught over 1000 mariners.  Their static ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.  An application for accreditation of their portable training solution is pending with Det Norske Veritas.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
First Floor
Forum 3 Parkway
Solent Business Park
Whiteley
Fareham
PO15 7FH
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1489 611615
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org.uk

Collision Course: the Dangers of Out-of-Date Nautical Charts

Lloyd’s List

Collision Course: the Dangers of Out-of-Date Nautical Charts

Recent Paris MoU data reveals that 7% of all ships detained were for inadequate nautical publications. Julian Macqueen highlights the dangers of using older maps as questions are raised over the accuracyof the chart data.

Julian Macqueen – Wednesday 10 February 2010

KNOWING where you are going requires a map but if that map is out of date, you could get lost. Not such a problem if it results in a longer car journey or an extended country walk. However, if a ship is the chosen mode of transport the consequences could be far more dramatic. And it would seem that the incidence of incorrect charts is on the rise.

The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control collates information from ship inspections and detained vessels. Its December release figures for detained ships show that 3% of the causes for detention given were identified as charts. The proportion then rises to 7% if the category of nautical publications is added.

Indeed, in its 2008 annual report PSC identified a growth in deficiencies in a number of operational areas compared with 2007. One of those areas is safety of navigation. “During the campaign [on safety of navigation], 1,872 safety of navigation related deficiencies were recorded,” said the report.

It added: “81 inspections resulted in a detention where one or more Solas Chapter V detainable deficiencies were found.”

Worryingly, the most commonly found detainable deficiencies were related charts, nautical publications and the recording of voyage data.

The dangers of using out of date nautical charts have been brought home by a protection and indemnity club. The London P&I Club raised the issue in its January StopLoss Bulletin. One incident cited by the club involved a ship hitting a hazardous wreck that had not been recorded by the chart in use. The club’s investigator found that a chart correction showing the wreck had been issued three years previously.

In another incident, a submarine cable was damaged by a ship’s anchor. In this case, it was assumed the anchor had been dragged along the sea floor before coming into contact with the cable. In fact, the ship, unaware of its existence as it had been using an old edition of the chart, had dropped anchor directly above it. Apparently, the second officer had not checked whether or not he had the chart’s most recent edition.

But the problem of inaccurate charts does not stop at the ship’s bridge or with the seafarer tasked to make sure the charts onboard are up to date.

Concerns have been raised from other quarters in the maritime industry over the quality of the data upon which the charts are based. Maritime trade union Nautilus International has said that there is more to the problem than slack updating.

“In the UK, we are not confident that the quality of the nautical charts on offer is any worse or any better than those available in other parts of the world. And as we migrate towards a more electronic media, it becomes even more of a concern,” said a spokesman for the Anglo-Dutch trade union.

While it is possible the chart onboard a ship is out of date through not being updated, it is also conceivable that the original data fed into the chart is inaccurate. A case in point involved the jack up barge Octopus .

A 2007 report by the Marine Accident Investigation Bureau into this incident, which took place off the Scottish coast, found that the cause of the accident was attributable to out-of-date charts. The barge was being towed by a tug to act as a platform for the installation of a tidal turbine. However, due to strong tidal streams, the vessels changed course to a route not usually used by deep draught vessels. The jack up barge was subsequently grounded on an uncharted sandbank.

According to the area’s applicable Admiralty chart, the draught should have been above 20 m. But the barge, with legs extended to 13m, found itself stuck on the sandbank which had a depth of 7.1m. The source data for the map was found to be over 150 years old.

Responsibility for chart surveys in UK waters lies with the Maritime Coast Guard Agency.

The agency has £5.5m ($8.6m) allocated each year to achieve the hydro-mapping of the UK’s coastal waters. The funds would be enough to survey a sea area of around 10,000 sq km. But this figure should be set against a total area of 720,000 sq km of sea area.

In this situation, the agency will prioritise which parts of the seabed are in urgent need of surveying and which are not. Essentially, it is an approach based on risk. Shipping lanes in continual use by the same ship types tend to be left alone. But where there have been changes, for example, if the location of a windfarm has introduced a new edition to an accepted route or where ships’ draughts have increased, these areas will be prioritised. “We are fairly good at working out the high risk areas,” said an MCA spokesman. In the case of the Octopus , the barge had deviated from the known passage, and it was on this passage that the accident occurred.

Nevertheless, it remains the case that the base data of some surveys remains hundreds of years old.

Last year, a government initiative to move nautical mapping in the UK a step forward produced a pan-government memorandum of understanding on the sharing of hydrographic data with the MCA in the driving seat. “The aim of this approach is for the MCA to continue bringing government organisations together to encourage joint hydrographic projects and realise the financial benefits of co-funding such work,” explained the MCA in a pamphlet on the subject.

Along with the MCA, other organisations that have signed up to the MoU include the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the British Geological Survey. One aim of the memorandum, for example, would be to make sure that different organisations are not duplicating each other’s work.

The agency has put forward a proposal to author a unified UK hydrographic survey specification partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office. In addition, its annual meeting — now called the Civil Hydrography Annual Seminar — is to provide a forum for data gathering and to foster co-operative arrangements.

The issue of keeping electronic charts updated is one part of the picture. A spokeswoman for the UK Hydrographic Office, which issues the charts, said that it recommends that nautical charts are updated regularly. The charts are searchable online and if a vessel is unable to do this at sea, it can be done before it leaves port.

There is also the point that updating nautical charts, while important, is not the most engrossing of tasks. Those are the jobs that tend to be put off for another day.

Another human aspect of the move to electronic charts is readability. Some argue that it is easier to read and note the age of the source data on paper charts. “It is harder to see the provenance of the underlying data in an electronic chart,” said one cartographer. What he is referring to is layering. That is, the facility to switch between various layers of information electronically. Data could be switched off and ‘forgotten’ by the seafarer in charge.

Then there is the question of different systems. Electronic charts are here to stay. By 2012, electronic chart display and information systems will start to become mandatory and be on board all Safety of Life at Sea Convention vessels by 2018.

Former seafarer Captain Trevor Hall, who is a director of AtoBviaC, a company which supplies accurate distances information to the industry based on electronic charts, has long experience of electronic navigational aids. He also has strong opinions on the subject. Capt Hall recognises that the Admiralty Raster Chart Service offers greater ease of visibility to the seafarer but acknowledges that their coverage is less than comprehensive. But having a good system in place is crucial.

“Compared with the cost of an accident, buying the charts, and the equipment to run them, is minimal,” said Capt Hall.

Another problem, which he feels is endemic, is the lack of proper training in using electronic navigational aids and equipment. This — the human element — is far more serious. “The user interface is different for different systems. If a system is not set up right, or people are not properly trained, you are in trouble.” That trouble can be substantial.

In 1992, the cruiseship Queen Elizabeth 2 was grounded in US waters on a shoal shown on charts to be at 39 ft but where the true depth was 30 ft. In 2008, the ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Canterbury grounded on a charted wreck. According to the MAIB report, the ship’s officer was navigating by eye and with reference to an electronic chart system but “he was untrained in the use and limitations of the system”.

In the same year, a report into the grounding of CFL Performer found that the depth sounder was switched off on the electronic chart display and information systems display screen.

Adveto ECDIS Adds Internet Connections

From the current issue of DIGITAL SHIP (Feb 8 2010).

New ECDIS Adds Internet Connection

Primar has reported that its electronic navigational charts (ENCs) can now be downloaded directly to electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) units, after type-approval of the first such system able to communicate directly via the internet.

Certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the new ECDIS-4000 from Sweden’s Adveto Advanced Technology includes an ECDIS security internet gate (ESIG), which makes it possible to connect to the internet for both on-line ordering and downloading of Primar ENCs.

The unit also features a control unit for remote selection of navigational functions, and a night-presentation capability. This solution has been developed by Adveto in close collaboration with Primar, which currently offers more than 8,000 ENCs through its international distributor network.

“Our secure Primar ECDIS Online service allows the ECDIS-4000 to receive real-time ENC updates directly from our database,” explained Primar director, Kjell Olsen.

“Following a year of development and testing work with Adveto, this advance means that users get the very latest navigational information at all times.”

“Adveto is the first of our distributors to implement this service fully and to have the ESIG type-approved as part of its ECDIS-4000 certificate.”

Adveto chief executive Kent Sylvén believes that the new system will be of great benefit to vessel operators, in reducing both the time and costs involved with chart folio maintenance.

“Once a route is planned, our ESIG hardware allows users to connect to the web and order the required Primar charts directly via the ECDIS,” said Mr Sylvén.

“This means they only buy and pay for the charts they need, and will always have the latest versions. It also cuts administration onboard and at the shipping company office.”

ECDIS Ltd Present to the Nautical Institute

Nautical Institute  South West of England Branch  –  November Meeting 2009

Electronic  Chart Display and Information Systems

The pages of Seaways have recently carried three useful articles by Captain Harry Gale FNI on the role of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).

The South West of England Branch  was delighted that Committee member, Peter Thornton MBE, along with colleague Mark Broster, Managing Director of ECDIS Ltd,   was able to present a talk before a full house of Branch members,  members of the Royal Institute of Navigation and students,  on the topic of Electronic Charts.

Mark Broster, MD of ECDIS Ltd and Peter Thornton, Royal Fleet Auxiliary at their presentation at Plymouth.

Peter Thornton, a navigating officer with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, presently on secondment to Flag Officer Sea Training Plymouth,  has  a special interest  in electronic charting.  With the  International Maritime Organisation requiring the start of the mandatory  fit of ECDIS  to commercial shipping commencing in 2012, he has recognised that a major challenge ahead is to  ensure that officers with responsibility for navigation are properly trained in the full understanding of the systems and their operation. The task of equipping the world’s fleet with ECDIS is significant and the cost of training is set to be more than  £3 Billion.

Peter’ s  talk was comprehensive.   He gave consideration to the development of the electronic chart, the difference between  Raster and Vector charts,  display presentation standards, external sensor  requirements  and the need for back up facilities.   The audience was reminded that the Marine Accident Investigation Branch  (MAIB)  has already investigated many incidents caused by  a lack of understanding of the electronic  chart .  Cases discussed included the groundings of the Royal Majesty, the Roll on Roll off Passenger ferry Pride of Canterbury, the general cargo ship ‘CFL Performer’ and the jack up barge ‘Octopus’ whilst under tow.   Problems associated with the (mis)use of ECDIS were clear and the need for effective training of all users established.

Whilst the cost of transferring from paper to electronic displays is high, Peter is convinced that the adoption of the new technology is wise and will lead to safer seas –  if used correctly.  The emphasis needs to be on ensuring a rigorous and thorough understanding of a vessel’s ECDIS in order that the mariner can plan, alter and execute navigation safely – ‘what you see is what you get’.  It is expected that the lack of present training guidelines will be resolved in the review of the STCW Convention due to be completed in 2010.

The audience comprised of members of the Nautical Institute, the Royal Institute of Navigation and students of the University of Plymouth

The presentation gave rise to many questions from the floor.   Peter was joined by  his colleague Mark Broster  to help provide answers.   The main concern seemed to be the variation of ECDIS  design and the control of  presented information.  (Many in the audience had had experience of the introduction of ARPA  in the 1980s and the different hardware which was established to display the specified information.)  The concern was highlighted by pilots who in the nature of their work will come across different systems. It was expressed that at times of high stress  in the navigation of the ship,  confusion and mistakes could occur.  It was noted that there are already numerous ECDIS manufacturers, 35 of them being compatible with the Admiralty ECDIS service.  Alarmingly, the IHO lists 127 original equipment manufacturers already or intending to provide an ENC service!  It is unlikely that IMO will demand type specific training,  focussing instead on the navigators’ understanding on the principles of the electronic chart structure and its use.

Following  the question and answer session members of the meeting were invited to use a training suite, consisting of 6 electronic chart stations, which had kindly been set up for demonstration by ECDIS Ltd.*

Captain Tim Charlesworth, Chairman of the Branch thanked Peter and Mark for their valuable contribution and noted that while many will lament the passing of the paper chart , the future certainly seems to be in the development of electronic chart and data information systems.

*ECDIS Ltd  www.ecdis.org.uk     info@ecdis.org.uk    tel +44(0)203 0868 880

Contribution  by  Paul G Wright. FNI

Adveto's New ECDIS 4000

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, 28 January 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ADVETO´s new ECDIS-4000 with unique functionalities certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV)

DNV has certified that Adveto´s new ECDIS-4000 complies with all relevant regulations and standards for use onboard SOLAS vessels and High Speed Crafts.

ECDIS-4000 comes in three versions to give different users the most cost effective solution in relation to their needs.

In addition to all the mandatory hard- and software functionalities and features the ECDIS-4000 certificate also covers a number of unique features such as:

– ECDIS Security Internet Gate (ESIG) allowing the ECDIS to be connected to internet for both online ordering and download of charts from PRIMAR.
– Control Unit for remote quick, safe and easy selection of navigation functions
– A special Night Presentation developed in close collaboration with Norwegian High Speed Craft operators.

“With the type approval we have once again proven to be first in the world with special customer required functionalities in our systems” says Mr. Kent Sylvén, Managing Director of ADVETO. “The ESIG hardware allows the ECDIS-4000 to be connected to the internet and, after having planned the route, easily order the needed PRIMAR charts directly from the ECDIS and receive them shortly thereafter. With this tool you buy and pay only for the charts you need and you will always have the latest versions. It also reduces administrative work onboard and with the ship-owners.”

“The secure PRIMAR ECDIS Online™ service allows its ECDIS to receive real-time ENC updates directly from the PRIMAR database and thereby have the very latest navigational data at all times.” says Mr Kjell Olsen, Director of PRIMAR. “This solution has been developed and fully tested over the past year in close cooperation with Swedish ECDIS manufacturer Adveto, the first PRIMAR distributor to implement it fully and to have the Security Internet Gate (ESIG) type approved as part of its ECDIS-4000 certificate.”

“The Control Unit,” says Mr. Sylvén “can be mounted on the armrest of a bridge chair and used for remote quick, safe and easy selection of navigation functions. A tool that has been highly appreciated especially by the High Speed Craft operators.”

“The special Night Presentation was developed on a direct request from the Norwegian Fast Ferry operators to eliminate the risk for blinding the bridge crew during night navigation.” says Mr. Sylvén.

He summarizes “I’m convinced that with those and many more features in our new ECDIS-4000 we stand a good chance to be a preferred supplier of type approved ECDIS to the shipping industry.”

ADVETO
ADVETO Advanced Technology AB has been in the Electronic Navigation branch since the mid 1980´s. Adveto systems are used all across the world in and around all continents by work boats, tow boats, ferries and ocean-crossing cruise-liners, pilot boats, and training ships. They have become increasingly popular onboard High Speed Crafts and especially with those operating in archipelagos. The majority of our users are still found in Scandinavia but with a rapidly growing number of users around the world. In addition to the National Maritime Administrations in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, the corresponding bodies in Poland, Spain and Argentina are also ADVETO users and so are customers in many important harbours around the world.

For further information:
Magnus Karlsson, Marketing Manager
ADVETO Advanced Technology AB
Box 8028, SE-163 08 SPÅNGA, SWEDEN
Tel: +46 8 366905
Mobile: +46 705 366908
Fax: +46 8 361885
E-mail: magnus.karlsson@adveto.se
Web: www.adveto.com

PRIMAR
The PRIMAR ENC service is operated by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service through a regional ENC coordinator centre (RENC) regime and distributor agreements with countries and ENC
suppliers. Currently offering more than 8 000 ENCs, it works with an international network of authorised distributors. Regular updates are provided by standard CDs, the PRIMAR Chart Catalogue, PRIMAR Online remote updating and PRIMAR ECDIS Online™. ENCs from PRIMAR meet IMO SOLAS chart carriage requirements when kept uptodate and used in conjunction with a type-approved electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) plus appropriate backup.

For further information:
Capt Sach Sharma, Market Relations Manager,
PRIMAR, Norwegian Hydrographic Service
Tel: +47 51 85 87 86
Mobile: +47 46 84 00 76
Fax: +47 51 85 87 01
E-mail: sach.sharma@statkart.no
Web: www.primar.org

ECDIS Ltd Train CERES LNG

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASEECDIS Ltd Train CERES LNGECDIS training company Ecdis Ltd of the UK have delivered the first tranche of training with CERES LNG of Greece.  Two more courses are planned.  The ECDIS training course was conducted at CERES Head Office in Piraeus using ECDIS Ltd mobile training.  ECDIS Ltd delivered their 5 day Flag State approved IMO 1.27 course using PC Maritime software.

 

 

In addition to the IMO 1.27 model, the course contained advanced elements of Route Planning, Pilotage, DR and EP development during GPS failure and failure of the main bridge terminals.  A series of comprehensive exercises and exams was also involved.  In order to develop safe Electronic Navigation operating procedures for CERES ships, the course also covered Deck Officer handover routines and the use of bespoke ‘check-off cards’.

Mark Broster, Managing Director at ECDIS Ltd said, “It is good to see that CERES LNG is using our expertise to develop their ECDIS navigation skills.  It speaks volumes for our course that a company that maintains the highest of all safety at sea standards have chosen ECDIS Ltd for their training.”

“It was a pleasure to have the expertise and professionalism of ECDIS Ltd in our establishment,” says Konstantinou Iraklis, HSSE Coordinator of CERES LNG.  “We share their commitment to provide the best training for safe navigation at sea and they have increased the ECDIS knowledge of our Mariners to the highest standard.”

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provides navigation training and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS).  They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS.  Their equipment is fully portable which allows training to be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it.  Ecdis Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught and accredited over 1000 mariners.  Their ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

For further information:

Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
2nd Floor
43 Broomfield Road
Chelmsford
Essex
United Kingdom
CM1 1SY
Tel: +44 203 0868880
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org.uk

CERES LNG

Ceres LNG’s reputation has been earned as one of the world’s leading marine services providers in the LNG sector.  As each ship leaves port we are keenly aware of our responsibility toward ensuring the safe passage of our people, our cargoes and our environment.  Ceres LNG’s services cover every aspect of ship management.  On and off-shore our employees are supported by world-class management practices, as well as state-of-the-art technologies in communications and marine safety.  We are prepared and eager to forge strategic, long-term alliances with our clients, not only to meet their existing needs but also to enable them to explore new opportunities for stability, diversity and growth.  Our dedication and commitment to safety is based on innovative and forward thinking.  The future of Ceres LNG will continue to be closely linked with the future of the seas.

For further information:

Mr Konstantinou Iraklis
HSSE Coordinator
Ceres LNG Services Ltd
69 , Akti Miaouli
Piraeus
Greece
Tel: +30 210 4591276
Mobile: +30 6958 462710
Fax: +30 210 4591246
E-mail: ikonstantinou@cereslng.com
Web: www.cereslng.com

International ECDIS Conference 09 (IEC09)

Recent high profile incidents have raised the issue of training both in terms of systems and also ENCs.  What is available in terms of training?  What are the training considerations when transitioning from paper to e-Navigation?  What’s available?   What’s needed?  What do you need to know to manage it well and what are the implications of getting it wrong?

Watch the video of a Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A from Session 4 from IEC09 on the subject of ECDIS Training, or read the full transcript below.  Mark Broster from ECDIS Ltd is on the panel of experts.

20 Oct 2009 14:40 GMT
Video Duration: 26 mins 05 secs

 

 
http://insitu.mediasite.com/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=874b1971f3e74fe187fd73a2da06bc2b

Panel:
Melissa Hyak, Host (MH)
David Patraiko, Director of Projects, Nautical Institute (DP)
Captain Petter Brandt, Navigation Superintendent, Stolt Tankers BV (PB)
Mark Broster, Managing Director, ECDIS Ltd (MB)

MH:     When you get software and hardware the manufacturers provide some form of training.  Surely the motivation for these manufacturers is to provide training that would not sabotage   their products so that you can use them safely.  So, what is the difference between manufacturers training and specialised training?  David.

DP:      Yes, thank you.  Not an area of particular expertise, but manufacturers are only required to provide documentation according to the IMO requirement.  They are not required to provide training.  Some of them do, some of them may even offer it for free but this is something that certainly the industry will have to develop as we get more complex systems.  And I know that once we start going into areas like the INS standard there actually is a very mature requirement for familiarisation that will be built into that, but I know that one of the challenges for the manufacturers of course is that manufacturers fundamentally are not   trainers.  They tend to be engineers and if you want good training material there have to be resources to develop that.

MB:    Can I have 30 seconds to introduce myself?

MH:     Of course.

MB:     Hi, my name is Mark Broster and I’ve spent the past six years either at sea working with   ECDIS or delivering the Flag State approved course to just over a thousand mariners over the past six years.  I’m an ex Royal Navy Fleet Navigator and recently I’ve been augmented back into the Royal Navy through the Reserves to basically take them through the whole Electronic Navigation process.  I work for ECDIS Ltd which is a company that has pooled together the leading experts in ECDIS training at sea and ashore and we deliver training mobile.  I would like to answer the question now, thank you.  I think basically what you’re saying is ‘what is the difference between type specific and generic ECDIS training and what is the requirement?’  I’d like to make it quite clear that I think generic training is the most important thing, obviously as that is what’s mandated.  It’s the principles of how to do electronic navigation that is the important bit.  The type specific is really just a menu structure that can be conducted by either the manufacturers themselves or even a manual, dare I say it.  The actual principles of navigation haven’t changed at all.  How we’ve been navigating at sea for over a hundred years hasn’t changed in any way whatsoever, and the generic course takes those base principles and converts them into ECDIS.  So, really, in answer to the question the generic ECDIS course is the most important thing, the type  specific, the Rolls Royce scenario would be to have a full 5 day type specific course on the kit you’re going to use.  But I don’t think that is practical so I suggest that ships do the full generic course and then request the manufacturers go onboard and show them through the menu structures should they not have the manual available.

MH:     Captain Brandt, in your experience what value can you add in going outside for training?

PB:      Well, our approach has been to, a little bit doubt the generic ECDIS training so, that is why we pull all our people through a CBT course as well as a refreshment training.  For ships sailing on paper full ships, if you want to call it that, we put a lot more gunpowder into the type specific training course where we go through as much as possible of what’s in the IMO model course but adjusted to suit our needs from a commercial point of view as well.  So that way we sort of gain benefits from both ends and it becomes rather efficient.

MH:     David, from what you have said, how would you characterise this?  Would you say that the knowledge gap on shore about ECDIS is greater than at sea?

DP:      I think there are probably two different types of knowledge gap.  I think that there is generally a misunderstanding with many shore management and particularly the purchasing department on what can be used for navigation and what can’t be used for navigation and what training requirements are there.  Quite often we see that companies who aren’t as aware of the issues will budget for hardware and installation but then assume that either the training is included or that the training is not required, and then that comes outside the budget and there are pressures there.  In terms of knowledge gap at sea, like I said, one of the most important things is that there is very much of a misunderstanding of most mariners as to what it is and what it can be used for.  Like I said, most of the systems out there today are not ECDIS and should not be used for navigation.  It is illegal to use it for navigation under SOLAS requirements and yet that is very much misunderstood, I think.

MH:     People can’t tell the difference between ENCs and ECS.  Why do you think unofficial data seems to be so popular, vis a vis official charts?

DP:      I think there are two main reasons, one is cost, that they can be cheaper and two, is their functionality.  They can be easier to use.  You have a seamless vector catalogue for your trading pattern, particularly if you’re going around the world.  It’s quite frankly much easier to use than something like a dual-fuelled.

MB:     I honestly don’t know to be honest with you.  It should be fairly obvious whether it is an ECDIS or not.  You usually see the great big DNV badge on the system and hopefully people know.  I’ve seen a huge general shift in trends now and people are wanting more and more ECDIS obviously, and all the stuff we talked about over the last two days makes absolute perfect sense, reducing costs etc.  But, it is an educational process making sure people understand the difference between them.  But, I’m not overly sure why that’s happening.

PB:      Well, we are being scrutinised every other week.  We have so many different organisations coming onboard doing inspections so we have procedures in place and our guys know.

MH:     With the mandation of ECDIS we’re looking at something like, I read somewhere, correct me if I’m wrong, something like three hundred thousand people who have to be trained worldwide.  So, we are looking at huge training capacity.  Now, how concerned are you that   there will be enough so called official trainers or correct trainers of correct quality, or could it happen that you might have sort of the case with ECS that you have so called cowboys coming onboard and saying, look, we can train you very well on ECDIS as well?

MB:     Well, we’re actively recruiting if anyone is interested in a job!  There is definitely a potential problem for this.  I’ve heard figures of more than that.  I’ve heard figures up to half a million people that need to be trained in this.  It is an issue, a huge issue but I think you’re right on the sort of cowboy problem that may start to come in.  I think the training has to be Flag State endorsed.  I think it has to have layers of quality control.  I think the course also has to be pass or fail.  I think we have to up the standards of the course and there has to be feedback going back to the shipping company at the end of the course telling them how the students did.  But it is a huge issue but I don’t think it is going to happen overnight.  I don’t think we need to train these three hundred thousand people by next year.  So there should be plenty of time to implement it.

MH:     Now David, in your presentation you said that there has to be a guide.  So, who do you like to see take up this responsibility?  Perhaps one of the official institutions, the IMO perhaps?  Is it moving fast enough when it comes to training? 

DP:      The training has to meet the implementation, and like I was saying there aren’t that many approved systems out there.  And it’s only the approved systems that Flag administrations have approved for use as the primary navigation system that actually require the training.  So, you get this huge grey area between there and you’re very right that in the run up to full implementation there probably will be a log-jam of getting people trained.  As Petter said, not all training organisations are capable and we’re hearing that from a lot of ship managers.  There really isn’t an approval system for ECDIS courses and perhaps that needs to be something that’s brought into the white list process for the IMO training requirement.

MH:     So, you would like to see some sort of accreditation system perhaps?

DP:      I think that would be good but who accredits and where the resources for doing that accreditation would come from would be a big issue to get around.

MH:    Petter, you talked about having to shop around the world for the right people to train.  Would an official accreditation help people?

PB:      It would probably improve the chances of getting a visit from us.

MH:     At this moment in time let me get some comment from Captain Ward about that.  Captain Ward is from the IHB.

CW:     I’m not in a position to really comment directly on the provision of training.  You may recall yesterday I said that the IHO and its member states certainly have a very important role in advising the trainers on the appropriate use and interpretation of the chart information that is provided in ENCs.  But, it would not be our role, I think, to actually either deliver the training or how to operate the ECDIS in a competent fashion, nor to be an endorsing authority for that.  But I do know already that under the current regulations a number of maritime administrations have validated and authorised training based on the IMO model     course.  So there already is an accreditation process in place from a number of administrations, primarily those who have already issued implementation instructions for the use of ECDIS under the current SOLAS regulations.

QQ:     Question from a member of the audience representing Singapore Maritime Academy, for PB.  Normally, our safety training we normally always try and calibrate or, let’s say, validate it by talking to shipping companies and inspectors and other things.  So, I just want to check from Stoldt, what is your experience from your internal auditors and your SIRE/CDI   inspectors, are they able to do a very successful navigation audit onboard your ships which   are paperless?  Are they able to give you good feedback as to how the people are managing the paperless ship?

PB:     Well, it’s difficult to qualify or quantify how successful the inspectors are, how good they are but, of the track records we have from our ships both from a safety point of view but also from an inspection remark point of view our paperless ships have been very successful.  We had no value from either SIRE or CDI or state control inspectors and that is usually a good sign because you only hear the bad things from those people so they very seldom say anything positive.  But the feedback from our crew is that it’s normally fairly straightforward inspections.  They are usually quite impressed or that’s the impression our crew have of the response for the CDI inspections and the SIRE inspectors.  They are impressed of what   we’re doing.  So, I guess that’s perhaps a quality mark.

MB:     That’s a very good question.  Further to the question that you asked, the ships at sea potentially know more about ECDIS than some of the support mechanisms ashore.  It is very interesting, and the first time I can really think that this has happened, where the actual user knows more about the product than the people that assess them and support them as such, and maybe it is just because we need those people to leave the ships at sea, the experienced mariners at sea using ECDIS and come back into the shore side establishments to assess and to train and, maybe that’s going to happen more and more over the next five or ten years, but absolutely, it’s a good question and definitely the balance of power is with those who have been using it at sea and the knowledge.  So it must be quite difficult actually for a superintendent who’s never used ECDIS at sea to be able to add some value to their life.  Interesting.

MH:     A good question has to be answered though.  So how do you include the onshore teams?

MB:     I think they should do the ECDIS course.

PB:      Well, it is a matter of internal marketing and training.  We need our good guys onboard the ships because that’s where the action is.  Obviously, you need some experience shore side as well but we also do have a pretty good cooperation with our people, with our new building team, our take out team and such and they regularly come into the office and we have good communication, so we do share the experience internally.

MH:     You talked about extensive familiarisation before people are let out but what are you referring to when you say extensive.  I mean, how much familiarisation before the crew first sails on an ECDIS ship?

PB:      If you talk about the ships still using paper charts which is a majority of the Fleet, although we have a programme in place now to start rolling out towards going paperless in a more larger scale, we made sure people had the basic ECDIS training when they went to ships with ECDIS.  We had a number of ships that didn’t have a unit at all but when they came to serve on a ship with a chart system they also got the basic training in one way or another.  Then we left them to work it out themselves, familiarise themselves with it, play around and figure it out and then, when we recruit people to go to the paperless ships they already have a lot of experience of working with the system which makes the learning process more in depth when you’re going to work solidly with the ECDIS and not have any paper charts anymore.  Then that learning process is so much more successful.

MH:     I can’t confess to love mathematics but I love numbers.  I know that in terms of training    there is a dispute out there.  How many days do you train?  Some seem to think a basic course of three days is enough but others say you need to do training up to two weeks, perhaps more.  So, what would your recommendations be?  David and then Mark.

DP:      Well, as a representative of a professional body I’d probably have to extend it.  But I do think the feedback that I get talking to some of the shipping companies and some of the training organisations themselves is that a potentially good, solid forty hour application   generic is needed.  That certainly less than forty hours for generic is too much of a challenge.  Then, of course, the familiarisation aspect of it needs to be addressed on top of that and I think that is probably what we should be shooting for and probably what the market will bear.

MB:     Yes.  Really it depends I think, obviously as we talked about there, the standard of the students as well, and the experience of the students and also what you’re actually training.  If you’ve got a five day ECDIS course and you make someone sit in a simulator for six hours watching their ship drive in and out of their base port, then you haven’t really added any value to their life on ECDIS training for the last six hours.  So, if you have a good solid forty hour course and it’s pitched at the right level and the delegates for the course are of the right standard as well, which is very important, then that’s about right, I think, five days.  But then as long as you have a familiarisation period at sea, as you say, before you actually go digital.

MH:     Petter, your experience from day one of training to first day of sail?

PB:      Well, I mean, we are not only looking at the view of safety perspective but we also have a commercial perspective.  It needs to be handled in a proper way to make business sense.  So, it’s quite difficult to say, it all depends on the prerequisites.  If you have a person who has been working, he has been through a basic CBT which is, well, it could be debated on the quality of those but he’s been through that and been working and been a very interested person in how it works and educated himself or herself then I suppose you could go through the subject of the course rather quickly.  But if you have never seen a system before, ever, then you need more training and I think we should aim at a set standard rather than a number of hours you need to go through training.

MB:     Just to further enforce the point on familiarisation, I think that also has to be addressed.    How long is familiarisation, as a guidance?  Because it is a dangerous period, familiarisation at sea, because you’re trying to run a paper outfit and an ECDIS outfit.  It really distracts the Officer Of the Watch who is trying to plot the position on two charts, effectively.  I think we can give some guidance on that.  Is it four months familiarisation, because that is also an equally dangerous time.

QQ:     Question from Captain Saiw at APL.  I would like to comment on ECDIS training.  Currently, most Institute trainers are not ECDIS users themselves.  I am myself involved in this ECDIS training.  Actually, we learn a lot from those participants but then without experience of using ECDIS how are you going to train people?  You know that the ECDIS, most of the time hangs.  A lot of the time ECDIS hangs and you don’t know what to do.  So, the focus on navigation most of the time is lost because they are focussing most of their time on trying to troubleshoot the ECDIS.  What is wrong with the ECDIS rather than focussing on the navigation.  So, I think it is very important to involve those people that are using ECDIS to conduct that part of the training.

MH:     Thank you.  Was there a question?

QQ:     It is a comment rather than a question.  One of the speakers said that it is not necessary to involve a person who has been using ECDIS.

MB:     You could have made that into a question by asking how we do it.  And actually you can.  I think we need to work more with the Hydrographic Offices.  I think the course needs to have specialists on there from the different departments, perhaps guest speakers in the middle of the course from someone who has recently done it, if not video clips or breakdowns of the recent enquiries, MAIB etc. and delegates from Hydrographic Offices.  But yes, you are right, we need to make sure the instructors have practical application of ECDIS at sea.

PB:      Yes, what we need to realise and be aware of is it is not enough to be very experienced to be a good trainer, you need to be a good trainer as well.  You need both skills.  Being a trainer is a specialist skill.  So, you just can’t take anyone with experience and put that person in a classroom situation.

Debate ends.

International ECDIS Conference 09 (IEC 09)

View presentations and debate from IEC 09, to which ECDIS Ltd attended and contributed.
www.ecdis09.com
http://iec09live.wordpress.com
http://iec09live.wordpress.com/2009/10/20/but-who-will-guard-the-guards-themselves/

ECDIS Ltd och ADVETO tecknar samarbetsavtal

ECDIS Ltd i Storbritannien, som erbjuder ECDIS utbildning, och ADVETO AB har tecknat ett samarbetsavtal som innebär att ECDIS Ltd kommer att utbilda kunder på ADVETOs ECDIS 4000. ECDIS Ltd söker aktivt partnerskap med välrenommerade ECDIS tillverkare som erbjuder typgodkända system.

Malcolm Instone, Operativ chef på ECDIS Ltd säger, “Vi är glada över samarbetet med ADVETO. När kunden har köpt ett ECDIS så vill han inte bara ha ett användarvänligt och kapabelt system utan också känna trygghet i att det används korrekt och säkert. Vi kan erbjuda ADVETOs kunder myndighetsgodkänd ECDIS utbildning och träning nu när IMO har beslutat att göra ECDIS användning ombord obligatoriskt på ett stort antal fartyg”.

“ECDIS Ltd kommer i tillägg till utbildningen också att agera som ADVETOs återförsäljare vilket passar väl in i vår tillväxtstrategi” säger Magnus Karlsson, Marknadschef på ADVETO. ”Med ECDIS Ltd anställdas långa erfarenhet av elektronisk navigering känner vi oss säkra på att kunden får en bra utbildning och att ECDIS Ltd opartiskt hjälper kunderna att finna det för dem mest kostnadseffektiva ECDIS”

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd genomför utbildning och rådgivning till användare av Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). De genomför myndighetsgodkänd IMO reglerad utbildning på typgodkända ECDIS. Systemen som används är bärbara och utbildningen kan därför genomföras varhelst kunden önskar så även ombord. Lärarna från ECDIS Ltd har lång erfarenhet av navigering med ECDIS och har utbildat och examinerat mer än
1000 användare. Utbildningen är kontrollerad och godkänd av Kustbevaknings- och Marina myndigheter.

För ytterligare information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
2nd Floor
43 Broomfield Road
Chelmsford
Essex
United Kingdom
CM1 1SY
Tel: +44 203 0868880
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org.uk

ADVETO

ADVETO Advanced Technology har utvecklat elektroniska navigationssystem sedan mitten på 1980-talet. ADVETOs system används jorden över ombord på arbetsbåtar, bogserbåtar, färjor, oceangående kryssningsfartyg, lotsbåtar, lastfartyg och tankers samt utbildningsfartyg. Systemen uppskattas i allt högre grad ombord på höghastighetsfartyg och i synnerhet hos dem som navigerar i trånga vatten så som i våra Nordiska skärgårdar. Huvuddelen av ADVETO-systemens användare återfinns i
Skandinavien men med en snabbt växande internationell kundkrets. Utöver
Sjöfartsverken i Sverige, Norge och Danmark använder motsvarande organisationer i Polen, Spanien och Argentina ADVETOs system. Dessutom finns ett stort antal användare i ett antal betydelsefulla hamnar jorden runt.

För ytterligare information:
Magnus Karlsson, Marknadschef
ADVETO Advanced Technology AB
Box 8028, SE-163 08 SPÅNGA, SWEDEN
Tel: 08 366905
Mobile: 0705 366908
Fax: 08 361885
E-mail: magnus.karlsson@adveto.se
Web: www.adveto.com

ECDIS Ltd Announces Partnership with ADVETO

ECDIS Ltd Announces Partnership with ADVETO

ECDIS training company ECDIS Ltd of the UK and ADVETO of Sweden have entered into partnership in order to provide customers with portable training on ADVETO’s ECDIS 4000. ECDIS Ltd is actively seeking to partner reliable ECDIS manufacturers with type approved systems.

Malcolm Instone, Director of Operations at ECDIS Ltd added, “We are delighted to form a partnership with ADVETO. When an ECDIS is sold the customer wants not only a user friendly and capable system, but also to be confident in utilising it correctly and safely. We can offer ADVETO customers our Flag State approved ECDIS training course at a time when the IMO has decided to make ECDIS carriage mandatory”.

“ECDIS Ltd will in addition to the training also act as an ADVETO retail partner, which fits well into our growth strategy” says Magnus Karlsson, Marketing Manager of ADVETO. “With ECDIS Ltd well trained staff and their Electronic Navigation experience we are certain the customers will be well trained and that ECDIS Ltd will, in a nonbiased way advise potential customers on the most cost effective ECDIS System”.

ECDIS Ltd

ECDIS Ltd provides navigation training and consultation in Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). They specialise in providing Flag State approved IMO model ECDIS courses to be taught on any IMO accredited ECDIS. Their equipment is fully portable which allows training to be conducted in a location of the customer’s choosing, even onboard if facilities can support it. Ecdis Ltd trainers are highly experienced in the practical use of ECDIS, and combined have taught and accredited over 1000 mariners. Their ECDIS training is endorsed and accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

For further information:
Malcolm Instone
Director of Operations & Standards
ECDIS Ltd
2nd Floor
43 Broomfield Road
Chelmsford
Essex
United Kingdom
CM1 1SY
Tel: +44 203 0868880
Email: instone@ecdis.org.uk
Web: www.ecdis.org.uk

ADVETO

ADVETO Advanced Technology AB has been in the Electronic Navigation branch since the mid 1980´s. Adveto systems are used all across the world in and around all continents by work boats, tow boats, ferries and ocean-crossing cruise-liners, pilot boats, and training ships. They have become increasingly popular onboard High Speed Crafts and especially with those operating in archipelagos. The majority of our users are still found in Scandinavia but with a rapidly growing number of users around the world. In addition to the National Maritime Administrations in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, the corresponding bodies in Poland, Spain and Argentina are also ADVETO users and so are customers in many important harbours around the world.

For further information:
Magnus Karlsson
Marketing Manager
ADVETO Advanced Technology AB
Box 8028, SE-163 08 SPÅNGA
SWEDEN
Tel: +46 8 366905
Mobile: +46 705 366908
Fax: +46 8 361885
E-mail: magnus.karlsson@adveto.se
Web: www.adveto.com

Pete Thornton MBE joins ECDIS Ltd

Holds an MCA Class One Master Mariner’s unlimited, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and an AYF Coastal Skipper certificate of competence.  Has sailed both on ship’s and yachts across the Globe in four out of the five Oceans.  Was the first ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY navigator to gain digital accreditation through ECDIS and navigate paperless.  Awarded the Captain Farmer’s prize for coming top of the ROYAL NAVY’s premier and specialist navigation course in 2007.  Obtained a Post Graduate Diploma, Distinction in Navigational Studies from Plymouth University.

Peter is the widely recognised as the preferred option for advice and support in all navigation matters concerning commercially and privately operated yachts and sail vessels.  His team will provide you with all the support you will need to achieve digital accreditation.