Course overview

1. Introduction
2. Legislation
3. ECDIS configuration
4. Data
5. Display related functions and tools
6. Alarms, announcements and alerts
7. Voyage planning
8. Route monitoring
9. Integration with other navigational systems
10. Data and ECDIS updating

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Difference between ENC and SENC
• ENC contains the official chart data to be used in ECDIS brought on board by a data carrier
or download
• ENC data is not displayed directly by ECDIS but must first be converted to SENC data

• The SENC contains all the information of the ENC transferred into an individual systems
format, together with objects used for navigation such as position fixes of the own ship,
waypoints and course lines

• Chart updates (electronically or applied manually) will be directly incorporated in the SENC

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Difference between ENC and SENC
• When opening an ENC for the first time, ECDIS software ‘reads’ the primary files and from
these files it creates an entirely new database in a format unique to each ECDIS (the system
ENC)

• ENC are relatively small files but SENC are about twice the size of the ENC download files

• Concept of equivalence to a paper chart portfolio

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

ENC coverage
• ENC data are in vector format
A revolution in cartography that led to the development of new techniques,
infrastructure and technical know-how

• IHO member states committed themselves to cover all shipping routes connecting the 800
world’s major ports with sufficient ENC coverage by the end of 2010

• A vast majority of national HO are producing their own ENC and where there is little or no
national ENC production capability other HO such as the UKHO (UK) and SHOM (France)
stepped in
This contributed to improve worldwide ENC coverage

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 International ENC cooperation
• WEND = World-wide Electronical Navigational chart Database
An IHO concept designed specifically to ensure a world-wide consistent level of high
quality, updated official ENCs through integrated services that support chart carriage
requirements of SOLAS and the requirements of IMO PS for ECDIS

• RENC = Regional Electronic Navigational Coordinate centre validates and distributes ENCs
from producing nations to end users
PRIMAR: located Norway, hosted by the Norwegian HO and has 16 member HO’s
IC-ENC: the international centre for ENC, located in the UK and hosted by the UKHO
and has 40 members HO’s
 Joining forces to create a consistent quality assured ENC database
 Giving help to ENC procedures to ensure that ENC are compliant to international
standards, are consistent in data quality and are readily available for use

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

ENC coverage

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 ENC coverage – Online world catalogues
• ENC world coverage can be consulted online
IHO / PRIMAR / IC-ENC

• Since 2016, small and medium scale ENC

coverage is more or less complete and top 2000
worldwide ports are covered

https://iho.int/en/iho-online-catalogues

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Alternative - Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) mode

• RNCs may be used in ECDIS (in Raster Chart Display System mode) where ENCs are not
available at all or are not of an appropriate scale for the planning and display of the ship’s
voyage plan

• When operating in RCDS mode, vessels have to carry an appropriate folio of paper chart
on board

• BUT… as ENC coverage becomes more total, paper and raster charts products are
becoming less important
In November 2019, NOAA initiated a five-year process to end all raster nautical chart
production

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Alternative - Private chart data
• Chart data that doesn’t meet SOLAS Carriage requirements produced by private
companies

• Integration of updates takes longer as this information is derived from official chart
data sources

• When any part of the ECDIS screen area displays data that is not generated from
ENC an indication is given similar to “no official data available, refer to the paper
chart” with a distinct boundary line identifying the area

• Safety implications and product liability

Nautical institute
K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Data
• Information versus data
Information describes the knowledge of something

Data: information that is packaged for transfer

Two main types of data for ECDIS
Raster: implicit referencing: needs the use of a legend
Vector: explicit referencing: information is readily accessible (by a
mouse click)

=> OBJECT feature-based data and spatial data referencing

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Data
• Data format vs data structure
Data format = data encapsulation
=> The original ENC, encrypted ENC and the SENC

Data structure = the standard and description of the actual format to be used
=> described in the IHO S-57 standard

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

ENC information
• Each object has a prescribed set of attributes that are
used to define or characterize the object in its present
context

• Some attributes are mandatory, others are optional if

know
Not all objects have the attribute object name, but
every light object must have the attribute light
characteristic

Attributes are assigned a numerical value, a

category information, a text string, … Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 ENC information – cursor picks
• Reading an ENC is an interactive process
At first sight only a fraction of the information is
visible
Access to this information is done by cursor picks
Reading is not only done with the eyes but also
with you hands

• A cursor pick report gives us a list of all objects at that

point along with sublists of all the attributes that apply
to each object

• Format of the cursor pick report depends on the type of

ECDIS but same basic info should always be present
Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Layering of information

• Pick report of ENC NOAA

online viewer in the Gulf of
Mexico

• The sample shows 14 layers

of objects

NOAA online viewer

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Object presentation

• Symbols are fixed in size and design, but the

list of attributes can expand to cover more
information then what we could learn from
paper charts/raster/ list of lights/pilot books
etc.

• ECDIS presentation library 4.0

Symbols can be simplified or paper
chart

Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Object presentation

• Changes within the presentation library 4.0 (2017)

Ensuring greater consistency in the display of ENC data
across all ECDIS
Addresses the number one complaint of constant audible
alarms
 By providing clear guidance to ECDIS manufacturers on ENC
objects that will raise an alarm, the IHO has tackled the issue of
alarm fatigue on the bridge
Information such as fairway and anchorage area names
Landmarks, lights and buoys viewable via “hover” function
 Both initiatives reduce the time-consuming need to find
information buried in a pick report Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Object presentation - Zooming

• When zooming in symbols and text sizes

stay the same, only land and water area
change size
Gives a cleaner display

Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Data obtainment

• Electronic charts are purchased through a license system, usually by mail

• In general all electronic charts are already on board but the license and the
key allows activation of the charts

• Different suppliers have different ways of licensing chart cells

• See chapter voyage planning for more info

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Nautical institute

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Course overview
1. Introduction
2. Legislation
3. ECDIS configuration
4. Data
5. Display related functions and tools
6. Alarms, announcements and alerts
7. Voyage planning
8. Route monitoring
9. Integration with other navigational systems
10. Data and ECDIS updating

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 5. Display related functions and tools
5.1 Chart scales and usage

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Usage bands
• 6 defined usage bands
1. Overview
2. General
3. Coastal
4. Approach
5. Harbour
6. Berthing

Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Chart boundaries
• ENC boundaries are not necessarily the
same as the RNC or paper chart
equivalent

• Example:
boundaries in the vicinity of chart
RNC18465 (blue)

=> if you want to cover the same

waters as the RNC you will need a
total of 9 ENC

Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Chart scales and boundaries

• Adjacent ENC charts may have totally different
scale
=> this is not the case for RNC or paper
charts

• An area may be covered by different ENC or

different usage band
=> harbour/approach/berthing

• An overlap between ENCs with the same usage

band has to be avoided
IHO ENC online catalogue, Gibraltar strait area
=> irregular shape to prevent overlaps

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Chart scales and boundaries
• All ENC names worldwide must be 8 characters long
First 2 letters identify the HO responsible for the chart
The digit following is the scale band
The rest is the actual name of that chart and is assigned by the HO that made it

Example: US4WA34M = US (NOAA) chart, usage band 4 (between 1:50000 and

1:150000), name

Example: NL5GT100 = Netherlands, usage band 5, name

• 2 nations cannot make an ENC of the same waters

agreements will have to be made for overlapping waterways

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Chart scales and boundaries

• Because of the zoom factor, the chart is no longer “fixed”
 2 scales to keep in mind when working on ECDIS
Compilation scale: native scale of the electronic chart
View scale: the scale we have selected at the moment of use

• ECDIS displays the present view scale that applies to the full screen, which could be
composed of just 1 ENC cell or several

• The compilation scale of an ENC is usually the same as the corresponding RNC/paper
chart or slightly larger
The scale intended for navigation and reasonable representation

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Changing the range
(= changing the view scale)
• It may be useful to change the scale through the
display range in nautical miles
working method radar
more intuitive often similar to the visual
range during navigation
• Selected range is responsible for deciding if
certain objects are being displayed or not

The electronic chart, H. Hecht

 CHART CONTENT based on 2 principles
According usage
According SCAMIN

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Chart content
• Adjusting the range will decide which objects are shown
Ex: if a certain buoy is displayed or not

1. Chart content according usage: the display of details (object classes) in every chart
depends primarily on it’s usage

=> ‘Berthing usage’ chart may show certain navigational objects necessary for
coming alongside, but the same objects may not be shown an ‘Approach usage’
chart

2. Chart content according to SCAMIN

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 The usage effect
NOAA online ENC viewer

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

What is SCAMIN?
 SCAMIN
• Many objects in ENC have the optional attribute ‘SCAle MINimum’
= minimum viewing scale that an object should be displayed
presenting a ‘clean’ chart view by showing only crucial information
IHO goal
‘de-clutter’ the display when zooming out

• Ex: a buoy with the attribute SCAMIN of 6000 will show on a view scale of <= 1/6000
will show on a chart with scale 1:5000
will not show on a chart with scale 1:10000

• Not all HO globally use the SCAMIN attribute

may lead to confusion

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

SCAMIN NOAA online ENC viewer

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 SCAMIN
• The danger of SCAMIN
Even safety critical information may be removed from the display if the best
scale chart is not being used

Since it’s a system auto-filter the OOW will not see all the information available
for display, unless navigating on the best scale chart

When zooming out the system will automatically deselect certain features from
display such as soundings, lights and topographical detail

• The only way to ensure that the display is not affected by SCAMIN is to always ensure
that the chart is being used on the best scale

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Precautions on the zoom function

• Zooming into a scale larger then compilation scale could create a false impression
about the reliability of the charted information.

• False impression of safe waters around the vessel

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Overscale and underscale

• ECDIS provides indications to prevent a false interpretation of information in the case

of ‘false zooming’

A navigator should try to only change the scale of ECDIS display within acceptable
limits based on the purpose and the original compilation scale of the ENC

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Overscale
• If the chart information is displayed at a larger scale than the underlying ENC has
been compiled for (the view scale is larger than the ENC compilation scale)
Inaccuracies of the base document are also magnified
The display of detailed information on the chart is exhausted (no more objects)

• Indications of overscale
Depending on the manufacturer
thin black vertical line
Warning message
“not recommended scale”
“dangerous scale”

IHO

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Overscale
• When the display shows different ENC
cells of different compilation scales then
only the overscaled cells will be indicated
by the vertical thin lines

Kongsberg

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Underscale

• If the ship’s position is covered by an ENC at a larger scale than the scale used on the
display
Too much detailed information
Indicated to the navigator by a warning message: “look up better chart”

• In any given sea area charts of different usage may be available in the system
=> chart of better usage is automatically displayed when a certain scale is used

• Underscale may be accepted during route planning to display a larger sea area

IHO

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 ENC anomalies
• ENC charts of the same usage will be shown
seamless
borders are not visible
• If a chart area is covered by ENC of different
usage the most appropriate ENC is chosen
depending on the used ECDIS range
Ex: a higher usage (approach)
superimposes a lower one (general) when
zooming to a certain range

• If only a part of a screen is imposed by a Sevencs

different usage band ENC, the border is shown

on the ECDIS by a grey line
may lead to anomalies

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

ENC anomalies

Electronic chart navigation, D. Burch

 ENC anomalies
• There is a considerable amount of overlaps of adjacent ENC’s, especially where ENC
are created by different states
exchanging all required information is to big an effort
collecting and processing source data from different origin is difficult
sharing of knowledge in between authorities

• In overlapping areas the ECDIS will decide randomly which ENC of the same usage
band will be displayed
overlapping data may cause errors on the displayed information
dangerous underwater obstruction can be missed
research to avoid these anomalies is done by the IC-ENC and IHO
IHO resolution on “elimination of overlapping ENC DATA in areas of
demonstrable risk to the safety of navigation” (2018)

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

ENC anomalies

ChartWorld international and Sevencs

 5. Display related functions and tools
5.2 Quality of data

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

CATZOC
• Category Zone of Confidence (CATZOC) values are used to indicate the accuracy of data
reliability and quality of source data presented on chart is examined and divided
into categories to assist the mariners in determining a safe UKC

• 5 (ZOC A1, A2, B, C and D) + 1 categories (U) for unassessed data

• Based on three factors: position accuracy, depth accuracy and seafloor coverage for
each ZOC
helps to manage the level of risk when navigating in a certain area

• ZOC categories reflect a charting standard and not just a hydrographic survey standard
depth and position accuracies specified for each ZOC category refer to errors in
sounding as well as in the chart production process

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 UKHO

CATZOC
• Replacement of the source diagrams on the paper charts

• Zone of confidence are only visible when the user has selected the appropriate ENC
layer to display the ZOC

Learnmarine

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Source diagram on paper chart

UKHO
K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Importance of CATZOC
• Calculate UKC: as determined by company policy
UKC is often a percentage of max. dynamic
draft
ex: 20% at sea, 10% in pilot areas

• Ex: deepest dynamic draft = 10 meters (squat

included, charted depth = 11 meters, tide = 2
meters and ZOC =C
charted depth + tide = 13m
UKC = 3m
However we are in ZOC C meaning depth
information can deviate upto 2,5m
Not safe for navigation

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Importance of CATZOC
• Safety distance
company or master’s instructions to pass at
a safe distance from any obstruction (ex. 0,5
Nm)

navigating in ZOC C gives a potential

position error upto 500 meter (=0,3 Nm) in
showing the position of the obstruction

special caution should be taken when

planning your route

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

5. Display related functions and tools

5.3 Display of data

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Display modes
• A big advantage of ECDIS is the ability to choose the amount of navigational data to be
displayed
avoiding an overload of information
possibility to personalize your display

• SENC information is subdivided in 3 levels of display categories

1. Base display
2. Standard display
3. All other information

As written in IMO.232(82): “When an ECDIS is switched on following a switch off or

power failure, it should return to the most recent manually selected settings for display”

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Display base

• The chart content which cannot be removed from the display

minimum set of information and shows only the most important objects
coastline, isolated dangers, own ship,…
not sufficient for navigation
can be used during voyage planning to get an uncluttered overview

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Standard display

• Is the display mode intended to be used as a minimum set of information during route
planning and route monitoring
a minimum for safe navigation to be possible
contains the display base and in addition other important objects such as buoys,
beacons, boundaries of fairways, restricted areas, ….

• IMO MSC.232(82)
“ECDIS should present the Standard Display at any time by a single operator
action”
“If information categories included in the Standard Display are removed to
customize the display, this should be permanently indicated. Identification of
categories which are removed from the Standard Display should be shown on
demand.”

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

All other information

• Information that can be displayed on demand

As a whole group (“All”) or individually by
object category
According the requirements of the user
and the capabilities of the system

• Adds objects to the standard display such as

spot soundings, submarine cables and pipelines,
details of aids to navigation, …
as described in IMO MSC.232(82)
Appendix 2
Japan P&I club

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Display settings on ECDIS

Transas manual

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Standard display settings on ECDIS

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 5. Display related functions and tools
5.4 Depth information

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Soundings
• ENC soundings have the same reference level than on RNC: they are measured from
the depth of the water when the tide is zero
• Technically soundings are also ENC objects (SOUNDG) with the specific attributes (ex:
SCAMIN)

• Every charted object in the water that can be covered by the tide will have a value fro
sounding (VALSOU)

• Drying heights are presented as negative soundings

a rock with sounding -1,5m means that the top of the rock is 1,5m above the
water when the tide is zero

• A line of constant sounding is a depth contour

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Chart datums, units
• All ENC for ECDIS are to be on WGS84 geodetic
datum as required by the performance standards
it’s essential that the GPS receiver is also set to
WGS84 to give a correct position indication

• There is no global definition of vertical chart datum

but generally IHO recommends to use LAT for tidal
waters
datum used for vertical reference must be
specified
The electronic chart, H. Hecht

• By using ENC the navigator is no longer restricted to

the sounding units
Units can be changed easily
small conversion errors are possible

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Depth contours

• Several depth contours based on the depth contour intervals contained in the ENC
database may be displayed whenever they are available in the ENC
Ex: 2m, 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m, 40m, 200m

• Depth contours play a far more important and dynamic role in chart usage and safe
navigation than on RNC or paper charts
=> depth parameters

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Depth areas
• An ‘area object’ (DEPARE) that is a valuable ‘new’
feature to identify the range of depths at any
point

• An area defined by two adjacent depth contours

The area between 2 ‘regular’ depth
contours or 2 depth ‘parameter’ contours

• IHO standard: the ECDIS can offer either a 2-color

or 4-color depth display pattern
blue and white
dark blue, light blue, grey-white and white

Introduction to electronic chart navigation, D

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Safety depth
• The safety depth is intended to mark the waters
that are unsafe for the vessel
value can be set by the operator
detects the depths that are a danger to
navigation

• When spot soundings are selected for display,

depths equal to or less than the safety depth are
in bold/black
safety depth value determines the colors of
the soundings (black or gray)

Introduction to electronic chart navigation, D, Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Safety contour
• The boundary safe and (possible) unsafe waters
• ECDIS highlights the safety contour over other
contours on the display by a bold line
• Default value = 30m but the navigator may select
a safety contour from the depth contours
provided by the SENC

• If the selected safety contour is not in the

displayed SENC, the safety contour will default to
the next deeper contour
Ex: if Safety Contour setting = minimum
depth required = 9,0m then the safety
contour selected on most SENC will be 10m
depending on the set values. Can also be
15m or 20m
Introduction to electronic chart navigation, D, Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

IMO MSC.232(82) – Adoption of the Revised Performance Standards for ECDIS

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Depth parameters
• Relevant depth related
parameters values and limits can
be changed in ECDIS ‘safety
parameter box’
• For shallow contour , safety
contour and deep contour,
ECDIS will use depth contours
on the inserted value or the
next deeper if the used values
are not available
• Not all manufacturers provide
separate controls for safety
contour and safety depth value

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Depth parameters recommended settings

• The shallow water contour is used to tell ECDIS what is the value of the shallow waters
for the draft of the vessel (‘the grounding depth’)
the value of depth below which it is definite for the vessel to run aground
the value needs to be equal to or little more than the draft of the vessel

• The deep water contour is a relative term and the user is free to set as what he
considers deep water
often twice or four times the ship’s draft
can be used to indicate about depths depending on the situation
Ex: maximum anchoring depth, minimum ballast water exchange depth, …

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Depth parameters recommended settings

• If the manufacturer provides for separate controls of safety depth and safety contour
the user can increase situational awareness by setting the safety depth to a value
that is considered to be a critical depth for your specific vessel situation
don’t forget the tide when considering safety depth
the safety contour value is calculated considering safety depth + allowance for
CATZOC

• Where ECDIS does not provide for separate controls of safety depth and safety contour
recommended to use safety contour value for the safety depth value

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Safety parameters: schematic presentation

Transnav

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Safety parameters: 4 colour area display

myseatime

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Depth related alarms

• Following items can be used for automatic safety-related
alerts considering the draught of the own ship into
account:
safety contour
Ex: during route planning an alert will be
given if the route is planned to cross the
safety contour
unsafe depth areas
Transas
unsafe spot sounding (safety depth)
other underwater risks (obstruction/wrecks)

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Own ship symbol
• A double circle to indicate the potentially limited
accuracy of the ship’s position

• When larger scales are used (approach or berthing),

ECDIS allows for using an outline of the vessel in true-
scale form
‘scaled ship symbol’
often used when manoeuvring
allows a representation of the blind sector ahead
and astern of the own ship

Introduction to electronic chart navigation, D, Burch

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Isolated danger symbol

• Whenever a sounding of a rock, wreck, obstruction is less than the value
of the safety contour, or when its sounding is unknown, the isolated
danger symbol is being displayed

• Important symbol since it may represent a danger to navigation

presence should never be neglected

• Wrong setting of the safety contour may lead to real dangers to navigation
not being shown as ‘isolated danger symbols’

• Symbol is only triggered by the safety contour and not by the safety depth

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Isolated danger symbol

Example: the safety contour is set at 10 meters

At a depth of 12 meters will be shown as:

= submerged wreck with a depth less than the safety

contour or depth unknown

A wreck at a depth of 8 meters will be shown as:

= a potentially dangerous wreck

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Quick guide to
ENC symbols
(AVCS)
 Colour modes

• Colour tables to match the different light conditions on the bridge

important for not impairing the night vision

(Minimum) 3 different colour mode palettes under the brightness menu

day
dusk
night

Transas dusk mode (left) and night mode (right)

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Mode of presentation
• True and relative motion
true motion will need a reset of chart area
from time to time

• North up and course up/ head up presentation

In course up presentation it is permitted and
optional
the chart is rotated
radar

The electronic chart, H, Hecht

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 User overlays
PC maritilme
• This function can be used to insert text, symbols
and simple graphics manually on the ENC display
to highlight things that require attention

• Options
Text notes
Symbols: event, remark, caution
Graphics: lines/areas Transas manual

Highlight dangers: manually highlighting

unsafe waters by a user zone and apply the
attribute danger

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Navigational tools
• ECDIS also has the function of ‘work
station’ for route monitoring and checking

• Tools for
fixing the ships position on the chart
drawing bearing lines and distance
rings
entering notes manually
PI

Transas

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Navigational tools
• Position fix functions
Automatically
Digital logbook
Time labels
GPS event
Estimated (manual) position fix
=> LOP, distance rings and manual
estimated position input to cross
check GPS position
radar position fix
Astro position fix
optical bearing line
Transas manual

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Course overview
1. Introduction
2. Legislation
3. ECDIS configuration
4. Data
5. Display related functions and tools
6. Alarms, announcements and alerts
7. Voyage planning
8. Route monitoring
9. Integration with other navigational systems
10. Data and ECDIS updating

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Announcements
• ECDIS must monitor the status of its systems continuously and must provide alarms
and indication for certain functions if a condition requires immediate attention
• IMO MSC.232(82)
=> APPENDIX 4 ‘special condition areas’
=> APPENDIX 5 ‘alarm and indicators”
• ECDIS constructed before 2015: ‘Announcements’:
Alarm: alarm system which announces by audible (and visual) means about the
condition requiring attention
Indicator: visual indication about the condition of a system or equipment
For alarms concerning:
THE CHART
Crossing SC Route plan across SC INFORMATION OF THE
Area with special condition Route plan across specific area LARGEST SCALE ENC IS
ALWAYS USED

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

IMO MSC.232(82) – Adoptation of the Revised performance standards for ECDIS

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 IMO MSC.232(82) – Adoptation of the Revised performance standards for ECDIS

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Alerts

• Extensive criticism on the amount of alarms has led to introducing alerts

• Alarm fatigue

• For ECDIS constructed after 2015 BAM (Bridge Alarm Management) is applicable
Harmonizing the priority, classification, handling, distribution and presentation of
announcement
For the entire bridge equipment
IMO resolution MSC.302(87): performance standards for Bridge Alarm Management

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 BAM Alert Management
• The IMO BAM performance standards define announcements as ‘alerts’ subdivided in 4
categories
• Orange and yellow indications can be upgraded to red if not adressed

• ECDIS will produce alarms only for three conditions: anti-grounding, anti-route, anti-
collision

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)

Alert Management

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Alert Management
• Reducing the number of audible alarms is achieved by reducing the number
of objects in the presentation library associated with announcements

• New categories for alerts are based on the BAM performance standard
principles

• Isolated dangers and floating aids to navigation (‘Navigational Hazards’) create

an indication but not an audible alarm

• Areas with special conditions only give an indication

• Warnings will be re-categorized as alarms if not acknowledged or reappear as

warnings after a given time

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)
 Area alerts

K. De Hert, 2021 – 2022. Syllabus based on the work of Inez Houben (2020-2021)