Choosing Between IMO Model Course 1.30 and 1.32 for ECDIS Training

by Maya Deiss December 27, 2025

What ECDIS Training Certification Do Vessels Need?

SOLAS requires all officers in charge of the navigation watch on vessels 3,000 GT or larger to hold ECDIS training certification. The International Maritime Organization sets the standard, and flag states enforce it.

Two pathways exist for meeting this requirement. Both satisfy regulatory requirements internationally. The critical difference comes down to where you train and what you're training on. If you manage a fleet with multiple vessels using different ECDIS types, that affects your decision significantly.

Model Course 1.30 for ECDIS Training Certification: Hands-On Onboard Assessment

Model Course 1.30 focuses on your specific ECDIS system. An approved assessor comes aboard your vessel and evaluates how you operate the equipment during normal operations. No classroom. No time away from the bridge.

The assessor observes you performing actual navigation tasks: chart updates, passage planning, managing Notices to Mariners, and responding to ECDIS alarms. Assessment happens in the operational context where the officer actually works.

Duration runs 1 to 2 weeks of onboard assessment. Cost tends to be lower than classroom alternatives since no formal training facility is required.

Flag states including Panama, Liberia, and Marshall Islands accept Model Course 1.30 as satisfying SOLAS requirements. The Model Course 1.30 Onboard Assessment 2017 Edition provides authoritative guidance for conducting type-specific assessment.

When to pursue Model Course 1.30: You're assigned to a specific vessel long-term with no anticipated system changes.

Model Course 1.32 for Maritime Officer Training: Comprehensive Classroom-Based Navigation Training

Model Course 1.32 addresses electronic navigation principles independent of any specific ECDIS manufacturer. Classroom instruction and simulator training develop foundational knowledge applicable to different systems.

Classes cover ECDIS operating principles across manufacturers, international standards governing electronic navigational charts, proper watchkeeping procedures, and chart management following IHO S-57 standards.

Officers train on multi-system ECDIS simulators with different interface designs and configurations. Contact hours typically run 40 to 80 hours conducted over 5 to 10 intensive days.

Universal flag state acceptance exists for Model Course 1.32. Personnel transferring between vessels with different ECDIS systems can operate new equipment with minimal additional orientation. Browse the complete collection of IMO Model Courses to find the pathway matching your training needs.

When to pursue Model Course 1.32: You're new to electronic navigation, anticipate vessel transfers, or want credentials recognized globally.

ECDIS Training Certification: Direct Comparison for Decision-Making

Comparing the pathways clarifies which suits your situation:

Factor	Model Course 1.30	Model Course 1.32
Location	Aboard your vessel	Training facility/simulator
System Type	Specific ECDIS installed	All systems generically
Transfer Between Vessels	Limited (requires retraining)	Immediate capability
Duration	1 to 2 weeks	5 to 10 days intensive
Cost	Lower	Higher
Scheduling	Fits watch rotation	Requires time off vessel
Regulatory Acceptance	Most flag states	All flag states universally
Career Flexibility	Requires supplementary training	Ready for any ECDIS type

Flag State Maritime Officer Training Requirements for ECDIS Certification

SOLAS sets the international minimum. Flag states implement and sometimes exceed these minimums. Checking your vessel's flag state requirements matters before pursuing either pathway.

Panama and Liberia accept both Model Course 1.30 and Model Course 1.32 without preference. Marshall Islands recognizes both pathways equally, acknowledging that type-specific onboard training and type-generic classroom training both fulfill ECDIS competency requirements.

European Union member states generally prefer Model Course 1.32 for their maritime officer training frameworks. United States Coast Guard vessels may have additional assessment requirements beyond either model course. Verify USCG-specific requirements if operating under US jurisdiction.

Choosing ECDIS Training Certification Based on Your Role and Career Path

For commercial vessel captains and navigators: If established on a specific vessel with no near-term transfer expected, Model Course 1.30 makes economic sense for individual officer development. If advancement to fleet positions seems likely, Model Course 1.32 provides portable credentials.
For fleet managers and shore-side operations: Standard maritime officer training across your fleet matters operationally. Model Course 1.32 enables crew flexibility. Review the available IMO Model Courses and training options to align training strategy with fleet operations.
For yacht captains: Global voyages demand knowledge applicable worldwide. Model Course 1.32 provides internationally recognized credentials.
For maritime educators: Maritime academies typically base curriculum on Model Course 1.32. Understanding both options helps match training solutions to organizational needs.

Navigation Training Courses: What Follows ECDIS Training Certification

Getting your ECDIS training certification marks the beginning of electronic navigation competency. Software updates from manufacturers occur regularly, and chart management procedures differ between ECDIS types.

Modern bridge systems integrate ECDIS with radar, AIS data, and passage planning tools. Understanding these integrated systems matters for operational competency. Additional certifications like Model Course 3.21 for Port Security Officers , GMDSS General Operators Certificate , and GMDSS Restricted Operators Certificate complement ECDIS training.

The International Hydrographic Organization is transitioning to IHO S-100 standards over the coming years. Current S-57 standards remain the baseline.

American Nautical Services supports crew development with ECDIS e-Learning Courses , E-Navigation Consultancy Service , and ECDIS Risk Assessment Service .

Moving Forward with Your Maritime Officer Training

ECDIS training certification requirements exist for operational safety and regulatory compliance. Vessel traffic in congested waters and challenging weather demands competent electronic navigation. The pathway you choose affects immediate costs, career flexibility, and crew utilization in your fleet.

Individual officers should match their training choice to career trajectory. Fleet managers should align training decisions with operational requirements and crew development strategy.

American Nautical Services stocks IMO Model Courses and maintains relationships with authorized training providers. Our team helps maritime organizations develop comprehensive training strategies that balance regulatory compliance with operational effectiveness.

FAQs

Q1. What happens when I transfer to a vessel with a different ECDIS system?

Model Course 1.30 certification applies only to the specific ECDIS type you trained on. Transferring to a different manufacturer's system typically requires 3 to 7 days of type-specific training. Model Course 1.32 certificate holders need primarily equipment orientation, usually 2 to 3 days.

Q2. Can my company require Model Course 1.32 for all officers?

Absolutely. Shipping companies set their own training standards above regulatory minimums. Many large fleet operators standardize on Model Course 1.32 to enable crew mobility across vessel types.

Q3. Do both courses satisfy international maritime law?

Both Model Course 1.30 and 1.32 satisfy SOLAS and STCW requirements. Flag state acceptance is nearly universal for both pathways. Verify your vessel's specific requirements before selecting a pathway.

Q4. Which course should new deck officers take?

Model Course 1.32 is the standard for maritime academy graduates and officers new to commercial shipping. The comprehensive, system-independent knowledge foundation enables transition to any vessel type. The Model Course 304 for Electrical Installations provides essential knowledge for modern vessel systems and integrated bridge operations.

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