Overview 

This 2021 edition of ECDIS Passage Planning and Watchkeeping provides best practice techniques and guidance on the use of ECDIS. It includes clear explanations of the configuration of ECDIS settings and the four stages of route planning, using the APEM method set out in IMO Resolution A.893(21). The text is divided into user-friendly sections, with attention drawn to operator guidance and safety critical information.

This publication equips navigators with a thorough knowledge of ECDIS, contributing towards safer ship operation/navigation and a more effective bridge team. It encourages operators to practise the use of every function and technique available on ECDIS, such as setting correct safety depths and safety contours, as well as understanding topics such as scale minimum (SCAMIN) and alarm management.

Updated ECDIS screenshots and illustrations such as the APEM (appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring) flowchart aid readers’ understanding of best practice techniques.

Introduction

This 2021 edition of ECDIS Passage Planning and Watchkeeping sets out procedures for the correct configuration of ECDIS and, utilising the APEM methodology, it highlights best practices for passage planning and watchkeeping.

To obtain the complete benefits of ECDIS and be confident in its use, an ECDIS operator should:

• Be proficient in setting up the ECDIS, particularly the safety and display settings
• be aware that while ECDIS may display a ‘position’, it is important to understand how that position has been derived and how to verify its accuracy.

Practising the use of every function and technique available on the ECDIS is one of the most effective ways an officer can maintain and develop their navigation skills at sea. Learning how to use each type of ECDIS thoroughly, and mentoring others to do the same, contributes towards a safer ship operation and a more effective bridge team.

Content

1 Configuration of ECDIS Settings

1.1 Configuration of ECDIS Sensors

1.2 Depth, Contours and Safety Settings

1.3 Chart Display Parameters

1.4 Ship Display Parameters

1.5 Route Display Parameters

2 Appraisal/Information Gathering

2.1 Appraisal Research

3 Planning the Voyage

3.1 Display Configuration

3.2 Route Creation

3.3 Mariner-added Objects

3.4 Supplementary Information

3.5 Manual Updates

3.6 Route Check

3.7 Bridge Team Briefing and Master’s Approval

4 Execution

5 Monitoring

5.1 ECDIS Handover

5.2 Position Monitoring

5.3 Waypoint Passing Criteria

5.4 Managing the ETA

5.5 ARPA and AIS Overlay

5.6 Anchor Watch Monitoring

5.7 ECDIS Additional Functionality

5.8 Logbook and ECDIS Voyage Recording

5.9 Sensor Failure

5.10 ECDIS Failure

5.11 Monitoring Considerations

Annexes

Annex A – ECDIS Checklists

ECDIS Operator Familiarisation Checklist

ECDIS Appraisal and Planning Checklist

Pre-sailing Checklist

Safety Settings

Handover of the Nav Watch (ECDIS related items)

ECDIS Failure

GNSS Failure Checklist

Anchorage Checklist

Annex B – IMO: ‘ECDIS – Guidance for Good Practice’

Annex C – Detection of Areas for which Special Conditions Exist

Annex D – Additional Areas

Annex E – Display Options

Annex F – S-63 Error Codes and Explanations

Annex G – Objects Associated with the Question Mark Symbol

References

Details