KUP 25 Proficient in operation, interpretation, and analysis of information obtained from ECDIS

Integrated ECDIS Functions and Settings

Modern ECDIS are often integrated with other navigation systems like radar, AIS, and GPS to provide a more complete picture of the navigational situation. This integration allows displaying additional information layers on the electronic chart, enhancing situational awareness and supporting decision making. However, proper setup and use of these integrated functions is critical for the ECDIS to operate as intended.Key points about integrated ECDIS functions:

• Radar overlay allows the radar image to be displayed directly on the ECDIS chart, providing an additional layer of information. The overlay must be properly aligned with the chart for accuracy. Misalignment can be misleading.
• AIS and radar target tracking integration displays other vessels’ positions, headings, speeds and more on the ECDIS. Filtering and alarm settings are important to highlight dangerous targets without excessive clutter.
• GPS integration enables the display of own ship’s position on the chart in real-time. The accuracy of this position depends on the quality of the GPS receiver and signal. Settings for positioning alarms are important.
• Other sensor data like echo sounder depth, heading, and speed can also be integrated into the ECDIS display to provide additional context. The accuracy and reliability of this data must be monitored.

Proper integration setup and adjustment of ECDIS settings is critical for the system to function as intended. Misconfigurations can lead to missing or incorrect information, undermining the benefits of integration. Navigators must be thoroughly familiar with the specific ECDIS installation on their vessel, including its integrated functions and required settings.

Safe Monitoring and Adjustment of ECDIS Information

The ECDIS displays a wealth of navigational information that must be safely monitored and adjusted as needed throughout the voyage. The dynamic nature of ECDIS and the ability to tailor the display requires active engagement by navigators to ensure the information shown is suitable for the current situation.Key information to monitor in ECDIS includes:

• Own ship’s position, which should be accurate and frequently cross-checked by alternative positioning methods. Over-reliance on GPS can be dangerous if the signal is lost or degraded.
• Chart display settings like scale, orientation (north-up/course-up), and visible layers. The appropriate chart scale and information density depends on the navigation situation, such as open ocean vs. coastal piloting.
• The planned route and any deviations from it. ECDIS allows quick identification of off-track conditions, but parameters like cross-track distance and look-ahead time must be appropriately set.
• Alarm parameters for anti-grounding, approach to waypoints and critical points, and proximity to hazards. These must be set to provide adequate warning without excessive false alarms.
• Sensor data feeding the ECDIS, including position, heading, speed, and depth. The quality and accuracy of this data must be continuously assessed. Comparing different sensors can identify failures.

While ECDIS automates many navigation functions, safe navigation still requires the active judgment of navigators in selecting appropriate settings and interpreting the information displayed. Passive monitoring can induce complacency. Navigators must be proficient in adjusting ECDIS to suit the conditions, while maintaining a critical eye towards the information presented.

Confirmation of Position by Alternative Means

One of the most important principles of navigation is verifying information through multiple independent sources. ECDIS makes this easier by integrating multiple positioning sources, but over-reliance on a single electronic system can be dangerous if that system fails or provides inaccurate data.GPS is the primary position sensor for most ECDIS, providing an accurate position when the signal is reliable. However, GPS is vulnerable to signal loss, interference, and deliberate jamming or spoofing, which can render it unreliable. Regularly cross-checking the GPS position displayed in ECDIS using other methods is essential for catching any discrepancies.Alternative position fixing methods include:

• Radar fixes using ranges and bearings to charted objects
• Visual bearings to charted objects, lighthouses, or aids to navigation
• Celestial navigation, although sun or star sights are rarely practical in coastal piloting situations
• Pilotage techniques like transits, leading lines, or parallel indexing

The frequency of position cross-checking should be risk-based. In open ocean transit, GPS may be sufficient with only occasional checks. In restricted coastal waters, frequent verification by multiple methods is prudent. Navigators must be proficient in a variety of positioning methods to use if ECDIS or GPS fails.

Efficient Use of Settings and Alarms

ECDIS incorporates many automated features and alarms that can enhance safety and situational awareness when used properly. However, the multitude of available settings and alarms can be overwhelming without adequate training and familiarization. Improper settings can result in important alarms being missed or excessive false alarms inducing complacency.Key ECDIS settings and alarms for safe navigation include:

• Safety depth and safety contour settings to clearly distinguish safe water from shallow areas. These should be set based on the vessel’s draft plus a safety margin suitable for the area.
• Grounding alarms and indications to warn of impending shallow water or danger areas. These look-ahead alarms should provide adequate time to take action while avoiding excessive false alarms.
• Deviation alarms for the planned route to indicate if the vessel is off-track beyond set limits. Cross-track distance limits must balance the need for strict adherence to the plan with allowance for necessary deviations.
• Alarms for waypoint approach, critical points, and wheel-over. These help ensure awareness of key points in the passage plan, but must be set with suitable advance notice.
• Alarm parameters for critical navigation sensors like position, heading and depth. Consistency checks between multiple sensors can indicate sensor failures or data quality issues.

Navigators should be thoroughly familiar with the available alarms in their ECDIS and how to set them appropriately for different situations. False alarms must be investigated, not just silenced and ignored. All alarm settings and status should be included in the Master’s standing orders and voyage plan.

Situational Awareness with ECDIS

When used effectively, ECDIS can greatly enhance situational awareness by integrating a variety of information into a common display. However, it can also induce complacency and over-reliance if not used with the proper mindset and cross-checks. Maintaining situational awareness with ECDIS requires active engagement and critical thinking, not just passive monitoring.Practices to maintain situational awareness with ECDIS include:

• Actively monitoring the ECDIS display, not just relying on alarms. Regularly “stepping back” to check the big picture.
• Maintaining a safe and efficient lookout by all available means, including visual scanning, radar, and radio communications. ECDIS does not replace the need for lookout.
• Checking vessel position by alternative means, including visual bearings and radar. GPS should not be blindly trusted.
• Validating depth information with echo sounder data. Depth contours and soundings in ECDIS are only as good as the survey data.
• Assessing the quality of sensor data feeding ECDIS, including position, heading, and speed. Comparing multiple sensors can identify failures or inconsistencies.
• Monitoring vessel traffic with radar and AIS, not just ECDIS. Dangerous targets may not be in the chart data.
• Staying alert to changing environmental conditions like current, tide, weather, and visibility. ECDIS does not automatically account for these factors.

Most importantly, navigators must remember that ECDIS is a tool to aid situational awareness and decision making, not a replacement for basic seamanship and navigation skills. Over-reliance on ECDIS without critical thinking can be dangerous if the system fails or provides misleading information. Constant vigilance and judgment are still required.In summary, proficient use of ECDIS requires in-depth knowledge of the system’s many functions and settings, active monitoring and cross-checking of the information displayed, and integration of ECDIS data with other navigational inputs to maintain full situational awareness. Proper training and procedures are essential to use ECDIS safely and effectively while avoiding over-reliance. The prudent navigator uses ECDIS as a powerful tool, while still maintaining the fundamental skills and judgment of traditional navigation