JAPAN P& I CLUBVol.39 April 2017

P&I Loss Prevention Bulletin
The Japan Ship Owners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association Loss Prevention and Ship Inspection Department

Electronic Chart Display and Information System

ECDISINDEX
Codes Table ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Introduction
Chapter 1………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

1-1

ECDIS Functions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

1-2

ECDIS Overview …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Chapter 2

Overview of Rules Regarding Electronic Charts

2-1

Nautical Charts for Navigation ………………………………………………………………………………… 12

2-2

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V ………………… 12

2-3 Fitting Requirements ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

Chapter 3
3-1Electronic Charts

Diﬀerences between the Electronic Chart System (ECS) and Electronic Chart Display andInformation System (ECDIS) ………………………………………………………………………………………… 15
3-2

Vector Charts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15

3-3

Raster Navigational Charts ……………………………………………………………………………………… 17

3-4 Diﬀerences between the Raster Chart Display System (RCDS) andElectronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) ……………………………………………… 18
3-5 Classiﬁcation of Oﬃcial Charts and Unoﬃcial Charts ……………………………………………………… 20
3-6 Backups ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
3-7 Approval by Port State Control (PSC)…………………………………………………………………………… 21

Chapter 4

ECDIS Familiarisation Training

4-1 STCW …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
4-2 Familiarisation Training ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

Chapter 5 Handling of Electronic Charts from the Viewpoint of the Master and Oﬃcers
5-1 Human Error due to Overdependence ………………………………………………………………………… 26
5-2 Objectives of ECDIS ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29
5-3 BTM (Bridge Team Management) and ECDIS ………………………………………………………………… 30
5-4 ECDIS Information Management ………………………………………………………………………………… 35

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 35
Attachments and Reference Material
Attachment ①
ANNEX24 Resolution MSC.232(82)「Performance standards for Electric Chart
Display and Information System(ECDIS)………………………………………………………………………… 37

Attachment ②
Ref. T2-OSSHE/2.7.1 SN.1/Circ.255（24 July 2006）「ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ON CHART DATUMS AND THE ACCURACY OFPOSITIONS ON CHARTSMO 」 ……………………………………………………………………………………… 44
Attachment ③
Ref. T2-OSS/2.7 SN.1/Circ.207/Rev.1(22 October 2007)「DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RCDS AND ECDIS」 ………………………………………………………………… 46
Attachment ④
Ref. T2-OSS/2.7.1 SN.1/Circ.276(10 December 2008)「TRANSITIONING FROM PAPER CHART TO ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY
AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ECDIS) NAVIGATION」 ……………………………………………………… 48
Attachment ⑤
STCW Convention Table A-II/2 Extract …………………………………………………………………………… 51

C O D E S TA B L E
Abbreviation of Treaty/Agreement etc.
COLREGS

ISM CodeInternational Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972

International Managemant Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for
Pollution Prevention (International Safety Management Code)

S-66

Facts about Electronic Charts and Carriage Requirements

SOLAS

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

STCW

International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification andWatchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978

Ab b reviation of O rga nizatio n etc.
IHO

International Hydrographic Organization

IMO

International Maritime Organization

MOU

Memorandum Of Understanding on Port State Control

NHO

National Hydrographic Oﬃce

PSC

Port State Control

UKHO

United Kingdom Hydrographic Oﬃce

Abbreviation of Equipment and others

AIS

Automatic Identiﬁcation System

ARPA

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids

BTM

Bridge Team Management

CRM

Cockpit Resource Management

ECDIS

Electronic Chart Display and Information System

ECSElectronic Chart System
Electronic Navigational Chart

ENC

Degital Data Base of All information (Point, Line and Area) on thedisplay

GNSS

GPSJapan ENC

Global Navigation Satellite System
Generic Name of Satellite System(GPS, GLONASS, Galireo and etc.)
Global Positioning System

Japan Electronic Navigational Chart

RCDS

Raster Chart Display System

RENC

Regional ENC Co-ordination Center

RNC

Raster Navigational Chart

SA Certiﬁcate
SENC
WGS-84

Scheme Administrator Certiﬁcate ： SA Certiﬁcate

System Electronic Navigational Chart

World Geodetic System-84−5−Introduction
The Hydrographic Department of the Japan Coast Guard (now known as
the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, Japan Coast Guard)
published the world’s first ever electronic chart (Tokyo Bay to Ashizuri
Misaki(Cape Ashizuri)) in March 1995. Since then, with developments
in computer technology, equipment with advanced functions known as
the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (“ECDIS”) has
been developed and this is where we stand today.
Before the introduction of ECDIS, a paper nautical chart was used tocreate a navigation plan. A Gyro compass, radar and radio navigationequipment were used calculate the ship’s position, and this information was transcribed on the paper chart. Also, with the appearanceof the GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System, GNSS being thegeneric term for the satellite positioning system known as GPS (USA),GLONASS (Russia), and Galileo (EU)), we were able to obtain highly
accurate position information according to Latitude and Longitude , but
the position of the vessel continued to be checked using a paper nauticalchart.
It used to be that the navigation plan was prepared and the vessel
position checked in order to create the nautical chart table. Nowadays,
when ECDIS is compulsory, the vessel is manoeuvred from the conning
position while reading the displayed nautical chart and vessel position
information. Further, although there are no plans to scrap the paper
chart, navigation without the use of the paper chart is becoming a reality.
From the viewpoint of the Conning Officer (Master/Officer), this is considered to be a major revolution in the use of nautical charts. However,basic manoeuvring has not changed with the appearance of ECDIS, andthis is carried out using a system made up of the 3 elements shown in
Table 1.

Sponsored by FURUNO
Electronic Chart Display andInformation System（ECDIS）
FMD-3300

Sponsored by FURUNO
GNSS
GP-170In the words of Kinzo Inoue, the basic principle of manoeuvring or vessel handling is the knowledge that “a vessel floats inwater and returns to its original position after a list. It is manoeuvered with the assistance of the rudder, main engine(s) andother auxiliary equipment, using knowledge of the rolling, pitching and yawing characteristics of the vessel in waves. In
handling the vessel it is necessary to consider the effects of environmental conditions while controlling the position of thevessel, its attitude, and its speed, to move the vessel in the designed direction in a safe and efficient manner, and to stop at
the intended position (Theory and Practice of Ship Handling, Kinzo Inoue, Honorary Professor, Kobe University).”, and asummary of this is shown in Figure 2.

−6−

Table : 1 Constituent Elements of the Maneuvering SystemShipnavigation
environment

Shipnavigation
systemVesselGeomorphic
environment

The environment consisting of the terrain, structures,and water depth which are characteristic to thatlocation

Natural environment

The environmental changes which occur over timeand are caused by nature. Factors such as weather,sea conditions, seasons, day and nightTraffic environment

This is an artificially created environment, andconsists of artiﬁcial elements such as other vessels,sailing route, navigational aids and traﬃc rules.

Hull

Size and draft of the vessel

Motion controllers

Equipment used to move the vessel (such as main
engine, steering gear, and nautical instruments)

Motion performance

Factors such as course, speed, turning circle

Operating technology

Person who has the skills to operate the vessel, anduses it to control the vessel

Operating system

Factors such as navigational watch, bridge manning
plan

Operator

From this viewpoint, ECDIS is just one part of the system to provide information, and excessive trust in the information
generated by ECDIS could result in a drop in the operating skills of the Conning Officer, or cause the Conning Officer tooverlook vital information. If unmanned vessels make an appearance in the future, different rules may apply, but in thepresent situation in which the vessel is operated by Ship’s crew who are on board, we need to go back to basics and consider
the ECDIS configuration and how to handle it for the task of manoeuvring.
Figure : 2 Ship Maneuvering

Vessel with Stability

Rolling, Pitching
and
Yawing characteristics
in waves

Enviromental condition* Gerography(existence of shallow areas and water depth etc.)* Facilities (port facilities)* Nabigation (buoys, ﬁshing boats, marine traﬁc etc.)

Means
Rudder, main engine,

Vessel* Social (regulations, navigation regulations etc.)

thrusters, anchors,maneuverability* Nature (wind, tidal ﬂows, visibilty, waves etc.)

mooring lines, tugs etc.

Ship
Navigator

Contlrol of vessel position, attitude, and speed for safe and eﬀcient＊ movement in the required direction＊ stopping at the required position−7−

Chapter 1

Electronic Chart Display andInformation System (ECDIS)
1 −1 ECDIS Functions

The definition in Performance Standards for ECDIS (Resolution MSC.232(82), adopted on 5 December 2006 (hereinafterreferred to as MSC.232(82): See Attachment ① ), 3. Definition 3.1, “Electronic Chart Display and Information System(ECDIS)) means that a navigation information system with adequate back-up arrangements can be accepted as an up-to-datechart as required by regulations V/19 and V/27 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended. ECDIS complies by displaying selected information “from a System Electronic Navigational Chart (SENC) with positional information from navigation
sensors to assist the mariner in route planning and route monitoring, and if required display additional navigation-related
information.” .
In other words, ECDIS is an information system for navigation that is not only an alternative to a paper chart, but hasvarious functions such as checking the position of the vessel using GNSS, reusable navigation planning (Route Planning),and showing the bearings and distance to the course deviation point or course alternating point from the set route (RouteMonitoring). It can also warn the Master or crew that the vessel is crossing the set safety isobaths, or approaching a hazardous object (see Ref. 3,4 and 5).
Ref. ３ Sample of Preventative Alarm for Grounding（Crossing Safety Contour Line）

Ahead Monitoring Area

Safety Contour Line

Sponsored by Japan Marine Science Inc.

−8−

Ref. ４

Sample Display of Safety Check under Voyage Planning(Red Color route : Voyage Planning Route pass through Warning area (special condition area)

Sponsored by Japan Marine Science Inc.

Ref. 5

Sample Display of Route Monitoring(Oﬀ Track Alarm : Shipʼs position is 328m right side to Planned Route.)(Shoulder width of Planned Route : 200m, Total =400m Left and Right)

Off track= 322.8m

Off track alarmSponsored by Japan Marine Science Inc−9−ECDIS also has additional functions such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) and can capture radar information anduse it to display information on other vessels (Information from ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids)) and superimpose
radar images. This has been summarised in diagrammatic form in Figure 6.

Sponsored by FURUNO

Sponsored by FURUNOAISRadar Overray

FA-170Figure : 6 Function of ECDIS

Basic Function
Display of Nautical Charts

Additinal Function

Own Ship's Position data
Display of Other Vessels Information Data
(ARPA Target Tracking)

Display of Ship's Co/Speed
Route Planning

Display of AIS Information

Route Monitoring
Alarm and and Warning Display

Radar Overlaid display

Record of Voyage

Auto Pilot
Display of Weather Informationetc..

− 10 −

MSC.232(82) sets out the scope of ECDIS in the following terms: “The primary function of the ECDIS is to contribute tosafe navigation.”

1− 2

ECDIS Overview

The configuration of ECDIS is shown in Figure 7. Instead of the earlier paper chart, there is an electronic navigational chart:
ENC. According to MSC232(82) 3.2, “Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) means the database, standardised as to content,
structure and format, issued for use with ECDIS by or on the authority of a Government-authorised Hydrographic Office orother relevant government institution, and conforming to IHO standards.”, the IHO being the International Hydrographic
Organization.
The ENC is generally distributed through electronic media such as CDs/DVDs and may be bought from a chart distributor.
Once the ENC is installed in the ECDIS, it is converted into a System ENC (SENC), and it is finally displayed on thescreen.
A SENC is a database containing all the ENC contents and updated information created in the nautical chart format by the
ECDIS manufacturer.
In other words, SENC is a source of information to implement display and other navigation related functions in ECDIS, and
it is accepted as being equivalent to the latest version of the paper chart.

Figure : 7

Structure of ＥＣＤＩＳNatural Info.
Wind, tide etc..

Position Info.
(GNSS/GPS)AIS Info.

ENC（Data)

SENC

Gyro Compass

Echoh Sounder(Heading Info.）

Depth of water

Radar

Speed Info.

TT（ARPA) info.

(Log)− 11 −

Chapter 2

Overview of Rules Regarding
Electronic Charts

2 −1 Nautical Charts for Navigation
Nautical charts for navigation are special-purpose maps which have been designed to meet the requirements of navigation
at sea, and show diverse information such as the depth of water, material on the sea bed, land terrain, elevation of structures,the shape and characteristics of the beaches, hazardous objects and beacons, etc. In other words, nautical charts for navigation provide images of the relevant information to the navigator for safe navigation.
Until the arrival of electronic charts, information was provided in analogue format using paper charts, but now informationis also available in digital format (Electronic Navigational Charts: ENC).
However, in some zones in the world, nautical charts based on old survey results are still used, and this affects the geodetic
system in and positional accuracy of the nautical charts. Not all geodetic systems are accurately defined, and there are someinaccurate geodetic systems. In such ocean areas, please be aware that paper charts (and Raster nautical charts: See 3-3 fordetails) are not suitable for navigation using GNSS. This alert is being issued as a guideline in the IMO Ship navigation
subcommittee circular “Ref. T2-OSSHE/2.7.1 SN.1/Circ.255 24 July 2006, Additional Guidance on Chart Datums and the
Accuracy of Positioning on Charts”. (See Attachment ② )2 − 2 The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter V
SOLAS V/2 Regulation 2 Deﬁnitions

2.2

Nautical chart or Nautical publication is a special-purpose
map or book, or a specially compiled database from whichsuch a map or book is derived, that is issued oﬃcially by oron the authority of a Government-authorised Hydrographic
Office or other relevant government institution and is designed to meet the requirements of marine navigation.**

Refer to appropriate resolutions and recommendations of
the International Hydrographic Organization concerning
the authority and responsibilities of coastal States in theprovision of charting in accordance with regulation 9.

− 12 −

SOLAS V/19 Regulation 19 2 Shipborne navigational equipment and system

(Old)

2.1

All ships irrespective of size shall have:

2.1.4

Nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ship s route for theintended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. An electric
Chart display and information system(ECDIS) may be accepted as meeting the chart
carriage requirements of this subparagraph:(Amended)

2.1

All ship irrespective of size shall have:

2.1.4

Nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ship s route for theintended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. An electronic
Chart display and information system (ECDIS) is also accepted as meeting the chart
carriage requirement of this subparagraph. Ships to which paragraph 2.10 applies shallcomply with the carriage requirements for ECDIS detailed herein;

2.1.5

Back-up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of subparagraph, 4, if thisfunction is partly or fully fulﬁlled by electronic means.** An appropriate folio of paper charts may be used as a back-up arrangement for ECDIS. Other backup arrangements for ECDIS are acceptable (see appendix 6 to resolution A.817(19) as amended.

Regulation 27 Nautical Charts and nautical publications

Nautical charts and publications, such as sailing directions, lists of lights, notices to mariners,
tide tables and all other nautical publications necessary for the intended voyage, shall beadequate and up to date.
Chapter V of SOLAS defines the requirements for carriage of nautical charts in shipping vessels.
The above 3 rules indicate that the following requirements are met by the nautical charts carried in vessels corresponding to
the vessel class.

■Oﬃcial paper charts which have been kept up to date should be carried, or■

The latest version of the electronic navigational charts (ENC) should be used
to provide a type approved ECDIS supplemented by appropriate backup
measures (in accordance with the requirements to meet IMO performancestandards).

− 13 −

2−3

Fitting Requirements

With the revision in Chapter V Rule 19 of SOLAS, which was adopted in June 2009, and came into effect on 1 January
2011, ECDIS is required to be used for each vessel category and size as shown in Table 8.

Table : ８

ECDIS Installation Schedule
ECDIS Installation Schedule

Category Kind of ship

G/T

Passanger

More than
500G/T

TankerMore than
3,000G/T

Other than
TankerMore than
10,000G/T

Other than
Tanker3,000G/T 〜
Less than
10,000G/T

Passanger

More than
500G/T

TankerMore than
3,000G/T

Other than
TankerMore than
50,000G/T

Other than
Tanker

20,000G/T 〜
Less than
50,000G/T

Other than
Tanker

10,000G/T 〜
Less than
20,000G/T

New
Build
Vessels

Current
Vessels

Deadline of installation2012 July

2013 July

2014 July

2015 July

2016 July

2017 July＊

New Build vessel（Pax・Tanker）：

Builded after 1st July 2012＊

New Build vessels（Other than Tanker） ：Builded after 1st July 2013＊

Current vessel（Pax・Tanker）：

Builded before 1st July 2012＊

Current vessels(Other than Tanker)：

Builded before 1st July 2013− 14 −

2018 JulyChapter 3

Electronic Charts

An understanding of nautical chart data is necessary in order to use ECDIS. ECDIS is a system which displays electronic
charts, and unless the user understands the kind of data displayed, the user cannot use ECDIS effectively. This chapter
describes the basics of the electronic charts displayed in ECDIS.

3 −1 Diﬀerences between the Electronic Chart System (ECS) andElectronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)First, it is important to understand the difference between ECS and ECDIS as systems which display electronic charts. (SeeFigure 9)• ECS: Electronic Chart System
Equipment that can display electronic charts, but does not meet the IMO
performance standards. (For example, if electronic charts are stored anddisplayed from a notebook PC, then that notebook PC is an ECS.)• ECDIS: Electronic Chart Display and Information System
ECDIS refers to equipment that meets the performance requirements of IMO, and has obtained typeapproval from the ﬂag state.

Figure : 9

ECS and ECDIS

ECS

：

ECDIS

： Equipment that meets the IMO performance standards, and whose

Equipment that does not meet the IMO performance standards

models have been certiﬁed by the ﬂag state

3−2

Vector nautical Charts

A vector nautical chart is a digital database created by converting the positional information of all objects (points, lines,
planes) displayed on a paper nautical chart into numerical form as co-ordinates. Therefore, objects displayed on a paper
nautical chart are associated with geographical information.

− 15 −

Each page on a paper nautical chart is a square known as a “Cell”, which is enclosed by specific latitudes and longitudes. A
cell is classified in 6 ways according to the purpose of navigation. (See Table 10. This classification has been done by the
Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, Japan Coast Guard, and the cell size as well as the scale of the nautical chart
are left to the hydrographic organisation in each country.)
Table : １０

Category of Nautical Chart Scale
Category of Nautical Chart Scale

Purpose of Voyage

Scale

Cell Size

Overview

１：１，
５００，
００１ 〜

8 degree, 25 degree

General Navigation

１：３００，
００１〜１：１，
５００，
０００

4 degree

Coastal Navigation

１：８０，
００１〜１：３００，
０００

1 degreeApproach

１：２５，
００１〜１：８０，０００

30 minutes

Harbour

１：７，
５０１〜１：２５，
０００

15 minutes

Berthing〜 １：７，
５００

15 minutes

A vector chart which is an official nautical chart is known as an ENC (Electronic Navigational Chart), and its geodetic
system is standardised as the world geodetic System : WGS-84.
As stated earlier, ENCs are official vector charts published by governmental authorities, or authorised hydrographic authorities, or other related government institutions, and are edited and codified based on the “IHO Specifications for the IMO
Performance Standards for ECDIS”. They include a description of the data format, product specification for the productionof ENC data, and an updating profile (S-57)” as specified by the IHO.
All vector charts other than ENCs are unofficial charts, and since they do not meet the carriage requirements of SOLAS
nautical charts, they are not accepted as the basis information for navigation.
The geodetic system is based on WGS-84 as stated above, and it has direct compatibility with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
Against this background, since ENC is a database which has been converted to numerical form based on the data in paper
charts, the datum levels and units have been compiled in the same manner as a paper chart, but there have been considerable
omissions in terms of inland areas found in the paper charts, such as the land terrain and geographical (natural and manmade) features required for piloting (or ground reference navigation).
Further, officially-updated information for mariners is usually provided in an “Electronic Notice to Mariners”, which is
distributed in digital form, and can be downloaded from the website or provided as an Update CD/DVD.
As of August 2015, ENCs for almost all ocean areas have been created by the hydrographic authorities of various countries,
but 100% worldwide coverage has not yet been achieved. When navigating through such ocean areas, Raster Navigational
Charts (RNC) must be installed, as described later. In ocean areas where there are no RNCs either, paper charts need to beused.
In ocean areas covered by ENC, the IHO has provided an interactive web catalogue (https://www.iho.int), which shows the
publication status of ENC worldwide.(See Ref.11)− 16 −

Ref.１１

IHO

ENC

Catalogue Sample

3−3Raster Navigational Chart

A Raster Navigational chart refers to image data which has been obtained by capturing the existing paper chart using ascanner. The RNC is composed of pixels which have been generated in order to convert the information to image data, but
this has not been associated with geographical information in the way that vector charts have. For example, the RNC has
limitations such as the fact that geographical data such as water depth cannot be used to set alerts.
At present, in case of ARCS (Admiralty Raster Chart Service) provided by the UK Hydrographic Department, all the data is
managed using the same number as the respective paper charts, and the scale used is the same as the paper charts.
Since there are ocean areas for which the geodetic system being used is not WGS-84, note that the geodetic system may bedifferent from the one displayed by the position sensors (GNSS data) during use.
A Raster chart which is published by the government, hydrographic authorities authorised by the government, or otherrelated government institutions, or officially published under their authority, similar to a vector chart, is known as a RNC(Raster Navigational Chart), and the others are all unofficial nautical charts. In short:■

A RNC is a type of copy of an oﬃcial paper chart■

A RNC is created in accordance with international standards speciﬁedby the IHO■A RNC is periodically kept up to date using oﬃcial information, with
updates provided/distributed in digital form.

− 17 −

In 1998, the IMO recognised the fact that it would take several more years to complete ENCs worldwide, and as a result,they are carrying out revisions to add the Raster chart display system mode (RCDS) to the ECDIS performance standards of
IMO. (Further, as of the year 2016, worldwide coverage of ENCs has not yet been achieved.)

３−４ Diﬀerences between the Raster Chart Display System (RCDS)
and Electronic Chart Information Display System (ECDIS)
As stated in 3-1, RNC and paper charts are used for navigation in areas not covered by ENC. Regarding the differences
between RCDS and ECDIS, there is a requirement from IMO in the “IMO Safety of Navigation circular No. 207” (See the
Attachment ③ ) that if ECDIS is used in RCDS mode, A suitable set of paper charts which has been kept up todate must be used in that ocean area.
A summary of the features of RNC is given below. Users are required to fully understand these features.(See Ref.12-1 and
12-2)

That RNC is a type of copy of an oﬃcial paper chart.

１

２

As stated in 3-3, RNC is displayed in ECDIS by scanning a paper chart. Therefore, theinformation displayed is the same as the paper chart.

However, since it is not associated with geographical information in the way that a vector
chart is, it cannot be used, for example, to set alerts based on geographical data such as
water depth. (It is not possible to set grounding alerts).
If the user wants to include alert functions similar to a vector chart, he must manuallyenter the alert data.

３

A vector chart is a digital database created by converting the position information on all
objects (points, lines, and planes) in the area into numerical form as co-ordinates, andhence detailed information on each object (for example, information on water depth,
buoys, lighthouses, etc.) can be selected and checked. A Raster chart, however, only
contains information from the displayed drawings.
Ref.１２ー１

RNC Sample

Ref.１２−２

ENC Sample

ENC : Select Data for Display

RNC : Copy of Paper Chart

Sponsored by FURUNO− 18 −

An ENC uses a technique known as “Layering” to display the chart on the screen. This is an image obtained by displaying
multiple transparent sheets with different information superimposed on a single screen. (See Figure 12-3)
Figure:

１２−３

ENC Information Layer（Image drawing）

AIO
User Chart
All Other Information
Standard Display
Display BaseAIO ：Admiralty Information Overlay
User Chart ： Manual Input Information by User
Standard Display ： Standard Display Information
All Other Information ：All Other information Other than Standard Display
Display Base ：Basic Display Information(Parmanent Information on Display)On the other hand, since RNC is a copy of a paper chart, it does not use the layering technique, but is viewed as an image
on which a single electronic file is displayed, with superimposed on it other charts manually entered by the user. (See Figure
12-4)
For example, areas such as a no go area or “Captain call” position may sometimes be pencilled on a paper chart, and such achart with additions made by hand is known as a user chart.

Figure : １２−４

RNC Display（Image Drawing）

RNC：Copy of Paper Chart
User Chart

RNC
User Chart：Raster Navigational Chart：Manual Input Information by User

− 19 −

3 − 5 Classiﬁcation of Oﬃcial Charts and Unoﬃcial Charts
There is considerable confusion regarding the name for the format when providing/distributing electronic charts. Figure 13
has been created in an attempt to clear up this confusion.
However, as can also be observed from Figure 13, it is clear that the same format is used to provide/distribute both official
and unofficial nautical charts.
Figure : 13

Oﬃcial・Unoﬃcial Nautical Chart format（Sample)

Nautical
Chart
Producer

Un oﬃcial

Kind of
Chars

Raster

OﬃcialRNC（Raster）

Vector

ＢＳＢ

Ｓ−５７

HCRF

ＣＭ９３

Sample ofFormatBSB

ENC(Vector)

SENC
examples：CM937CB

Display
SystemNote:

Mapmedia

ＴＸ９７

OthersOthersDirect ENC

ENC
S-57Code（S-63)

ENC
S-57 None Code

ＥＣＤＩ
Ｓ or ＥＣＳ

ＥＣＳ

ＥＣＤＩ
Ｓ

ＥＣＳ

ＥＣＳ Mode

ＥＣＳ

RCDS Mode ECDIS Mode

ＥＣＳ

In an unoﬃcial source, even an ECDIS system will not switch to the ECDIS display
mode. The portion shown in blue in Figure 13 is ECDIS.

Therefore, to determine whether or not the nautical chart is official, it is important to use the source documents since it isdifficult to determine this using the format information. The creator must determine the situation and purpose for which therelevant nautical chart information is to be used, and must finally probe whether the combination of the relevant nauticalchart information and the specific system functions operates as the ECDIS, or as a simple ECS.

３−６ Backups
Although a variety of electronic systems exist, there is no completely “Fail-safe system” which guarantees that the systems
will never malfunction. Therefore, the provision of a backup system is required from the viewpoint of risk management. In
IMO performance standards, the entire ECDIS system must have a complete and completely separate back-up. The following is stipulated with regard to back-ups :■An independent facility which can ensure complete continuity of ECDIS functions
in order to ensure that system malfunction does not lead to a gravely criticalsituation■

A means to carry out safe navigation using the remaining navigational components in case of ECDIS malfunction.

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The IMO backup standards mentioned above refer to basic matters, with room for considerable flexibility, but the options
for backup functions which are generally approved are the following :■A back-up ECDIS which is connected to an independent power source, andcan be used to enter separate GPS positioning information.

■

A set of paper charts which are suitable and kept up to date for the intended
voyage.

３−７Approval by Port State Control (PSC)

When a vessel plying on international routes enters a certain port, it is subject to Port State Control (hereinafter referred
to as PSC). PSC is enforced by the PSC Officer for that port with reference to the rules of the flag state and international
conventions and rules, and nautical charts are one of the inspection items.
PSC in the EU is enforced according to the guidelines defined in the Paris MOU. However, ECDIS guidelines describe theinspection by the PSC Officer in terms of whether the vessel is using the proper electronic charts, based on the requirementsof the SOLAS Convention. The inspection items are as follows :✔ Whether the vessel is in possession of documents showing that its ECDIS is incompliance with IMO performance standards. If these documents are not onboard, the PSC Oﬃcer can ask the ﬂag state for conﬁrmation that this system meets
their legal requirements. (Certiﬁcates for type approval, etc.)

Check✔ Whether this system is mainly used for navigation. Check whether ECDIS is being used in the
ECDIS mode or RCDS mode, or in both modes. (Fact-ﬁnding)
Whether written documentation has been issued for this vessel in order to use ECDIS. (Whether✔ therelevant documents are on board the vessel)
Whether the master and duty officer can present proper✔ documents to prove that they have undergone generictraining and model-wise familiarisation training on ECDIS.
(Whether the master and officers are in possession ofcertiﬁcates of completion of training. See Ref.14)
the ENCs (and RNCs) to be used on the intended✔ Whethervoyage have been kept up to date.
(Whether they have deﬁnitely been updated using theprovided/distributed update information)
Whether the vessel is equipped with approved backup✔ measures
which can safely transfer the ECDIS function if there
is an ECDIS malfunction, and ensure safe navigation using theremaining navigation components. Also, whether the backup
ECDIS is operating in the same manner as the main ECDIS, or
if paper nautical charts are operating as the backup, whether
nautical chart corrections have been correctly performed,
and recorded.

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Ref.14 ECDIS Familialization
Training Certiﬁcate Sample