ECDIS

Question 1

How are Virtual AToN displayed on your ECDIS?

Answer 1

A Diamond with a + indicating exact location with a V underneath for “Virtual”

Refer to Admiralty 5012.

Question 2

What are the requirements for ECDIS training?

Answer 2

Every officer should have Generic and Type Specific Training.

As per Irish Regs - Trickle Down training should be avoided. As less important functions of the ECDIS are missed.

Question 3

What is the requirement for Type Specific ECDIS?

Answer 3

Carried out either Shore Side or on board using a Manufacturer approved Computer Based Training System.

Trickle down training is not acceptable. (One officer trains another - they tend to miss the lesser used functions on the ECDIS)

Question 4

Limitations of ECDIS?

Answer 4

ECDIS can not be fully relied upon.

Beware of Auto Route check, does not take into account Direction. ie Passing of Buoys and TSS.
Always check the route manually.
Older versions of ECDIS - are not compatible with AIO.
ECDIS that are compatible with AIO can not be fully relied upon as some Hydrographic offices do not feed their info through to AIO. For T&P
ECDIS Setup C/L at handover.
CATZOC - 6 star most reliable - 2 star least reliable.
Restart monthly as per PMS
Delete old charts before installing new.
Scan update sticks before inserting. (Virus Scan)
Over reliance - Don’t just focus on ECDIS lookout window. Cross check and Manual plot. - Cross check GPS and Radar Overlay.

Question 5

What would you tell a new officer regarding limitations?

Answer 5

Have a good understanding of NP5012 and NP231
Check inputs.
Set Alarms.
Check charts are up to date.
Do Visual Route Check.
Don't over rely. - Lookout window.

Ensure he has a Generic ECDIS & Type Specific ECDIS before taking over a watch.

Question 6

What is the current Presentation Library for ECDIS?

Answer 6

S52 Stanard - Edition 4.0 (This is the standard template all ECDIS systems should be based off.

Question 7

Which Radar serves which function?

Answer 7

X-Band - Good for high definition Near Coastal and Ice Navigation. (Due to the narrow beam width produced)

S-Band - Good for detecting targets in Rain when on SP and long Range Scanning on LP

Question 8

What certification would you expect new equipment arriving on the Bridge to have?

Answer 8

MED mark of Conformity - WHEELMARK