The ECDIS Manual 2019 Edition Flashcards
Underscale means what?
- zoomed out
- a scale smaller than that used to create the ENC
Optimum scale means what?
the scale that matches the scale of chart used to create the ENC
Overscale means what?
- zoomed in
-a scale larger than that used to create the ENC
Scale minimum (SCAMIN) means what?
the attribute of an object to disappear at a specified scale when zooming out to smaller scales
The ECDIS display does not indicate ‘overscale’ or ‘underscale’ when what occurs?
the chart is at its optimum scale
What is an important consideration of ENC production?
that the source and reliability of the original chart data compilation is appreciated
CATZOC means what?
- ‘category of zone of confidence of data’ (also labelled ZOC or M-Qual objects in documents and by some manufacturers)
- it provides the user with a quick indication of data accuracy.
ZOC A1 accuracy is what?
- position accuracy ± 5m
- depth accuracy = 0.50 + 1%d
ZOC A2 accuracy is what?
- position accuracy ± 20m
- depth accuracy = 1.00 + 2%d
ZOC B accuracy is what?
- position accuracy ± 50m
- depth accuracy = 1.00 + 2%d
ZOC C accuracy is what?
- position accuracy ± 500m
- depth accuracy = 2.00 + 5%d
ZOC D accuracy is what?
position accuracy and depth accuracy worse than ZOC C
ZOC U accuracy is what?
- unassessed
- the quality of the bathymetric data has yet to be assessed
The CATZOC table is recommended to be posted where?
near the ECDIS for easy reference
IMO definition of ECDIS
“Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) means a navigation information system which with adequate back-up arrangements can be accepted as complying with the up-to-date chart required by regulations V/19 and V/27 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, by displaying selected information from a system electronic navigational chart (SENC) with positional informations and from navigation sensors to assist the mariner in route planning and route monitoring, and if required display additional navigation-related information.” - IMO Resolution MSC.232(82)
What are examples of Electronic Chart Systems (ECS) capable of showing position as accurately as afforded by the receiver but are NOT ECDIS as defined by the IMO?
- chart plotter
- handheld GNSS
- in-car sat nav
- mobile phone
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) definition of ECS
“ECS is a navigation information system that electronically displays a vessel’s position and relevant nautical chart data and information from an ECS Database on a display screen, but does not meet all the IMO requirements for ECDIS and is not intended to satisfy the SOLAS Chapter V requirements to carry a navigational chart.” - ISO 19379
Why should ENCs not be used as full navigation systems?
- they have no performance standards as of yet
- they should only be considered as situational awareness systems
What is the only paperless chart option for ship navigation?
The use of ENCs in a tested, approved and certified ECDIS, with appropriate back-up arrangements
RCDS (raster chart display system) mode is being used when?
if there is no adequate coverage of ENC and your digital system is backed up with appropriate and up to date paper charts
ECDIS Software should be kept up to date with what standards?
the latest IHO (International Hydrographic Organization) standards to maintain type approval and chart carriage requirements
When is ECDIS vulnerable to ship’s security policy breaches?
- while updating the ECDIS
- failing to update also potentially exposes the ECDIS to cyber security vulnerabilities
Why should the ECDIS case be locked up even restricting access to the USB ports?
Many security incidents have occurred with crew charging their phones on the ECDIS USB port located on the keyboard
What is the concept of ‘independence of data’ in regards to ECDIS?
when an object is not displayed on the screen, it is still there and is able to trigger alarms
What is an example of a spurious alarm?
- There is no such thing as a spurious alarm
- Even if the alarm is not visible on the display, it needs to be investigated
IMO ECDIS performance standards define an SENC as what?
“A database resulting from the transformation of the ENC by ECDIS for the appropriate use, updates to the ENC by appropriate means and other data added by the mariner.”
Is an ENC accessible in its raw form?
No, it first must be converted by the ECDIS from S-57 ENC format to an internal format called SENC or System ENC
Why do different formats between ECDIS manufacturers exist?
- the format is optimized for the chart image, but the process is not formalized
- manufacturers are bound by IHO regulations for a standard appearance though
Can chart displays be configured on ECDIS?
- yes, but only vector charts can
- in accordance with your preference and the environment that the ship will be operating in
The three ECDIS display categories are?
What two types of symbols can be selected for an ECDIS display?
- ‘traditional’ or ‘simplified’ symbols
- Operators have commented that traditional symbology is familiar, but simplified is much clearer at night
Can velocity vectors be configured in ECDIS?
yes, the length of vectors can be configured as well as the vector displays for own ship, ARPA, and AIS contacts.
What are the vector display options often available for ECDIS?
- Display Ground referenced Velocity - display COG vectors
- Display Water referenced Velocity - display HDG vectors
- Vector Time - set for COG and HDG (min 1min, max 60min)
- Display Vector Time Mark - turns ON or OFF the Vector Time Mark display (min 1min, max 60min)
What is the first priority when setting up ECDIS?
to identify safe water, by safety contour or the use of manually constructed ‘no-go’ areas
The formula for calculating safety depth is?
Safety Depth = Draught + Squat + Required UKC - Height of Tide (HoT)
Chart objects are identified by ECDIS as dangers to navigation based on what?
certain parameters set by the operator on vector charts only
What is the default safety contour and safety depth setting?
30m
What will the ECDIS do with a safety contour value between the chart display contour values?
It will round up to the next available value
What does the safety contour value distinguish between?
safe and unsafe water
What does the safety contour generate?
alarms/warnings against your planned/monitored route
What does the safety depth value serve to detect?
depths that are a danger to navigation
What is displayed on the ECDIS when the display of spot soundings is turned ON?
depth ≤ safety depth is highlighted on ECDIS task screen in bold
What does the safety depth trigger?
If detected, the Nav Danger alarm is triggered
Which other contours can usually be set other than main and safety?
- shallow and deep
- are only indicators and not alarmed
- only visible when the ‘four shades’ option is selected
Two shades displays what?
- Zero to safety contour (blue)
- > safety contour (white)
Four shades displays what?
- Zero to shallow (dark blue)
- Shallow to safety (blue)
- Safety to deep (grey)
- > deep (white)
What are the benefits of operating with ‘two shades’ selected?
- It is often simpler and clearer to operate with two depth contours: safe and unsafe.
- improves contrast for viewing ARPA and AIS targets
What shading setting should be used in pilotage waters?
Setting two shades is beneficial when conducting pilotage or operating in confined waters as it gives an instant appreciation of ‘can-go’(safe) and ‘no-go’(unsafe) areas
Parallel Index Lines (PI) are what?
Lines drawn parallel to the track on either side at the distance the ship should pass off a selected target
Can PIs be produced on all ECDIS systems?
no
Limiting Danger Lines (LDL) are what?
- works for both RNCs and ENCs
- manually inserted danger line that will alarm when the Danger Detection Area touches it, replacing the safety contour
- utilized when ship must proceed over soundings lees than the safety contour but greater than the safety depth
Danger Detection Area is what?
When activated, the system will alarm when in contact with the safety contour
Limiting Danger Line formula
LDL = Draught + Safety + Squat - HoT (time dependent)
Can LDLs be drawn automatically?
Some systems can
Why are LDLs time dependent?
because they are based on the height of tide
Why are clearing bearings or bearing lines created?
- to indicate how close the bridge can get to the danger (LDL)
- to indicate, with simple and manageable visual references, the available safe water
What is the only way to be alerted when entering unsafe water in RCDS (raster chart display system) mode?
- LDL and clearing bearing alarms are the only way
- no automatic alarms on RNCs
User Maps are used to?
- draw lines, symbols, text and areas to define points of interest significant for passage planning and route monitoring on both RNC and ENC charts
- Alarms can be added to activate based on preset time to an area or object as well as if an area is entered or exited
How are User Maps created and saved?
- in files so different maps can be defined and turned ON/OFF
- Saved maps can be exported to other systems
What is an alternative to User Maps that are available to operators?
- can plot a more formal manual chart correction, rather than user maps
- Can use S-52 PL chart symbols
Why should official chart updates should be conducted?
admiralty charts and publications should be maintained so that they are fully up to date for the latest safety critical navigation information
IMO specifies that the ECDIS should be connected to the ship’s what?
- position fixing system
- the gyro compass
- the speed and distance measuring device
Safe navigation is only possible if the navigator is always conscious of what in regards to sensors?
- the quality of sensor input and therefore the accuracy and reliability of the display
- ECDIS is only an aid to navigation and it must be periodically verified as correct
What positioning source recommendations are there for ECDIS?
- a second independent positioning source, preferably of a different type, should be provided and used for position monitoring
- ECDIS should be capable of identifying discrepancies between the two sources
What is important to set up sensors with?
- to notify the operator by audible alarm should a snsor fail
Is DR mode boldly displayed on ECDIS?
no
What are the options for continual fixing sensors that fulfill the IMO requirement?
- Loran-C
- eLoran
- GNSS
- Differential GNSS
- GLONASS
- GALILEO
Loran-C -
- Based on _________ __ _____ between the reception of transmitted pulses.
- Ground wave coverage _________ miles
- Accuracy depends on _____ _______ of transmitters
Loran-C -
- Based on MEASUREMENT OF TIME between the reception of transmitted pulses.
- Ground wave coverage 800-1200 miles
- Accuracy depends on RELATIVE POSITION of transmitters
eLoran -
- Provides an accurate ______ _______ to satellite systems such as GNSS
- More accurate enhanced Loran will provide accuracy within coverage area to _____ _____ as GNSS
- Internationally ________ positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) service
- Uses high powered _______ and LOW FREQUENCY signals
- Very unlikely to be _______ __ _______ in same way as GNSS
eLoran -
- Provides an accurate TERRESTRIAL BACK-UP to satellite systems such as GNSS
- More accurate enhanced Loran will provide accuracy within coverage area to SAME LEVEL as GNSS
- Internationally STANDARDIZED positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) service
- Uses high powered TRANSMITTERS and LOW FREQUENCY signals
- Very unlikely to be DISRUPTED OR JAMMED in same way as GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
- Differential GNSS (DGPS) is available in many areas of the world
- DGPS receivers apply _______ corrections (determined and transmitted by________ monitoring stations) to raw GNSS signals
- Positional accuracy of better than ____ may be possible
- DGPS was developed when GNSS accuracy was deliberately degraded by a random error input called “_________ _________”
- DPGS function provides independent _________ of GNSS position integrity
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
- Differential GNSS (DGPS) is available in many areas of the world
- DGPS receivers apply INSTANTANEOUS corrections (determined and transmitted by TERRESTRIAL monitoring stations) to raw GNSS signals
- Positional accuracy of better than 5m may be possible
- DGPS was developed when GNSS accuracy was deliberately degraded by a random error input called “SELECTIVE AVAILABILITY”
- DPGS function provides independent MONITORING of GNSS position integrity
Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
- Operated by ______ and available to commercial users
- Similar to GNSS in operation and ________
- Some receivers use both _____ and GLONASS to compute more precise position
Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
- Operated by RUSSIA and available to commercial users
- Similar to GNSS in operation and ACCURACY
- Some receivers use both GNSS and GLONASS to compute more precise position
GALILEO
- _________ system still under development
- Expected to provide _________ accuracy similar to GNSS and GLONASS
GALILEO
- EUROPEAN system still under development
- Expected to provide WORLDWIDE accuracy similar to GNSS and GLONASS
NAVTEX is an international service that broadcasts local maritime safety information from shore stations to ships within ____ nautical miles through radio telex using _______ frequency radio band.
NAVTEX is an international service that broadcasts local maritime safety information from shore stations to ships within 300 nautical miles through radio telex using MEDIUM frequency radio band.
Ship’s with the NAVTEX receiver connected to ECDIS can ______ and _______ text messages from NAVTEX stations.
- Automatic processing allows __________ to be displayed on the screen automatically.
Ship’s with the NAVTEX receiver connected to ECDIS can RECEIVE and DISPLAY text messages from NAVTEX stations.
- Automatic processing allows COORDINATES to be displayed on the screen automatically