Operational guide · Safety & equipment

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

Carriage requirement, back-up arrangement and ENC updating: the most common errors that turn ECDIS from a safety tool into a source of PSC deficiencies.

SOLAS Chapter VECDISENCback-up

Operational Explanation

When ECDIS fulfils the chart-carriage requirement, it must be used with updated ENCs, route-appropriate alarms and an adequate back-up arrangement. STCW ECDIS competence does not replace documented familiarisation with the installed equipment and configuration.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS V/19.2.1.4 and V/19.2.10: where chart-carriage functions are met partly or entirely by electronic means, the configuration must include an adequate back-up arrangement approved by the Administration. STCW governs ECDIS competence; familiarisation, its documentary form and any type-specific course depend on the Administration and the SMS.

Scope of Application

The carriage requirement follows ship type, size and date. Voluntary ECDIS used only as an aid, while a complete and updated paper portfolio remains the compliant primary means, does not automatically enter the ECDIS back-up regime.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Identify which means fulfils the chart-carriage requirement in the ship's approved configuration.
If it is ECDIS, verify ENCs, updates, alarms and the approved back-up; paper charts qualify only when complete, updated and accepted as part of that configuration.
Verify officers' STCW competence and document familiarisation with the installed equipment, software, sensors and back-up.
Require a type-specific course or certificate only where the Administration or SMS does so.

Practical Example

Example pre-departure check: "Primary ECDIS updated with ENCs valid as of 2026-07-08; back-up arrangement verified (second ECDIS on independent power supply); anti-grounding alarms configured for the planned route to Genoa."

What Typically Goes Wrong

Several groundings investigations have found, as a contributing factor, the use of ECDIS with outdated ENCs, disabled or misconfigured alarms ("alarm fatigue"), or excessive reliance on the system without the appropriate cross-checks required by good navigational practice — highlighting that the mere presence of the equipment does not guarantee safety if used incorrectly.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to avoid it
ENCs not updated or subscription expired	Navigation with outdated chart data, PSC deficiency	Systematically verify ENC update status before every departure
Anti-grounding alarms disabled to reduce false alarms	Loss of ECDIS's main safety function	Correctly configure alarm thresholds for the specific route, don't disable them
Back-up arrangement not working or not periodically verified	No redundancy in case of primary ECDIS failure	Periodically test the back-up arrangement as part of onboard checks
Generic crew training, not specific to the installed ECDIS model	Incorrect use of the system's specific safety functions	Ensure type-specific training covers the ECDIS model actually installed on board

What the PSCO Checks

The PSCO checks the approved configuration, ENC updates, alarms, back-up and evidence of competence and familiarisation. There is no universal international requirement for two separate generic and type-specific certificates.

Operational Tips

Never disable anti-grounding alarms for convenience: adjust the thresholds correctly instead.
Check ENC subscription status before every departure, not just periodically.
Make sure type-specific training actually covers the ECDIS model installed on board, not a generic model.

Preparation checklist

Primary chart-carriage means and approved configuration identified
ENCs and back-up checked where ECDIS fulfils the requirement
Route alarms configured
STCW competence verified
Familiarisation with installed equipment documented under SMS/flag requirements

FAQ

Can paper charts be the back-up?

Only if complete, updated and part of the ship's compliant, approved configuration; merely carrying charts is not enough.

Is generic ECDIS training sufficient?

STCW competence does not replace onboard familiarisation. Its documentary form and any specific certificate depend on the Administration and SMS.

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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