Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a computer-based navigation system that uses electronic charts to display information about a ship’s position and surrounding environment.
ECDIS is a mandatory requirement for many ships according to international regulations as it provides mariners with a wealth of information that is crucial for safe navigation, including the ship’s position, the depth of the water, and the location of navigational hazards.
However, legal requirements aside, ECDIS has many benefits for mariners looking to navigate their vessel safely and efficiently.
Mariners can view the position of their vessels in relation to the surrounding environment in real-time. ECDIS provides them with real-time, high-resolution chart displays that are more accurate and detailed than traditional paper charts. ECDIS systems use ENCs that are regularly updated to ensure their accuracy and currency, providing mariners with the most current and reliable chart data available.
ECDIS offers a range of tools and features to support voyage planning and execution. These include route optimisation, and real-time monitoring of the vessel’s position, heading, and speed. By using these tools and features, mariners can plan and executive safe and efficient voyages, helping to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
The Seall ECDIS is designed with the end-user in mind and is one of the simplest ECDIS systems to operate on the market. It allows the user to select the features required, keeping the display relevant to the individual requirements. Read more about the Seall ECDIS.
In addition to a plethora of practical benefits, ECDIS helps to reduce the environmental impact of shipping by helping to minimise fuel consumption and other resources. By using ECDIS systems to plan and execute more efficient voyages, mariners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future for the maritime industry.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has specified that certain vessels are required to have an ECDIS on board. By setting out these international standards, the intention is to ensure mariners have access to information and tools they need to navigate safely and efficiently.
The regulations require that ECDIS is installed on all new ships that are built on or after 1st July 2018. Additionally, existing ships that are required to carry paper charts are also required to have ECDIS on board, unless they are granted an exemption by the IMO.
The specific types of vessels may vary depending on the country of registration, but in general the following types of vessels are required to have ECDIS:
In addition, the IMO specifies that the system must be properly maintained and calibrated, and that mariners receive appropriate training and education on how to use the system.
Our ECDIS system is tailored to your fleet’s requirements, and we will partner with you to ensure you are maintaining the industry standard.
