Overview

What is ECDIS mandation?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) mandating the fitting of Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) at the 86th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in June 2009. The amendment to SOLAS means that all large passenger, tanker and cargo ships will be obliged to fit ECDIS on a rolling timetable that begins in July 2012.

What is the purpose of this guide?

ECDIS is an evolving technology and the new regulations surrounding its mandated use can seem confusing. The purpose of this guide is to clarify the process that leads to adoption of ECDIS by shipping companies, in step with SOLAS Regulations.

What is the involvement of the UKHO?

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is the leading supplier of official Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) allowed under SOLAS Regulations. We believe that the mandation of ECDIS puts a powerful tool into the hands of seafarers that can mean safer and more efficient voyages, and at the same time help to protect the marine environment. Our own research suggests that shipowners need to start planning their strategy for the transition to ECDIS now to get the best results.

"We believe the timing is right to harness fully the technology that has been available for some time. We have been working with our colleagues within the hydrographic community to ensure that there is comprehensive SOLAS carriage compliant digital chart coverage of major shipping routes and ports in an integrated offering that also meets the international mariners' stated requirements for service and updating. Evidence for this comes from our wide-ranging SOLAS users and the take-up of subscriptions from trial licences in our AVCS service."

"The timescales for implementation of mandation are practical and allow for increased training in the use of ECDIS, something that we believe is now the most critical issue to be considered. Accordingly, between now and 2012, there are a number of steps and considerations to be made by users to ensure that there is a smooth transition from paper to digital navigation."

Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff
— UK National Hydrographer

Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff

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