Until 1 July 2012 (and until 2018 for other ships, as per the implementation timetable set out in SOLAS), passenger ships, tankers and cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages, have three options to meet their SOLAS obligations for the carriage of nautical charts and publications:
- Adequate and up to date paper charts necessary for the intended voyage; or
- type approved ECDIS operating with ENCs and a second IMO compliant ECDIS as an adequate and independent back-up; or
- A type approved ECDIS operating with ENC and with adequate and up to date paper charts to serve as a back-up necessary to complete the intended voyage.
