ECDIS- On the Way to Cost Savings and Safer Navigation

Moore’s law implies that the pace of change is getting much faster than in the past as is its adaption. This law also applies to paperless navigation, for the sheer reason of its usefulness to the industry.
The early adapters of paperless navigation are now in a comfortable position in terms of enjoying all the benefits offered by this option, for example, cost savings, safer navigation and ships and a happy and committed sailing staff as well as being fully compliant with the coming regulations regarding mandatory ECDIS on board.
Such companies are paving the way for a major shift in the thought process of reluctant and ‘sitting on the fence’ type of players. Lately we see a lot of interest from companies often considered orthodox rushing to implement ECDIS based navigation on board their vessels. 
One realisation that perhaps has kick started this outcome is the major issue of training and the associated issue of ‘change management’. Training is not only required for the sailing staff but also for the managers and the office staff to amend the International Safety Management (ISM) manuals to address the various aspects of electronic/paperless navigation, for example,emergency procedures, purchase of electronic charts and publications, etc. Implementing training for these electronic tools and applications at the initial stages of a navigational career will ensure smooth and seamless adaptation of paperless navigation on board vessels.