What is ECDIS or Electronic Chart Display Information System and its advantages?

WHAT ARE ADVANTAGES OF ECDIS?

1. All chart information necessary for safe and efficient navigation is available at the click of a mouse
2. Simple, reliable and fast updating of the ENC
3. Reduces the navigational workload as compared to use of a paper chart
4. It enables the mariner to execute in a convenient and timely manner
   • Route planning
   • Route monitoring
   • Positioning
   • Real-time position plotting
   • Route and waypoint management
5. Real time monitoring of vessel’s position by OOW
   • Radar / ARPA can be superimposed for enhanced  command action (Anti-collision)
   • Anti Grounding Tool
   • Weather and forecast data can be superimposed.
   • Ice data can be superimposed
   • Log keeping electronic and easy
   • Voyage playback possible
   • Real time update of chart  possible

One of the most important features of ECDIS that makes it a unique aid to navigation, is the capability of generating alarms (anti-grounding, off route, etc.) based on input from sensors and analysis of chart information

The international standard for vector charts has been finalised by the International Hydrographic Organization (S-57, Version 3)

LIST OF ALARMS

• Under scale
• Exceeding XTE limits
• Crossing safety contour

 Area with special conditions *

• Deviation from route
• Approach to critical point
• Different geodetic datum
• Malfunction of ECDIS
• Information over scale
• Larger scale ENC available
• Different reference system for added
• Navigational information
• Route planning across safety contour
• Route planning across specified area
• Positioning system failure
• Position test failure

*Area with special conditions includes Traffic separation zone,Traffic routing scheme crossing or roundabout, Traffic routing scheme precautionary area, Two-way traffic route, Deepwater route, Recommended traffic lane, Inshore traffic zone, Fairway, Restricted area, Caution area, Offshore production area, Areas to be avoided, Military practice area, Seaplane landing area, Submarine transit lane, Ice area, Channel, Fishing ground, Fishing prohibited, Pipeline area, Cable area, Anchorage area, Anchorage prohibited, Dumping ground, Spoil ground, Dredged area, Cargo trans-shipment area, Incineration area, Specially protected areas