ECDIS

Marine ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

 

An Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a modern navigation tool used by ships to ensure safe and efficient navigation at sea. It replaces traditional paper nautical charts with digital charts and integrates a range of additional information to enhance maritime navigation. The ECDIS uses electronic charts in combination with other data sources, like radar, GPS, and AIS, to provide a comprehensive view of a vessel’s surroundings.

 

Key Components of ECDIS:

 

Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs):

 

ECDIS uses ENCs, which are digital versions of nautical charts. These charts are maintained and updated by hydrographic agencies like the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO).

 

GPS and Positioning Data:

The system is integrated with GPS, allowing it to display the vessel's real-time position on the digital chart.

 

Radar Integration:

Radar data is overlaid on the electronic chart to provide information about nearby vessels, landmasses, and potential hazards.

 

Automatic Identification System (AIS):

AIS data is integrated to show the position, speed, and other relevant information of nearby ships. This helps avoid collisions and ensures situational awareness.

 

Additional Sensors:

ECDIS can also integrate other navigational data, such as depth sounding, weather data, tide information, and engine status.

 

Alert and Alarm Systems:

ECDIS systems provide warnings and alarms if the ship is deviating from its planned route, coming too close to hazards, or if certain environmental conditions are unfavorable for navigation.

 

Route Planning and Management:

ECDIS allows for the creation of detailed routes based on ENC data, integrating real-time adjustments and preventing navigation errors.

User Interface:

The interface typically consists of a high-resolution display, touch screen, and a control system to interact with the chart and settings.

 

Types of ECDIS:

 

Standalone ECDIS:

A standalone system is a single unit that operates independently for navigation, displaying ENCs, radar, and other information. It is commonly used in smaller vessels and does not rely on other systems for full functionality.

 

Integrated ECDIS:

An integrated ECDIS combines multiple systems (like radar, GPS, AIS, and autopilot) into one cohesive platform. This allows for better data fusion, more precise navigation, and improved operational efficiency. It is commonly used in large commercial ships and vessels with more complex navigation requirements.

 

Multi-Function ECDIS:

This system can manage not only ECDIS charts but also integrates additional features such as weather routing, voyage planning, engine performance monitoring, and cargo tracking. Multi-function ECDIS systems are often used in advanced maritime operations.

 

Hybrid ECDIS:

Hybrid ECDIS systems combine both paper and electronic charts. These systems allow ships to use both paper charts and ENCs in the same system, providing flexibility in various situations. It's useful for areas with incomplete or outdated digital chart coverage.

 

Type-Approved ECDIS:

Type-approved ECDIS refers to systems that meet the standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other regulatory bodies. Ships must have type-approved ECDIS to comply with maritime safety regulations, particularly after the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations made ECDIS mandatory for most large ships.

 

Advantages of ECDIS:

Increased Safety: By integrating radar, GPS, AIS, and weather data, ECDIS helps in preventing collisions, groundings, and navigating through hazardous waters.

Efficiency: ECDIS simplifies route planning, making navigation more accurate and easier.

Real-time Updates: ECDIS systems can instantly reflect updated information from external sources, such as tidal data, weather forecasts, and navigational warnings.

Paperless Navigation: ECDIS eliminates the need for bulky paper charts, reducing the risk of human error, and ensuring easy chart updates.

 

Regulations and Standards:

ECDIS systems must meet IMO (International Maritime Organization) standards, particularly:

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Regulation V/19-1, which mandates the use of ECDIS for vessels above 10,000 GT engaged on international voyages.

IEC 61174: The international standard for the performance requirements and testing of ECDIS systems.

IEC 60945: Specifies the environmental testing standards for maritime equipment.

 

Leading ECDIS Brands and Manufacturers:

 

Furuno:

Furuno is a leading manufacturer of marine electronics and one of the most trusted names in the ECDIS market. Their systems are known for reliability, ease of use, and integration with other systems like radar and GPS.

Popular Models: Furuno FMD Series, Furuno FEA Series.

 

Raymarine:

Raymarine offers high-quality ECDIS solutions with user-friendly interfaces and advanced integration capabilities for vessels of all sizes.

Popular Models: Raymarine E-Series, Raymarine Axiom.

Navico (Simrad, Lowrance, B&G):

Navico provides ECDIS systems under its Simrad, Lowrance, and B&G brands. They are known for their high-performance systems, offering easy integration of chartplotters, radar, and sonar technologies.

Popular Models: Simrad NSO Series, Simrad NX Series, Simrad GO Series.

 

Kongsberg:

Kongsberg is a premium supplier of integrated systems, including ECDIS solutions, widely used in high-end commercial vessels and military applications.

Popular Models: Kongsberg K-Bridge, Kongsberg ECDIS.

 

Transas (Wärtsilä):

Transas, now part of Wärtsilä, is known for its high-performance ECDIS systems and chart software. They provide integrated systems used across a variety of maritime operations.

Popular Models: Transas Navi-Sailor 4000, Transas Navi-Sailor 5000.

 

JRC (Japan Radio Co.):

JRC offers highly reliable ECDIS systems designed for both large commercial vessels and smaller ships, with a focus on integration and ease of use.

Popular Models: JRC JMA-5300 Series, JRC JMA-9200 Series.

 

SAAB (SEA):

SAAB provides advanced maritime navigation systems, including ECDIS, used primarily in military and large commercial ships. Their systems are known for their robustness and high-level integration.

Popular Models: SAAB 9-Series ECDIS, SAAB ECDIS 5000.

 

MITAC (Navman):

MITAC, under the Navman brand, offers affordable and user-friendly ECDIS solutions for both recreational and commercial vessels.

Popular Models: Navman ECDIS Chart Plotter.

 

Features to Look for in an ECDIS:

User Interface: A clean, intuitive interface for easy navigation and setup.

Chart Update Capabilities: The ability to receive and install real-time updates for electronic navigational charts.

Radar and AIS Integration: Seamless integration of radar and AIS for enhanced situational awareness.

Alarm and Alert Systems: Real-time warnings for potential hazards like shallow waters, navigational errors, or proximity to other vessels.

Route Planning Tools: Advanced tools for creating, managing, and adjusting routes based on weather, tides, and other factors.

Reliability and Compliance: The system must be IMO compliant and meet the necessary international regulations.

 

Conclusion:

An ECDIS is a vital tool for modern maritime navigation, combining sophisticated navigation data with a comprehensive view of the surroundings. Whether it's for a large commercial vessel or a recreational craft, choosing the right ECDIS system ensures compliance, enhances safety, and streamlines navigation. With several reputable brands offering robust and reliable systems, operators can find the ideal ECDIS solution to meet their specific needs.