The IMO has consolidated previously issued guidance for good practice relating to Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) into one guidance document, published as Circular MSC.1/Circ.1503 - attached. This Circular gives advice on:

• SOLAS chart carriage requirements
• ECDIS software maintenance
• Operating anomalies identified within ECDIS
• Differences between raster chart display system (RCDS) mode and ECDIS mode
• ECDIS training
• Transitioning from paper charts to ECDIS navigation
• Guidance on training and assessment in the operational use of ECDIS simulators.
• It also includes a list of ECDIS apparent operating and display anomalies, and references to IMO performance standards for ECDIS and other circulars related to ECDIS.

Ship operators, masters and deck officers on ECDIS-fitted ships are encouraged to use this guidance to improve their understanding and facilitate safe and effective use of ECDIS.

With this opportunity we would like to recall ship operators on the ECDIS transition process to assist the planning process.
ECDIS carriage is mandatory on a rolling timetable from July 2012 until 2018.
Existing ships will have to fit ECDIS before the first survey following the implementation date. For new buildings the timetable is based on when the keel is laid.
There are two important exceptions. Existing cargo ships of fewer than 10,000 gross tons won’t require ECDIS. And some flag states may also exempt ships due to be taken out of service within two years of the implementation date.
Please refer to the below image “ECDIS Compliance Dates” for exact information on the due date for installation of ECDIS to all ships.

You can also refer to the attached publication "Are you ready for the new ECDIS regulations? Your nine stage guide to meeting the revised SOLAS requirements" published from Admiralty (UK National Hydrographic service) which we think you will find it interesting.

As always we remain at your disposal for any further information and clarification.

PH.R.S. Head Office - 28 January, 2016