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…

Refers to: Ship Owners / Operators, PH.R.S. Representatives Applicability: Vessels equipped with Ballast Water Tanks Operating in United States Waters   The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has recently published a Marine Safety Information Bulletin announcing updates to their ballast water management program. The bulletin includes: guidance to comply with Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations Part 151, Subparts C and D a definition of the ‘first scheduled dry-docking’ a revision to the terms of the extended compliance date – a vessel’s extended compliance date will now be the ‘next scheduled dry-docking’ after the vessel’s original compliance date. The text…