*** ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (ECDIS)***

1. TSM policies and procedures a scrutiny of what is in the HSSEQ on this

Thome policy is very clear on this matter/as described in OMD 004and new ECDIS
chapter that is being prepared along with a full revision our ECDIS procedures in order
to cover all failures and ensure vessel meet the VIQ and best industry requirement.
The revision will also consider the enhancing of our Equipment specific training for
vessel fitted with the ECDIS as a primary means of Navigation to ensure all officer even
though have attended the ECDIS IMO Model course 1.27 and the Seagull CBT complete
the manufacturers course.
Effective 1 Jan 2010 all Deck officer in the Thome Fleet have to undergo the ECDIS IMO
Model course 1.27 as this has now been made a Thome required course prior to
joining, irrespective whether the vessel fitted with ECDIS or not.
All vessels fitted with ECDIS as a primary means of navigation have been alerted of any
observations related to ECDIS and review/briefing/training is being carried out.
Also,the manufacturers based training has been conducted on board(as described
below).
Once feedback received ,the training will be arranged for those who have not attended
such courses.
2. Our compliance, e.g. that deck officers have indeed gotten type specific
ECDIS training before signing on to vessels with ECDIS even if
secondary means of navigation!

Please see Chapter K..below

A. DETAILED RISK ASSESSMENT WHICH COVERS ALL THE AREAS OF THE VIQ AS
STATED UNDER 4.14 & 4.20. IS REQUIRED/PREPARED BY THE VESSELS
MASTER/OFFICER
R.A.Attached/and saved in T:\MarineGroup\ECDIS\Marinvest_ECDIS)

B. Summary of comments from the Masters @ Marinvest Fleet ON HOW THEY

FOLLOW THE VIQ 4.14 & 4.20. REQURIEMENT ON BOARD THE VESSEL :
To comply with VIQ requirements onboard the vessel the following is carried out:

Ensure that ECDIS training course is provided to all deck officers. Deck officers
who navigate using an ECDIS must be required to have passed the course &
must be properly certified.
Master educates him self in how to navigate using the software program & ensure
that in his own mind the ship is safe and able to fulfill the charter agreement.
There is no excuse nor the exemption.
Hands on experience to all OOW. An efficient user is one who can set up the
display for maximum effect dependent upon the operation at hand. This
knowledge certainly develops with experience, both of the task and of different

systems, by familiarizing with the functions, as long as nothing goes too far
wrong.
Simulate running of passage prior to the vessels departure to ensure that the
route does not enter any alarm preset danger areas that may have been
overlooked. Develop a habit among OOWs to check in advance the entire length
of passage covered by their watch to ensure that no alarm parameters is violated
& the depth is sufficient to comply with UKC requirements.
Navigating officers are briefed not to become over-reliant on ECDIS. Frequent
checks should be made of the ECDIS position fixing system (normally GPS) by
the use of other means. Use of radar to check the accuracy of the charted
position by comparing the location of the radar target against the charted
symbol. Estimated positions should be marked on the chart for each watch, in
advance
Ensure the electronic chart coverage for the voyage must be adequate by prompt
AVCS order & subsequent updating of ECDIS with transmitted license file
Navigating officer must enter marking/highlighting on electronic charts to identify
radar conspicuous targets, no-go areas, parallel index lines (essential for the
monitoring stage), transit marks, clearing bearings, etc. Master to double check
these entries & approve the same prior commencement of passage
Regular check & inspection of equipment status & interface as per equipment
manual to ensure that data input from various electronic navigational equipments
remain valid & correct
Ensure that vessel is receiving updates for official hydrographic data from
certified subscription Co. ENC cells that are valid data for use in the certified
ECDIS system is corrected weekly.
Master & operator must be able to access the cell correction status & ECDIS
correction log. Record keeping of corrections should be reviewed and random
checks made. Proper upkeep of ECDIS correction log & the ability to show
objective evidence to official inspectors is a must.

C. HOW CHARTS ARE UPDATED

The charts are being updated by Admiralty Digital Update SERVICE on a weekly basis
using AVCS updating software/procedure or as per below indicated;
which allows direct downloading(as our vessels are equipped with BroadBand Internet)
of the latest updates, which are subsequently burned on a CD or saved to USB
Stick(depends on ECDIS Manufacturers configuration).
The update CD /USB sticks is then plugged into the ECDIS and update of the charts/cells
is being done automatically.
Also,an update Base CDs(8pcs) are being received every 3 moths and remotely uploaded
to designated PC onboard our vessels.
Mentioned update contains all available updates at the time of release..and all the
updates(including T & P notices) to a particular chart/cell will be uploaded/updated to
ships ECDIS ,depends on permit key available(purchased) for certain cell.
Only new T&P notices received(obtained) over the week must therefore be entered
manually.
(AUSplease see attached AVCS_AUS_update procedure.pdf)
By Admiralty Digital Update SERVICE /corrections are available weekly and downloaded
via internet every Thursday these updates contain also T&P. (pls see procedure attached
below)

On the Chartco Computer open the AUS Software

On the upper left corner there are three icons in the group ECDIS/ECS Update
Status, select the third icon (Blue Box with green cross)
Window latest ENC Permit File will appear
Press the rectangular button on the right
Window Path to ENC Permit File will appear
Locate the folder where the PERMIT.TXT is located
Click OK, Next, & Finish
Return to the ECDIS/ECS Update Status & select the first icon (CD with Star)
on
Follow the instructions in the pop-up window
Insert the latest Update CD if you have it onboard, then click OK, the week
number on the latest update CD should appear as the Starting from week in the
software,
On the upper right side of the window, check Only show cells that need
updating & Only show cells that are licensed, this will minimize size of the date
to be downloaded.
Return to the ECDIS/ECS Update Status & select the middle icon
Follow the instructions in the pop-up window to update the ENC catalogue with
the latest week, the latest week number should appear as Available at in the
software, you will notice that cell numbers and description will start to appear on
the page, select all of that cells, then right click Add to request INS window will
appear then click to apply, all cell numbers selected will be coped to the right
column of the page.
On the upper right corner of the page click the icon Send Request, Sends email/
connects directly to internet a pop-up window will appear (Update Cells request
Cells Update)
Click OK and downloading will start (all cell numbers in the page will start
disappear)
Once completed, click the Create Exchange Set icon (CD with green arrow) in
the upper right corner
A pop-up window will appear, click (Next)
Update Permit: Choose Folder window will appear (take note of the folder
where the Exchange Set will be created, on My Documents Exchange Sets.
Click Next (Note: make sure this folder Exchange Sets (is empty otherwise
creation of exchange set will not be possible)
Pop-up window will appear (Create Exchange Ste: Create), Download will start
When Finished Click the Icon Open the Folder containing the New Exchange Set
(in the folder there will 5 files named / ENC_ROOT / INFO / PERMIT.CRT / SERIAL
ENC Copy from Exchange Sets to File on Desktop and Save in File AVCS/
AVCS Weekly Updates/ Week No After that Delete from MY
Documents/Exchange Sets to be empty & ready for next Week)

Remark on T&Ps on ENCs.

Not all Government Hydrographic Offices (GHO) issue T&P NMs for their ENCs. Where
this is the case, relevant GHO paper Notices to Mariner Bulletin or Websites (if available)
should be consulted.reference NP100 The Mariners Handbook Ninth Edition
2009, Chapter 2.94, par. 5. Chapter 2.87 to 2.105, focuses on ENCs.
As we know that ENCs are produced by different Government Hydrographic Offices
(GHO), I believe this is one of its limitations. Not all GHOs update their ENCs in
conjunction with the paper charts because paper charts have updates weekly while
some GHOs update their ENCs monthly, its always a common mistake that inspectors

compare ENC corrections with paper charts, note that even the AVCS users guide and
the mariners handbook states that the two systems (ENC & Paper charts) should not be
compared as to most of the time the ENC system will lag and be a little bit left behind in
terms of updating. It doesnt necessarily mean that the T&P correction will not appear in
the next few updates, however if they are contained in the updates, they will
automatically install on the ENC. Another factor is that not all ECDIS system are fitted
with a date start and date end or period start, period end featureT&Ps are corrections
with expiry dates, some of these corrections when applied will not be cancelled by
themselves hence another remark, in exchange of the actual plotting of the T&Ps, the
Cautionary areas or Grey areas in the ENCs contains text of the actual T&P
promulgated for the paper charts.
The sequence of installing corrections is also one of the reasons why T&Ps may not be
applied even if they are contained in the updates. Base Cds, weekly CDs and internet
updates are all necessary to be in sequence and of the latest issue to have an updated
system, its like overwriting charts or files, if one is out of sequence the subsequent
updates will not be loaded or will create an error in the system.
For now its safe to say that the ENCs with regards to T&P notices are Not at
all times included in the weekly updates and if they are, they will be
automatically installed provided that the system is sequentially updated by the
base CDs, weekly CDs and website downloads.

D.

HOW CORRECTIONS ARE DONE

The corrections are done as explained above/the weekly updates,that also contain the
T & P notices,which are uploaded from the weekly corrections disk/USB stick after the
weekly corrections have been downloaded.These corrections are applied automatically
to the corresponding charts/cells.

E. HOW OFTEN THE CORRECTIONS ARE BEING RECEIVED

The corrections are being received/downloaded on a weekly basis(please see item D)
Also,an update Base CDs(8pcs) are being received every 3 moths and remotely uploaded
by IT PIC, to a designated PC onboard our vessels.
F. HOW THE CHARTS ARE BEING ORDERED
The charts/cells are ordered by e-mail(please see attached 21.3 Marilee ENC
Requisition.msg ,..and ENC provider response_ 21.3 Marilee ENC
Requisition.msg) from ENC contracted provider/supplier( http://www.nautic.se)
The charts/cells are received within 1 hour and ready or via Admiralty Digital Catalogue
which is installed in Chartco computer. The update of Catalogue is also done weekly
via Internet.

G. HOW TO AVOID THE OBS WE RECD ON THE MARINOR LAST WEEK

-All Officers onboard must be fully familiar with the ECDIS installed.
-In order to achieve that,all newly joined Officers to be thoroughly trained/briefed on
ECDIS actually installed /in use onboard the vessel.

-The best and the most effective system the Masters are being used is live
presentation/training incorporated with Short/Brief Manuals(provided & recommended
by ECDIS Manufacturerexample below and full brief manual saved in:
T:\MarineGroup\ECDIS\Marinvest_ECDIS) that are handed over to each
participants for their perusal/easy & quick reference.

-Briefing Check List to be used with above mentioned training;

(attached: ECDIS training check list.pdf)
Master to verify that all navigational officers understands the following
and can use the functions:
To be able to identify the difference between ENC, AVCS, ARCS and other formats
Fix own vessel position on the chart
Use of ERBL, EBL and VRM
Toggle between North Up, Course Up and Head Up
Thorough knowledge the Addinfor function:
Manual fix with cross reference to GPS position
Manually plot DR position and EP (Estimated positions)
Manually plot of celestial observations
Use of Chart A and Chart B according to procedure
Use monitoring function as per procedure
Use route planning functions as per procedure
Use advisory navigational functions
Use of parallel indexing and clearing bearings
Navtex warnings
Use of Data Tool
Use ADP
Use of T and P corrections
Use of Chart Assistant:
Ordering of ENC AVCS as per procedure
Updating of charts as per procedure
Signature Master and Officer etc.

-ECDIS Failure Flow chart to be used (ECDIS Failure_FlowChart.pdf)

A checklist of few critical items which need to be checked has been incorporated
to ensure that known/usual lapses are covered in case of last minute voyage
orders(please see attached Last Minute CheckList_ ECDIS .pdf)

-Master has been advised to carry out random checks to ensure compliance and more
stringent checking procedures are established onboard.
-Bi-monthly Bridge Audit Checklists is being carried out by Master and included in
Monthly Safety Report.

H. UNDERSTANDING OF THE SYSTEM AND ITS LIMITATION

It is of a paramount importance to understand the system installed and its limitation.
Properly trained navigation officers should determine what is appropriate in terms of
alarms and navigation parameters according to the characteristics of the vessel and
other prevailing conditions. Use of ECDIS requires new levels of user awareness. This
requires the Master and OOW to be appropriately trained and in particular all personnel
involved with their use must be familiar with the operational aspects of ECDIS.

The same should be obtained by following steps;

-All Officers scheduled to join vessels with fully approved ECDIS(and those with
reference system only),must IMO MODEL COURSE 1.27 & TYPE FAMILIARIZATION.
-All Officers must pass ECDIS type familiarization course by training on specific ECDIS
models they would find onboard the ship being joined.
-While onboard,the Masters should ensure that officers are conversant with ECDIS
equipment and the limitations and potential dangers of over reliance on ECDIS and are
familiar with the general operation of this equipment before its use.
An experienced Officer knows that it is potentially navigationally unsafe to place absolute
reliance on any one electronic navigational tool.
So that,it is essential that the Bridge Team become very familiar with the type and
characteristics of all sensors and electronic charts which are available on the ship
through the IBS. All operators(OOW)must read the Operators Manuals associated with
the Integrated Bridge System(IBS) and ECDIS to be come as familiar with the operation
of the system as possible.This may be achieved by referencing operational manuals and
self-tutorials installed in the equipment/and regular briefing/refreshing training as
described under item G/ above.
Particular consideration should be given at changes of personnel to ensure that the
operation of the ECDIS is demonstrated to newly joined officers to enable continuity.
Whilst in many ways ECDIS makes voyage planning easier, it is still possible to make
errors, however these are likely to be of a different type to those encountered when
using paper charts.

I.

SINGLE METHOD FIXES.

The Master is responsible to establish effective safe navigation procedures on board

vessels under his command and that all available means of position fixing methods for
various stages of voyage have been defined including primary and secondary
alternatives,.
In view if that, various phases of passage plan should be evaluated in regards to the
available means of position fixing methods, radar conspicuous objects should be
highlighted on the charts and navigational officers use at least two means to ascertain
the position whenever and wherever possible.
An experienced Officer knows that it is potentially navigationally unsafe to place absolute
reliance on any one electronic navigational tool.,while younger OOW would probably rely
too much on the electronic systems, and forget to cross check the information given.
To avoid that,the voyage plans must contain necessary instruction in regards to position
fixing methods which must be fully observed U& followed.
To ensure full compliance,theMaster needs to carry out a random checks against the
approved /agreed voyage plan.

J.

AWARENESS ON THE VARIOUS SIMBOLS USED ON ECDIS

Again,all Officers must be well familiar with ECDIS installed onboard and all available
features provided.
For all ECDIS it is mandatory to have the Presentation Library for ENCs ..which gives the
flexibility to display the diversity of ECDIS information,.
However,it must be remembered that system is set to the most appropriate/suitable
view option for charts/areas in use which must be set to FULL DISPLAY which will enable
OOW/operator to see all available information;
e.g.: physical chart information, (e.g. coastline, depth contours, buoys),
Physical chart information, (e.g. coastline, depth contours, buoys);
Traffic routeing; specified areas; cautions; etc.;
Supplementary Hydrographic Office information from light list, etc.;
Mariner's notes; additional local chart information; manufacturer's information;
Tidal streams/dirsctions/ratesetc
Chartwork such as planned route; electronic bearing lines and range rings etc.;
Own ship's position and course/speed vector; ship's heading and rate of turn;
past track;
Fix accuracy, or position check from secondary positioning system;
Possibly, shiphandling options, based on ship's characteristics;
Navigation information (ship's latitude, longitude, heading, course, etc.);
Information from radar and other sensors,
Information from AIS;
Navigational indications and alarms generated by ECDIS;
Optionally, telemetered information from shore authorities, (traffic,real-time
tides etc.);
Optionally, ice information;
Various Reminders, (e.g. time to contact pilot station); and
Possibly, a message from other displays (e.g. alarm on engine room display).
Because much experience is embodied in the paper chart, and to avoid confusion in the
extended period while paper charts and RNCs as compared to ENCs co-exist, the two
presentations should be similar wherever possible.
The ECDIS Presentation Library follows that of the paper chart to the widest extent
possible. However, sit should be noted that good visual communication between the
ECDIS display and the user requires more flexibility of display than is available from
paper charts.
For instance,when using ECDIS for voyage planning, the navigation officer should
establish a safety contour around the vessel to fully use the automated function of
ECDIS. The safety contour function of the ECDIS allows the mariner to choose a depth
contour (isobath) from the database to be emphasized and associated with a variety of
available alarms. If the ship crosses a safety contour or approaches a prohibited or specially-

defined area such as a traffic separation zone, ECDIS will automatically indicate the error while
the route is being planned and executed

Consequently some alternative display methods are being introduced as options in the
Presentation Library, e.g.:
Displaying/removing various types of chart and non-chart information;
Selecting standard chart display or a thinned out display, and full or
simplified symbols;

 Using cursor interrogation for further detail;

Overlaying/removing radar video or radar target information (in order to: confirm
ship's positioning; aid radar interpretation; show the entire navigation situation on
one screen);
Overlaying/removing various other sensor information, or information telemetered
from shore;
Changing the scale or orientation of the display;
Selecting true motion or relative motion;
Changing screen layout with windowed displays, text information in the margins, etc.;
Possibility of pull-down menus and other operator interaction devices being alongside
the operational navigation display and so interacting with it;
Giving navigation and chart warnings such as "too close approach to safety contour";
"about to enter prohibited area"; "overscale display"; "more detailed (larger scale) data
available" etc.;
Possibly, a diagrammatic representation of a computer evaluation of grounding
danger;
Possibly, a diagrammatic representation of the immediate vicinity of the ship to aid
K. HOW DO WE CONTROL THAT ALL OFFICER HAVE THE NECESSARY TRAINING IMO
MODEL COURSE 1.27 / TYPE FAMILIARIZATION / CBT COURSE NO ONE SHOULD BE
ALLOWED TO GO ON BOARD WITHOUT THE IMO MODEL COURSE 1.27 & TYPE
FAMILIARIZATION.
-Personnel Department to liaise with the Officers presently on vacation and arrange
all without necessary course/certificate to attend/complete the necessary training
IMO MODEL COURSE 1.27 /Type Familiarization .
-Personnel department to liaise closely with Marine Department during the
scouting/mustering period in order to properly evaluate potential candidates.
-Personnel department to prepare a list of all Officers with above mentioned
certificates and already sailed on Marinvest vessels equipped with fully approved
ECDIS,and those already attended Specific Type ECDIS courses(ie. SAM Electronics
and RAYTHEON)
-Personnel Department to establish a pool of Officers that would regularly rotate on
Marinvest vessels and arrange necessary Specific Type ECDIS courses( SAM
Electronics and RAYTHEON)with manufacturers ,for Officers during vacation time.
Ideas/possibilities being considered at the moment;
-Courses can be also arranged onboard the vessels calling European ports.
-Thome Zadar Office (in agreement with Marinvest) may arrange a training with SAM
ELECTRONICS ECDIS equipment (not installed on Maritina/left Management) for
European Officers .
- As certain number of Marinvest fleet officers had attended Sam
Electronics/Raytheon course.
Perhaps if those who attended manufacturers course could become Officially
Licensed to hold course for others .
That course could be arranged during handover period ( with ample time)
With proper supporting documentation, maker could then issue TYPE
FAMILIARISATION certificate, like it is done in their premises.