ADMIRALTY GUIDE TO THE PRACTICAL USE OF ENCS

The main purpose of the present publication was to assist all navigators to acquire and further maintain a higher level of knowledge relating to the content and use of the electronic navigation charts in ECDIS. The content of the volume is expected to supplement and reinforce the elements of the ECDIS training addressing the use of navigation chart data together with the interpretation.

Note that the book is not intended to replace any of the requirements for the professional training outlined in the IMO Model Course of the Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention. The whole process of navigating using the ECDIS fundamentally differs from the regular navigation by means of the paper charts. The ECDIS present the mariners with highly flexible displays offering a serious increase in the safety and situational awareness. Such equipment should actually allow for more time for the watchkeepers to properly maintain visual watch.

Note, however, that in case the navigators do not have a full understanding of the ECDIS display and settings, they can easily misinterpret the chart displays and this can result in the safety of the ship compromised. This publication shall also be included in the list of the documents that are to be on the shelf of any mariner and on the navigation bridge of any vessel equipped with the ECDIS, for training and reference purposes.