ECDIS at management level: company settings, route approval and audit
1The lesson in plain words
At management level you set the standard: safety settings for each stage, checks before approval, a clear briefing and records you can audit.
Company safety parameters
The safety management system should set how ECDIS is configured: how to work out the safety contour and safety depth, cross-track limits (XTL) for open sea, coastal and pilotage waters, look-ahead time, and which alarms stay on. Write them into the ECDIS standard operating procedures (SOPs). The ECDIS basics unit explains each setting; your job is to make sure they are right for this ship and this voyage.
Data and system files
STCW table A-II/2 expects you to manage ECDIS data: ordering, licensing and updating ENCs and system software, keeping configuration and backup files, and keeping route and log files. Order ENC permits for the whole voyage and the contingencies. Check software against applicable IHO standards. Verify the approved backup: a second ECDIS needs current charts, the approved route and appropriate settings; a paper-chart backup needs corrected charts with the route plotted.
Checking before approval
Before you approve a route, look at it on screen yourself. Check that the settings match the procedures, the route check has been run and every result resolved, and the visual check made on the largest-scale ENCs. Check also that critical points, abort points, PI lines and notes are on the route. Approve the named route version, and lock it against casual changes if your system allows.
Briefing and changes
Brief all watchkeepers on the route, settings, critical points, contingencies and when to call the master. Check planned route amendments, obtain the master's approval and brief affected watchkeepers before use. Never delay immediate action for safety: the officer of the watch acts, calls the master and checks position and safe water. Check, approve, record and brief the revised plan as soon as practicable. State this distinction in your standing orders.
Audit
Check the ECDIS at handovers and during the voyage: the settings in use, the route loaded, alarms enabled, position source and look-ahead. Review the ECDIS log and alert history from time to time. Newer standards add S-421 route exchange with shore authorities, for example with a vessel traffic service; send only the approved route.
2Step by step
Master's ECDIS check before approving a route
- 1
Compare safety contour, safety depth, XTL and look-ahead with the company procedures.
Wrong or default settings make every later check meaningless.
- 2
Confirm the route check was run and every result is resolved.
Ignored warnings are a recurring cause of groundings.
- 3
Scan the route on the largest-scale ENCs in All other mode.
It catches dangers the automatic check can miss.
- 4
Check ENC updates, permits and the backup for the whole voyage.
An out-of-date or unlicensed cell, or a stale backup, can hide a danger.
- 5
Check critical points, abort points, PI lines and notes are on the route.
The OOW needs them on screen at the right moment.
- 6
Approve the named version and brief all watchkeepers.
Everyone navigates the same, checked plan.
3Key points
- 1
Company SOPs set the safety contour method, XTL for each stage, look-ahead and alarms.
- 2
STCW A-II/2: manage ENC licences, updates, software, configuration, route and log files.
- 3
Check and approve named route versions; brief planned amendments before use. In immediate danger, act and call the master.
- 4
Audit settings, alarms and logs at handovers and during the voyage.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: The master can approve the route from the printed waypoint list.
Right: Look at the route on the ECDIS: settings, route check results and the visual check cannot be seen on a list.
Wrong: Once settings are made in port, they need no further checking.
Right: Settings drift with handovers and passwords. Audit them at handovers and when the draught or stage of the voyage changes.
5Practice case & exam keys
On joining a ship as master you find that each officer uses his own safety contour, alarm settings vary from watch to watch, and the route in use has three unnamed versions. What do you put in place?
Show the answer
Set one standard from the company procedures: how to work out safety contour and safety depth, XTL for each stage, look-ahead and alarms always on. Load one named, approved route version; archive the others as superseded. Add it to your standing orders. Check settings at each handover and review the alert log. Brief all officers and record the briefing.
Exam keys
- Company ECDIS SOPs: safety contour method, XTL per stage, look-ahead, alarms.
- STCW A-II/2: management of ECDIS procedures, system files and data (licences, updates, backups, logs).
- Master approves a named route version after checking it on screen; audits settings and logs.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, match the terms, then answer three questions. Get them all right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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