3.8.20 Training

If watch-keepers using ECDIS, even as an aid to navigation, are not properly trained in its use or fully understand the functionalities of each specific type of ECDIS unit, the risk of incidents resulting from ECDIS assisted collisions and groundings is likely to increase.

The Nautical Institute’s publication ‘Bridge Team Management’ includes a section on ECS/ECDIS. This publication is supplied to all vessels. Masters and deck officers who use this equipment must read this section carefully.

All officers serving onboard vessels fitted with ECDIS, whether used for primary navigation or not, must have received training to meet the IMO criteria ‘Model Training Course on the Operational Use of ECDIS’ (Model Course 1.27).

For all vessels fitted with ECDIS, watchkeeping officers should also complete the in-house ECDIS course to supplement the IMO 1.27 course. This course gives focus on the Company minimum standards, an explanation of ECDIS use within VMS and best practice procedures that must be used by all masters and deck officers when navigating using ECDIS.

For vessels using ECDIS, irrespective of whether it is a primary or a secondary means of navigation (as stated on Form E of SEC),it is Company policy that all deck officers successfully complete a manufacturer-approved familiarisation course in order to bridge any gaps between the IMO 1.27 course and the specific equipment installed on their assigned vessel. This type-specific familiarization training must be completed prior to the officer taking his/her first navigational watch on board.

Where the Officer completed his / her IMO 1.27 course on the same make of equipment as fitted on board, this is deemed sufficient to cover both the generic and type-specific training needs. It is for this reason that the ECDIS equipment make / model used for the IMO 1.27 course is recorded on certification and the ShipSure Crewing module. Where the maker of equipment is not stated on the certificate, a letter from the relevant Training Centre must be attached to the certificate stating this information.

3.8.21 Drills

Regular exposure to ECDIS failure drills is required for crews to maintain the skills required to successfully cope when needed. Drills must be held for GPS input failure, Gyro input failure, Speed Log input failure and Primary ECDIS failure. A SAF 16 Critical Operations Checklist must be made for each of these scenarios, with vessel specific procedures documented. These must be submitted to the MS&Q Superintendent for approval. Once approved copies are to be placed on the Bridge for easy reference.

These checklists are to be reviewed during a table-top exercise involving the Master and all deck officers and practiced by each watch-keeperonce every month to ensure familiarity with the contingency principles and physical location of inter-switches and auxiliary equipment as applicable. These drills are to be recorded on SAF 24 within the SSTRB.

The checklists must include the following considerations as a minimum with sufficient ship specific details particularly with respect to switching from primary to secondary means of navigation:

Scenario/Actions	GPS Input Failure	Speed Log Input Failure	Gyro Input Failure	Primary ECDIS Failure	Failure of Secondary Means of Navigation
Inform Master
Engage hand steering
Inform E/R
Prepare engines for manoeuvring
Fix vessels position
Take action to manoeuvre ship away from danger
Prepare for anchoring if in shallow water
Broadcast URGENCY message to ships in vicinity
Modify AIS status
Inform VTS or port authority if in coastal waters
Radars/ECDIS to Head Up mode
Steer by magnetic heading
Change speed input to Speed Over Ground (SOG)
Change-over to Back-up ECDIS
Use alternate GNSS position or engage DR Mode
Notify DPA
Other actions: