ECDIS - Safety Settings

Since their implementation, the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) have rapidly become the primary means of navigation on board many vessels.

There are many benefits to using ECDIS over paper charts. However, one of the primary benefits is the ability, when used correctly, to let the user know when the vessel may be heading into dangerous waters by using safety settings based on the vessel’s condition. But these safety settings must be understood and used correctly to ensure the benefits are realised.

There are a number of user-defined safety settings available on ECDIS. It is important that the user understands and sets these correctly. The shipping company’s policy and the vessel’s safety management system (SMS) should be referenced to see what is required for each vessel.

In this briefing we will look at the safety settings available to the ENC user, what they are and how to use them.