Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)

Carriage requirement, back-up arrangement and ENC updating: the most common errors that turn ECDIS from a safety tool into a source of PSC deficiencies.

SOLAS Chapter V ECDIS ENC back-up

## Operational Explanation

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) became mandatory, with progressive introduction depending on ship type and build date, under the SOLAS Regulation V/19.2.10 amendments (Res. MSC.282(86)). It replaces paper nautical charts as the primary means of navigation, but always requires a back-up arrangement in case of failure or malfunction.

The critical point is not merely having the equipment, but using it correctly: ENCs (Electronic Navigational Charts) always kept up to date, correctly configured alarms (anti-grounding, cross-track), and specific training for the model installed (not generic training).

## Regulatory Reference

SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19 (carriage requirement by ship type/size, introduced by Res. MSC.282(86)) and Regulation 27 (obligation to keep ENCs/charts up to date): every ship, regardless of size, must have a back-up arrangement to perform electronic navigation functions in case of failure, via a second type-approved ECDIS (with ENC or RNC) or a complete folio of paper charts, approved by the flag State.

## Scope of Application

Passenger ships and cargo ships of gross tonnage equal to or above the thresholds set by the SOLAS V/19 introduction schedule, with progressive extension now completed for the majority of the international merchant fleet.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Verify that the installed ECDIS complies with the applicable performance standard (Res. A.817(19) as amended, or Res. MSC.232(82), depending on installation date).
2. Keep ENCs up to date through subscription and periodic verification of weekly updates (electronic Notices to Mariners).
3. Verify the presence and functionality of the back-up arrangement (second ECDIS or paper chart folio) approved by the flag State.
4. Correctly configure the safety alarms (anti-grounding, cross-track error, chart scale) for the planned route.
5. Train the crew on the specific ECDIS model installed on board (generic training does not replace the type-specific training required by many Administrations/Companies).

## Practical Example

Example pre-departure check: "Primary ECDIS updated with ENCs valid as of 08.07.2026; back-up arrangement verified (second ECDIS on independent power supply); anti-grounding alarms configured for the planned route to Genoa."

## Real Cases

Several groundings investigations have found, as a contributing factor, the use of ECDIS with outdated ENCs, disabled or misconfigured alarms ("alarm fatigue"), or excessive reliance on the system without the appropriate cross-checks required by good navigational practice — highlighting that the mere presence of the equipment does not guarantee safety if used incorrectly.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
ENCs not updated or subscription expired | Navigation with outdated chart data, PSC deficiency | Systematically verify ENC update status before every departure
Anti-grounding alarms disabled to reduce false alarms | Loss of ECDIS's main safety function | Correctly configure alarm thresholds for the specific route, don't disable them
Back-up arrangement not working or not periodically verified | No redundancy in case of primary ECDIS failure | Periodically test the back-up arrangement as part of onboard checks
Generic crew training, not specific to the installed ECDIS model | Incorrect use of the system's specific safety functions | Ensure type-specific training covers the ECDIS model actually installed on board

## PSC Observations

PSC inspectors verify ENC update status, alarm configuration, the presence of the back-up arrangement, and ECDIS training certificates (generic and type-specific) of the navigating officers.

## Operational Tips

- Never disable anti-grounding alarms for convenience: adjust the thresholds correctly instead.
- Check ENC subscription status before every departure, not just periodically.
- Make sure type-specific training actually covers the ECDIS model installed on board, not a generic model.

## Checklist

- ECDIS compliant with the applicable performance standard
- ENCs updated and subscription valid
- Back-up arrangement present, functioning and periodically verified
- Safety alarms correctly configured for the route
- Type-specific training of navigating officers documented

## FAQ

Can a folio of paper charts still be used as an ECDIS back-up?
Yes: a complete folio of updated paper nautical charts, maintained to SOLAS standards, is an acceptable back-up arrangement option as an alternative to a second ECDIS.
Must the back-up ECDIS have an independent power supply?
Yes, good practice and guidelines require the back-up ECDIS to be connected to an independent electrical power supply and a continuous positioning system, to ensure it remains operational even if the primary system fails.
Is generic ECDIS training sufficient?
No: in addition to the generic ECDIS training certificate, type-specific training for the model actually installed on board is generally required, since the interface and functions vary significantly between manufacturers.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Passage Planning GMDSS

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