ECDIS e-navigation
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deadline of 1July 2012 –the first in aseries of rolling dates for the mandatory installa- tion of ECDIS on SOLAS ships. But it goes to show that whenever you think the future has arrived, you’re probably mis- taken; change is the only constant. Now the future is e-navigation, and that is why it is the subject of this final IHS Fairplay ECDIS guide for 2011. One source inter- viewed during the writing of this guide referred to e-navigation as “a paradigm shift in the history of navigation”. Use of an ECDIS does not constitute e-navigation, yet ECDIS plays an absolutely central role in it. E-navigation is not apiece of kit that will sit on the bridge (though one source in this guide suggests that an e-navigation terminal might not be such abad idea) but rather aconcept of how all elements of the maritime operations cycle can benefit from simultaneous access to automated navigation and communication information. It’snot always an easy task to understand what the concept will mean for seafarers in practical terms –another inter- viewee memorably described e-navigation as “knitting with fog” –but that is our task over these pages. On pages 4–5 we unpack the meaning
of this new concept in maritime operations, explaining why the IMO decided to progress the concept and how the organisation’s stra- tegic vision is being realised. On pages 6–7 we examine the advantages it could bring to the shipping industry, with input from IALA and the USCG and some examples of interesting testbed projects that are hap- pening now. We all know the dangers that ‘information overload’ can create on board;
What is e-navigation?
The harmonised collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of maritime information onboardand ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services, for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment
Source: IALA
the people who are determining the direction of e-navigation are also aware of the risks the new technology could bring and they’re taking appropriate action, as we outline on pages 8–9. On pages 10–13 we focus on the practicalities of getting software, systems and standards harmonised so that real-time transfer and sharing of secure data is achievable but innovation is not stifled. Finally,onpages 14–15 we look at the ways in which e-navigation will change operations on the bridge –the experts are content that it will make life easier,but some seafarers remain sceptical. Others are just plain confused. From the interviews that we conducted,
it is clear that the challenges and benefits of e-navigation are similar to those that have accompanied ECDIS: the need to create common standards without stifling innovation, to provide enhanced information without overloading the bridge team, and to ensure that training keeps pace with equipment. From 1 July 2012, working with an
ECDIS on board will become mandatory for an increasing number of seafarers. But even when those deadlines arrive, you should keep an eye on the future –you will probably be working there one day.
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