675

1 BACKGROUND

ECDIS is a computerized navigation information

system that complies with International Maritime

Organization (IMO) regulations. It is a complex,

modern, software-based, safety-relevant marine

navigation system with multiple options for data

display, analysis and integration [25]. The ongoing safe

and effective use of ECDIS involves many stakeholders

including seafarers, equipment manufacturers, chart

producers, hardware and software maintenance

providers, shipowners and operators, maritime

administration, hydrographic offices, classification

societies, and marine education and training providers.

It is important that all these stakeholders have a clear

and common understanding of their roles, duties and

responsibilities in relation to ECDIS [25].

In December 2022 the International Maritime

Organization adopted the IMO’s Circular

MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.2 [4], also known as ECDIS –

Guidance for Good Practice, to assist seafarers in

understanding technological development along with

the consequences for the digitization process in marine

navigation. It is new version of a combination of

several prior ECDIS IMO’s circulars. Each of those

documents dealt with a certain aspect of ECDIS use,

and MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.2 provides a comprehensive

guide on this field by merging them. The document is

meant to help educate navigators, captains, pilots, deck

Revision of the IMO’s Performance Standards for

ECDIS. Three Versions of Performance Standards in Use

A. Weintrit

Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

ABSTRACT: Traditional marine navigation methods are replaced by new solutions that use computers. Electronic

Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) are mandatory almost on every vessel [24],[25]. ECDIS not

complying with regulations is an existing problem and a hazard for seafarers and the marine environment. But

unfortunately, there is a deficit or even lack of procedures for checking whether ECDIS meets related performance

standards. Regulatory bodies of the maritime industry are now contemplating how to tackle this blunder [1].

SOLAS regulations V/18 and V/19 [24], requires that in order to achieve chart carriage requirements (in terms of

SOLAS Convention), the ECDIS equipment must conform to the relevant IMO performance standards. ECDIS

units on board of the ships are required to comply with one of three performance standards (either IMO resolution

A.817(19) [18], as amended [19],[20], or resolution MSC.232(82)) [21], or resolution MSC.530(106) [23], depending

on the date of their installation. In this article, the author tries to explain the differences in these three documents.

Along with technological progress, the equipment becomes more and more advanced and technologically

sophisticated. This applies to both hardware, software and databases. ECDIS software developers should use the

right tools, including incorporate automated self-tests into their products and shipping companies should employ

maintenance strategies to improve ECDIS compliance [1], taking into account that time is running quickly.

http://www.transnav.eu

the International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 16

Number 4

December 2022

DOI: 10.12716/1001.16.04.09

676

officers, and other relevant personnel in the proper use

of their ECDIS.

At the same session of the Maritime Safety

Committee has been adopted revised version of the

Performance Standards for ECDIS - IMO Resolution

MSC.530(106) [23].

2 INTRODUCTION. ELECTRONIC CHART

DISPLAY AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (ECDIS)

REQUIREMENTS

2.1 ECDIS Standards

The appropriate standards and specifications

regarding ENC and ECDIS are approved by

international agencies and organizations such as IMO,

IHO, and IEC developed since the late eighties of the

last century. The first international standards related to

ECDIS were adopted in 1995 by IMO [18]. With

technological progress, the equipment became more

and more advanced and technologically sophisticated,

and thus subsequent versions of standards and

specifications were developed, more and more detailed

and specialist. Almost every year, more or less

significant legislative changes were introduced.

Figure 1. International Hydrographic Organization

standards - IHO S-100 World [2,],[3]

The IMO Performance standards for electronic

charts were adopted in 1995, by resolution A.817(19))

[18], which were amended in 1996 by resolution

MSC.64(67) [19] to reflect back-up arrangements in case

of ECDIS failure. Additional amendments were made

in 1998 by resolution MSC 86(70) [20] to permit

operation of ECDIS in RCDS (Raster Chart Display

System) mode.

In 2006 there were adopted Revised Performance

Standards for Electronic Chart Display and

Information Systems (ECDIS) by resolution

MSC.232(82) [21].

Where an ECDIS is being used to meet the chart

carriage requirements of SOLAS [24], it must [2]:

− be type-approved;

− use up to date electronic navigational charts (ENC);

− be maintained so as to be compatible with the latest

applicable IHO standards; and

− have adequate, independent back-up arrangements

in place.

In December 2022 having considered the

recommendation made by the IMO’s Sub-Committee

on Navigation, Communications and Search and

Rescue (NCSR), at its ninth session [16],[17], Next the

IMO’s MSC (Maritime Safety Committee) adopted the

revised Performance Standards for Electronic Chart

Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) [23].

It is recommended that the Governments through

their Marine Administrations have been obliged to

ensure that ECDIS equipment (see Table 1):

1. if installed on or after 1 January 2029, conforms to

performance standards not inferior to those

specified in the annex to the present resolution [23];

2. if installed on or after 1 January 2026 but before 1

January 2029, conforms either to performance

standards not inferior to those specified in the

annex to resolution MSC.530(106) [23] or to

performance standards not inferior to those

specified in the annex to resolution MSC.232(82)

[21];

3. if installed on or after 1 January 2009 but before 1

January 2026, conforms to performance standards

not inferior to those specified in the annex to

resolution MSC.232(82) [21]; and

4. if installed on or after 1 January 1996 but before 1

January 2009, conforms to performance standards

not inferior to those specified in the annex to

resolution A.817(19) [18], as amended by

resolutions MSC.64(67) [19] and MSC.86(70) [20].

Table 1. ECDIS units requirements [23]

________________________________________________

ECDIS units on board are required to comply with one of

three versions of IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS

depending on the date of their installation

________________________________________________

When installed? What version of performance standards

should ECDIS equipment be adapted to?

if installed on conforms to performance standards not

or after inferior to those specified in the annex to

1 January 2029, resolution MSC.530(106)

if installed on conforms either to performance standards

or after not inferior to those specified in the annex

1 January 2026 to the present resolution or to performance

but before standards not inferior to those specified in

1 January 2029 the annex to resolution MSC.232(82)

if installed on conforms to performance standards not

or after inferior to those specified in the annex to

1 January 2009 resolution MSC.232(82)

but before

1 January 2026

if installed on conforms to performance standards not

or after inferior to those specified in the annex to

1 January 1996 resolution A.817(19), as amended by

but before resolutions MSC.64(67) and MSC.86(70)

1 January 2009

________________________________________________

2.2 ECDIS requirements in SOLAS Convention

The revision of SOLAS Convention, Chapter V,

adopted in 2000, which has been entered into force on

1 July 2002, has firmly established the electronic

navigational chart as part of the international maritime

safety system. Its possible recognition as a paper chart

equivalent confirmed the considerable safety benefits

provided by the official Electronic Chart Display and

Information Systems (ECDIS) [24].

In 2009 the IMO decided to make ECDIS mandatory

for all IMO ships of 300 gross tonnage and over

(passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and over) with

some transition periods. The new carriage requirement

applies to an ECDIS with appropriate backup

requirements that can be met either by a type-

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approved backup ECDIS or by official and up-to-date

paper standard navigational charts. ECDIS may be

used as the main means of navigation and as an

alternative to paper nautical charts in accordance with

chapter V of the SOLAS Convention, regulation 19.

IMO adopted performance standards for electronic

charts in late 1990s. In 2000, IMO adopted revised

SOLAS Regulation V/19 – Carriage Requirements for

Shipborne Navigational Systems and Equipment, so

that an ECDIS could be recognized as meeting the

requirements of the regulations for chart carriage.

Regulation V/19.2.1.4 of the SOLAS Convention

requires ships to be equipped with all charts required

for the intended voyage [24]: “All ships, irrespective of

size, shall have nautical charts and nautical

publications to plan and display the ship’s route for the

intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions

throughout the voyage. An Electronic Chart Display

and Information System (ECDIS) is also accepted as

meeting the chart carriage requirements of this

subparagraph. Ships to which paragraph 2.10 applies

shall comply with the carriage requirements for ECDIS

detailed therein.”

In addition according to SOLAS Chapter V,

Regulation 19/2.1.5 [24]: “All ships, irrespective of size,

shall have back-up arrangements to meet the

functional requirements of subparagraph .4, if this

function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic

means”. An accompanying footnote reads “An

appropriate folio of paper nautical charts may be used

as a back-up arrangement for ECDIS. Other back-up

arrangements for ECDIS are acceptable (see appendix

6 to Resolution A.817(19), as amended).”

When new equipment is installed, deck officers

must receive adequate training before being

operationally deployed to meet the requirements of the

STCW and ISM Code. The flag State of the ship should

also be consulted if continuing education requirements

exist. In general, personnel must have completed IMO

Model 1.27 – “Operational Use of Electronic Chart

Display and Information Systems” and have

completed specific training organized by the

manufacturer [25].

3 REVISION OF ECDIS PERFORMANCE

STANDARDS FOR ECDIS

3.1 Performance Standards for ECDIS discussed at

Plenary during 9th session of NCSR Sub-Committee

During the ninth session of the IMO’s NCSR Sub-

Committee which was held in June 2022 under

chairmanship Mr Nigel Clifford (New Zealand) in

Agenda item 16 entitled "Revision of ECDIS Guidance

for good practice and amendments to ECDIS

performance standards" [11], the NCSR Sub-

Committee considered the proposed amendments to

resolution MSC.232(82) [21] on revised performance

standards for Electronic Chart Display and

Information Systems (ECDIS) to include references to

IHO product specifications S-98, S-100 and S-101 [2],

[3].

The NCSR Sub-Committee had for its consideration

documents [16],[17]:

− NCSR 9/16/1 (IHO et al.) [12] proposing

amendments to resolution MSC.232(82) [21] to

allow for the introduction of the next technical

generation of Electronic Navigational Charts (S-101

ENC) and explaining the resulting implications for

existing and new ECDIS installations;

− NCSR 9/16/4 (Canada) [13], commenting on

document NCSR 9/16/1 [12], and proposing

additional amendments to resolution MSC.232(82)

for improving S-100 application [3] by requiring a

connection between AIS and ECDIS; and

− NCSR 9/16/5 (China) [14], commenting on

document NCSR 9/16/1 [12], in particular on the

proposed inclusion of the electronic provision and

display of nautical publication data and

standardized digital exchange of ships' route plans

in the draft revision of resolution MSC.232(82) [21].

Regarding documents NCSR 9/16/1 [12] and NCSR

9/16/5 [14], the following views were expressed:

− the work to enable the use of product specifications

S-98, S-100 and S-101 [2],[3] was important;

however, a transition period for legacy systems

should be provided and carefully considered; and

− proposed modifications related to ships' route plan

exchange should not be discussed until the scope of

the associated output was agreed by MSC.

With regard to document NCSR 9/16/4 [13], the

following views were expressed:

− connecting the AIS signals into ECDIS might assist

the navigator with situational awareness; however,

it could equally cause more reliance on ECDIS as a

collision avoidance tool, when it should never be

used as a sole tool to judge the risk of collision;

− no SOLAS requirements were provided for AIS to

be connected to ECDIS, thus the display of AIS

information on ECDIS should be optional and

voluntary; and

− the proposal for ECDIS to be connected to AIS

would represent an expansion of the current output

and thus, it should first be approved by the

Committee.

After consideration, the Sub-Committee referred

documents NCSR 9/16/1 [12], NCSR 9/16/4 [13] and

NCSR 9/16/5 [14] to the Working Group on Navigation

for detailed consideration and advice, paying due

regard to the scope of the output.

3.2 Amendments to the IMO Performance Standards for

ECDIS considered by NCSR Working Group

The NCSR Working Group considered the proposed

amendments to resolution MSC.232(82) on revised

performance standards for Electronic Chart Display

and Information Systems (ECDIS) set out in document

NCSR 9/16/1 [12], taking into account the comments in

documents NCSR 9/16/4 [13] and NCSR 9/16/5 [14].

Recalling that this part of the output approved by

MSC was to be completed within one session to include

references to IHO product specifications S-98, S-100

and S-101 [2],[3] into the current performance

standards, the NCSR Working Group noted the

information provided by the observer delegation of

IHO on the urgency to amend the current ECDIS

performance standards in order to allow for the

introduction of the next technical generation of

Electronic Navigational Charts (S-101 ENC) [2]. The

Group also noted IHO's explanation that the

development of industry standards takes time but as

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the current IMO standards only refer to S-57 ENC

standards, despite technological readiness in

manufacturers and other stakeholders, industry

standard bodies, IEC, for example, had been unable to

produce its standard based on IHO's S-100 Universal

Hydrographic Data Model [3], the use of which was

approved by IMO in 2011.

Having noted the information provided by IHO, the

NCSR Working Group was advised that the

cosponsors of document NCSR 9/16/1 (IHO, CIRM and

INTERTANKO) [12] withdrew the part of the

proposed amendments concerning the digital

exchange of ships' route plans. This was in line with

MSC instruction and the decision for the withdrawal

was endorsed by the Group.

Noting the concerns expressed over the validity of

the existing S-57 based ECDIS, the Group agreed to

allow the transitional period of three years between 1

January 2026 to 1 January 2029, during which the new

installation of ECDIS compliant with either resolution

MSC.232(82) [21] standards or the newly introduced S-

101 based ECDIS performance standards would

become possible.

Referring to document NCSR 9/16/5 (China) [14], a

question was raised regarding the proposed inclusion

of the electronic provision and display of nautical

publication data in the proposed new standards. The

Group noted the clarification made noting the new

inclusion of IHO Publication S-98 – Data Product

Interoperability in S-100 Navigation Systems [2],[3]

within the reference documents of the draft new

standards.

The Working Group did not agree to the proposal

made in document NCSR 9/16/4 (Canada) [13],

observing that this was outside the scope of the

amendment.

Having deleted the part of the proposed

amendments concerning the digital exchange of ships'

route plans from the proposal and having made

necessary modifications to the application dates

provisions for the transitional period, the Group

finalized the draft MSC resolution on Performance

Standards for Electronic Chart Display and

Information Systems (ECDIS), set out in annex 7, to

which the Sub-Committee is invited to approve and

forward it to the Committee for adoption [16],[17].

Having finalized the new revision of the Revised

performance standards (resolution MSC.232(82)) [21]

which had already revised the original standard

(resolution A.817(19) [18], as amended and revised

twice by resolutions MSC.64(67) [19] and MSC.86(70)

[20]), the Group endorsed the proposed Secretariat's

edit not to use "Revised" as part of the title of the newly

revised standards. The Group noted that the fact that

these performance standards had been revised was

easily distinguishable from the preambular paragraph

of the resolution which clearly states "revised" (with a

lower case "r") from the previous standards, once

revised. Scope of the output on "Amendments to the

revised ECDIS performance standards (resolution

MSC.232(82)) [21] to facilitate a standardized digital

exchange of ships' route plans"

The Working Group considered the scope of the

output approved by MSC on "Amendments to the

revised ECDIS performance standards (resolution

MSC.232(82)) [21] to facilitate a standardized digital

exchange of ships' route plans".

Noting the instruction of MSC not to discuss the

contents of the output until the scope had been agreed

by the Committee, and also noting the timeline

approved was only one session to complete the item,

the Group agreed in general that the scope should be

limited to a specific task that was only to facilitate a

standardized digital exchange of ships' route plans, as

its description of the output suggests.

In consideration, the Group noted that by allowing

the addition of such a new function to ECDIS, this

could possibly create the wrong expectations that the

master might in future no longer feel ownership of

responsibilities if the route was created by shore-side

staff and they only have to follow what is being

provided or instructed from elsewhere. The decision

and the responsibility for a voyage plan would

continue to rest with the master and this point would

need to be made clear and reminded, preferably in the

form of an IMO instrument such as a circular or

guidance, if not in the performance standards. The

Group agreed that this point would need to be duly

taken into account in the deliberations, provided that

such work was completed within an agreed timeline.

The NCSR Working Group also considered the

possible expansion of the output also to facilitate the

connection of AIS to ECDIS proposed in document

NCSR 9/16/4 (Canada) [13].

In deliberations, concerns were expressed that

while it might provide a useful add-on tool to deck

officers, this could create further over-reliance on

ECDIS-displayed AIS signals, which should never be

used solely to judge the risk of collisions. Noting that

the ECDIS performance standards should be user

driven, rather than technology driven, the Group did

not agree to include this proposal into the scope, but

agreed that in order to carry on the work for such

amendment, a separate new output would be required.

With the finalization of the revision of performance

standards, as set out in annex 7 [16],[17], and with the

expectation that MSC 106 would be in the position to

adopt the revision, replacing the existing standards set

out in resolution MSC.232(82) [21] for new ECDIS

installations, the Group agreed that the new work to

facilitate exchange route plans should be based on

these new revised performance standards just agreed.

Accordingly, the Group recommended that the

scope of the output "Amendments to the revised

ECDIS performance standards (resolution

MSC.232(82)) [21] to facilitate a standardized digital

exchange of ships' route plans" should only be limited

to amendments necessary to facilitate a standardized

digital exchange of ships' route plans and that the work

should be based on the new revised standards to be

adopted by MSC 106, thus requiring the output to be

renamed accordingly [15].

3.3 Amendments to IMO Performance Standards for

ECDIS considered at the 9th session of NCSR Sub-

Committee

The NCSR Sub-Committee approved the report of

Working Group [17] in general, and in particular:

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− approved the draft MSC resolution on Performance

Standards for Electronic Chart Display and

Information Systems (ECDIS) and forward it to the

Committee for adoption (annex 7 [16],[17]);

− agreed with the Group's recommendation that the

scope of the output "Amendments to the revised

ECDIS performance standards (resolution

MSC.232(82)) [21] to facilitate a standardized digital

exchange of ships' route plans" should only be

limited to amendments necessary to facilitate a

standardized digital exchange of ships' route plans

and that the work should be based on the new

revised standards to be adopted by MSC, thus

requiring the output to be renamed accordingly);

− noted that the Group did not agree on the unified

interpretation, as proposed in document NCSR 9/24

(paragraph 8.2) [15];

3.4 Amendments to IMO Performance Standards for

ECDIS considered at the 106th session of MSC

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee at its 106 session

in November 2022 considered the draft MSC resolution

on Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display

and Information Systems (ECDIS) [5] presenting, inter

alia, a phased introduction of new IHO product

specifications (i.e. S-98, S-100 and S-101) [2],[3] for

ECDIS, together with the following documents:

− MSC 106/13/3 (IACS) [6], proposing consideration

of consequential amendments to SOLAS regulation

V/19.2.1 and the records of equipment regarding the

use of electronic nautical publications (ENP)

through ECDIS, which was incorporated as an

ECDIS function in the draft MSC resolution;

− MSC 106/13/4 (IACS) [7], proposing modifications

to the draft MSC resolution in order to clarify the

application statement, in particular, the use of the

expression "installed on or after [date]"; and

− MSC 106/13/5 (China) [8] commenting on the draft

MSC resolution and proposing consideration of a

number of actions to:

− evaluate the feasibility of the proposed

implementation dates according to the

development of S-100 [3] based product

specifications and IEC standards;

− develop a mechanism for further revisions to ECDIS

– Guidance for good practice

(MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.2) [4] to address onboard

ECDIS updates; and

− review and consider human element issues,

including training requirements and possible

amendments to the STCW Code or

MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.2 [4].

During the consideration of document MSC

106/13/3 [6], the majority of the delegations that took

the floor indicated that it would be premature to

consider amendments to SOLAS regarding the use of

ENP through ECDIS at this stage. Views were also

expressed that a formal proposal for a new output

would be necessary to give appropriate consideration

to the matter.

With regard to document MSC 106/13/4 [7], the

proposed modifications to the cover page of the draft

MSC resolution were supported in general, also in line

with the decisions taken under agenda item 3 (see

paragraphs […] to […]).

In connection with document MSC 106/13/5 [8], the

delegation of China advised that, following

consultations with IHO after the submission of the

document, China had agreed on the implementation

dates set out in the draft MSC resolution noting that

IHO would continue to monitor the implementation

and provide regular updates to the NCSR Sub-

Committee.

Subsequently, the observer from IHO advised that

the implementation dates proposed in the draft MSC

resolution had been carefully considered with relevant

stakeholders and were part of an implementation

roadmap agreed by IHO members.

The majority of the delegations that took the floor

supported the draft MSC resolution and the proposed

implementation dates to give effect to the new IHO

product specifications. view was expressed, however,

that human element aspects had not been

appropriately considered and that an adequate

transition period should be further assessed.

Following consideration, the Committee agreed to

the modifications proposed in document MSC 106/13/4

(IACS) [7] and adopted resolution MSC.530(106) [23]

on Performance Standards for Electronic Chart Display

and Information Systems (ECDIS), as set out in annex

[9],[10]. In doing so, the Committee invited IHO to

keep IMO informed on the process development of the

IHO S-100 framework standard [3].

The IMO Maritime Safety Committee at its 106

session in November 2022 approved also

MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.2 on ECDIS – Guidance for good

practice.

4 REVISED PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR

ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY AND

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ECDIS)

4.1 Scope of ECDIS

The primary function of ECDIS is to contribute to safe

navigation. ECDIS with adequate backup

arrangements may be accepted as complying with the

up-to-date charts and nautical publications required by

regulations V/19 and V/27 of the 1974 SOLAS

Convention [24]. For the purpose of this document [23],

the definition of electronic navigational data service

(ENDS) encompasses the nautical charts and nautical

publications as defined in SOLAS chapter V [24] and

IHO standards in force [2].

ECDIS should be capable of displaying all nautical

information necessary for safe and efficient navigation,

originated and distributed by or on the authority of a

government authorized hydrographic office or other

relevant government institution, as required by SOLAS

regulations V/19 and V/27 [24]. ECDIS should facilitate

simple and reliable updating of the ENDS (Electronic

Navigational Data Service). ECDIS should reduce the

navigational workload compared to using the paper

chart and paper nautical publications. It should enable

the mariner to execute in a convenient and timely

manner all route planning, route monitoring and

positioning. It should be capable of continuously

indicating, monitoring and recording the ship's

position.

680

The ECDIS display may also be used for the display

of radar, radar tracked target information, AIS and

other appropriate data layers to assist in route

monitoring.

Recommendation that "ECDIS should have at least

the same reliability and availability of presentation as

the paper chart published by government authorized

hydrographic offices" has been withdrawn. Term

“alarms” have been substituted by “alerts” and new

recommendation that “ECDIS should meet the

requirements of the Performance standards for bridge

alert management (resolution MSC.302(87)) [22]” has

been added.

4.2 Definitions

For the purpose of revised performance standards [23]

definitions of most important terms related to ECDIS

were revised and verified (see Table 2).

4.3 Module A – Database

The text of the performance standards [23] has been

verified and modified in many places. For example, the

following changes have been made to the module A,

titled database (see Table 3), not all of them with a

cosmetic nature only.

Table 2. Definitions of most important terms related to ECDIS

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMO Resolution MSC.232(82), 2006 [21] IMO resolution MSC.530(106), 2022 [23]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)

means a navigation information system which with means a navigation information system which with adequate

adequate back-up arrangements can be accepted as backup arrangements can be accepted as complying with the

complying with the up-to-date chart required by SOLAS up-to-date nautical chart and nautical publications required by

regulations V/19 and V/27, by displaying selected SOLAS regulations V/19 and V/27, by displaying selected

information from a system electronic navigational chart information from a system database with positional information

(SENC) with positional information from navigation from navigation sensors to assist the mariner in route planning

sensors to assist the mariner in route planning and route and route monitoring, and if required display additional

monitoring, and if required display additional navigation- navigation-related information.

related information.

Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) means the database, Electronic navigational chart (ENC) means the database,

standardized as to content, structure and format, issued standardized as to content, structure and format, issued for use

for use with ECDIS by or on the authority of a with ECDIS by or on the authority of a Government, authorized

Government, authorized Hydrographic Office or other hydrographic office or other relevant government institution,

relevant government institution, and conform to IHO and conforming to IHO standards. The ENC contains all the

standards. The ENC contains all the chart information nautical chart information necessary for safe navigation.

necessary for safe navigation and may contain

supplementary information in addition to that contained

in the paper chart (e.g. sailing directions) which may be

considered necessary for safe navigation.

Electronic navigational data service (ENDS) means a special-

purpose database compiled from nautical chart and nautical

publication data, standardized as to content, structure and

format, issued for use with ECDIS by or on the authority of a

Government, authorized hydrographic office or other relevant

government institution, and conforming to IHO standards; and,

which is designed to meet the requirement of marine navigation

and the nautical charts and nautical publications carriage

requirements in SOLAS regulations V/19 and V/27. The

navigational base layer of ENDS is the electronic navigational

chart (ENC).

System Electronic Navigational Chart (SENC) means a System database means a database, in the manufacturer's

database, in the manufacturer's internal ECDIS format, internal ECDIS format, resulting from the lossless

resulting from the lossless transformation of the ENC transformation of the ENDS contents and its updates. It is this

contents and its updates. It is this database that is accessed database that is accessed by ECDIS for the display generation

by ECDIS for the display generation and other navigational and other navigational functions, and is equivalent to up-to-date

functions, and is equivalent to up-to-date paper chart. The ENDS.

SENC may also contain information added by the mariner

and information from other sources.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 3. Module A – Database [23]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMO Resolution MSC.232(82), 2006 [21] IMO Resolution MSC.530(106), 2022 [23]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. PROVISION AND UPDATING OF CHART 4. PROVISION AND UPDATING OF ENDS

INFORMATION

4.1 The chart information to be used in ECDIS should be 4.1 The ENDS information to be used in ECDIS should be issued

the latest edition, as corrected by official updates, of by or on the authority of a government, government-

that issued by or on the authority of a Government, authorized hydrographic office or other relevant government

government-authorized Hydrographic Office or other institution, and conform to IHO standards as listed in

relevant government institution, and conform to IHO appendix.

standards

4.2 The contents of the SENC should be adequate and 4.2 The contents of the system database should be adequate and

681

up-to-date for the intended voyage to comply with up to date for the intended voyage to comply with SOLAS

regulation V/27 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention as regulations V/19 and V/27.

amended

4.3 It should not be possible to alter the contents of the 4.3 It should not be possible to alter the contents of the ENDS or

ENC or SENC information transformed from the ENC. system database information transformed from the ENDS.

The display of the content of ENDS should be compliant with

IHO standards including rules set for interoperability.

4.4 Updates should be stored separately from the ENC. has been withdrawn

4.5 ECDIS should be capable of accepting official updates 4.4 ECDIS should be capable of accepting official updates to the

to the ENC data provided in conformity with IHO ENDS provided in conformity with IHO standards. These

standards. These updates should be automatically updates should be automatically applied to the system

applied to the SENC. By whatever means updates database. By whatever means updates are received, the

are received, the implementation procedure should implementation procedure should not interfere with the

not interfere with the display in use. display in use.

4.6 ECDIS should also be capable of accepting updates to 4.5 ECDIS should also be capable of accepting updates to the

the ENC data entered manually with simple means for ENDS data entered manually with simple means for

verification prior to the final acceptance of the data. verification prior to the final acceptance of the data. They

They should be distinguishable on the display from should be distinguishable on the display from ENDS

ENC information and its official updates and not affect information and its official updates and not affect display

display legibility. legibility.

4.7 ECDIS should keep and display on demand a record 4.6 ECDIS should keep and display on demand a record of

of updates including time of application to the SENC. updates including time of application to the system database.

This record should include updates for each ENC until This record should include updates for each ENDS until it is

it is superseded by a new edition. superseded by a new edition.

4.8 ECDIS should allow the mariner to display updates in 4.7 ECDIS should allow the mariner to display updates in order

order to review their contents and to ascertain that they to review their contents and to ascertain that they have been

have been included in the SENC. included in the system database.

4.9 ECDIS should be capable of accepting both 4.8 ECDIS should be capable of accepting ENDS in accordance

non-encrypted ENCs and ENCs encrypted in accordance with the IHO Data Protection Scheme

with the IHO Data Protection Scheme

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Table 4. ECDIS Alarms [23]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMO Performance Standards for ECDIS

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMO Resolution MSC.232(82), 2006 [21] IMO Resolution MSC.530(106), 2022 [23]

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Alarm Crossing safety contour Alarm Pass closer than set distance from the safety

contour

Alarm or Area with special conditions Warning or Caution, Pass closer than set distance from an area with

Indication or Indication special conditions

Alarm Deviation from route Alarm Deviation from route

Warning or Caution, Pass closer than set distance from a danger in

or Indication route monitoring mode

Alarm Positioning system failure Warning Positioning system failure

Alarm Approach to critical point Warning Approach to critical point

Alarm Different geodetic datum Warning Different geodetic datum

Alarm or Malfunction of ECDIS Warning or Malfunction of ECDIS

Indication Indication

Indication Default safety contour Indication Default safety contour

Indication Information overscale Indication Information overscale

Indication Larger scale ENC available Indication Larger scale ENC available

Indication Information not displayed due to scale

minimum

Indication Different reference system Indication Different reference system

Indication No ENC available Indication No ENC available

Indication Customized display Indication Customized display

Indication Route planning across safety contour Indication Route planning closer than set distance from

the safety contour

Indication Route planning across specified area Indication Route planning closer than set distance

specified area

Indication Crossing a danger in route Indication Monitored route pass closer than set distance

from the safety contour

monitoring mode Indication Monitored route pass closer than set distance

from a specified area or danger

Indication System test failure Indication System test failure

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.4 Alarms

In this performance standards [23] the definitions of

Indicators and Alerts provided in resolution

A.1021(26) Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2009 and

resolution MSC.302(87) Performance standards for

Bridge alert management [22] apply (see table 4).

Definition of alert has been added: Alert: Audible

and/or visual announcement of a condition requiring

attention. Priorities of alert are alarm, warning and

caution.

Definition of alarm has been withdrawn: “Alarm:

An alarm or alarm system which announces by audible

means, or audible and visual means, a condition

requiring attention”.

682

Definition of Indication remains the same like

before: “Indication: Visual indication giving

information about the condition of a system or

equipment”.

5 CONCLUSIONS

The document presented in this article IMO Resolution

MSC.530(106) [21], developed by the International

Maritime Organization, seems much more to increase

the safety and credibility of the operational use of

ECDIS for today than its previous version.

Unfortunately, to this question: So what are the

IMO performance standards currently used in ECDIS?

there is no simple answer today. ECDIS units on board

are required to comply with one of three performance

standards (either IMO resolution A. 817(19) [20], as

amended [21],[22]; or resolution MSC. 232(82)) [23], or

resolution MSC.530(106) [24], depending on the date of

their installation.

In this article, only the most important changes

introduced to the text of the Performance Standards for

ECDIS have been discussed in detail. Some were

treated only briefly. Undoubtedly, the navigator must

get acquainted with all changes and modifications.

Fortunately, the legislator left some time to read the

details and implement them into practice.

Nevertheless, the difficulty is the fact that three

versions of standards are currently in use.

All opportunities should now be used to promote

the existence of the new version of Performance

Standards for ECDIS and encourage stockholders

involved in maritime activities to implement the

content of the revised standards.

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