Improving Navigational Safety: the Electronic Chart Display and Information System

Abstract

One of the principal causes of major oil pollution incidents is shipwreck caused by navigational error. This paper deals with the prevention of such errors through the use of a new technology – The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).

ECDIS combines a digital chart display with a satellite based ship’s position, and presents the navigator with a precise, real-time picture of his ship’s position and intended movements in relation to the surrounding hazards to navigation, thus removing many of the causes of error in the navigational equation.

This paper describes the development of international and national policy in regard to this technology, and provides a status report on the ECDIS project of the Australian Hydrographic Service.