What is ECDIS?
The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) is a development in the navigational chart system used in naval vessels and ships. With the use of the electronic chart system, it has become easier for a ship’s navigating crew to pinpoint locations and attain directions.
ECDIS is a common navigational information system, interfaced with other navigational equipment such as the GPS, Gyro, RADAR, ARPA, Echo Sounder, etc. By using ENC’s, the ECDIS is capable ascertain precise depth information and early warning on any potential hazards along the route. A crew can gain even more precise information by calculating and inputting figures such as squat, which can pull a ship closer to the seabed. This information feeds into several other automate functions, providing for extremely accurate route safety judgments and automated safety warnings.
The advantages of ECDIS over traditional paper charts on ships
- All data is processed in real-time and available for immediate charting
- Navigational charts are used for simplified passage planning
- A ship needs to retain important navigational information for their voyage to go smoothly
- Systems and alarms are in place to indicate and highlight the danger
- ECDIS navigation is more accurate than paper charts
- Charts can be customized as per the requirements of the voyage
- Other navigational equipment such as the AIS, ARPA, etc. can be overlayed, and integrated into it
- With a variety of features and the ability to zoom in or out, one can examine the charts as needed
- The distance traveled, time taken by the ship, and estimated arrival time
- Obtaining a more accurate ETA
- Charts contain detailed information
- In conclusion, having charts and publication is an important safety measure for all ships
